UPIKE to commemorate 130 years during Open House

The University of Pikeville is honoring its heritage as it approaches the anniversary of the day classes began 130 years ago.

On November 1, 1888, the Ebenezer Presbytery purchased three acres of land for $1,666.66 on present-day College Street. The hope was to build a school to educate mountain youth and to instill principles of Christianity.

Rev. David Blyth was installed as the minister of the newly established First Presbyterian Church in Pikeville and was named principal of the Pikeville Collegiate Institute on
May 18, 1889.

On September 16, 1889, the Pikeville Collegiate Institute began its first day of classes in the Academy Building with enrollment of 125 students and tuition cost of $8.00.

The Academy Building has served as a chapel, community center and a center for local arts and history. It is the oldest building on UPIKE’s campus as well as the oldest education building in Pike County. Today the building is home to UPIKE’s Coleman College of Business.

UPIKE is hosting an Open House on Monday, September 16, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Academy Building, located at 118 College Street in Pikeville, to commemorate its 130-year milestone.

The community is invited to attend the event. Refreshments and tours of the building will be available, and historical photos will be on display.

-UPIKE-