UPIKE launches $75 million capital campaign, “Advance UPIKE”
0Staff Report
University of Pikeville President James L. Hurley has announced the launch of a $75 million comprehensive capital campaign, “Advance UPIKE: Investing, Growing, Leading.”
The launch of the campaign was strategically aligned with the university’s 125th celebration on Sept. 16, as more than 1,200 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered for the opening convocation ceremony.
“Like those before us, we are caretakers of this great institution, committed to advancing this university in a purposeful way, and one that honors our founding promise to education youth of the mountains,” said Hurley. “The University of Pikeville has been moving in an upward trajectory and the goals of the campaign are aligned with that growth and momentum. This is another important step in ensuring our solvency and that opportunities for those we serve continue for another 125 years.”
The campaign’s three strategic goals will focus on investing in new programs, growing the university’s footprint with new infrastructure, including a $40 million health sciences facility to house the new optometry school, and leading Central Appalachia toward a global knowledge-based economy. Other priorities include a student wellness center, new student support programs and initiatives for recruiting and retaining quality faculty and staff.
The university raised $45 million during the silent phase, which began in January 2014. The goal is to raise $75 million by 2020, which is aligned with the UPIKE 2020 Vision Plan.
“Capital campaigns are goals – goals for the future. The success of today, and yesterday, are the results of forward-thinking people,” said University of Pikeville Board Chairman Terry Dotson. “The scope and success of our campaign goal will determine the potential success of tomorrow for the institution and this region.”
With 2,500 students, the record-breaking enrollment this fall is the fifth consecutive increase for UPIKE, which has been ranked among the top 20 “fastest growing” private baccalaureate institutions in the nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
“Our mission and role is unique,” said Hurley, “particularly when you consider the diversity of those we serve.”
The university’s College of Arts and Sciences offers open enrollment, with few barriers to admission. Fifty percent of students are first-generation learners. Seventy percent are eligible for Pell Grants and 100 percent receive some type of institutional scholarships.
“People want to know their investments are making a difference,” said Hurley. “When you invest in UPIKE, you are making a difference every day.”
“Shaping Our Appalachian Region, the SOAR initiative started by Gov. Beshear and Congressman Rogers, was intended to expand and diversify the region’s economy,” said Hurley. “Education is an economic driver and the University of Pikeville has an important role to play in the development of this region and beyond. We believe the ‘new’ Appalachia is going to start right here.”