UPike opens school year with convocaton

For over 100 years, UPike has offered local residents educational opportunities.
For over 100 years, UPike has offered local residents educational opportunities. | File photo
The University of Pikeville will hold its opening convocation on Sept. 1, the 127th academic year of the college.

In 1889, UPike first opened as Pikeville Collegiate Institute. It was founded by David Blythe, a Presbyterian minister and educator. William Condit, Ebenezer Presbytery and James P. Kendrick joined him in establishing the college.

For over 100 years, UPike has offered local residents educational opportunities and preparation for their careers. Now, at the new opening convocation ceremony, the professors will wear their academic regalia to welcome students. Burton Webb, the president of UPike, will give the convocation address.

Webb was raised in central Michigan on a small farm. His parents were teachers, and he understood at a young age that education would always be an important part of his life.

He earned his chemistry and zoology degrees from Olivet Nazarene University, and he attended Ball State University for master’s in biology. He went to the Indiana University School of Medicine for his Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology.

Webb spent many years teaching undergraduate students and medical students at Indiana Wesleyan University and Indiana University. He became UPike’s 21st president in January.