PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Dr. James L. Hurley became the 20th president of the University of Pikeville on July 1, 2013, and is the first alumnus in the school's 124-year history to lead his alma mater.

With four consecutive record enrollments, the UPIKE is one of the fastest growing four-year institutions in the South.

Since 2009, Dr. Hurley has played an integral role in advancing the founding mission to serve the people of Central Appalachia, working alongside dedicated educators and servant leaders who transformed the institution from college to university status, developed new programs of study, and most recently, established the Coleman College of Business – the third college under the university banner.

Dr. Hurley earned his bachelor's degree from Pikeville College where he was also a student-athlete on the men's basketball team, a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University, a Rank I in Instructional Supervision from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at Morehead State University.

UPIKE's iconic 99 steps led this graduate to the presidency, and also to his wife, Tina, an alumna of the Class of '99 who shares her husband's love for the university that now honors her as First Lady. The Hurleys have two sons, Drew and Carter, who enjoy sharing campus with an extended family of big brothers and sisters.