Pikeville College celebrates 121 years

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Borrowing from the wisdom of the Psalmist, “Prospiciam Ad Montes,” or “Look to the Mountains,” became the time-honored promise of an institution of higher learning that has served the youth of the mountains for more than a century. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Pikeville College will welcome students and commemorate its 121st year during Opening Convocation.

Professors will don their academic regalia for the formal ceremony, which will be led by the bearer of the ceremonial mace. The convocation address will be delivered by William J. Baird, III.

Baird serves as the vice chair of the Pikeville College board of trustees and is the president of Baird & Baird, PSC, which has law offices in Pikeville and Lexington. Baird earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky’s College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Pikeville College. A member of the UNITE board, he is also co-chair of the WestCare Kentucky board and a member and elder in the Pikeville Presbyterian Church. Baird was instrumental in starting the women’s softball program at Pikeville College and continues to be involved with student-athletes on campus.

His leadership and dedication to the community and Pikeville College has been significant. Recognized for his service to others, Baird has been honored by numerous civic organizations, including the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis and the Kentucky Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He and his wife, Kaye, have three daughters, Virginia B. Williamson, Elizabeth B. Salyers and Sara B. Rowe, and seven grandchildren.

The Opening Convocation ceremony at Pikeville College will be held in Booth Auditorium, Record Memorial Building, at 11 a.m. The community is cordially invited to attend. For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 606.218.5270.