By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Morehead State University and the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine have signed a memorandum of agreement creating a new early admission pathway that will provide qualified MSU students with a direct route toward earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
Under the agreement, KYCOM will reserve up to five seats annually in its Early Admission Program for eligible Morehead State students who meet established academic and admissions requirements. The partnership creates expanded opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine while strengthening the educational pipeline for future healthcare professionals in Kentucky.
“This partnership creates an exciting opportunity for Morehead State students who aspire to become physicians. By establishing a direct pathway to the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, we are helping talented students pursue their professional goals while supporting the growing need for healthcare providers across Kentucky and the region. We are proud to collaborate with the University of Pikeville in creating new opportunities that help our students succeed and serve their communities,” said MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan.
UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., and UPIKE Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of KYCOM Joe Kingery, D.O., are pleased with the agreement and the opportunities it will create for future physicians in Kentucky.
“The University of Pikeville is proud to partner with Morehead State University to create new opportunities for students who are called to careers in medicine,” Webb stated. “As a nationally recognized leader in educating physicians who choose to practice in rural and underserved communities, KYCOM is uniquely positioned to help meet Kentucky’s growing healthcare needs. We look forward to welcoming these talented students and supporting them as they prepare to make a meaningful difference in the communities they will one day serve.”
As part of the agreement, Morehead State will continue serving as the undergraduate degree-granting institution, while KYCOM will provide the professional medical education part of the program. The agreement is in effect through June 30, 2031.
Students interested in learning more about MSU’s pre-med and biomedical sciences programs should contact Morehead State University’s Department of Biology & Chemistry at bioc@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2945.