Morehead State University President Wayne D. Andrews joined education officials Wednesday, April 16, at Hazard Community and Technical College to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the University Center of the Mountains.
“As I look back on the history of the University Center of the Mountains, we have had more than 1,000 students earn their degrees,” said Dr. Andrews. “That is what it’s all about. Giving the students a chance to obtain their education that will make a difference in this area for many years to come.”
Dr. Andrews, Dr. Steve Greiner, HCTC president; Dr. Michael Benson, EKU president; Dr. William T. Luckey Jr., Lindsey Wilson president; Dr. Deronda Mobelini, UCM director; and Sen. Brandon Smith all were among those on hand for the event.
UCM founders were recognized and a “transfer signing” ceremony was held for those students who were accepted by one of the schools or a partner’s graduate program.
The University Center of the Mountains (UCM) is a consortium of postsecondary educational institutions bringing more bachelor and master's degrees and educational opportunities close to home in southeastern Kentucky.
MSU, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Hazard Community and Technical College and Eastern Kentucky University signed the original UCM agreement in July 2002.
Today, there are eight partners – MSU, HCTC, EKU, KCTCS, Kentucky State University, Lindsey Wilson College, Midway College and the University of the Cumberlands.
Offices are located within HCTC.
MSU provides assistance and support with its online degree programs. Area students may choose from a variety of courses leading to a bachelor, master, education specialist or doctoral degrees.
UCM’s service area includes the Kentucky River Area Development District, which serves Perry, Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, Lee, Leslie, Owsley and Wolfe counties.
In June 2011, Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University announced a program, “Associate to Baccalaureate Degree Pathway: Collaborative Regional Education Program,” that allows students at UCM and HCTC who have already received an associate degree to obtain a bachelor’s degree from MSU or EKU without leaving the area.
Upon completion of an AAS degree, graduates meeting the admissions requirements and academic policies of MSU and EKU are eligible for admission to an online Bachelor of University Studies in professional studies degree program at MSU while EKU will offer a Bachelor of Arts Professional track – general studies.
Additional information is available by contacting Joel Vanhoose, senior enrollment services counselor regional campus/transfer advisor, at 606-487-3182.