Morehead State, University of Pikeville partner to create early admission pathway to medical school
Morehead State University and the University of Pikeville's Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) 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.
University leaders from both institutions gathered to formalize the agreement on Thursday, July 30.
"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,” said Webb. “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.”
“At KYCOM, our mission has always been to prepare compassionate, highly skilled physicians for rural and underserved communities,” said Kingery. “This partnership with MSU strengthens that mission by creating a clear pathway for exceptional students who are committed to serving others. We are excited to work alongside Morehead State to mentor these future physicians from the beginning of their journey through medical school and beyond.”
The agreement allows qualified students to complete their undergraduate education at Morehead State before continuing their medical education at KYCOM. Participating students must meet specific academic standards, including minimum cumulative and science grade point averages, completion of prerequisite coursework, and achievement of required MCAT scores.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between the two institutions to expand educational opportunities and support students pursuing careers in healthcare. By creating a clearly defined pathway from undergraduate studies to medical school, the agreement helps reduce barriers for aspiring physicians and encourages more students to remain in Kentucky for their education and professional training.
“I'm really excited for the opportunity this agreement, which was facilitated by Northeast AHEC, provides to the Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Chemistry students in my department, who will be the bulk of applicants to the KYCOM program,” said Dr. Charles Lydeard, chair of the MSU Department of Biology & Chemistry.
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.
Photo Caption: From left, UPike President Dr. Burton Webb, KYCOM Vice President for Health Affairs & Dean of KYCOM Joe Kingery, Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center Director David Gross, and MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan.
