Home » University of Pikeville launches Coleman College of Business

University of Pikeville launches Coleman College of Business

Eastern Kentucky businessman donates $1 million to UPIKE

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (July 9, 2013) – The University of Pikeville on Monday announced it is launching the Burlin Coleman College of Business, named for a business leader who spent more than 50 years developing the banking industry in Eastern Kentucky.

University of Pikeville President Dr. James Hurley, left, announces the creation of the Burlin Coleman College of Business. Coleman is shown at right.
University of Pikeville President Dr. James Hurley, left, announces the creation of the Burlin Coleman College of Business. Coleman is shown at right.

As Coleman and University of Pikeville Board Chairman Terry Dotson unveiled the name during a press conference, Dr. James Hurley, UPIKE’s new president, announced Coleman’s gift of $1 million to the college of business.

“Today, we come together to announce a third college under the University of Pikeville banner,” said Hurley, who is the first alumnus to lead the institution in its 124-year history.

The University of Pikeville began with The College of Arts and Sciences.

“The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine raised our profile and expanded our dreams,” Hurley said. “Educating the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders will be transformative, not only for our region, but the commonwealth and beyond.”

Coleman was a trustee of the university for many years, including serving as chairman of the board. His interest and involvement were significant in the establishment of the medical school, which is nationally ranked in rural medicine.

Along with his wife Jean, an alumna of Pikeville College and a retired teacher, the Colemans have been advocates for education, leading by example, and are involved in and committed to the community and region, Dr. Hurley noted.

“Burlin Coleman started out at the bottom, as a file clerk, and worked his way up to lead an organization with several billion dollars in assets, and he did it right here in Pikeville,” said Hurley. “He believed in this community and saw the value in who we are and what we stand for.”

University of Pikeville Board Chairman Terry Dotson, right, unveils the name of the university's new business school. It was named for Burlin Coleman, left.
University of Pikeville Board Chairman Terry Dotson, right, unveils the name of the university’s new business school. It was named for Burlin Coleman, left.

Coleman said the action by the board of trustees and the University of Pikeville represents a huge commitment on behalf of the young people of Eastern Kentucky.

“It provides those aspiring to a career in business to pursue their highest goal in education and training right here in their own backyard,” he said. “It also represents an enormous commitment on behalf of the businesses and local governments of Eastern Kentucky as they continue to grow and require more highly educated employees. Students who receive their education in Eastern Kentucky are more likely to stay in Eastern Kentucky.”

Dr. Hurley also appointed Howard Roberts, an alumnus and longtime member of the university family, to serve as the founding dean of the Coleman College of Business.