Home » University of Pikeville President Hurley abruptly resigns

University of Pikeville President Hurley abruptly resigns

Dr. James Hurley resigned Thursday as president of the University of Pikeville, citing personal reasons.
Dr. James Hurley resigned Thursday as president of the University of Pikeville, citing personal reasons.

University of Pikeville President James Hurley has resigned abruptly, the school in the heart of Central Appalachia announced on its website today.

There was no warning or indication that Hurley had intended to depart. He is the subject of The Lane Report’s extensive monthly One-on-One interview in the May issue of Kentucky’s leading business and economic development magazine, which went to the printer late last week. In that interview, Hurley discussed at length future plans he would pursue at UPIKE.

However, the school posted at item dated at 12 a.m. today that states:

“The University of Pikeville and Dr. James Hurley jointly announce that Dr. Hurley has resigned his position as president of the university, effective April 2, 2015, due to personal reasons.

“Former Kentucky Governor Paul Patton, current chancellor and past president of the University of Pikeville, will serve as interim president. The university’s board of trustees will initiate a national search for a new president and will keep the UPIKE community updated and involved.

“Under Dr. Hurley’s leadership, the university experienced record growth, added a college of business, college of education and a college of optometry and created public-private and global education partnerships.

“The board of trustees and the University of Pikeville community wish Dr. Hurley, and his family, all the best.”

A protege of Patton, Hurley was recruited to the school in 2009 as executive vice president. Hurley is an alumnus of the university, having been a basketball player there as an undergraduate.

Watch lanereport.com later today to read the full text of Hurley’s interview with Publisher Ed Lane.

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