PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville has announced the appointment of Kelly Ryan Taylor, D.M.E., as director of instrumental music.

Taylor brings nearly three decades of experience in music education, performance and program leadership to UPike. In his new role, he will lead the university’s instrumental music program, oversee band initiatives and support the continued growth of music opportunities for students.

Prior to joining UPike, Taylor served as a music educator with Litchfield Public Schools in Minnesota, where he led band instruction for grades 5-12, directed jazz and marching ensembles and developed innovative curriculum for young musicians. His career also includes leadership roles in public and private schools, as well as in competitive percussion and marching arts programs.

Taylor earned a Doctor of Music Education with high distinction from Liberty University, where his research focused on rural music pedagogy and teacher preparation. He also holds a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University of Portland, a Bachelor of Music Education from Augsburg College and a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota.

Taylor has presented research at regional and national music education conferences and has focused much of his work on instrumental music education in rural communities. His experience as an educator, performer and advocate for music education demonstrates his commitment to student success and artistic achievement.

“I am honored to join the University of Pikeville and am eager to begin this new chapter,” Taylor said. “My focus will be on elevating the instrumental music program by building upon the foundation already in place, fostering a culture of excellence and artistry for our students.”

Humanities Division Chair Sumer Bingham Musick, Ph.D., is profoundly grateful for the leadership of Associate Professor/Director of Choral & Commercial Vocal Music Studies Eric Rutherford, D.M.A., who has stepped up to manage the extra responsibilities as the interim band director over the past year. Building on that foundation, she is now thrilled to welcome Taylor to the team.

“Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience and a specialized expertise in rural music pedagogy, making him an ideal leader to continue moving our program forward,” Musick said. “Understanding the cultural and educational strengths of our region, Dr. Taylor’s vision and talents will be an incredible asset. We look forward to seeing what our faculty and students will accomplish together.”

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville has appointed Gregory Green as interim dean of the Coleman College of Business.

Green has served UPike as an associate professor of economics, bringing a strong background in academic instruction, economic analysis and student-centered learning. In his new role, he will provide leadership and strategic direction for CCOB while supporting faculty, staff and students and advancing the college’s academic mission.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Greg Green as Interim Dean of the Coleman College of Business,” UPike President Burton J. Webb said. “Dr. Green has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to advancing academic quality, student success, and career readiness across our business programs. I am also thankful for the leadership and mentorship of Dr. Marisa Greer, whose guidance has been instrumental in supporting Dr. Green’s continued growth and success.”

As interim dean, Green will oversee academic programs, faculty development, enrollment initiatives and external partnerships within the college. He will also focus on maintaining continuity and momentum across the college’s undergraduate and graduate business programs.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the faculty, staff, and students in the CCOB as the interim dean,” said Green. “I intend to explore any avenue that will make students competitive members of the labor market, leaders in business, or leaders in their community as they transition from student to alumni of the University of Pikeville.”

CCOB prepares students for leadership roles through innovative, career-focused programs that emphasize experiential learning, ethical decision-making and community engagement

For more information about the CCOB, visit upike.edu.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — The former commonwealth’s attorney for Johnson, Martin and Lawrence counties has joined Attorney General Russell Coleman’s Special Prosecutions Unit.

Anthony “Tony” Skeans served as the chief felony prosecutor for the 24^th Judicial Circuit from 2019-2024. Before his election, he served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for over two decades.   

While in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Skeans formed a Special Victims Unit centered on securing justice for the victims of child abuse and child sexual abuse. The unit was the first of its kind in southeastern Kentucky. Skeans has also received statewide recognition for his support for victims of domestic violence. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Kentucky.

“Tony has dedicated nearly three decades to serving the people of his beloved eastern Kentucky.  His experience and tenacity will bolster our efforts to keep our mountain families safe,” Attorney General Coleman said. “In his first days with us, Tony picked up several tough cases, including a decades-old murder on appeal. I am humbled to serve with a prosecutor of his caliber and reputation.”

Skeans joins the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit, led by Executive Director Tim Cocanougher and Deputy Director Ramsey Dallam. He will be based out of the Attorney General’s Office in Prestonsburg, further expanding the Office’s ability to serve Kentuckians in the eastern part of the Commonwealth. 

Attorney General Coleman has prioritized the Special Prosecutions Unit and providing services to those outside the Golden Triangle of Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort. He recently announced the addition of former Commonwealth’s Attorney for Graves County Richie Kemp to the team. Kemp works primarily out of the Attorney General’s office in Benton, assisting those in western Kentucky.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky League of Cities Executive Board approved the appointment of Pikeville Mayor Jimmy Carter to the group. As the League’s guiding body, the Executive Board sets KLC’s strategic direction, ensuring it continues to advocate effectively for Kentucky’s cities and provide valuable resources and services to its members.

“Mayor Jimmy Carter has been an extraordinary advocate for Pikeville and cities across Kentucky,” said KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney. “I am sure he will bring that enthusiasm for leadership and eastern Kentucky to the board. We know his insights and expertise will strengthen the League’s efforts to serve our members.”

Mayor Carter expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.

“It is a tremendous honor to join the KLC Executive Board,” he said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and KLC leadership to ensure it remains a strong voice and invaluable resource for Kentucky cities. Serving on the board is an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of all Kentucky cities, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.”

Mayor Carter has served as Pikeville’s mayor since 2014. He has spearheaded transformative initiatives in the city, including economic development projects, infrastructure improvements, and efforts to enhance the quality of life.

The Kentucky League of Cities represents more than 380 cities across the state, advocating for effective local governance and providing services and training to municipal leaders. The Executive Board guides the League’s mission to serve and empower Kentucky’s cities. For more information about the Kentucky League of Cities, visit www.klc.org.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville has announced the appointment of Marisa Greer, Ed.D., as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective July 1.

With an extensive academic background and a proven track record of leadership, Greer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this critical role, the university said in a statement.

As the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Greer will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic direction and excellence at UPike. Her responsibilities will include overseeing curriculum development, faculty recruitment and development, accreditation processes, and fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence across all departments.

Greer joined the university from Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, where she recently served as Executive Vice President and Provost. With 24 years of experience in higher education, she has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, student success, diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Dr. Greer’s passion for education and commitment to fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment aligns perfectly with UPike’s values and mission,” said UPike President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “Her proven leadership skills, work ethic and ability to inspire and motivate faculty and students make her an ideal fit for this important role.”

Greer is eager to join the dynamic community of scholars, learners, and leaders, and collaborate in an environment of innovation and progress.

“As I embrace this new role at the University of Pikeville, I am deeply honored and humbled by the institution’s rich history and steadfast dedication to academic excellence,” said Greer. “Together, I’m looking forward to embarking on a journey of exploration, growth and meaningful impact. I am excited for the possibilities that lie ahead and profoundly grateful for this opportunity.”

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LEXINGTON, KY. – Jeremy Hall has been named ARH Regional CEO, tasked with overseeing the healthcare system’s West Virginia and Big Sandy regions.

The appointment is an expansion in responsibility for Hall, who, since July 2022, has worked a dual position as CEO of the West Virginia Region as well as CEO of Beckley ARH Hospital.

Paul Betz, ARH Chief Operating Officer, says Hall’s appointment is the result of his hard work and dedication to ARH.

“Jeremy has earned this additional responsibility because of his results-oriented work and loyalty to ARH,” Betz said. “We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his continued success.”

Hall, a native of Hindman, joined ARH in 2006 as an administrative fellow in the corporate HR office. From there, he moved to an assistant administrator position at Middlesboro ARH, followed by his first stint at Beckley, where he worked as associate administrator. He spent three years as CEO at Tug Valley Regional Medical Center, helping guide the South Williamson hospital through the Covid-19 pandemic.

While at Tug Valley, he also worked for eight months as interim COO at Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center.

Hall said he is both excited and honored to serve in his new position.

“This is an opportunity for me to become involved in the ARH system on a larger scale, working, not only with the West Virginia Region, but also with the five hospitals in the Big Sandy Region,” he said.

Hall will no longer be based out of Beckley ARH, but he said his regional CEO responsibilities will keep him actively involved both there and with Summers County ARH Hospital.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the progress made in the Beckley and Summers County communities over the past year,” said Hall, who serves on the boards of directors for the West Virginia Hospital Association, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

“I will still be actively involved in the operations, and I look forward to working closely with Joey (Preast, Summers ARH CEO) and the person selected for the CEO position in Beckley.

“I just want to help them be successful.”

ARH is a family affair for Hall, as his sister Tiffany works as assistant system director for behavioral health, his wife Meghan is a corporate compliance auditor and his mom Trena served as corporate chief administrative officer before retiring in 2022.

“This company is a huge part of who I am,” he said, recalling going to the hospital with his mom when she worked as a nurse. “ARH has been part of my life since the day I was born.”

Though Hall has spent his entire career with ARH, he said he hasn’t worked much with the Big Sandy Region hospitals and looks forward to getting involved.

“It will give me a chance to get to know a part of the company that I haven’t previously spent a lot of time with,” he said. “I really believe the Big Sandy Region and the West Virginia Region both have enormous amounts of potential.

“It’s really exciting to be involved with that.”

Hall resides in South Williamson, with his wife Meghan and their son Parker, 19, and daughter Baylor, 14.

The ARH Big Sandy Region consists of ARH Our Lady of the Way, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, McDowell ARH Hospital, Morgan County ARH Hospital and Paintsville ARH Hospital. The West Virginia Region consists of Beckley ARH Hospital, Summers County ARH Hospital and Tug Valley Regional Medical Center.

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PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System announced today that Dr. Nancy Johnson will serve as the interim president at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, effective July 15.

Dr. Telly Sellars, BSCTC’s current interim president, will be taking on the new role of provost at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.

“KCTCS congratulates Dr. Telly Sellars,” said KCTCS President Larry Ferguson. “He has done an outstanding job serving as the interim president at BSCTC since April 2022. In his departure, and while a national presidential search is underway, Dr. Nancy Johnson has been appointed interim president. Dr. Johnson has a long history with the college serving as provost at BSCTC from 2000-16 and executive dean of academic affairs from 1998-2000.”

Dr. Johnson retired from BSCTC in 2016 and has remained an active local community member. She earned her doctorate from the University of Kentucky with an emphasis in educational psychology and management. In her tenure at BSCTC, she held strong community leadership roles such as president, vice president, treasurer, and board member of the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce; and president, and vice president of the Prestonsburg Chapter of Rotary International.

“Returning to Big Sandy Community and Technical College as the interim president excites me,” stated Johnson. ” My love for community and technical colleges goes back to the beginning of my career when many of these institutions were created to provide access to education and new skills for people in rural areas. Nearly 40 years of my career was here in Kentucky, with 18 years at BSCTC. Our programs are state-of-the-art, and our faculty and staff are outstanding. It is so wonderful to be coming back to assist the college and the communities it serves with a transition to the future. The invitation to return is so appreciated; I am anxious to begin.”

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PAINTSVILLE, Ky. — Appalachian Regional Healthcare has turned to an industry veteran to take the helm of its newest hospital.

ARH Our Lady of the Way CEO Kathy Stumbo has been selected as the new CEO of Paintsville ARH.
Stumbo has been with Our Lady of the Way for 30 years, and has been CEO for 21 years. She will begin in her new role April 18.

Stumbo takes over from interim CEO Rocky Massey, who has overseen the hospital since ARH finalized its purchase of the former Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center back in December.

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AUSTIN, Texas — A Pike County native will oversee financial and business affairs for the University of Texas.

Jonathan C. Pruitt was named vice chancellor for business affairs of the university on Tuesday. In his new role, he will oversee the business affairs of 17 institutions, 14 hospitals and 500 clinics in the University of Texas system.

Pruitt is a former quarterback and 1995 graduate of Pikeville High School, who later went on to study and play football at Centre College. He also obtained a master’s in public administration from UK.

He begins his new position on March 1.

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WISE, Va. — Wise County and the City of Norton will be losing their prosecutor, as he gets promoted to a new position.

Virginia Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares has announced his intention to appoint Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp to the position of chief deputy attorney general of the state when he takes office Jan. 15.

“I am excited to announce that Chuck Slemp will be my chief deputy,” Miyares said. “There is no doubt in my mind that he will serve the Commonwealth of Virginia with the same passion that he has for the people of Norton and Wise. He is a smart and dedicated public servant, and together we will hit the ground running on day one to bring Virginians much-needed change.”

In his new role, he will be responsible for managing the day-to-day legal services and administrative functions of the office. Slemp has previously three other attorney general administrations.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to continue serving Virginians and the Commonwealth in this new capacity,” Slemp said. “I am so excited to join Attorney General-elect Miyares and his impressive new team to help make Virginia a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Slemp has served as Wise County commonwealth’s attorney since being elected in November of 2015. He will be forced to resign the position once he moves into his new position.

A special election will be held to fill the position. In the meantime, Slemp’s deputy commonwealth’s attorney, Steven Craig Davis, will step in fulfill his boss’s role until that election.

“Steven Davis is a smart, passionate, and dedicated public servant, an excellent trial lawyer, and a caring leader,” Slemp said. “He has worked tirelessly for the past six years to help me serve our Commonwealth. Together, we have led a talented team of prosecutors and made a real difference in the lives of so many in this community. I am confident that our team will continue to serve with excellence and distinction under his continued leadership. I can’t think of anyone better to take over and continue what we have started during my tenure as Commonwealth’s Attorney. He has my full support.”

Davis also plans to run in the special election as a Republican.

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