PIKEVILLE, Ky. — In another sign that life is getting closer to normal after a year of pandemic restrictions, the University of Pikeville has announced it will hold in-person commencement exercises.

However, there will be a number of changes to keep students and guests safe.

There will be temperature checks, and masks and social distancing will be required. There will also be three separate ceremonies to keep crowds smaller, and tickets will be required to keep attendance at no more than 2,200. There will also be virtual ceremonies for any students or guests who prefer that option.

The ceremony for the College of Nursing and Human Services and the Patton College of Education will be held on Thursday, April 29, at 6 p.m. Commencement for the Coleman College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences will take place on Friday, April 30, at 6 p.m.

Nate Morris, founder and CEO of Lexington-based waste and recycling software company Rubicon, will be the keynote speaker for undergraduate ceremonies.

Commencement for the Kentucky College of Optometry and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine will be held on Saturday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m.

Big Sandy Health Care CEO Ancil Lewis will be keynote speaker of commencement for the osteopathic medicine and optometry schools.

All ceremonies will be held in the Appalachian Wireless Arena.