‘How Lucky We Are’ — UKPA Celebrates 30 Years on Morehead Campus
Oct 27, 2026
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
Thirty years ago, an audacious, visionary idea took hold in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky.
A small group of academic and medical professionals wanted to train exceptional, compassionate physician assistants dedicated to serving rural and underserved communities. In summer 1996, UK, Morehead State University, St. Claire, and the Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center created the UK Physician Assistant Extension Program in Morehead. Just like that, a partnership between the University of Kentucky’s Physician Assistant Program and Morehead State was born.
Since then, more than 400 physician assistants have graduated from the Morehead campus, and the vast majority have carried their skills directly into medically underserved areas. Those alumni are delivering an estimated 1.4 million patient interactions annually.
Friday, with more than 150 friends, alumni faculty and staff in attendance, the PA program in Morehead celebrated 30 amazing years by gathering for a ceremony at the Center for Health, Education & Research at Morehead State.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate this legacy of expanded healthcare access,” said Shelley Irving, MSPAS, PA-C and current Morehead Campus Site Director.
For the first time in their history, all of the Morehead campus site directors (Brad Schwarz, Jim Frye, Bill Grimes, Michael Cooper, David Fahringer and Irving) were gathered together in one room. Each were able to give their thoughts on the event.
Schwarz said, “the dedication and the pursuit of excellence set the standard with the first eight students.”
“Their example shaped that of future classes,” he said. “Some of the finest moments I ever enjoyed in teaching were with those classes. I can’t believe it’s been 30 years.”
James Frye noted he hadn’t been back to Morehead since 2002, but that he had great memories. He recalled once when he had to drive a pregnant student to the hospital in Maysville — about 50 miles away.
“PAs can make a big difference,” he said. “I just wish the program many more years of success.”
Bill Grimes said he worked 28 years before he started teaching. But, he said, he also loves practicing, which he still does at a free clinic, once a week.
“It’s an amazing career,” he told the crowd. “You all are so lucky. But let’s remember that we’re taking care of human beings. Let’s keep the ‘health’ and the ’care’ in healthcare.”
Michael Cooper said he was able to be part of a “wonderful time” in the history of the program.
“We had a very special bond,” he said. “It was the best time of my professional career.”
David Fahringer spoke last.
“How lucky we are as PAs to land Morehead as a site,” he said. “It’s been a trip and a journey that we’re still on.”
The group agreed that there were naysayers in the beginning.
“But we made it,” Fahringer said. “I think you should have (a celebration on the) 50th (anniversary). I want an invitation.”
Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C and a Daus Family Endowed Professor of Physician Assistant Studies, as well as the Department Chair of PA Studies, then presented three awards at the ceremony:
- The Humanitarian Award went to Shelley Irving
- The Leadership in Rural Healthcare Award went to Jennifer Hardin, PA-C. Hardin is a family medicine physician assistant in Morehead, affiliated with UK St. Claire, and was a member of that first PA Morehead class of eight students.
- The Dean’s Distinguished Service Award went to Don Lloyd II, president and CEO of St. Claire HealthCare
"One of my favorite things about Don is that he always is asking for more PAs," Valentin said.
Irving told the crowd that to honor the three decades of excellence, the program created the 30 for 30 Campaign. “Securing the next chapter of this legacy means actively removing financial barriers for the students training on our campus today,” she said. “We are seeking 30 champions for rural health who will commit to an investment of $3,000 over the next three years.”
One hundred percent of all funds will go directly to support students. Those interested can make a gift here.
“Our success over the last three decades is a testament to the power of community collaboration,” Irving said. “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the foundation organizations who first cast this vision, and to all the individuals — past and present — who have lived out our mission.”
Irving said she was confident in the future of the program.
“As we look back on the past 30 years, I can confidently say that the future is just as promising as our past,” she said. “We are more equipped, more integrated, and more determined than ever to improve health outcomes in our communities.”
photos by William Hieronymus/CHS