PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) aims to support student success and is dedicated to helping them achieve the academic strengths that will enable them to become independent learners. Director of Academic Excellence Ellen Campbell, M.Ed., and her staff are committed to providing services based on the principles of integrity, respect and collaboration, and supporting learning in a friendly and engaging environment.

Campbell came to UPIKE as the next step in her career so she could help students find the skills they need to be their most successful selves.

“In the CAE, we want to make sure all students know they can get help. We offer tutoring in all subjects, workshops in basic study skills, and are a friendly inviting place to spend some time while on campus,” explained Campbell. “We have study spaces, classrooms and plenty of whiteboards. We want to make connections on campus with any office and make sure that students’ needs are put first!”

Campbell credits her staff with helping students throughout their academic journey and for their dedication to student success. Jeremy Goodson, coordinator of tutoring, and Zackery Hill, supplemental instruction coordinator, both UPIKE graduates, have focused their own UPIKE experience and love of the university into their work.

“I would love for every single student at the University of Pikeville to interact with us. I feel that we can offer so much to help all UPIKE students reach their potential,” said Goodson. “We have resources for anyone who may need a little extra help or just a place to study and hone their academic skill set. Our entire staff has their own unique personality, and we have a great time making our department fun for anyone.”

“My goals are to see CAE grow in a fashion that continues to meet students where they’re at in their learning experience,” stated Hill. “The ability to help students gain confidence in their learning capacity is something I believe all of us in CAE strive to accomplish.”

UPIKE’s CAE is well on its way to earning certification from the College Reading and Learning Association and The International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The process involves analyzing what has already been done and designing future training that meets the high standards for peer tutors.

Campbell feels that having national and international organizations evaluate CAE’s operations and deem them worthy of certification is both gratifying and motivating.

“Being certified through both of these programs will give us access to other schools and what they are doing, training materials and the ability to provide the best possible service to our students,” said Campbell. “By the end of the academic year, we will be certified through both of those programs.”

The CAE has been in operation since the fall of 2011. It offers valuable services in tutoring, test preparation, study skills, note-taking and writing to students enrolled at UPIKE. CAE is located on the ground floor of the Allara Library and offers tutoring in the sciences, business, philosophy, psychology, communication, math, writing and basic skills. Services are free to currently enrolled UPIKE students. For more information, please visit www.upike.edu/CAE.