[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17859]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES L. HURLEY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate a friend 
of mine and a good friend to the Commonwealth, Mr. James L. Hurley, on 
his recent inauguration as the 20th president of the University of 
Pikeville. A graduate of the class of 1999 himself, President Hurley's 
new post makes him the school's first alumnus to serve as president.
  President Hurley was sworn in last month at the Eastern Kentucky Expo 
Center in Pikeville, KY. He succeeds former Governor Paul Patton in the 
position. Patton previously appointed Hurley as the institution's vice 
president and special assistant. James is a native of eastern Kentucky 
and is married to Tina, also an alumna of the University of Pikeville.
  President Hurley, after earning his bachelor's degree at the 
institution he now leads, earned a master's degree in educational 
leadership from Indiana University, a rank I in instructional 
supervision from the University of Kentucky, and a doctorate in higher 
education leadership and policy at Morehead State University. As an 
undergraduate he was a student-athlete on the Pikeville men's 
basketball team.
  I commend President Hurley for his great achievement in reaching this 
position and certainly wish him all the best in his leadership of the 
University of Pikeville. I look forward to working with him to 
accomplish great things for the school, the region, and the 
Commonwealth.
  Mr. President, an article that appeared in the University of 
Pikeville campus newspaper after the announcement of his ascension to 
the presidency described James L. Hurley's accomplishments and goals in 
his new position. I ask unanimous consent that said article be printed 
in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

  [From the University of Pikeville Campus Publication, May 21, 2012]

          Hurley Named University of Pikeville President-Elect

       Pikeville, KY.--The University of Pikeville Board of 
     Trustees has named James L. Hurley president-elect of the 
     institution, effective July 1, 2013. Hurley currently serves 
     as the vice president for enrollment and retention and 
     special assistant to the president.
       The action was taken during the board's spring meeting May 
     18. University President Paul Patton informed the board that 
     he would not ask for an extension of his contract, which 
     expires June 30, 2013.
       ``The Patton-Hurley team has brought us tremendous 
     progress,'' said Board Chairman Terry Dotson. ``The Hurley-
     Patton team will continue that progress.''
       An experienced educator and administrator, Hurley spent 11 
     years in the public education system, serving in numerous 
     roles, including as principal, assistant principal, dean of 
     students, teacher, and athletic coach. He joined Patton at 
     the University in 2009, providing leadership in the 
     administration of campus operations, program development, 
     strategic initiatives, recruiting, financial aid and 
     retention efforts.
       Along with his wife, Tina, he is a graduate of the 
     University of Pikeville, formerly Pikeville College. He 
     earned his master's degree from Indiana University, a Rank I 
     from the University of Kentucky and his superintendent's 
     certification at Morehead State University. He will complete 
     his doctorate at Morehead in the fall.
       ``James Hurley is bright, energetic, motivated and a self-
     starter. He has been an integral part of the tremendous 
     progress we have made at the University these past three 
     years,'' said Patton. ``As our chief executive officer, he 
     will lead this University to new heights.''
       The board also voted to establish the position of 
     chancellor, which Patton will assume on July 1, 2013. As 
     chancellor, Patton, who was governor of Kentucky from 1995 to 
     2003, will represent the University and concentrate on 
     fundraising.
       ``I am humbled and honored by the board of trustees' 
     decision in naming me president-elect to succeed Governor 
     Patton next year,'' said Hurley. ``My wife and I love this 
     institution and we look forward to our continued journey with 
     the administration, faculty, staff and students at UPIKE. 
     Governor Patton's willingness to accept the role of 
     university chancellor will make for a seamless and smooth 
     transition.''
       The announcement also has historical significance, as 
     Hurley will become the first alumnus to lead the institution, 
     which was established in 1889 to serve the youth of 
     Appalachia.
       ``A great university can measure its worth by the quality 
     of its alumni,'' said Kay Hammond, president of the Alumni 
     Association. ``Vice President Hurley is certainly one of our 
     most accomplished. He has always sought to protect and 
     preserve all that is special about the University of 
     Pikeville.''

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