University of Pikeville donates books to children affected by flooding
A total of $1,000 worth of books were collected and donated to students within Pikeville Independent and Pike County schools who were affected by major flooding in February 2025.
Two organizations within the University of Pikeville came together to donate $1,000 worth of books to students who were affected by flooding in February. The university’s English Club and Humanities Division and the Patton College of Education’s Kentucky Education Association Student Program worked to find money to purchase books for and distribute the books to students in Pikeville Independent and Pike County schools.
In February of 2025, Eastern Kentucky experienced massive flooding that claimed multiple lives and left the area in a state of emergency. Pike County was hit hard by the flooding, with many businesses and homes being destroyed. A Courier Journal article notes that Pikeville High School and Pike Central High School were designated as emergency shelters, though Pikeville High School itself was eventually also evacuated.
According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Cody Jarman, Ph.D., the English Club’s Faculty Advisor and an Assistant Professor of English, explained how the two groups connected to make the project happen. Jarman is quoted as saying, “When UPIKE’s chapter of KEA-SP announced their flood relief book drive this spring, the English Club saw a perfect opportunity. The club had been discussing ways to contribute to flood relief efforts for a few weeks beforehand. It was a great way to help flood victims and foster literacy all at once.”
In order to obtain the cash needed to donate books to the kids, the English Club decided to use $1,000 that was set aside for the group’s annual spring trip. They collectively decided to have a smaller trip so they could use that portion of the money to provide books to kids affected by the flooding.
Humanities Division Chair and Associate Professor of Religious Studies Sumer Bingham Musick, Ph.D. said, “We are firm believers that education should move beyond the classroom and engage the world in meaningful ways. The students’ decision to reallocate their trip funds to purchase children’s books for flood victims showcases the power of virtue-based education. I am filled with hope when I realize that these are the leaders we are sending out into the world.”
For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.