University of Pikeville receives match grant for vocational exploration

The University of Pikeville has received a $30,000 match grant from the Joseph W. Craft III Foundation that will support the university’s work through the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Vocation Across the Academy Grant. The funding from the Craft Foundation unlocked an additional $30,000 in support under NetVUE’s matching requirements, bringing the university’s total funding to $90,000 for its new vocational exploration program.

According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Kay Webb, Ph.D., who will direct the new vocational exploration program through the Center for Career, Vocation and Leadership, was quoted as saying of the new funding, We are incredibly grateful to Craft Philanthropy for their generous support and for believing in the power of vocation in Appalachia. Their vision, rooted in helping individuals find meaning and purpose in their work and lives, beautifully aligns with our own. Empowering people to find a sense of meaning in how they engage with the world, and using that as momentum to move forward in life, is the essence of vocation.”

She added, “Over the years, I’ve learned that true vocational growth happens when it’s woven into the fabric of an institution, not just one person’s mission. Vocation lives at the intersection of being and doing—what you do may evolve, but who you are at your core remains constant. Thanks to this support, we can now help even more students discover their own sense of purpose and live it out with intention.”

The grant funding will support the university’s new vocational exploration program, which the university aims to create to be sustainable and deeply integrated throughout the campus community. It will support campus-wide engagement and help students, faculty, and staff explore their callings.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.