Lawrence County native honored by UPIKE
In a ceremony attended by local, state and national officials, a statue of Pikeville’s favorite son, Paul Patton, was unveiled at the University of Pikeville Tuesday.
“I understand that you aren’t supposed to do this until someone is dead,” Patton said. “But I read the details, and I didn’t know I could adequately communicate from heaven with Greg May to make sure he did it right.”
Those who spoke at the event to dedicate the statue, which stands at the foot of the famous 99 steps on the University of Pikeville campus, include U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, state Sen. Ray Jones, UPike Board of Trustees Chairman Terry Dotson and local businessman Leonard Lawson.
Patton was honored for his many accomplishments since he graduated from Pikeville College in 1959 and began building a career as a coal operator in the 1970s, moving on to the public sector where he served as Pike County judge-executive, leader of the Kentucky Democratic Party, secretary of the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet and the first governor in modern time to serve two consecutive terms.
Although much was said about Patton’s achievements, his contributions to education in Kentucky will be considered his legacy, as he is known as the ‘Education Governor,’ said Sen. Jones.
“I believe that all future governors will be judged by the accomplishments of Paul Patton,” Jones said. “But, I don’t think we will ever see a governor exceed his record of accomplishment.”
Former Pikeville mayor and current city commissioner Frank Justice II called the statue a “fitting tribute.”
“Gov. Patton’s footprint is throughout our state,” Justice said. “It is only fitting that a statue will forever stand at the bottom of the 99, overlooking a community that he helped transform into what it is today.”
Dotson said that, of Patton’s accomplishments, his contributions to U Pike are the most important.
“His involvement with the University of Pikeville has been over 40 years,” Dotson said. “Nothing that he has done in education, nothing that he has done for the City of Pikeville, nothing that he’s done for the region or area means more than what he has done for the University of Pikeville — nothing.”
Rep. Rogers called Patton a visionary.
“He fervently believes that education is the key to our success,” Rogers said. “This vision led the charge for Pikeville College to rise to the university level. Some people say that hindsight is 20/20. But, Paul Patton has 20/20 foresight for making great plans for Eastern Kentucky. I call him the chief visionary of our region.
There is no place more fitting for Pikeville’s most prized leader to stand than at the base of the iconic 99 steps, a symbol of perseverance, a symbol of dreams, a symbol of what you can achieve when you plan your work, and work your plan. Students who embark up those 99 steps to earn a degree at U-Pike will now pass by the image of a man who has dedicated his life to building a future for them.”
Thanking “all the people who made this day a reality,” Patton honored those who have supported him.
“I’ve been blessed with a great family, great friends and great opportunities,” he said. “The people of this county have worked with me and gave me the opportunity to dedicate my life to public service. I appreciate what you’ve done.”
By Julia Roberts
Appalachian News-Express
