I'm a Pathfinder: David Stewart

February 10, 2026

ASHLAND, Ky. – For David Stewart, Ashland has always been home.

Growing up in South Ashland, Stewart was raised in a hardworking family that valued responsibility and perseverance. 

His father worked at ARMCO Steel in the metallurgical department, while his mother stayed home to care for Stewart and his two older brothers. 

Stewart says growing up, his parents always ensured their needs were met, but they expected their sons to earn anything extra they wanted—an expectation that shaped Stewart’s work ethic early on. 

As a teenager, he says he mowed lawns and later held competitive employment in the men’s department at Star’s Fashion World. During college summers, he also worked at ARMCO in the labor pool.

Following the path his brothers had already taken, Stewart enrolled at Ashland Community College—now Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC). Both of his brothers had attended ACC before transferring to the University of Kentucky. 

“I followed suit as it seemed the natural thing to do, both economically and with ease of transferring credits to the University of Kentucky,” he said. 

Stewart enrolled in the pre-dental program at ACC and earned an Associate of Science degree in the spring of 1975. 

He says that foundation allowed him to transition smoothly to the University of Kentucky, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in the spring of 1977. 

He was then accepted into the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in the spring of 1981.

After graduating, Stewart began his dental career as an associate dentist in Williamson, West Virginia, where he practiced for two and a half years. 

In keeping with his lifelong connection to the region, he returned to Ashland to open his own dental practice, where he continues to serve the community today.

Looking back, Stewart credits ACTC as a critical step in his success.

“ACTC provides a stepping stone to furthering one’s education by offering a high-quality educational experience while being economically feasible and in a setting that introduces students to college life,” he said. “My career path began at ACTC and was enhanced by a dedicated and highly qualified faculty who provided the instruction which made my continued studies at the University of Kentucky a streamlined transition.”