PIKEVILLE, Ky., November 22, 2011 -- The Arch Coal Foundation today announced a five-year, $250,000 total pledge to the University of Pikeville to support the construction of a new, nine-story educational facility to house the School of Osteopathic Medicine and clinical skills center.

"We understand the importance of coal and its impact on our economy, and are grateful to have the support of the Arch Coal Foundation for this project," said Paul E. Patton, president of the University of Pikeville. "We believe this expansion is vital to the growth of the University and will significantly enhance healthcare accessibility in Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia."

The School of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville was established in 1997 to address the critical shortage of physicians in Kentucky and other Appalachian regions. The new "Coal Building" will allow for enrollment to increase from the current 300 to 500 medical students by the fall of 2015. Construction is expected to be complete in the spring of 2012.

"This contribution underscores the Arch Coal Foundation's strong commitment to American education and the communities where our employees live and work," said Deck S. Slone, president of the Arch Coal Foundation. "We are proud to support Pikeville University, and the exceptional work it is doing to enhance health care in Appalachia."

The Arch Coal Foundation was formed in December 2005 with an initial endowment from Arch Coal, Inc. These funds are used to support organizations that engage in improving the quality of life in the communities in which Arch Coal operates. The Arch Coal Foundation focuses a majority of its giving in the area of education. In 2009 and 2010, education made up more than $2.8 million of the Arch Coal Foundation's community giving.

U.S.-based Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) is a top five global coal producer and marketer, with 179 million tons of coal sold pro forma in 2010. Arch is the most diversified American coal company, with mining complexes across every major U.S. coal supply basin.