Bart Osborne returns to Union

Maisie Nelson • April 17, 2025

A well-known name in Union Commonwealth University athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.

Osborne, who led Union’s baseball program for 17 seasons before stepping down in January 2021, now brings his extensive experience in both athletics and business into a new leadership role within Bulldog Athletics.

In this position, Osborne will oversee all athletic fundraising efforts, including team-specific fundraising, corporate sponsorship opportunities, and athletic facility management. He will also take the lead on special projects and serve as a mentor for young coaches within the department.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bart back to the Bulldog family in this new capacity,” said Clay Butler, Vice President for Athletics. “His deep understanding of Union, combined with his leadership, coaching experience, and success in the private sector, make him uniquely qualified to drive new opportunities for our athletic programs. Bart’s passion for Union and our student-athletes is unmatched, and we’re excited about the energy he brings to this role.”

During his time as head baseball coach, Osborne helped elevate the program to national prominence. Under his leadership, Union baseball achieved:

Six 40-plus win seasons
12 30-plus win seasons
Two Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) regular-season championships
One AAC Tournament championship
Two NAIA Region XII championships
One NAIA South Central Super Regional title
One NAIA World Series appearance, finishing fifth nationally
Four NAIA Opening Round appearances

Since his time at Union, Osborne has been working in sales at Barrier Roofs, a company owned by Union alumnus and former Bulldog baseball player Justin Barrier ’06.

Now, he returns to Union ready to combine his passion for athletics and proven track record to support the growth and future of Bulldog Athletics.

For more information about Union Commonwealth University Athletics, visit www.gounionbulldogs.com.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

By Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.

Union partners with LMU & UK to expand pre-professional program

By Rachel Dorroh • May 6, 2025

The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.

Superintendent Tom Gambrel and President Dr. DJ Washington.

Celebrating a new chapter for Superintendent Tom Gambrel

By David Saylor • April 30, 2025

Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and Union alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.

UCU Announces First Honorees in Inaugural “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • April 29, 2025

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.

Regan Nantz receiving an award from President DJ Washington.

Outstanding students recognized during Union’s 2025 Honors Convocation

By Rachel Dorroh • April 25, 2025

Union Commonwealth University celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.

Student awardees stand with grant committee members and advisors behind them.

Union students win ‘Circles of Purpose’ grants for summer projects

By Rachel Dorroh • April 23, 2025

Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await Union Commonwealth University (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after Union’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.

students taking a selfie with Bulldog mascot

UCU sees record growth in freshman applications & commitments

By Maisie Nelson • April 21, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, Union ranked near the top in several key categories.

Montage of Lena, Tia, and Union's Centennial Hall framed by leafy green tree foliage

Tia Cobb & Lena Visarius — Spreading their wings at Union

By Rachel Dorroh • April 17, 2025

UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.

Cody, Conner & Macy Saylor — Giving thanks

By Rachel Dorroh • April 9, 2025

This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending Union Commonwealth University, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.

Bulldog family continues to grow

By Rachel Dorroh • April 2, 2025

Union Commonwealth University (UCU) celebrates several new hires and staff promotions in line with President DJ Washington's vision for growth and development. This strategic and human capital growth stretches across the entire campus touching athletics, academics, university operations, development, communications, and admissions.