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.



external photo of Conway Boatman Chapel

UCU releases Fall 2025 Presidential Laureates and Dean's List

By Maisie Nelson • December 18, 2025
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2025 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 269 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
photo showing crowd of students in the stands

UCU Welcomes BHS Students to Celebrate Academic Achievement

By Maisie Nelson • December 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University celebrated community partnership and academic achievement as the Bulldogs men’s basketball defeated Alice Lloyd College 90–80 on Tuesday inside Robsion Arena.

UCU Board of Trustees approves membership changes

December 9, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the following appointments to its board during its annual meeting on October 24, 2025.

UCU Announces New Presidential Fellows Program

By Maisie Nelson • November 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the launch of its inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative created in partnership with Rural Up.

Union Honors Coaching Legend Pete Moore on His 90th Birthday

By Maisie Nelson • November 5, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly celebrates the 90th birthday of one of its most cherished figures, Dr. Paul “Pete” Moore, whose name and legacy are forever woven into the history of Union.
Robin Hamilton.

Student Support Services Secures 5-Year Grant

By David Saylor • October 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Student Support Services (SSS) program has been awarded a nearly $2 million TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education, securing funding for the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented students in post-secondary education.
Superintendent Messer, Superintendent Ledford, Wanda Clouse, and Dr. Lori Henderson with students.

Union’s Dual Credit Program Triples Enrollment in First Year

By David Saylor • October 8, 2025
Under the guidance of College Program Liaison and Coordinator Dr. Lori Henderson, the program that started out as a small group has nearly tripled in size with at least 90 students from Knox County

UCU Welcomes Local Talent and Alumni in New Roles

By Maisie Nelson • October 3, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.

Union Inaugurates Dr. DJ Washington as 20th President

By Maisie Nelson • September 24, 2025
Union Commonwealth University formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.

UCU to Waive Tuition for Knox County Graduates

By Maisie Nelson • September 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County—including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.