Dr. Joshua Wilkey joins Union in the newly created role of Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Program Innovation. Most recently serving as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Brevard College, Wilkey holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of Alabama. He brings extensive experience serving student-athletes and a deep knowledge of Appalachian culture into his work with Union.

[PHOTO: Dr. Josh Wilkey]

“I hope to be a resource for folks across campus who want to focus on innovating their programs, both academic and administrative,” Wilkey says. “I am interested in using data to drive our improvement processes and work toward a sustainable future for Union.” 

Longtime Bulldog Clay Butler has been named Union’s first ever Vice President (VP) of Athletics, a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the President. Butler earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Union in 2003 and 2005 and has served as an athletic trainer, Director of Sports Medicine, and most recently, Interim Executive Director of Athletics. As VP for Athletics, Butler will oversee Union’s athletic programs with a focus on competitiveness, student development, community engagement, and financial sustainability. 

[PHOTO: Clay Butler]

“As an alumnus, I know the impact Union has on its students and the community. Our goal is to be competitive across the board, but most importantly to care for our student-athletes and help them grow to achieve their goals not only in sports, but in life as well,” Butler says.

Maisie Nelson, who has served in various leadership roles with Union’s communications, advancement, and development teams since 2019, has been promoted to Vice President of University Relations. She is a proud 2011 Union alum dedicated to her alma mater and the community it serves. Nelson is a recent graduate of the Leadership Tri-County training program and brings diverse experiences in communications and marketing into her role.

[PHOTO: Maisie Nelson]

“Union has had my heart since I first stepped foot on campus as a student in 2006, and it’s an honor to serve in this new role,” Nelson says. “I am excited to continue building connections, celebrating our successes, and working toward the great things ahead under Dr. Washington’s leadership.”

Tori Doyle is Union’s new Director of Housing & Residence Life. Most recently serving as the Student Support Services Coordinator, Doyle has been with Union since 2019 and has extensive experience serving students in various capacities. She holds two Union degrees — a Master of Human Resource Management (2024) and a Master of Business Administration and Management (2020) — and is known for going out of her way to help any student she can.

[PHOTO: Tori Doyle]

“I am incredibly grateful that my journey brought me to UCU, and I am so proud to call this place my home. I’m truly excited for the opportunity to create spaces where our students can thrive, build lifelong memories, and lay the foundation for their brightest futures,” Doyle says.

Athletic trainer Sydney Bargo has been promoted to Director of Sports Medicine in recognition of her dedication and expertise in athletic healthcare. In her new role, she will oversee the care and well-being of 22 intercollegiate athletic teams and more than 500 student-athletes. She holds a 2017 bachelor's degree in athletic training from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a 2019 master's degree in athletic administration from Union.

[PHOTO: Sydney Bargo]

“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue to serve our student-athletes with a team dedicated to providing top-notch care and ensuring the best for our student-athletes,” Bargo says.

Knox County native Sarah Wahlstedt is Union's new Grant & Prospect Development Specialist. She is connecting with local foundations, applying for grants for institutional priorities, and working to encourage and equip faculty to apply for grants in their area of specialty. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Wahlstedt majored in economics & international studies and now coaches the Knox Central High School Swim Team.

[PHOTO: Sarah Wahlstedt]

"Barbourville wouldn't be the town I love without Union, and I want to see both of them grow together,” she says.

Harlan native Mackenzie Snelling joins the team as Admissions Counselor of Undergraduate Recruitment. A December 2024 Union graduate, she majored in Health Promotions and was a proud member of the cheer team.

[PHOTO: Mackenzie Snelling]

“I am incredibly grateful for the chance to continue my journey at a place that I hold so close to my heart. Union is a place like no other, and while it can be described in many ways, I find that the word that resonates most with me is ‘home’,” Snelling says.

Washington notes, “Hiring recent graduates and developing talent from within is an important part of how we grow our team and provide professional opportunities for our Bulldog family. In the same sense, acknowledging our most tenured and high-performing colleagues who have given their all to Union over the years, and commit to evolving more in their leadership is equally important. We’re excited to see all of these employees thrive in their new roles!”