Celebrate spring with UCU Street Eats

Rachel Dorroh • March 26, 2025

Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. Union Commonwealth University has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.


“We think students, faculty, staff, and the local community will love the variety and energy these trucks bring,” says Special Advisor to the President Meghann Chesnut. “It’s a great chance to hang out, try something new, and connect with others outside of class or the office, making the campus feel more lively and community-oriented.”


Director of Campus Life and Civic Engagement Makynzie Miller says, “My main goal during the days we have food trucks on campus is to get students to the student center, essentially so that they are aware that the food trucks are on campus and might be more inclined to get something from them.”

Promotional Graphic Text: Community Welcome, Union Commonwealth University, UCU Street Eats.

Miller is planning a “Pot Your Own Plant” event and an Easter egg hunt, for instance, and hopes to incorporate opportunities to win 50% off vouchers for food truck offerings, as well.


Mark Moser, owner of The Grub Hut, will be on campus twice during the lineup. He describes The Grub Hut’s menu as comfort food and sees UCU Street Eats as an opportunity to reach a new audience.


“A lot of the community knows me, but I always like to branch out and try to attract a customer that’s never eaten with me or hasn’t heard about me yet,” Moser says.


The current schedule of confirmed vendors is as follows:


• April 2: The Grub Hut

• April 10: Moody Cows (Ice Cream)

• April 16: The Grub Hut

• April 24: Flying Pig

• April 30: Juniors Hibachi

• May 2: Hibbard’s Concessions


All food trucks will be on campus starting at 11 a.m. and will complement the already wide-ranging menu provided to students through Sodexo, Union’s campus dining services. More vendors may be added to the spring lineup soon. Chesnut notes that UCU plans to schedule another Street Eats series in the fall, as well. 


“Only one food truck will be on campus at a time,” she adds. “We want to be an economic driver for these entrepreneurs.”

Union President Dr. DJ Washington says, “UCU Street Eats is part of our mission to unite for the common good. The series is about uniting community members, local businesses, and our campus community.”


Updates to the schedule of vendors will be shared via Union’s social media channels as they become available.


For more information about UCU Street Eats, contact Meghann Chesnut at (606) 546-1704 or mchesnut@unionky.edu.

UCU Announces Next Round of “50 Under 50” Honorees

By Maisie Nelson • June 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.

Bill & Merrill Davies — A Union of Service & Learning

By David Saylor • June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.

UCU Celebrates Barbourville High School Seniors with Over $88,000 in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 13, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.

Lynn Smith & Amanda Hensely — Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Rachel Dorroh • June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
More Posts