Dr. DJ Washington named Union College Interim President

Rachel Dorroh • February 1, 2024
Dr. DJ Washington.

The Union College Board of Trustees appointed Dr. DJ Washington as Interim President Thursday. Washington replaces Dr. Marcia Hawkins, who is retiring June 30.


A 2003 Union alumnus and Vice Chairman of Union’s Board of Trustees, Washington is currently the Director of Employer and Regional Engagement at the University of Notre Dame and a nationally respected leader in higher education.   


“We are thrilled to have identified a highly regarded and experienced president in Dr. Washington, who is keenly committed to his alma mater,” said Mike Goss, Chairman of the Board. “He will partner with faculty and staff to strategically lead the institution through this important transition.”


In October, the board approved a resolution to incorporate “university” into Union’s name, to reflect its status as a level IV graduate degree granting institution. The trustees approved a new name in December, which will be revealed upon approval by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.


The board is conducting a search to replace Hawkins long-term and will consider qualified internal and external candidates.  


Located in Barbourville, Kentucky and founded in 1879, Union College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Home of the Bulldogs, Union is a private, liberal arts-based institution comprised of undergraduate and graduate programs, supporting a diverse academic environment for nearly 1200 students. 

Knox Central  seniors pose after free tuition announcement
By Maisie Nelson February 25, 2026
Union Commonwealth University will host its first annual Registration Day exclusively for seniors from Barbourville Independent High School, Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and local homeschool students on March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving area students a jump start on their college journey.
photo from the stage looking out at decorated tables
By Maisie Nelson February 16, 2026
UCU has announced the 2026 class of honorees for The Mackies, the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame and annual athletics awards ceremony. The event will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Robsion Arena.
Conway Boatman Chapel.
By David Saylor February 13, 2026
Beginning this Sunday, Union will reintroduce voluntary chapel services for students, faculty, staff, and community members; providing opportunities for worship and spiritual exploration.
external photo of Conway Boatman Chapel
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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