Dr. DJ Washington named Union College Interim President

Rachel Dorroh • February 1, 2024

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.

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