ESU Receives Reaffirmation, Note for Excellence
Maisie Nelson • June 17, 2021
During its April 2021 Accreditation Council meeting, the national Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) reaffirmed the accreditation status of the Union College Educational Studies Unit (ESU), after a nearly two-year review. The review, which included one of the first completely virtual site visits in CAEP history, focused on the ESU’s ability to meet CAEP standards for excellence in preparing teachers and administrators for success in P-12 school districts.
“The Educational Studies Unit faculty and staff have excelled in continuing to provide the highest quality of education for our students at Union. The ESU team persevered throughout this accreditation process participating in a virtual site visit after the transition to working remotely as a result of the pandemic,” said Dr. Marisa Greer, Vice President of Academic Affairs.
CAEP found that the ESU had met all standards with noted areas of excellence in P-12 collaboration, technology preparedness of candidates, and impact of program completers in P-12 classrooms. The results of the review are the best the education program has ever received at the national accreditation level.
As such, CAEP granted the ESU full reaffirmation of its undergraduate and graduate programs for another seven years.
"It is my honor and privilege to work with such dedicated faculty and staff in the ESU who focus on the individual needs of students, and help them grow not only as a person, but as an educator," said Dr. Lori Henderson, Associate Professor of Education.
"The ESU would like to take this opportunity to thank the administration at Union College, our P-12 partners, EPSB, CAEP and our wonderful students for all their support and assistance throughout this state and national accreditation process," she adds.
In addition to Henderson, the ESU Leadership Team members overseeing the reaffirmation process were Dr. Jason Reeves and Mrs. Preshus Howard.
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.
The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.
Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and Union alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.
Union Commonwealth University celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.
Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await Union Commonwealth University (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after Union’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.
Union Commonwealth University is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).
According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, Union ranked near the top in several key categories.
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.
UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.
This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending Union Commonwealth University, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.
