Inaugural season of Union Esports a success

Bruce Cory • April 29, 2024

This spring marks the end of the first season of intercollegiate competition for Union Commonwealth University's Esports teams. We fielded four teams this year: Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six: Siege, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate for competition in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC). All teams started in the lowest division, Navigators, but Valorant was so successful that the team was moved into the next higher division, Emergents.

Although this is the second year for esports at Union, this was our first year of intercollegiate competition. Last year we focused on developing an active club for intramural competition and social gaming. This year we added a graduate assistant to the program to assist with gaming arena supervision. The addition of the graduate assistant allowed the opening of the gaming arena for 20 hours a week so students could use the arena for social gaming when it is not used for competitions.

We are looking forward to further enhancements in our third year. Three teams - Valorant, Rocket League, and one team to be announced - will be eligible for esports scholarships. The scholarships will recognize three levels of commitment: team captain, active player, and bench player. We also plan to hire a coach for the teams.

We are grateful for the support of President Hawkins, the Board of Trustees, and the Technology Department. With their continued support, as well as the support of the larger campus community, great things are in store for the Union Bulldogs Esports future!

For more information about the esports teams or club, or to get involved, contact Bruce Cory at bcory@unionky.edu or (606) 546-1462.

Union students sit playing video games in different areas of the Esports Arena, which is lit with green and purple lighting. Three students near the center play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the big four panel screen, while other students in the back play on desktop PCs. Jesse Barton assists a student in the back left.

The Valorant team

Button

The Rainbow Six: Siege team

Portraits of people from around the globe

Button

Bruce Cory sits at a table in the Black Tech lobby with members of the Esports Club surrounding him. Two students are leaning in close to Cory to read or sign a paper, while others are talking with each other close by. A gray laptop bag, phone, and food boxes are on the table.

Bruce W. Cory is Assistant Professor of Spanish and Humanities at Union. Although he advises the Esports club and was around when the Atari 2600 made electronic gaming more accessible, he never owned a gaming console until last summer when he bought a used Xbox 360 to learn what all the fuss was about. The true brains and energy are the students who make esports the vibrant club it is.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick to retire after 31 years at Union

By David Saylor • May 21, 2025

As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.

photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex

UCU Coaches Rally for Summer Service and Giving

By Maisie Nelson • May 19, 2025

Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.

UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

By Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025

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.

Union partners with LMU & UK to expand pre-professional program

By Rachel Dorroh • May 6, 2025

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.