Inauguration

Celebrating the Installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of Union Commonwealth University

(*Denotes events open to the community)

Sunday, September 14 – Faith & Connection

• Service of Blessing for Inauguration* – 11:00 a.m., First United Methodist Church

Monday, September 15 – Service & Engagement

• Community Bridges: Faith & Service Fair* – 11:00 a.m., Campus Student Center
• Youth Champions Day* – 4:30 p.m., Campus Student Center & Athletic Fields

Tuesday, September 16 – Student Leadership & Athletics

• Coaches Huddle – 10:00 a.m., Lakeside Athletics
• Student Leaders Luncheon – 12:00 p.m., Campus Student Center, 2nd Floor

Wednesday, September 17 – Vision & Community

Presidential Visits to Local High Schools (special assemblies & surprise announcement)

• 8:00 a.m. – Barbourville High School
• 9:00 a.m. – Lynn Camp High School
• 10:00 a.m. – Knox Central High School

• Building Bridges: Partnerships & Pathways Panel* – 12:00 p.m., Conway Boatman Chapel

Panelists: Dennis Messer (Superintendent, Barbourville Independent Schools), Jeremy Ledford (Superintendent, Knox Public Schools), Beau Masterson (CEO, Barbourville ARH Hospital), Marcia Dixon (Director, Barbourville Tourism)

• Pretzels with the Prez – 7:00 p.m., The Kennel

Thursday, September 18 – Legacy & Looking Forward

• 150th Anniversary Preview & Inaugural Faculty Lecture* – 2:00 p.m., Weeks-Townsend Library
• Staff, Faculty & Coaches Reception – 3:00 p.m., Weeks-Townsend Library

Friday, September 19 – Inauguration Day Celebration

• Inauguration Ceremony* – 2:00 p.m., Centennial Hall Lawn

The formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of Union Commonwealth University. This milestone event honors our rich academic heritage and includes President Washington’s inaugural address.

• Reception* – 4:00 p.m., Sharp Lawn

Live music and refreshments offer an opportunity to congratulate President Washington and connect with colleagues, alumni, and friends.

• Inaugural & Community Ball* – 8:00 p.m., Conway Boatman Lawn Tent (Ticketed Event)

An elegant celebration under the stars with live music, dancing, and fellowship.

All Week Displays*

Weeks-Townsend Memorial Library & Sharp Academic Center

• Breaking Barriers: Union Presidential History Display
• Notable Tributes from Other University Presidents
• 150th Anniversary of Union Commonwealth University
• Transforming Our Tomorrow: The Campus Master Plan
• Pathway to Presidency: Sharp Atrium Display

Event Location

The inauguration will take place on the lawn of Centennial Hall. 

Parking & Directions

Union Commonwealth University is located at 310 College Street, Barbourville, KY 40906

For parking, please reference our campus map.

Accesibility & Questions

For special accommodations or additional information, please email inauguration@unionky.edu 

Watch the Inauguration Ceremony Live – Friday, September 19, at 2:00 p.m. EST at www.unionky.edu/live

Dr. DJ Washington, a celebrated national speaker and accomplished leader with a distinguished career across corporate, intercollegiate athletics, and higher education sectors, began his appointment as the 20th President of Union Commonwealth University on January 1, 2025. He had previously served as Interim President beginning in February 2024.

Before returning to his alma mater, Dr. Washington served as the Director of Employer and Regional Engagement at the University of Notre Dame, where he led initiatives to strengthen the university’s network of alumni, parents, and employers—expanding recruiting opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

He also spent 15 years as Senior Vice President at Athlete Network in Lenexa, Kansas, where he directed collegiate relations and business development. During his tenure, he secured more than $1.5 million in corporate partnerships and employer talent solutions while also managing alumni engagement and leading career development seminars for over 400,000 student-athletes at NCAA and NAIA institutions across the country.

A first-generation college student from Cedar Hill, Tennessee, Dr. Washington earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and marketing from Union in 2003. As a student, he held numerous leadership roles including student government president, associate student trustee, admissions ambassador, and vice president of the student conduct board, while also serving as captain of the men’s basketball team.

He later earned a master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University and a doctorate in higher educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Washington’s wife, Amy, is a dedicated public school educator with 17 years of classroom experience. Together, they are the proud parents of four sons—Kylan, Kamden, Kyrie, and Kamari—who attend Barbourville Independent Schools.

At Union Commonwealth University, we celebrate our unwavering commitment to removing deeply rooted obstacles that limit opportunity, access, growth, and development for our students. Union embodies a bold spirit—one that dares to challenge long-held norms, reset expectations, and create a trailblazing environment where all learners can thrive.

This theme reflects the administration’s forward-looking vision to redefine the value of education—not just through academic excellence, but by creating purposeful pathways. These pathways are forged through meaningful partnerships and community connections, empowering students to think critically, collaborate effectively, communicate with impact, and champion bold thinking and inclusive excellence that goes beyond traditional learning and fosters transformational growth.

From being a first-generation college student to becoming the first African American president of Union Commonwealth University, Dr. Washington leads with lived experience and unwavering resolve. His presidency reflects a deep desire to uplift and inspire students—especially those from Appalachia-based, economically challenged, athletic-driven, and global communities—who aspire to unite for the Common Good now and for generations to come.