More than 500 people “Gather” for Recovery Solutions

Cosmina Noaghea • May 17, 2022

Last Thursday 509 professionals, 120 in person and another 389 virtual, attended the Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions. The hybrid conference, held at Union College, connected colleagues from across the recovery pipeline as they discussed the current status, the missing pieces, and the future of recovery.

 

Geoff Wilson, the president of the Kentucky Association of Addiction Professionals, made an informative and impactful presentation of the addiction, suicide, and other trauma-related issues in Appalachia while Al J. Mooney, MD, explained the journey from “Suffering to Serenity” and shared meaningful stories from his national and international experience.

 

The Appalachian Gathering covered all areas of the recovery pipeline and discussed prevention, drug courts and legal institutions, the role of treatment centers, the role of educational institutions, and the role of community and faith-based groups in recovery. These topics were addressed by panels of seasoned practitioners led by Nancy Hale, President and CEO of Operation Unite; Tim Cesario, Director of Recovery Services at Cumberland River Behavioral Health; Kathy Blaydes-Walczak, Director of Addiction Studies at Union College; Judge Cathy Prewitt; and Reverend Kent Gilbert, President and CEO of Support Centers International. In addition to knowledge about solutions and advances in treatment, the Appalachian Gathering was a forum for sharing stories of successful recovery to instill hope and inspire people who struggle with addiction or who are facing obstacles in their recovery. 

 

Within the Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions conference, 26 organizations displayed their literature and information about addiction and recovery.

 

This Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions was organized by a Recovery Solutions Consortium joined by Union College, Operation UNITE, Mission of Hope, Support Centers International, Kentucky Association of Addiction Professionals, The Kentucky Highlands Promise Zone of the KY Highlands Investment Corporation, University of Cumberlands, Tri-County Elks Lodge, SOAR, Volunteers of America, Lilly Endowment Inc, ARC Centers, United Healthcare, Springs of Life, Baptist Health, Berea College, Appalachian College Association, Appalachian Regional Commission, Stepworks, Horizon Health, Healthy Choice Retreats and Tours, Gravity Dyagnostics, David Barton Company.

Superintendent Messer, Superintendent Ledford, Wanda Clouse, and Dr. Lori Henderson with students.

Union’s Dual Credit Program Triples Enrollment in First Year

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

UCU Welcomes Local Talent and Alumni in New Roles

By Maisie Nelson • October 3, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.

Union Inaugurates Dr. DJ Washington as 20th President

By Maisie Nelson • September 24, 2025
Union Commonwealth University formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.

UCU to Waive Tuition for Knox County Graduates

By Maisie Nelson • September 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County—including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.

UCU to Celebrate Inauguration of Dr. DJ Washington with Weeklong Events

By Maisie Nelson • September 9, 2025
Union Commonwealth University will host a week of celebrations leading up to the formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of the institution. The inauguration, set for Friday, September 19, will honor Union’s proud heritage while spotlighting a bold vision for its future.
s

Union Commonwealth University Awarded $780,000 through AMLER Program

By Maisie Nelson • August 29, 2025
Union has received $780,000 from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program to renovate a campus building into its first Live & Learn Dormitory.

UCU Announces Final Ten Honorees in “50 Under 50” Alumni Program

By Maisie Nelson • August 28, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the final group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program.
exterio

Union Outlines Bold Academic Vision Anchored in Quality, Accountability, and Efficiency

By Maisie Nelson • August 12, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. As part of a reimagined academic structure, the University has introduced a new academic leadership team model, expanding from two colleges to four and aligning leadership roles to support innovation, accountability, an
images of the front of Shar

UCU Announces New Academic Leadership Team and College Structure

By Maisie Nelson • August 8, 2025

Union Commonwealth University has announced a major restructuring of its academic leadership and college organization, ushering in a new era of innovation, agility, and student-focused growth under the direction of Dr. Joshua Wilkey, the university’s newly appointed Provost.

UCU Names Ten More Honorees in “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • July 29, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the next group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program. Now in its fourth month, the initiative continues to spotlight Union graduates under the age of 50 who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, their communities, and socie