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.

UCU Announces Inaugural Presidential Fellows Class

By Maisie Nelson • March 19, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the inaugural cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.
Dr. Yukiko Fujimura on stage in Conway Boatman Chapel with her UCU piano class.

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After a successful debut last year, the Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival is returning bigger and better to Union Commonwealth University (UCU).

UCU Hosts 54th Annual KPA Conference

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Faculty audience at the State of Union Town Hall.

State of Union Town Hall

By David Saylor • March 4, 2026
On February 25, 2026, Union Commonwealth University hosted its State of Union Town Hall, bringing together faculty and staff in two dedicated sessions at Conway Boatman Chapel to discuss the university’s financial realities, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability.
Knox Central seniors pose after free tuition announcement

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By Maisie Nelson • February 25, 2026
Union Commonwealth University will host its first annual Registration Day exclusively for seniors from Barbourville Independent High School, Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and local homeschool students on March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving area students a jump start on their college journey.
photo from the stage looking out at decorated tables

Union Announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Honorees

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Conway Boatman Chapel.

Union Reinstating Once-a-Month Voluntary Chapel Services

By David Saylor • February 13, 2026
Beginning this Sunday, Union will reintroduce voluntary chapel services for students, faculty, staff, and community members; providing opportunities for worship and spiritual exploration.
external photo of Conway Boatman Chapel

UCU releases Fall 2025 Presidential Laureates and Dean's List

By Maisie Nelson • December 18, 2025
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2025 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 269 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
photo showing crowd of students in the stands

UCU Welcomes BHS Students to Celebrate Academic Achievement

By Maisie Nelson • December 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University celebrated community partnership and academic achievement as the Bulldogs men’s basketball defeated Alice Lloyd College 90–80 on Tuesday inside Robsion Arena.

UCU Board of Trustees approves membership changes

December 9, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the following appointments to its board during its annual meeting on October 24, 2025.