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.

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
aerial drone photo of campus overlooking football field with mountains in the background

New Athletic Sponsorship Program to Elevate Bulldog Athletics

By Maisie Nelson • July 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to announce the launch of a new corporate sponsorship initiative to support its storied athletic program and deepen partnerships with businesses across the region. The sponsorship program offers multi-tiered opportunities for companies to align their brand with Union Athletics.
Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.

New location for Union’s Boys & Girls Club expands opportunities

By Rachel Dorroh • June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.

UCU Announces Next Round of “50 Under 50” Honorees

By Maisie Nelson • June 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.

Bill & Merrill Davies — A Union of Service & Learning

By David Saylor • June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.

UCU Celebrates Barbourville High School Seniors with Over $88,000 in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 13, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.