Remembering Rev. Dr. Jack C. Phillips

Maisie Nelson • July 27, 2026

Rev. Dr. Jack C. Phillips, who served as president from 1983 to 1996, passed away on June 30 at the age of 91.

Union Commonwealth University mourns the passing of former president, Rev. Dr. Jack Carter Phillips, who died on June 30, 2026, at the age of 91 in Brentwood, Tennessee.


A minister, educator, veteran, and visionary leader, Dr. Phillips served as president of Union College from 1983 until his retirement in 1996. Alongside his late wife, Juanita, he dedicated 13 years to advancing the institution's mission, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the university today.


Born in 1935, Dr. Phillips served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 before pursuing a lifetime of ministry and higher education. He earned his bachelor's degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1960 and his Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in 1963. In recognition of his distinguished service, Union awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1981.

Prior to his presidency, Dr. Phillips served United Methodist congregations in California and Alabama and held higher education leadership positions at Birmingham-Southern College, Florida Southern College, The University of Alabama, the Marshall University Foundation, and the National Methodist Foundation.

Dr. Phillips was inaugurated on September 30, 1983, ushering in a period of significant academic, financial, and campus growth. Under his leadership, the university balanced its budget for ten consecutive years while dramatically reducing institutional debt. His administration also oversaw record enrollment growth, including the institution's largest spring enrollment in 13 years during the spring of 1994.


[PHOTO: Rev. Dr. Phillips and First Lady Juanita Phillips during his presidential inauguration ceremony.]


His presidency brought transformative improvements across campus. Among the most notable accomplishments were the reinstatement of intercollegiate football in 1984 after a 42-year absence, construction of the Abigail E. Weeks Memorial Library addition, renovation of the Student Center and construction of a new cafeteria, installation of a new pipe organ in Conway Boatman Chapel, expansion of athletic facilities, and the addition of academic programs such as criminal justice. A campus gas well drilled during his first year as president continues to provide a significant portion of the university's energy needs.

Throughout his tenure, more than $2 million was invested in campus maintenance and beautification, residence halls were renovated, new athletic venues were constructed, additional parking and campus lighting were installed, and several major capital projects enhanced the student experience while preserving Union's historic campus.


Even after his retirement, Dr. Phillips' commitment to Union endured. He and Juanita established the Jack & Juanita Phillips Endowed Scholarship, ensuring that future generations of students would benefit from their generosity and belief in Christian higher education.


"Dr. Jack Phillips faithfully led Union through a season of remarkable growth and stability," said Dr. D.J. Washington, president of Union Commonwealth University. "His vision strengthened the university academically, financially, and spiritually, while his servant leadership left an enduring impact on countless students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We are grateful for the foundation he helped build and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew and loved him."


A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at Brenthaven Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Jack & Juanita Phillips Endowed Scholarship at Union Commonwealth University, continuing the legacy of educational opportunity that meant so much to Dr. and Mrs. Phillips.


The Union Commonwealth University community extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Phillips' family and loved ones as we honor a life devoted to faith, service, and higher education.


To view Dr. Phillips' full obituary, click here.


  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
drone aerial shot of campus buildings

Union Projects Balanced Budget for First Time in Eight Years

By Maisie Nelson • June 11, 2026
Union Commonwealth University is on track to close Fiscal Year 2025-26 with a balanced operating budget without drawing from its endowment, marking the first time in eight years the institution has achieved this important financial milestone.
Middlesboro pool patrons enjoy donated equipment

UCU donates over $6,000 in equipment to Middlesboro City Pool

By Ford Edwards • June 9, 2026
Union Commonwealth University donates over 6,000 in equipment to Middlesboro City Pool
Eli Sizemore and Cameron Winebarger standing with their poster on traveling to Montana.

Union Concludes Two‑Year Circles of Purpose Grant Program

By David Saylor • May 19, 2026
This April, Union Commonwealth University’s Circles of Purpose grant program came to a close, completing a two‑year journey of vocational exploration made possible through funding from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges.
photo of students in their cap and gown walking in the processional

Union Celebrates 287 Graduates During 137th Commencement Ceremony

By Maisie Nelson • May 13, 2026
Union Commonwealth University celebrated its 137th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, as 287 graduates crossed the stage inside Robsion Arena to receive their degrees and begin the next chapter of their lives.

Rural Up and UCU Celebrate First Cohort of Presidential Fellows Program at Capstone Showcase

By Brandy Crase • May 1, 2026
Union Commonwealth University and Rural Up recently celebrated a major milestone with the Presidential Fellows Showcase & Reception, recognizing the success of the first cohort of the UCU Presidential Fellows Program, powered by Rural Up. More than a student achievement event, the showcase highlighted what can happen wh

Union Awards More Than $2.1 Million to Knox County Students Through Tuition-Free Pathway

By Maisie Nelson • April 30, 2026
Union Commonwealth University continues to build momentum through its Knox County Pathway initiative, awarding more than $2,180,197 to local students as part of its commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable.

Union Reinforces Commitment to the Community Through March Initiatives

By Maisie Nelson • April 2, 2026
Union Commonwealth University strengthened its commitment to Barbourville and Knox County throughout the month of March, engaging students, families, and community partners through a series of initiatives centered on service, access, and meaningful connection.
photo of Karen Kelly with white background

UCU Announces Karen Kelly as 2026 Commencement Speaker

By Maisie Nelson • March 31, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is pleased to announce alumna Karen Kelly as the commencement speaker for its May 2026 graduation ceremony.
The cast of Group Therapy: The Musical standing in a line on stage during rehearsal.

UCU Theatre presents “Group Therapy: The Musical,” March 25–28

By David Saylor • March 25, 2026
Shared vulnerability and musical storytelling take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s spring production of “Group Therapy: The Musical,” a semi-immersive work that brings audiences into a space of honesty, connection, and care.

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.