Six Students Nominated for Awards in American College Theatre Festival

Maisie Nelson • November 17, 2020

Union College Theatre's world premiere production of Time Zones Apart by Eric Eidson & Lauren Lynch is being recognized for outstanding work by Region 4 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.


Six Union College students have been nominated for awards and can be found in the following categories:


  • Acting Performance: Jay Falls, Mariane Moschetta, Caleb Teague 
  • Assistant Directing: Haley Smith 
  • Allied Design and Technologies: Maria Arteaga 
  • Scenic Design: Giovani Batista 


Region 4 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) serves colleges and universities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands and Virginia.


“Union College Theatre students have been nominated alongside prominent academic theatre programs. This recognition puts Union College Theatre on the map for collegiate theatre education,” says Christie Connolly, Assistant Professor of Theatre.


The recognition comes after the program pioneered the identity of theatre during a global pandemic with their virtual October performances; one of which was attended by Kennedy Center respondents, John Bray; Professor at University of Georgia and Nadia Bodie; Professor at Jacksonville State.


“In the post-show feedback, they enthusiastically said this production was top-tier, the best in our region,” adds Connolly. “They've seen lots of online college theatre since August, and I believe our show was an example of how it can be successfully produced.”


The 2021 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV will be virtual and is slated for February 4-7.

two hands holding a golden ticket that says Tuition Free Pathway

Union Expands Tuition-Free Pathway to Bell County

By Maisie Nelson • September 18, 2026
Following the success of its Tuition-Free Pathway in Knox County, Union Commonwealth University is expanding the initiative to Bell County, creating a new tuition-free pathway to Union for eligible graduates of the three Bell County high schools.
group photo of 25 students who make up the newest cohort of Presidential Fellows

Union Announces Second Cohort of Presidential Fellows

By Ford Edwards • September 17, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has welcomed the second cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, the leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.

Union Extends Tuition-Free Pathway to Knox County Class of 2027

By Maisie Nelson • September 15, 2026
Building on the success of the Tuition-Free Pathway launched in Knox County last year, Union Commonwealth University is extending the initiative to the Class of 2027.
drone shot of football field during a game with crowd

Be Their Family: UCU Invites YOU to Family Day

September 11, 2026
On Family Day, students from around our region have parents and grandparents in the bleachers. However, our international students’ parents aren’t always able to make that trip. That's especially true of our men's and women's soccer rosters, where most players are from across the globe, and the games fall at the end of
4 students sitting on top of the campus spirit rock making a

Union Anticipates Largest Freshman Class in Institution History

By Maisie Nelson • August 6, 2026
Union Commonwealth University is preparing to welcome what is anticipated to be the largest freshman class in the institution's history as students return to campus for the Fall 2026 semester.
Photo of former First Lady Juanita Fhillips and President, Rev. Dr. Jack Phillips

Remembering Rev. Dr. Jack C. Phillips

By Maisie Nelson • July 27, 2026
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.
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