Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.


Chapel Tower Restoration

Renovation work has begun on the beloved chapel tower, a central architectural feature of campus. Time and weather have taken their toll over the years, and the tower will be completely restored over the next 3–4 weeks. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June.


Campus Entrance Beautification – Phase One

Starting this weekend, Union will launch Phase 1 of a beautification effort at the front of campus. The five-acre project begins with spraying for weeds, followed by fertilization, and later, reseeding bare areas with cool-season grass in the fall to avoid summer heat stress. Signage will be placed throughout the area as work progresses.


Lakeside Hall Bathroom Renovation

Renovation is also underway at Lakeside Hall, where all five bathrooms will receive a full upgrade this summer. Improvements include new flooring, partitions, fixtures, and paint. Demolition began this week, with project completion expected in July.


Summer Guests on Campus

Union is also proud to welcome several community organizations and youth groups for camps and service programs this summer. Scheduled guests include:

  • June 8–12 | Rogers Explorers
  • June 13–July 19 | Constructors for Christ
  • June 26–28 | Broadway Baptist Church
  • July 2–12 | Spartanburg Vacation Bible School


“Hosting these groups reflects our mission of service and hospitality,” said Tori Doyle, Director of Housing. “It’s a joy to see our campus alive with young leaders and volunteers each summer.”


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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.