The Power of Collective Action: Lisa Abbott Guides Union Students on Quest for Change

Frank Osborne • April 24, 2024
Lisa Abbott

This week, Union students, faculty, and staff were honored to have a Leadership Conference with Lisa Abbott, a community organizer in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, who acts as a beacon of hope for racial, environmental and economic justice. Her efforts throughout her journey show that even the smallest acts of compassion can make a significant difference in the fight against injustice. With over three decades of leadership experience with the grassroots community organization Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, Abbott is currently a Senior Fellow at the JPB Foundation where she aims to strengthen multi-racial democracy in the United States.


Guided by three central ideas, Abbott’s first key point was that “what you do matters.” Drawing inspiration from the motto of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, she highlighted how the power of all individual actions effect meaningful change. Challenging the notion that systemic injustices are too vast to overcome, she urged that we should all adopt an “as if” mindset - to act as if all of our actions truly matter. By collectively embracing this perspective, we can act more effectively as a united force for justice.

“We are here on earth to see each other through the journey,” Abbott said. She emphasized the importance of building meaningful two-sided relationships and that by practicing solidarity within the pursuit for justice, we can provide mutual support and guidance for each other.


Abbott stressed the necessity of collective action, explaining that through collective power, we can more effectively build coalitions to effect systemic change. By understanding how power operates and leveraging it strategically, she believes that communities can drive meaningful progress.


As she continues her work as a community organizer, Abbott serves as a reminder that every act of compassion and every moment of solidarity contributes to a larger movement of justice. Through her unwavering commitment and steadfast belief in the power of collective action, she inspires others to join the fight for a more compassionate world. Lisa’s visit is the fourth in ULead’s monthly student leadership training series, featuring speakers from Kentucky and surrounding areas.


A joint project of the Spiritual Life & Justice Initiatives program, Athletics, and Student Development, ULead 360 focuses on developing emerging leaders in the areas of student development, introspective spirituality, vocational exploration, social justice, and global citizenship. Each speaker shares practical leadership advice and aims to inspire Union’s next generation of leaders. Everyone on campus is welcome, and student leaders are especially encouraged to attend.


For more information about ULead 360 or the Spiritual Life & Justice Initiatives program, contact College Minister & Executive Director of Spiritual Life & Social Justice Initiatives, the Rev. David Miller at (606)546-1291 or dkmiller@unionky.edu. 

Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.

Lynn Smith & Amanda Hensely — Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Rachel Dorroh • June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By 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.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick to retire after 31 years at Union

By David Saylor • May 21, 2025
As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.
photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex

UCU Coaches Rally for Summer Service and Giving

By Maisie Nelson • May 19, 2025
Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.

UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

By Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.
More Posts