Gina Liford Rotkvich '01, General Dentist at City Smiles Chicago. A University of Kentucky College of Dentistry graduate, Gina has served on the board of Kid’s First Dental and appeared twice on the cover of City Chicago Woman Magazine.
UCU Announces First Honorees in Inaugural “50 Under 50” Recognition Program
Maisie Nelson • April 29, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.
“These individuals embody the spirit of Union Commonwealth University — leadership, service, innovation, and commitment to their careers and communities,” said Maisie Nelson '11, Vice President of University Relations. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and the ways they are making a difference locally, nationally, and globally.”
The first ten honorees are:
Paschal Glavinos Jr. '13, Partner at McMickle, Kurey, and Branch LLP. An accomplished attorney in Georgia, Paschal represents major clients in real estate and food service industries and is an active member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association.
Bart Elam '03, '08, '10, Math Teacher and Football Coach, Corbin Schools. Bart is also the founder of the Mountain Athlete Development Academy, mentoring youth in southeastern Kentucky.
Kristie Miller Gorman '05, '06, '08, Assistant Superintendent, Perry County Schools. Kristie began her career as Kentucky’s youngest school principal and continues to shape education across the Commonwealth.
Will Bland '12, Resilience, Risk Reduction, and Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Kentucky Army National Guard. A Major in the Guard, Will developed Kentucky's first suicide prevention program for service members and continues to serve soldiers both stateside and abroad. Will is also the host of his Goal Tending podcast.
Dr. Kasey Jordan Hoskins '13, Lead Social Worker at Mountain View PACE. Kasey recently earned her Doctorate of Social Work from Simmons University and is working on a book focusing on diversity and inclusion for grandparents raising grandchildren.
Matt Pursel '05, Dean of Students, St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida. Matt supports students from across the globe and remains deeply active in his community through multiple leadership roles.
Corey Chesnut '18, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, Hometown Bank. Corey’s influence extends through his leadership in the banking industry and service on several statewide boards, including the Kentucky Real Estate Appraisers Board.
Nicole Swope Fariello '97, Co-Founder and Owner of Zeal 40 Creative Agency. A recognized leader in Cincinnati’s business community, Nicole has been named one of Ohio’s 500 Most Influential Business Executives.
Haley McCoy '07, Chief Business Development Officer at Thoroughbred Engineering and Union Commonwealth University Trustee. Haley has held influential roles across Kentucky’s economic development landscape, including founding involvement with SOAR, Inc.
The “50 Under 50” recognition program is part of Union’s ongoing effort to honor its outstanding alumni and inspire current and future students through their stories of perseverance, leadership, and impact.
A full list of this year's honorees will be released throughout the year. Profiles and highlights of each honoree can be found by clicking the button below.
Union will reduce its undergraduate tuition and comprehensive fee from $32,000 to $19,000 beginning in the 27-28 academic year, following approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.
Union has expanded Sarah Wahlstedt’s role in the President’s Office, naming her Director of External Relations and Presidential Initiatives. In addition to continuing her work securing grant funding, Wahlstedt will place greater emphasis on community engagement, serving as a key connection
Union has been awarded approximately $2.5 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program to advance student retention, degree completion and career readiness.
Scientific curiosity and dark comedy take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s production of Kate Douglas’ “The Apiary,” a play that explores scientific progress, human connection, and what people are willing to sacrifice to protect something they love.
Union announced Tuesday that eligible graduates of Clay County High School will have the opportunity to attend Union tuition-free beginning in fall 2027, expanding the university’s initiative to a third county in just over a year.
Union Commonwealth University will celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of one of its most distinguished alumni during Homecoming Weekend with a special screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.
Union Commonwealth University alumna Terra Childers ’04 is taking on an expanded role focused exclusively on alumni relations, helping the university strengthen relationships with graduates and create new ways for alumni to remain connected to their alma mater.
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.
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.
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.
