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 Commonwealth University celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.
Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await Union Commonwealth University (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after Union’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.
Union Commonwealth University is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).
According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, Union ranked near the top in several key categories.
A well-known name in Union Commonwealth University athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.
UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.
This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending Union Commonwealth University, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) celebrates several new hires and staff promotions in line with President DJ Washington's vision for growth and development. This strategic and human capital growth stretches across the entire campus touching athletics, academics, university operations, development, communications, and admissions.
Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. Union Commonwealth University has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.
Hoedown hits, a dixie dance-off, secret plans, mistaken identity, and family-friendly comedy are packed into Union Commonwealth University’s (UCU) spring production of “County Fair: A Country Hits Musical.” Written in 2021 by Matthew Webster and Taylor Ferrera and loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” the musical comedy follows sisters Claudia and DJ as they leave the big city to reckon with their rural inheritance: a beloved county fair.
Union Commonwealth University’s Spring Concert, themed "Mountain Harmony," will honor the rich traditions of Appalachia, the mountains, and folk music. This year’s performance holds special significance as it will be presented in celebration of Barbourville’s 225th anniversary.
