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 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.
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
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.
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.
Union Commonwealth University donates over 6,000 in equipment to Middlesboro City Pool
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.
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.
