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 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.
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
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.
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
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.
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.
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.
