UCU Announces Karen Kelly as 2026 Commencement Speaker

Maisie Nelson • March 31, 2026

Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is pleased to announce alumna Karen Kelly as the commencement speaker for its May 2026 graduation ceremony.

Kelly, a 2003 graduate of Union with a Bachelor of Business Administration, currently serves as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. In her role, she oversees legislative and Kentucky operations, including priorities on the House Appropriations Committee and international relations in Washington.

With more than 25 years of experience in public service, policy, and leadership, Kelly has played a key role in advancing initiatives across eastern and southern Kentucky. Prior to her current position, she served for nearly a decade as Congressman Rogers’ District Director, where she facilitated federal projects, coordinated disaster response efforts, and strengthened partnerships across local, state, and federal levels.

Kelly has also been instrumental in addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges. She co-founded the National Rx and Illicit Drug Abuse Summit, now the nation’s largest collaboration focused on combating the opioid crisis, and previously served as President and CEO of Operation UNITE. In addition, she led Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, where she worked to improve water and wastewater infrastructure across a 42-county region while mobilizing thousands of volunteers.

In 2023, Kelly was recognized as one of Kentucky’s Notable Women in Politics and Government by the Kentucky Gazette and has received numerous leadership awards throughout her career.

A dedicated supporter of her alma mater, Kelly previously served as a member of the Union Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2020 and has been actively involved in alumni engagement.

“We are honored to welcome Karen back to campus as our commencement speaker,” said Dr. DJ Washington, President of Union Commonwealth University. “Having a high-caliber alumna like Karen return to share her experiences with our graduates speaks volumes about the impact of a Union education. Her leadership, service, and commitment to Appalachia make her an outstanding example for our students as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”

Kelly and her husband, John, have three children and remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that uplift youth and families across Appalachian Kentucky.

Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. inside Robsion Arena. The ceremony is open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Union looks forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 and welcoming family, friends, and community members to campus for this special occasion. For more information about our May Commencement ceremony, click here.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Union Commonwealth University to Cut Tuition and Fees by Nearly 41%

By Maisie Nelson • November 10, 2026

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.

photo of Wahlstedt wearing orange shirt with black blazer in front of black backdrop

Union Elevates Wahlstedt to Expanded Role in the President's Office

By Maisie Nelson • November 6, 2026

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

UCU Awarded $2.5 Million Grant to Strengthen Student Success and Career Readiness

By Maisie Nelson • November 4, 2026

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.

Promotional poster for UCU Theatre's production of The Apiary by Kate Douglas.

UCU Theatre Presents “The Apiary” October 21–24

By David Saylor • October 19, 2026

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.

seniors at Clay County High school sitting in auditorium chairs with their golden ticket

Union Brings Tuition-Free Pathway to Clay County High School

By Maisie Nelson • October 13, 2026

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 to Host Homecoming Screening of Documentary on Nobel Laureate Phil Sharp

By Maisie Nelson • October 5, 2026

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.

Childers Takes on Expanded Alumni Relations Role

By Maisie Nelson • October 1, 2026

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.