Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the launch of its inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative created in partnership with Rural Up, an Eastern Kentucky-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding career pathways and professional development opportunities for students across rural communities. This work is made possible through funding Rural Up receives from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s POWER Grant and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s KY GRANT program.

Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort, with internship placements set to begin at the start of the upcoming semester. Students nominated by faculty or staff are currently completing the application process and will advance to on-campus interviews scheduled for December 4.

Designed to empower emerging student leaders, the UCU Presidential Fellows Program provides a comprehensive blend of career preparation, mentorship, and community engagement. Each Fellow will be matched with a paid internship aligned with their interests and major and will participate in bi-monthly seminars focused on leadership, communication, networking, and career readiness.

A defining feature of the program is its mentorship model. Every selected Fellow will be paired with an alumni mentor from UCU’s inaugural “50 Under 50” class, creating meaningful connections between current students and some of Union’s most accomplished young professionals. The UCU Alumni Office will begin outreach to prospective mentors in the coming weeks.

The program is powered by Rural Up under the leadership of Executive Director Tina Smith, wife of UCU alumnus Kevin Smith ’06, an attorney in London, KY, and co-founder and board chair of Rural Up. Together, the Smiths are advocates for Appalachia and passionate about providing opportunities for people to elevate themselves, their families, and ultimately their communities.

“Rural Up is committed to bringing career-connected opportunities to the students in the region through leadership development and paid work experiences,” says Kevin. “Union shaped my life in meaningful ways, so as an alumnus, we’re proud to partner with Union Commonwealth University to help students gain real-world experiences right here in Knox County and benefit from the kinds of opportunities Union provided me.”

UCU President Dr. DJ Washington expressed enthusiasm for the program’s launch and its long-term potential to shape the next generation of leaders.

“This program is about preparing students not just for jobs, but for lives of impact,” said Dr. Washington. “Through Rural Up’s partnership and the support of dedicated alumni mentors, we are creating a pathway for Union students to gain skills, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to our campus and community.”

The inaugural class of UCU Presidential Fellows will be announced later this year, followed by additional updates as the program’s first semester unfolds.