UCU Board of Trustees approves membership changes

December 9, 2025


Union Commonwealth University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the following appointments to its board during its annual meeting on October 24, 2025. 


Officers re-elected for one year: Mike Goss, Chair; Tom Clark, Vice-Chair; Terry Smallwood '72, Treasurer; Jessica Bergman '98, Secretary. 


Re-elected to second consecutive four-year terms: Dr. Marcetta Darensbourg '63, Dr. Billy Hensley, '98 Rev. Barry Ball, Chris Stunson '08, Ruth Wooten-Kee '96. 


Elected as new trustees to four-year terms: Samuel Davies, Marcia Dixon '90, Terri Mann, Reagan Nantz '25, Adam Patin '00, Tim Porter '94, Dr. Ingrid Washington '96. 


 “Our board is an increasingly strong representation of the talent needed to help our president Dr. DJ Washington achieve ambitious goals for Union,” Goss said. “Overall, the board is a cross-section of alumni and community leaders who share a passion for improving the lives of our students.” 


Departing the board after fulfilling a second-consecutive four-year terms: Don Lane '65, Edna Mann '53, Sheila Halter '69.



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