UCU Honors Knox Central Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

Maisie Nelson • May 7, 2025

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.


The initiative came in response to Knox Central High School reaching out to Union’s admissions team to see if they would be interested in participating in the school’s Teacher Appreciation Week efforts. Union gladly accepted the opportunity to support local educators and strengthen its community ties.

Macy Yother, an Admissions Counselor at Union who serves Knox Central, helped organize the event. She, along with President DJ Washington, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment James Becknell, and admissions counselors Kinsey Forgey and Mackenzie Snelling, were present to distribute vouchers and connect with staff.


(PHOTO: President DJ Washington and Admissions Counselor Macy Yother pictured with a handful of Union alumni who are now employed at Knox Central High School.)


“We’re so grateful for the teachers at Knox Central and all they do for their students every day,” Yother said. “When the school invited us to be part of their appreciation efforts, we jumped at the chance. We also asked teachers at Knox Central who are Union alumni to show their school spirit by wearing a Union shirt today—it was really special to see that support as we celebrated the educators in their building.”

Union Commonwealth University remains dedicated to building relationships with schools across the region and recognizing the educators who inspire and guide future generations.


For more information about enrollment at Union, visit www.unionky.edu/admit.

external photo of Conway Boatman Chapel
By Maisie Nelson December 18, 2025
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2025 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 269 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
photo showing crowd of students in the stands
By Maisie Nelson December 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University celebrated community partnership and academic achievement as the Bulldogs men’s basketball defeated Alice Lloyd College 90–80 on Tuesday inside Robsion Arena.
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.
By Maisie Nelson November 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the launch of its inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative created in partnership with Rural Up.
By Maisie Nelson November 5, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly celebrates the 90th birthday of one of its most cherished figures, Dr. Paul “Pete” Moore, whose name and legacy are forever woven into the history of Union.
Robin Hamilton.
By David Saylor October 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Student Support Services (SSS) program has been awarded a nearly $2 million TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education, securing funding for the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented students in post-secondary education.
Superintendent Messer, Superintendent Ledford, Wanda Clouse, and Dr. Lori Henderson with students.
By David Saylor October 8, 2025
Under the guidance of College Program Liaison and Coordinator Dr. Lori Henderson, the program that started out as a small group has nearly tripled in size with at least 90 students from Knox County
By Maisie Nelson October 3, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.
By Maisie Nelson September 24, 2025
Union Commonwealth University formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.
By Maisie Nelson September 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County—including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.