UCU to Celebrate Inauguration of Dr. DJ Washington with Weeklong Events

Maisie Nelson • September 9, 2025

Union Commonwealth University will host a week of celebrations leading up to the formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of the institution. The inauguration, set for Friday, September 19, will honor Union’s proud heritage while spotlighting a bold vision for its future.


The week’s theme events reflect Union’s mission of faith, service, leadership, and community—all culminating in the historic inauguration ceremony. Community members, alumni, faculty, staff, and students are invited to join in a series of events across campus and throughout Barbourville.


Inauguration Week Schedule of Events (* Denotes events open to the community)


Sunday (9/14) – Faith & Connection

  • Service of Blessing for Inauguration* – 11am, First United Methodist Church


Monday (9/15) – Service & Engagement

  • Community Bridges: Faith & Service Fair* — 11am, Campus Student Center
  • Youth Champions Day* — 4:30pm, Campus Student Center & Athletic Fields


Tuesday (9/16) – Student Leadership & Athletics

  • Coaches Huddle — 10am, Lakeside Athletics
  • Student Leaders Luncheon — 12pm, Campus Student Center, 2nd Floor


Wednesday (9/17) – Vision & Community

  • Presidential Visits to Local High Schools – special assemblies & surprise announcement
  • 8am, Barbourville High School
  • 9am, Lynn Camp High School
  • 10am, Knox Central High School
  • Building Bridges: Partnerships & Pathways Panel* — 12pm, Conway Boatman Chapel
  • Panelists include Barbourville Independent Schools Superintendent Dennis Messer, Knox Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ledford, Barbourville ARH Hospital CEO Beau Masterson, and Barbourville Tourism Director Marcia Dixon
  • Pretzels with the Prez — 7pm, The Kennel


Thursday (9/18) – Legacy & Looking Forward

  • 150th Anniversary Preview & Inaugural Faculty Lecture* — 2pm, Weeks-Townsend Library
  • Staff, Faculty & Coaches Reception — 3pm, Weeks-Townsend Library


Friday (9/19) – Inauguration Day Celebration

  • Inauguration Ceremony* — 2pm, Centennial Hall Lawn
    The formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of Union Commonwealth University, featuring an inaugural address that reflects on Union’s history and its path forward.
  • Reception* — 4pm, Sharp Lawn
    Live music and refreshments provide an opportunity to congratulate President Washington and connect with colleagues, alumni, and friends.
  • Inaugural & Community Ball* — 8pm, Conway Boatman Lawn Tent (Ticketed Event). Purchase your tickets here.
    An elegant evening of celebration under the stars with music, dancing, and fellowship.



All Week Displays* – Weeks-Townsend Memorial Library & Sharp Academic Center

  • Breaking Barriers: Union Presidential History Display
  • Notable Tributes from Other University Presidents
  • 150th Anniversary of Union Commonwealth University
  • Transforming Our Tomorrow: The Campus Master Plan
  • Pathway to Presidency: Sharp Atrium Display


Follow Union Commonwealth University’s inauguration week events on social media at https://www.facebook.com/UnionCommonwealth. You can also watch Friday’s Inauguration Ceremony live at www.unionky.edu/live.


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