UCU welcomes Devine Carama for motivational talk on leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence

Maisie Nelson • November 12, 2024

Union Commonwealth University (UCU) recently hosted motivational speaker and community activist Devine Carama, who inspired students with a message on resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. The event, held as part of the Union Commonwealth Experience (UCE) course for first-year students, also included all student-athletes, and Carama’s powerful call to lead with purpose echoed throughout Robsion Arena.

Carama, known for a viral TikTok showcasing his mentoring on emotional intelligence, recently appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show (pictured left) to discuss his journey of transformation. He now leads ONE Lexington, a nonprofit working to reduce youth gun violence in Lexington.


Speaking to the audience of Bulldogs, Carama shared his “Four B’s” philosophy for authentic leadership:

  • Be Yourself
  • Believe in Something
  • Be Brave
  • Be Balanced

"A lot of times in life, we start something on Monday, it gets harder on Tuesday, and we give up on Wednesday," Carama urged the students. "But what if your blessing was coming on Thursday? Don’t give up too soon."


Reflecting on the event, UCE organizer Ryan Sergent-Payne commented, “Devine offered UCU students an empowering message by weaving together personal stories of struggle, heartbreak, and making a difference — even when you see yourself as someone without the power to really create change. He engaged students by meeting them where they are through comedy and encouragement.”


Interim President Dr. DJ Washington, who attended the event and shares a special connection with Carama from their days as junior college classmates, expressed pride in bringing Carama’s inspiring words and practical advice to campus. 


Carama echoed this sentiment, saying, “The opportunity to come and speak to the freshmen and student-athletes at Union was an incredible full-circle experience for me. Two decades ago, President Washington and I were trying to bring some positive light to our classmates in college. Reconnecting years later, with the same mission and goal, was definitely special.”

Eli Sizemore and Cameron Winebarger standing with their poster on traveling to Montana.
By David Saylor May 19, 2026
This April, Union Commonwealth University’s Circles of Purpose grant program came to a close, completing a two‑year journey of vocational exploration made possible through funding from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges.
photo of students in their cap and gown walking in the processional
By Maisie Nelson May 13, 2026
Union Commonwealth University celebrated its 137th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, as 287 graduates crossed the stage inside Robsion Arena to receive their degrees and begin the next chapter of their lives.
By Brandy Crase May 1, 2026
Union Commonwealth University and Rural Up recently celebrated a major milestone with the Presidential Fellows Showcase & Reception, recognizing the success of the first cohort of the UCU Presidential Fellows Program, powered by Rural Up. More than a student achievement event, the showcase highlighted what can happen wh
By Maisie Nelson April 30, 2026
Union Commonwealth University continues to build momentum through its Knox County Pathway initiative, awarding more than $2,180,197 to local students as part of its commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable.
By Maisie Nelson April 2, 2026
Union Commonwealth University strengthened its commitment to Barbourville and Knox County throughout the month of March, engaging students, families, and community partners through a series of initiatives centered on service, access, and meaningful connection.
photo of Karen Kelly with white background
By 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.
The cast of Group Therapy: The Musical standing in a line on stage during rehearsal.
By David Saylor March 25, 2026
Shared vulnerability and musical storytelling take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s spring production of “Group Therapy: The Musical,” a semi-immersive work that brings audiences into a space of honesty, connection, and care.
By Maisie Nelson March 19, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the inaugural cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.
Dr. Yukiko Fujimura on stage in Conway Boatman Chapel with her UCU piano class.
By David Saylor March 12, 2026
After a successful debut last year, the Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival is returning bigger and better to Union Commonwealth University (UCU).
By Dr. Joseph Pearson March 7, 2026
Scholars, writers, and teachers from across the region gathered in the mountains of Southeast Kentucky this week as Union Commonwealth University (UCU) hosted the 54th Annual Kentucky Philological Association Conference.