Cheyenne Haddix, Administrative Assistant to Athletics. Haddix supports athletic administration and Union’s athletic teams. A Barbourville resident, she is actively engaged in the community and campus life.
[PHOTO: Cheyenne Haddix]
UCU Welcomes Local Talent and Alumni in New Roles
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. These additions will support student success, enhance alumni connections, and reinforce Union’s role as a vital part of the community.
The following individuals recently joined the Union team:
Reverend Thom Brown, Interim Campus Minister. Brown, who also serves as minister at First United Methodist Church in Barbourville, began supporting Union’s spiritual life this summer.
[PHOTO: Rev. Thom Brown]
Savanna Nunnelley Carroll ’20, Admissions Counselor. A Pineville native and former Union student ambassador, Carroll will serve Knox County schools and will be the local counselor assisting with the new tuition-free initiative.
[PHOTO: Savanna Carroll]
Kaylan Brown ’23, Admissions Counselor. A graduate of Lynn Camp High School, Brown brings her energy and passion for Union to the admissions team.
[PHOTO: Kaylan Brown]
Terra Keith Childers ’04, Admissions and Alumni Engagement Specialist. Childers, an alumna with experience in two Pulaski County school systems, will recruit students in south-central Kentucky and partner with the development team on alumni relations and fundraising.
[PHOTO: Terra Childers]
Kate Gibson, Administrative Assistant to the President. A Barbourville resident, Gibson will provide support to the Office of the President.
[PHOTO: Kate Gibson]
Additionally, longtime staff member Sherry Jenkins has transitioned from her role as Chief of Staff to focus on alumni engagement, trustee relations, and events while continuing to support the Office of the President.
Union also welcomes back two familiar faces two through its facilities management partnership with National Management Resources. Shain Sizemore has returned to oversee the departments operations, while Shannon Miller is once again managing Union’s grounds crew.
Rafael Forti '04, '06, '18, '20 returns as Chief Strategy and Financial Officer. Forti returns after serving as CFO of the successful regional business, Barrier Roofs. In his role, he reports directly to the President and will provide strategic and financial guidance to support Union’s long-term initiatives, including major campus improvement projects.
Union Commonwealth University President Dr. DJ Washington shared his enthusiasm for these new roles.
“At Union, we’re not only investing in the success of our students but also in the strength of our community. By welcoming local leaders and dedicated alumni into these positions, we are building a team that reflects the values and spirit of Union Commonwealth University. I’m excited to see the positive impact they will have on campus and across our region.”
These new hires reflect Union’s ongoing effort to support student success while strengthening its lifelong bond with the region and the alumni who continue to shape its future.
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.
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is pleased to announce alumna Karen Kelly as the commencement speaker for its May 2026 graduation ceremony.
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.
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.
After a successful debut last year, the Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival is returning bigger and better to Union Commonwealth University (UCU).
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.
On February 25, 2026, Union Commonwealth University hosted its State of Union Town Hall, bringing together faculty and staff in two dedicated sessions at Conway Boatman Chapel to discuss the university’s financial realities, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability.
Union Commonwealth University will host its first annual Registration Day exclusively for seniors from Barbourville Independent High School, Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and local homeschool students on March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving area students a jump start on their college journey.
UCU has announced the 2026 class of honorees for The Mackies, the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame and annual athletics awards ceremony. The event will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Robsion Arena.
Beginning this Sunday, Union will reintroduce voluntary chapel services for students, faculty, staff, and community members; providing opportunities for worship and spiritual exploration.
