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’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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Union has received $780,000 from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program to renovate a campus building into its first Live & Learn Dormitory.
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the final group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program.
Union Commonwealth University is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. As part of a reimagined academic structure, the University has introduced a new academic leadership team model, expanding from two colleges to four and aligning leadership roles to support innovation, accountability, an
Union Commonwealth University has announced a major restructuring of its academic leadership and college organization, ushering in a new era of innovation, agility, and student-focused growth under the direction of Dr. Joshua Wilkey, the university’s newly appointed Provost.
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the next group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program. Now in its fourth month, the initiative continues to spotlight Union graduates under the age of 50 who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, their communities, and socie
