UCU’s economic impact totals $34.4 million

Maisie Nelson • February 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University’s economic impact on the local and state economy totals $34.4 million, according to a new report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). The report highlights the significant financial contribution of Kentucky’s 18 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities for Fiscal Year 2021-22.


The breakdown of Union’s direct spending includes:

  • $9 million in spending by employees
  • $10.3 million in spending by students
  • $303,782 in spending by visitors
  • $8.8 million in university purchases
  • $1.1 million in university investments


The university’s economic footprint has also helped create 240 jobs within the region.


“We are proud of the positive role Union plays in the economic growth of our region and the Commonwealth,” said DJ Washington, President of Union Commonwealth University. “This report highlights the value of our university’s contributions and reinforces the importance of investing in higher education, which benefits not only our students but also the region as a whole.”


Union Commonwealth University is part of a larger group of institutions that contribute $2.06 billion to Kentucky’s economy. Collectively, AIKCU’s 18 member institutions serve more than 59,000 students and award one in five of Kentucky’s bachelor’s degrees.


“While these institutions are widely recognized for contributing to the well-being of their communities, these numbers reinforce our long-held belief that the investment in state aid for students attending independent colleges and universities represent one of the best rates of return on investment for the commonwealth,” said Mason Dyer, AIKCU President.


For more information, view the full report here.

Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.
By Maisie Nelson June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.
By Rachel Dorroh May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.
By Maisie Nelson May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.
By David Saylor May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.
By David Saylor May 21, 2025
As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.
photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex
By Maisie Nelson May 19, 2025
Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.
By 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.
More Posts