Union admissions team celebrates growth as 2024 draws to a close

Maisie Nelson • December 19, 2024
Undergraduate admissions team gathered in front of Speed Hall.

First Row (left to right): Debbie Ross, James Becknell, Kinsey Forgey

Second Row: Randy Greer, Tim Saunders, Macy Yother

As 2024 comes to an end, Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has plenty of reasons to celebrate—and one of the biggest is the incredible progress of its admissions team. The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) recently released its admissions report, and the numbers for UCU show promise for a strong future.


Applications to Union have surged by 37% and student acceptances by 64% compared to the same point in last year’s recruiting cycle. Looking back even further, the growth is even more impressive: compared to Fall 2020, applications have increased by 104%, and acceptances are up by 132%.


This success comes on the heels of welcoming Union’s largest freshman class in years earlier this fall. It’s a testament to the dedication, energy, and innovative strategies of the admissions team. Their efforts have not only contributed to these numbers but have also laid the foundation for continued growth and success.


“Reaching students and sharing Union’s story is about more than just numbers—it’s about finding individuals who will thrive here and become part of the Bulldog family,” said James Becknell ‘16, Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment. “There’s a lot of momentum at Union right now, and under Dr. Washington’s leadership, exciting things are happening. It’s an amazing time to be a Bulldog, and we’re excited to see the results of our efforts.”


UCU’s Interim President, Dr. DJ Washington, also praised the team’s hard work and impact. “The transformation we’ve seen in our in both our graduate & undergraduate admissions process over the past year is phenomenal. This team is not only bringing more students to Union but also helping to ensure the long-term success of our university.”


The focus on relationship-building, personalized outreach, and showcasing what makes Union Commonwealth University special has been key to this success. From on-campus visits to traveling across the region to connect with prospective students and their families, the admissions team’s efforts reflect Union’s commitment to service, community, and opportunity.


As Union heads into 2025, the admissions team shows no signs of slowing down. They’re building on this momentum with a renewed focus on engaging future Bulldogs and further solidifying Union Commonwealth University’s place as a premier institution in the region.

If you’re interested in continuing your education at Union Commonwealth University, we’d love to hear from you! Schedule your campus visit, complete your free application, or request more information by emailing the admissions team at admissions@unionky.edu.


We also invite our alumni and the broader community to help amplify Union’s story and assist in recruiting efforts by sharing your own experiences and encouraging prospective students to explore all that Union has to offer.


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