Darin Wilson ’96 served as Union’s athletic director from 2003 to 2011 and led one of the most successful periods in the university’s athletics history. During his tenure, Union captured numerous conference championships, advanced teams to national tournament play, and completed significant athletic facility enhancements. Wilson received multiple conference, regional and national honors for his leadership in collegiate athletics.
Union Announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Honorees
Maisie Nelson • February 16, 2026
Union Commonwealth University 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.
The Mackies recognize former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, teams and community partners whose achievements and service have had a lasting impact on Union Commonwealth University Athletics.
Hall of Fame Inductees
Alice Foster Hursh ’02 distinguished herself as a standout competitor in women’s golf, earning multiple All-Conference honors and posting some of the strongest individual finishes in program history at the NAIA National Championships.
Camila Mendes ’05 is recognized as one of the most accomplished players in Union women’s soccer history. A multiple-time All-Conference selection, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and Appalachian Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Mendes remains among the program’s all-time leaders in career scoring and assists.
Josh Ehringer ’09 is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Union baseball history. A record-setting performer, Ehringer earned multiple conference and national honors while helping lead the Bulldogs to historic postseason success, including an appearance in the NAIA World Series.
Dr. Larry Inkster Distinguished Athletic Service Award
Dr. Richard Carter ’89 is being honored for decades of dedicated service to Union Commonwealth University Athletics. Through his work with Access Family Health, Dr. Carter has provided ongoing medical care and support to Union student-athletes, helping ensure their health, safety and success.
UCU Athletic Legacy Award
Debbie D’Anna is being recognized for more than 20 years of service to Union Commonwealth University in athletics and student leadership. A former women’s basketball coach and dean of students, D’Anna played a key role in developing lasting campus traditions and advocating for student-athlete success.
Team of Distinction
The 2008 football team, coached by Tommy Reid, produced a historic season that included the program’s first appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series. The team earned national rankings, set program records and produced multiple All-Americans, finishing the season ranked among the top teams in the NAIA.
Community Team of Excellence
The 2025 Bell County Football Team is being recognized for a standout season marked by championship success and postseason achievement. Led by head coach Dudley Hilton, the team earned district and regional titles, advanced deep into the state playoffs, and produced multiple individual award winners.
The Mackies Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony is one of Union Commonwealth University’s signature events, celebrating excellence, leadership and service within Bulldog Athletics.
Tickets for the ceremony will be available in the coming weeks at www.unionky.edu/mackies.
Beginning this Sunday, Union will reintroduce voluntary chapel services for students, faculty, staff, and community members; providing opportunities for worship and spiritual exploration.
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2025 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 269 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
Union Commonwealth University celebrated community partnership and academic achievement as the Bulldogs men’s basketball defeated Alice Lloyd College 90–80 on Tuesday inside Robsion Arena.
Union Commonwealth University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the following appointments to its board during its annual meeting on October 24, 2025.
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the launch of its inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative created in partnership with Rural Up.
Union Commonwealth University proudly celebrates the 90th birthday of one of its most cherished figures, Dr. Paul “Pete” Moore, whose name and legacy are forever woven into the history of Union.
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 is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.
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.
