Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has welcomed the second cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, the leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.

In partnership with Rural Up, an Eastern Kentucky-based nonprofit focused on expanding career pathways in rural communities, the program connects students with paid internship opportunities and alumni mentors while providing structured leadership development throughout the semester. This work is made possible through funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s POWER Grant and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s KY GRANT program.

The Presidential Fellows Program reflects Union’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers while strengthening connections between the university, its alumni, and regional partners.

Each Fellow is matched with an internship aligned with their academic interests and career goals, while also participating in leadership seminars and mentorship opportunities. A hallmark of the program is its alumni mentorship component, which provides Fellows with guidance and professional insight as they prepare to enter the workforce.

UCU President Dr. DJ Washington stated, “These students chose to step forward, take initiative and challenge themselves to grow as leaders. I am incredibly proud of the work they have done and the way they have represented Union in our community. When we invest in our students, connect them with mentors and give them opportunities to lead, the impact reaches far beyond our campus. These Fellows are not only preparing for meaningful careers, they are helping shape the future of this region and the communities we are privileged to serve.”

The impact of the program has also extended to the businesses and organizations that host Presidential Fellows. President Washington shared, employers who participated in the inaugural cohort shared the following reflections on their experiences:

"It was great to know that we could rely on them to show up and be productive during the internship."

"Our intern actually embraced and enjoyed the unattractive parts of working in Veterinary Services, they were very dependable."

"My presidential fellow helped completely launch our social media strategy, and before they arrived it was non-existent."

"We offered our intern the chance to come back and work during the summer as an extended opportunity and part-time job."

"Our clients here at the clinic really enjoyed doing physical therapy and having the motivation of a college student behind them."

"It helped me as a small business leader hone my skills and reflect on our success as I trained our fellow on how to operate our business."

UCU extends its sincere appreciation to the following businesses and organizations for partnering with the university to provide internship experiences for our 25 Fellows:

• ARH
• Access Health
• Barbourville Tourism
• Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys and Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University
• Carolyn Payne, CPA
• Corbin Independent Schools
• Elevation
• Highland Heritage Realty
• Huffman and Huffman
• Knox County News
• Leadership Tri-County
• London DPA
• SEKRI
• Union Commonwealth University

These partnerships play a critical role in providing students with real-world experience while strengthening the workforce and communities of the region.