Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

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.


“These honorees are not only successful professionals, they are also agents of change,” said Maisie Nelson '11, Vice President of University Relations. “They represent the very best of Union — trailblazers who lead with purpose and give back to their communities.”


The ten honorees in the month of May are:

Grant Burdette ’15, Assistant Solicitor, Kentucky Office of Attorney General

A 2024 Attorney General’s Award recipient, Grant was recognized for his work on lifting the death penalty moratorium in Kentucky and winning a landmark murder case before the Kentucky Supreme Court. He also serves on the board for CASA of Southern Kentucky.

Luis Prior ’01, CEO and Founder, Meavia Toys

Luis is the founder of Meavia Toys, a company that designs toys to support the development of autistic children and those with developmental challenges. With 19 products across 300 stores in six countries, he was recently featured in The New York Times and has served on Union’s Alumni Council.

Carla Kersey ’22, Marketing Director, Kentucky Educational Development Corporation

Carla received an Honorable Mention from the National School PR Association for her video series "On the Road with Carla" and has been featured in The Advocate. She launched the Stuff the Bus and Rise Up initiatives to support disaster victims in Western and Eastern Kentucky.

Dr. Aaron Belcher ’04, Chiropractor and Owner, Belcher Chiropractic

A magna cum laude graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Aaron operates a thriving practice in Somerset, KY, and is certified in numerous treatment methods. He also owns Club Fit 24-Hour Fitness, serving a broad demographic of patients and clients.

Stephanie Pateman ’09, Virtual Financial Advisor, Canada Life

Stephanie advises clients across Western Canada and has been recognized as an Excellent Advisor and Elite Advisor by Freedom 55 Financial. She was also the 2019 Rising Star recipient at Union’s Hall of Fame.

Brooks Napier ’09, Supply Chain & Distribution Executive

With a career spanning e-commerce and distribution leadership, Brooks has directed multi-site operations for national organizations, emphasizing performance, scalable growth, and exceptional customer experience. Brooks previously served on the Board of Directors for the Winchester Clark County Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of the 2021 Leadership Winchester program.

Dr. Ruth Wooton-Kee ’96, Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Wooton-Kee specializes in research on Wilson’s disease, liver regeneration, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Her NIH-funded research has been published widely, and she serves on Union’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. Ingrid Washington ’96, ’03, Vice President for Student Affairs, Gateway Community and Technical College

With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Ingrid began her career at Union and earned her doctorate from Morehead State University. She serves on the board of the Brighton Center and is a former Union Alumni Council member.

Aaron McCollum ’13, Pega Developer, Agile Defense

After working in professional sports, Aaron transitioned into tech, now serving as a respected software developer in Washington, D.C. He holds a master's degree from Georgetown University and is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

Rachel Lewis-Rapier ’98, Entrepreneur and Property Manager

A former corporate advertising executive, Rachel now manages vacation rental properties and actively volunteers with the Charleston Animal Society. She received Union’s Rising Star Award in 2002 and has served on the alumni board.

The “50 Under 50” program continues to inspire the next generation of Bulldogs by showcasing alumni who demonstrate excellence, resilience, and service. Each month, 10 new honorees, will be revealed.


Profiles and highlights of each honoree can be found by clicking the button below.



50 Under 50
s

Union Commonwealth University Awarded $780,000 through AMLER Program

By Maisie Nelson • August 29, 2025
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.

UCU Announces Final Ten Honorees in “50 Under 50” Alumni Program

By Maisie Nelson • August 28, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the final group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program.
exterio

Union Outlines Bold Academic Vision Anchored in Quality, Accountability, and Efficiency

By Maisie Nelson • August 12, 2025
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
images of the front of Shar

UCU Announces New Academic Leadership Team and College Structure

By Maisie Nelson • August 8, 2025

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.

UCU Names Ten More Honorees in “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • July 29, 2025
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
aerial drone photo of campus overlooking football field with mountains in the background

New Athletic Sponsorship Program to Elevate Bulldog Athletics

By Maisie Nelson • July 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to announce the launch of a new corporate sponsorship initiative to support its storied athletic program and deepen partnerships with businesses across the region. The sponsorship program offers multi-tiered opportunities for companies to align their brand with Union Athletics.
Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.

New location for Union’s Boys & Girls Club expands opportunities

By Rachel Dorroh • June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.

UCU Announces Next Round of “50 Under 50” Honorees

By Maisie Nelson • June 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.

Bill & Merrill Davies — A Union of Service & Learning

By David Saylor • June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.

UCU Celebrates Barbourville High School Seniors with Over $88,000 in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 13, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.