Building upon 145 years of service to students and community, Union College is pleased to announce its transition to Union Commonwealth University.

“This new name identifies Union as a Level IV graduate degree granting institution, thus appealing to a wider range of students,” said Mike Goss, a 1980 alum and Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are embracing the future but will remain steadfast in meeting the needs of students in the region and our community.”

The board approved university status and name change last October, and in December chose the new name, recently approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). As part of the naming process, input was sought from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community.

“Of all the names suggested, Union Commonwealth University stood out as accurately defining our mission, for the common good of students and community,” said Union President Dr. Marcia Hawkins. She noted that the new name identifies Union as a “regional institution with a global reach.”

Over the past decade, Union has dramatically expanded graduate and online programming and enrollment. In addition, a new program for graduate international students, launched in 2021, has seen remarkable growth.

While Union’s offerings have grown since its founding in 1879, its essential identity remains the same. Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union promotes the intellectual, spiritual, and physical enrichment of its students and the economic growth and health of the Appalachian community. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Kentucky placed Union’s economic impact to the region at $43 million.

The rebrand to Union Commonwealth University is currently underway, as the new name is now in effect. A timeline for larger changes, including a celebration of the new name, will be announced in the coming months. For updates on the transition, visit www.unionky.edu/unioncommonwealth.