Union College President Dr. Marcia Hawkins announces retirement

Maisie Nelson • June 29, 2023

After more than a decade of leadership, Union College President Marcia Hawkins has announced her intention to retire at the conclusion of the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. In the announcement made Wednesday to faculty and staff, Dr. Hawkins expressed gratitude to her colleagues for their partnership in prioritizing student success.


“Union is a community of dedicated faculty and staff who love our mission and our students, and it is a privilege to serve beside them. No matter what challenges we face, we rejoice in the intellectual and emotional growth we nurture in our students over the time they spend here. I think about that every Commencement season when I remember what our graduates were like when they first came to campus. I think about it when we welcome incoming students at orientation and wonder what impact their Union experience will make on their future success.”


As the first female president of Union College and one of the longest-serving current college presidents in Kentucky, Dr. Hawkins assumed the role of the 19th president of Union College on July 1, 2012. Under her leadership, Dr. Hawkins led the college through a series of strategic initiatives including expansion of academic programming, particularly in graduate and online studies.


Dr. Hawkins introduced programs like UGRAD and UCE to attract students and increase their success rates. Additionally, her tenure saw the establishment of the Ramsey Center for Health and Natural Sciences, equipped with modern classrooms and laboratories, and the launch of the Edna Jenkins Mann School of Nursing.


The acquisition of the Stivers Aquatic Center, orchestrated by Dr. Hawkins, led to the grand opening of the Union College Center for Health and Learning. This facility also houses the Union College Boys & Girls Club, a program launched by Dr. Hawkins, providing after-school and summer programming for children in Knox County.


Dr. Hawkins has also significantly contributed to higher education beyond the campus throughout her tenure at Union. She has served as Vice-Chair of SACSCOC and on the executive committee and Board of SACSCOC. Additionally, she held the presidency of the North American Association of Methodist Schools Colleges and Universities and the Appalachian Colleges Association.


Dr. Hawkins will continue in her role through June 30, 2024. The Union College Board will establish a timeline and process for appointment of Union’s 20th president.

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.
Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.

Lynn Smith & Amanda Hensely — Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Rachel Dorroh • June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

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

By 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.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
More Posts