Union Commonwealth University launches “Reimagining Our Residences” campaign to enhance student living spaces

Maisie Nelson • March 12, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to launch Reimagining Our Residences, a $125,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to revitalizing student housing and elevating the residential experience for future Bulldogs. This initiative will fund essential upgrades to Lakeside, Pfeiffer, Stevenson, and Stewart Apartments, creating modern, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces that foster academic success and community.


For generations, these residence halls have been more than just a place to sleep — they have been the heart of campus life. They are where students have built lifelong friendships, pursued their academic dreams, and created cherished memories. Now, UCU is calling on alumni and friends to help refresh common areas, enhance lighting, upgrade furniture, and make other essential improvements that will transform these spaces for the next generation.


“We recognize that a student’s experience extends beyond the classroom,” said Dr. DJ Washington, President of UCU. “Residence halls play a crucial role in shaping that experience. Through this campaign, we have the opportunity to invest in future generations of Bulldogs by creating spaces that foster connection, learning, and personal growth.”

This effort builds on recent enhancements to residential facilities, including the installation of 60 high-efficiency washers and dryers across all housing units earlier this month. With improved laundry facilities already in place, the next step is to refresh traditional living spaces and ensure that every student feels at home at UCU.


How to Give

• General Donation: Support the overall dorm refresh by leaving the “Special Instructions” box blank. Your gift will be directed to the areas of greatest need.

• Specific Dorm or Item Donation: If you’d like to fund a specific dorm or item, please include your preference in the “Special Instructions” box.


“For many alumni, like myself, their residence hall isn’t just a building — it’s where lifelong friendships were formed, late-night study sessions were held, and, for some, where they met their future spouse,” said Maisie Nelson ’11, Interim Vice President of Development & Communications. “That’s why we’re inviting alumni to be part of this transformation, whether by supporting the overall campaign or designating a gift to the hall that meant the most to them.”


With various giving levels available, alumni and friends can directly impact students' daily lives and help shape the future of UCU housing.

Your Dorm, Their Future: Invest in the Next Generation

Learn More & Donate
Knox Central  seniors pose after free tuition announcement
By Maisie Nelson February 25, 2026
Union Commonwealth University will host its first annual Registration Day exclusively for seniors from Barbourville Independent High School, Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and local homeschool students on March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving area students a jump start on their college journey.
photo from the stage looking out at decorated tables
By Maisie Nelson February 16, 2026
UCU 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.
Conway Boatman Chapel.
By David Saylor February 13, 2026
Beginning this Sunday, Union will reintroduce voluntary chapel services for students, faculty, staff, and community members; providing opportunities for worship and spiritual exploration.
external photo of Conway Boatman Chapel
By Maisie Nelson December 18, 2025
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.
photo showing crowd of students in the stands
By Maisie Nelson December 16, 2025
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.
December 9, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the following appointments to its board during its annual meeting on October 24, 2025.
By Maisie Nelson November 25, 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.
By Maisie Nelson November 5, 2025
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.
Robin Hamilton.
By David Saylor October 17, 2025
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.
Superintendent Messer, Superintendent Ledford, Wanda Clouse, and Dr. Lori Henderson with students.
By David Saylor October 8, 2025
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