Union Elevates Wahlstedt to Expanded Role in the President's Office

Maisie Nelson • November 6, 2026

Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has expanded Sarah Wahlstedt’s role in the President’s Office, naming her Director of External Relations and Presidential Initiatives. In addition to continuing her work securing grant funding, Wahlstedt will place greater emphasis on community engagement, serving as a key connection between the university and the organizations, agencies and partners that share an interest in the region’s future.

“Sarah’s expanded role here in the President's Office strengthens Union's efforts to build community partnerships, deepen foundation and government relations while advancing institutional priorities. Her success in securing critical grant funding is already expanding student support, career pathways and innovative campus initiatives. I’m excited to see Sarah grow these relationships and turn Union’s strategic priorities into transformational experiences for our students and communities,” said Dr. DJ Washington, president of Union Commonwealth University.

Wahlstedt’s community engagement work is already helping bring the university and its surrounding communities closer together. She engages local organizations on campus through Community Fairs, student meals, and speaker engagements. She also takes Bulldogs into the community, creating opportunities for community members to engage with UCU.

Wahlstedt was also the grant writer behind the $2.5 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support a new Career & Student Success Center, expanded student support services and additional opportunities for students to gain career experience before graduation.

The initiative is especially meaningful for students from UCU’s local tuition-free pathway programs, helping them access the support and career preparation they need to pursue their goals after graduation.

A Knox County native, Wahlstedt sees a strong connection between the university’s success and the future of the surrounding community.

“As a Knox Countian, I understand how important Union is to my community and how much my community pours back into the university. Seeing 85 new local students, on full tuition scholarship, on campus this fall was such a joy! It was also a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we work together and how much we can benefit our region,” Wahlstedt said.

Wahlstedt also helped secure $780,000 in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) f unding to support UCU’s first Living and Learning Residence Community, an innovative residential initiative designed to enhance student engagement and the college experience.

Through her expanded role, Wahlstedt will continue building on this work, bringing together university priorities and external partnerships to create opportunities for students while contributing to the long-term vitality of the region.

< Older Post

UCU Awarded $2.5 Million Grant to Strengthen Student Success and Career Readiness

By Maisie Nelson • November 4, 2026

Union has been awarded approximately $2.5 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program to advance student retention, degree completion and career readiness.

Promotional poster for UCU Theatre's production of The Apiary by Kate Douglas.

UCU Theatre Presents “The Apiary” October 21–24

By David Saylor • October 19, 2026

Scientific curiosity and dark comedy take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s production of Kate Douglas’ “The Apiary,” a play that explores scientific progress, human connection, and what people are willing to sacrifice to protect something they love.

seniors at Clay County High school sitting in auditorium chairs with their golden ticket

Union Brings Tuition-Free Pathway to Clay County High School

By Maisie Nelson • October 13, 2026

Union announced Tuesday that eligible graduates of Clay County High School will have the opportunity to attend Union tuition-free beginning in fall 2027, expanding the university’s initiative to a third county in just over a year.

Union to Host Homecoming Screening of Documentary on Nobel Laureate Phil Sharp

By Maisie Nelson • October 5, 2026

Union Commonwealth University will celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of one of its most distinguished alumni during Homecoming Weekend with a special screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.

Childers Takes on Expanded Alumni Relations Role

By Maisie Nelson • October 1, 2026

Union Commonwealth University alumna Terra Childers ’04 is taking on an expanded role focused exclusively on alumni relations, helping the university strengthen relationships with graduates and create new ways for alumni to remain connected to their alma mater.

two hands holding a golden ticket that says Tuition Free Pathway

Union Expands Tuition-Free Pathway to Bell County

By Maisie Nelson • September 18, 2026

Following the success of its Tuition-Free Pathway in Knox County, Union Commonwealth University is expanding the initiative to Bell County, creating a new tuition-free pathway to Union for eligible graduates of the three Bell County high schools.

group photo of 25 students who make up the newest cohort of Presidential Fellows

Union Announces Second Cohort of Presidential Fellows

By Ford Edwards • September 17, 2026

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.

Union Extends Tuition-Free Pathway to Knox County Class of 2027

By Maisie Nelson • September 15, 2026

Building on the success of the Tuition-Free Pathway launched in Knox County last year, Union Commonwealth University is extending the initiative to the Class of 2027.

drone shot of football field during a game with crowd

Be Their Family: UCU Invites YOU to Family Day

September 11, 2026

On Family Day, students from around our region have parents and grandparents in the bleachers. However, our international students’ parents aren’t always able to make that trip. That's especially true of our men's and women's soccer rosters, where most players are from across the globe, and the games fall at the end of

4 students sitting on top of the campus spirit rock making a

Union Anticipates Largest Freshman Class in Institution History

By Maisie Nelson • August 6, 2026

Union Commonwealth University is preparing to welcome what is anticipated to be the largest freshman class in the institution's history as students return to campus for the Fall 2026 semester.