Union Honors Coaching Legend Pete Moore on His 90th Birthday

Maisie Nelson • November 5, 2025

Gym floor dedication set for December 3 during Union vs. Bluefield matchup

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.

A native of Radford, Virginia, Moore graduated from Union in 1959 after excelling in five sports—basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and golf. As a student, he was elected Mr. Union, led the U Club, and was active in several campus organizations before earning a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate from the University of Alabama.

Moore returned to his alma mater in 1962 to lead the men’s basketball program, guiding the Bulldogs for two decades. Under his leadership, Union achieved four 20-win seasons—a first in school history—and recorded its first 27-win season in 1967–68, when the Bulldogs claimed the district title and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City.

During his tenure, Moore was named KIAC Coach of the Year four times and NAIA District Coach of the Year in both 1968 and 1978. He later served as Director of Athletics and as a professor of Health and Education, shaping generations of students both on and off the court. Beyond campus, he served faithfully as an elder, board chairman, and Sunday school teacher at Barbourville First Christian Church.

In recognition of his remarkable legacy, Union will dedicate its basketball floor as Pete Moore Court on Wednesday, December 3, during the Union vs. Bluefield matchup. The dedication was originally planned for Homecoming but postponed to allow Coach Moore time to recover following recent health concerns. With his strength renewed, the University is thrilled to welcome him back to campus to celebrate this long-awaited honor with his family, friends, and former players.

A recent visit from several of those players captured the same joy and camaraderie that defined Moore’s teams, proof that his impact endures well beyond the scoreboard.

{PHOTO: Standing, from left to right: Bob Pittser ’69, Paul Andrews ’70, and Bill Hill ’70; seated: Ken Meibers ’70 and Coach Pete Moore.)

As he marks this milestone birthday on November 4th, Union Commonwealth University honors Dr. Pete Moore: a coach, educator, mentor, and lifelong Bulldog whose influence continues to inspire generations on the hardwood and beyond.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Union Commonwealth University to Cut Tuition and Fees by Nearly 41%

By Maisie Nelson • November 10, 2026

Union will reduce its undergraduate tuition and comprehensive fee from $32,000 to $19,000 beginning in the 27-28 academic year, following approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.

photo of Wahlstedt wearing orange shirt with black blazer in front of black backdrop

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

By Maisie Nelson • November 6, 2026

Union 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

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.