Union partners with LMU & UK to expand pre-professional program

Rachel Dorroh • May 6, 2025

The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.


“Articulation agreements like these allow students to start at our smaller university with smaller class sizes and more individualized assistance before having to transfer to a larger university,” says Advising Department Head Rachel Gaynor, who directs Union’s educational partnerships. 

Rachel Gaynor.

LMU’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine now allows qualified Union students a guaranteed interview in connection with possible admission to the program. The agreement is available for an unlimited number of students and is in effect until October 31, 2027.


All three campuses of LMU’s Physician Assistant Program are partnering with Union, too. The campuses are located in Harrogate, TN; Knoxville, TN; and Tampa, FL. The Harrogate and Tampa campuses offer up to three seats to qualified Union students to earn a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The Knoxville campus offers a guaranteed interview for any qualified applicant. 


Gaynor says, “The agreements with LMU provide the students with a sense of relief, knowing that if they meet all the prerequisites, they will have this opportunity.”


[PHOTO: Rachel Gaynor]


Union has also worked with UK’s Engineering Department to develop transfer pathways for Union students interested in any of the ten engineering fields offered at UK. Union’s Associate of Applied Science – Pre-Engineering degree (67-68 hours) covers many of the prerequisite courses for the different engineering pathways.


“Many engineering programs appreciate the skills students develop through studying liberal arts, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are relevant to engineering,” Gaynor explains.

To be accepted to UK’s Pigman College of Engineering as a transfer, Union students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and have made a "B" in their Calculus classes. The different pathways and years remaining at UK are as follows: Aerospace – 3 years, Biomedical – 3 years, Biosystems – 2.5 years, Chemical – 2 years and 2 summers, Civil – 2.5 years, Computer Engineering – 3 years, Computer Science – 2 years and 1 summer, Electrical – 3 years, Materials – 3 years, Mechanical – 3 years, and Mining – 3 years.


In addition to these new partnerships and pathways, Union works with a variety of other professional schools to offer unique benefits to UCU students, including accelerated degree programs that save students time and money. Union offers pre-professional programs in the fields of dentistry, engineering, law, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, and physical therapy.


Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union Commonwealth University (formerly Union College) is a private, liberal arts-based institution comprised of undergraduate and graduate programs, supporting a diverse academic environment for nearly 1200 students.


To learn more about UCU’s pre-professional programs, see www.unionky.edu/ppp or contact Rachel Gaynor at 606-546-1745 or rgaynor@unionky.edu. 

aerial drone photo of campus overlooking football field with mountains in the background

New Athletic Sponsorship Program to Elevate Bulldog Athletics

By Maisie Nelson • July 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to announce the launch of a new corporate sponsorship initiative to support its storied athletic program and deepen partnerships with businesses across the region. The sponsorship program offers multi-tiered opportunities for companies to align their brand with Union Athletics.
Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.

New location for Union’s Boys & Girls Club expands opportunities

By Rachel Dorroh • June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.

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.