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.

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.

Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick to retire after 31 years at Union

By David Saylor • May 21, 2025

As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.

photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex

UCU Coaches Rally for Summer Service and Giving

By Maisie Nelson • May 19, 2025

Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.