Union's new partnership with Bellarmine expands academic opportunities and career support

Rachel Dorroh • September 26, 2023
Union College nursing students during lab.

Union College is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bellarmine University, effective this month. The new partnership gives Union students a guaranteed admission pathway to continue their studies at Bellarmine. Additionally, Union alumni and employees are now eligible for reduced Bellarmine tuition.


Union’s director of educational partnerships, Rachel Gaynor, says many Union students will be especially interested in Bellarmine’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which includes a Family Nurse Practitioner track.


“We have a whole lot of students who get their bachelor's in nursing at Union, work for a year, and then want to become nurse practitioners,” she says.


These students will now have guaranteed seats in Bellarmine's nurse practitioner track, provided they meet the program requirements.


“Academically and economically, it would be a benefit to them,” Gaynor says.

Located in Louisville, Bellarmine offers over 25 graduate and second degree programs in diverse fields including education, business, digital media, and many health professions. Several of these are available online. Union students wishing to pursue any of these programs will receive priority admission consideration, up to 20% off tuition, additional financial aid opportunities, and personalized support throughout the enrollment process and beyond.


These benefits also apply to Union alumni whose most recent degree was completed at Union.

 

The agreement signed by Union president Dr. Marcia Hawkins and Bellarmine president Dr. Susan Donovan states that this is the “first phase of an ongoing promise to Union, and its students, that Bellarmine is committed to them.”

 

It also states that both schools are committed to preparing students to fill Kentucky’s most needed and in-demand jobs.

 

“This new pathway to graduate school is a win for Union College students, and a win for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, particularly in helping to meet the healthcare needs of underserved areas of the state,” says Donovan.


“Because we know Union students will be well-prepared for graduate school, we can offer them a streamlined path to pursue a variety of excellent and affordable advanced degrees without leaving the state. After they complete both of their degrees, they will be equipped for lives of leadership and service here in Kentucky.”

 

Union and Bellarmine are both private, liberal arts schools and members of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). Both emphasize civic engagement, spiritual development, and commitment to student success. Union students wishing to continue their education at BU can expect a seamless transition and continued support from both institutions.

 

“Union and Bellarmine both prioritize personalized education and affordability for our students,” Hawkins says. “We’re happy to work together!”

 

To learn more about the partnership, contact Rachel Gaynor at (606) 546-1745 or rgaynor@unionky.edu.

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.

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.
More Posts