Union trustees renew president’s contract

Maisie Nelson • July 13, 2022
President Marcia Hawkins, Ph.D.

The Union College Board of Trustees has renewed the contract of President Marcia Hawkins, Ph.D., through June 2025.


The executive committee approved the three-year extension at their June meeting.


Dr. Hawkins became the 19th president of Union College on July 1, 2012. Under her tenure, the college has expanded academic programming, developed successful programs like UGRAD and UCE, and opened its doors to the Ramsey Center for Health and Natural Sciences, which houses state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, and the Edna Jenkins Mann School of Nursing. Additionally, Dr. Hawkins orchestrated the acquisition of the Stivers Aquatic Center and the subsequent grand opening of the Union College Center for Health and Learning. The building houses the Union College Boys & Girls Club, a program she also launched, which provides safe and educational after-school and summer programming for children in Knox County. 


This is the third time the board of trustees has voted to extend Dr. Hawkins’ contract, making her one of the longest-serving current college presidents in Kentucky. 


An official contract signing will take place during the October board meeting.


external photo of Conway Boatman Chapel
By Maisie Nelson December 18, 2025
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2025 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 269 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
photo showing crowd of students in the stands
By Maisie Nelson December 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University celebrated community partnership and academic achievement as the Bulldogs men’s basketball defeated Alice Lloyd College 90–80 on Tuesday inside Robsion Arena.
December 9, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the following appointments to its board during its annual meeting on October 24, 2025.
By Maisie Nelson November 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the launch of its inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative created in partnership with Rural Up.
By Maisie Nelson November 5, 2025
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.
Robin Hamilton.
By David Saylor October 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University’s Student Support Services (SSS) program has been awarded a nearly $2 million TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education, securing funding for the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented students in post-secondary education.
Superintendent Messer, Superintendent Ledford, Wanda Clouse, and Dr. Lori Henderson with students.
By David Saylor October 8, 2025
Under the guidance of College Program Liaison and Coordinator Dr. Lori Henderson, the program that started out as a small group has nearly tripled in size with at least 90 students from Knox County
By Maisie Nelson October 3, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.
By Maisie Nelson September 24, 2025
Union Commonwealth University formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.
By Maisie Nelson September 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County—including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.