Union’s NextGen Telehealth Education Project funded by the USDA

Rachel Dorroh • April 23, 2024

Union Commonwealth University has received a three-year Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) matching grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help address the healthcare worker shortage in Kentucky. The grant will fund Union’s NextGen Telehealth Education Project, which is designed to increase educational access and train nurses and mental health professionals. A long list of new equipment and technology upgrades for both the Edna Jenkins Mann School of Nursing and Union’s psychology program is included. 

Professor Amanda Hensley working with telesimulation technology including a laptop, monitor, and headset.

“Everything we asked for, we pretty much got. It’s the dream list,” says Dr. Lisa Abner, Dean of Nursing at Union Commonwealth University. “This is really exciting!”


Network upgrades for the Ramsey Center for Health and Natural Science, new video conferencing equipment, telemedicine carts for three partner clinical sites, additional simulation mannequins, another virtual cadaver table, and more laptops will soon be purchased to build Union’s distance learning, telesimulation, and telehealth capacity.


“By facilitating distance learning, the grant provides a great opportunity for Union to enhance its technology to better serve the needs of our students and local healthcare providers,” says Union’s Director of Information Technology, Eric Evans.

Telesimulation technology, an emerging educational method combining telecommunication and advanced simulation resources, will enable the nursing program to serve their students more effectively. Additionally, through partnerships with three hub sites - Baptist Health, Barbourville ARH, and the Knox County Health Department - practicing nurses will have access to continuing education opportunities from their workplaces, including Union’s RN-to-BSN program. Telesimulation provides a platform to replicate a broad spectrum of clinical scenarios, including those typically not available in traditional clinical settings, such as pediatrics. 

 

“Through telesimulation, learners can engage in real-time interactions with instructors, standardized patients, or simulation mannequins via videoconferencing tools,” says Abner. “While it doesn't replace clinical experience, telesimulation is an effective platform for teaching, training, and assessing competency. It allows students to learn life-saving skills and techniques in a safe, controlled environment.”

 

In addition to the enhancements made within the nursing program, new technology in the counseling center will enhance Union’s capacity to better train mental health providers. Simultaneously, this will provide students, faculty, and staff with remote access to Union’s counseling services, which will especially benefit online students and those in rural locations.

 

“With mental health, every step we can take to build a larger support system for the student, the greater the likelihood of success with each student's mental health program,” says Psychology Professor Dr. Ilie Vasilescu.

 

The DLT grant program is a project of USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) and is designed to help rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to improve education and healthcare. According to USDA RD, education and healthcare are “two of the most crucial keys to successful rural economic and community development.” To learn more about USDA RD, see www.rd.usda.gov.

Rural Development (usda.gov)

 

For questions about the NextGen TeleHealth Education Project, contact Dr. Lisa Abner at labner@unionky.edu or Eric Evans at eevans@unionky.edu. To learn more about the Edna Jenkins Mann School of Nursing, see Edna Jenkins Mann School of Nursing – Union College (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