Virtual cadaver table advancing education at Union

Union College • October 2, 2020

It’s been featured on PBS, TEDTalks and numerous other journals; now a virtual anatomy table used by the world’s leading medical schools and institutions can be found at Union College. 


The Anatomage Table, which arrived on campus Thursday, is the first life-size virtual dissection table of its kind and allows students to visualize anatomy exactly as they would if they were looking at the real thing.

(PHOTO FROM ANATOMAGE)

“This technology provides an experience that is very unique – the table displays images of real human anatomy and is so detailed that you can examine skin, veins, arteries, and even organs,” says Dr. Marisa Greer, Vice President of Academic Affairs. 


The college says they have had their eyes on the table since 2015 and it was finally made possible thanks to funding from the Good Samaritan Foundation, Inc., a ministry of the Kentucky Annual Conference of the Unite Methodist Church, combined with a matching donation from Union alumni Dr. Phillip and Anne Sharp. 


“We are so very grateful to Union alums Dr. Phillip and Anne Sharp and the Good Samaritan foundation whose support made possible this extraordinary teaching tool,” says Union College President Marcia Hawkins, Ph.D.

Union is eager to blend the table in with their current curriculum, allowing for greater opportunity for students there.


"Images can be rotated in all directions providing a 360 degree view which really allows us to bring our textbooks to life," adds Greer.


The table will be utilized by faculty and students in the health and biology programs which includes but is not limited to; nursing, athletic training, exercise science, health promotion, anatomy and physiology courses.


[Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Good Samaritan Foundation, Inc.]

Dr. Lisa Abner, Dean of Nursing, stands behind Anatomage Table

By Maisie Nelson • November 10, 2026
Union will reduce its undergraduate tuition and comprehensive fee from $32,000 to $19,000 beginning in the 27-28 academic year, following approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.
photo of Wahlstedt wearing orange shirt with black blazer in front of black backdrop
By Maisie Nelson • November 6, 2026
Union has expanded Sarah Wahlstedt’s role in the President’s Office, naming her Director of External Relations and Presidential Initiatives. In addition to continuing her work securing grant funding, Wahlstedt will place greater emphasis on community engagement, serving as a key connection
By Maisie Nelson • November 4, 2026
Union has been awarded approximately $2.5 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program to advance student retention, degree completion and career readiness.
Promotional poster for UCU Theatre's production of The Apiary by Kate Douglas.
By David Saylor • October 19, 2026
Scientific curiosity and dark comedy take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s production of Kate Douglas’ “The Apiary,” a play that explores scientific progress, human connection, and what people are willing to sacrifice to protect something they love.
seniors at Clay County High school sitting in auditorium chairs with their golden ticket
By Maisie Nelson • October 13, 2026
Union announced Tuesday that eligible graduates of Clay County High School will have the opportunity to attend Union tuition-free beginning in fall 2027, expanding the university’s initiative to a third county in just over a year.
photo of Phill Sharp in a lab working
By Maisie Nelson • October 5, 2026
Union Commonwealth University will celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of one of its most distinguished alumni during Homecoming Weekend with a special screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.
headshot of Childers wearing a floral shirt with a blurred background behind her
By Maisie Nelson • October 1, 2026
Union Commonwealth University alumna Terra Childers ’04 is taking on an expanded role focused exclusively on alumni relations, helping the university strengthen relationships with graduates and create new ways for alumni to remain connected to their alma mater.
two hands holding a golden ticket that says Tuition Free Pathway
By Maisie Nelson • September 18, 2026
Following the success of its Tuition-Free Pathway in Knox County, Union Commonwealth University is expanding the initiative to Bell County, creating a new tuition-free pathway to Union for eligible graduates of the three Bell County high schools.
group photo of 25 students who make up the newest cohort of Presidential Fellows
By Ford Edwards • September 17, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has welcomed the second cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, the leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.
By Maisie Nelson • September 15, 2026
Building on the success of the Tuition-Free Pathway launched in Knox County last year, Union Commonwealth University is extending the initiative to the Class of 2027.