Union Commonwealth University Interim President Dr. DJ Washington delivered his first Campus Town Hall address August 16 in Conway Boatman Chapel. Washington said this will be the first of a series of similar events aimed at providing transparency and accountability to campus and community, with the goal of “uniting for the common good.”

Washington began with an overview of Union’s financial standing and outlined his plans for increasing revenue from growth in enrollment. He emphasized that the graduate program is a significant source of income for the university and that Union’s number of graduate students is expected to jump from 320 to over 500 by January 2025. “It is a revenue driver,” he said.

He also referenced data from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education about the decreasing number of Kentucky high school graduates who enroll in a postsecondary education institution directly after graduation. In 2021, the percentage of high school graduates enrolling directly in college dropped by 2.3 percentage points to just 51.5%, meaning that roughly 48% of Kentucky’s high school seniors didn’t go to college.

“We have to start diversifying our offerings,” Washington stated. “If they're not going to college, they're going to work somewhere, and they're going to need to upskill. What can we bring to the table that's going to help with that?” Washington urged the audience of primarily faculty and staff to “think differently” about what Union can do for this 48%. He suggested that credentialing and certification programs, experiential and service-learning, and new degree programs are all possibilities, and that this discussion will continue.

Washington also urged the campus community to “be different” by leaning into what he considers to be Union’s greatest strength – its close-knit “family atmosphere.”

“This is exactly how we're different from many other institutions,” Washington said. “That's why I'm so proud to be an alum. You helped me. Many of you staff and faculty were working here when I was a student, and you helped me become the leader that I've always aspired to be.”

Growth in enrollment will lead to growth in revenue, which will support upgrades to facilities, including campus housing and building renovations, Washington said. He gave a preview of his 5-year plan, Unite 2030, which aims to have these renovations completed in time for Union’s 150-year anniversary in the 2029-2030 school year.

“If we be different, if we be bold, if we be Bulldogs, then we can get there,” Washington said.

Washington mentioned other new programs set to begin this school year, including his Commonwealth Initiatives, more formalized community engagement, youth-led programming, executives in residence, leadership programs, advisory councils, and grant development. These programs are geared toward “revitalizing the student experience,” he said.

He also reviewed possible ways to cut expenses and stressed the importance of developing Union talent. Professional development for employees, new leadership opportunities, development programs for seniors, and hiring graduates were all discussed.

“We can grow, and we can go,” Washington said.

This year’s Homecoming will be October 4-5, and Washington encouraged the campus community to attend, support the football program, and celebrate.

“Forty years of bringing back football is what we’re celebrating, in addition to many other things – Union Commonwealth, our brand, and getting closer to our 150-year anniversary,” Washington said.

In addition to Washington’s talk, Interim Provost Dr. David Powell gave an overview of academic restructuring designed to support growth and “interdisciplinary conversation.” Interim Vice President of Development & Communications Maisie Nelson shared highlights of new branding elements related to the new Union Commonwealth University name adopted in the spring.

Washington ended the talk with an invitation to future events in the series. He said to expect a Campus Town Hall in the winter and spring as well as Community Town Halls. The format may shift to include additional speakers and Q & A sessions.

“Thank you for your grace. I really appreciate all the commitment,” Washington concluded.