Union Commonwealth University

Union Commonwealth University Located in Barbourville, Kentucky and founded in 1879, Union College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Established as the first college in the Kentucky mountains, Union Commonwealth University, formerly Union College, offers a quality education to students in Appalachia and beyond. Home of the Bulldogs, Union is a private, liberal arts-based institution comprised of undergraduate and graduate programs, supporting a diverse academic environment for nearly 1200 students. Union is grounded by four pil

lars that define our academic focus: service to each other and our communities; our Appalachian culture and heritage; our core affiliation with Methodism and the liberal arts academic experience. These principles promote the intellectual, spiritual and physical enrichment of our campus as well as the economic growth of our Appalachian community.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus and Hall of Fame member Bill Swafford.Bill earned three degrees from...
06/23/2026

We were saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus and Hall of Fame member Bill Swafford.

Bill earned three degrees from Union, completing his undergraduate degree in 1973, Rank II in 1976, and Rank I in 1980. During his time as a Bulldog, he established himself as one of the top players in program history and remains among Union's top 10 all-time scoring leaders in men's basketball. In 1990, he was inducted into the Union Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments on the court.

We extend our condolences to Bill's family, friends, former teammates, students, and loved ones.
His obituary can be found in the comments below.

What a wonderful evening on College Street!Thank you to Dwight and Jane (Skidmore) Short for graciously hosting our Coll...
06/19/2026

What a wonderful evening on College Street!

Thank you to Dwight and Jane (Skidmore) Short for graciously hosting our College Street Round Up and bringing neighbors together for an evening of fellowship and updates from Union Commonwealth University.

President Washington had the opportunity to speak with more than 50 Rogers Scholars today at Lindsey Wilson University. ...
06/16/2026

President Washington had the opportunity to speak with more than 50 Rogers Scholars today at Lindsey Wilson University. He shared tips on standing out to colleges and employers through networking, interviewing, personal branding, and planning for future success.

We were especially proud to see Barbourville City School student Lauren Messer representing Knox County among this group of rising seniors.

Thank you to The Center for Rural Development's Youth Programs for hosting and investing in Kentucky's future leaders!

Another set of Bulldogs that passed through orientation with flying colors.
06/12/2026

Another set of Bulldogs that passed through orientation with flying colors.

UCU is on track to close the fiscal year with a balanced operating budget without drawing from its endowment for the fir...
06/11/2026

UCU is on track to close the fiscal year with a balanced operating budget without drawing from its endowment for the first time in eight years.

Read more about the collaborative effort that made this possible and what it means for the future of Union.

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Union Softball is offering a variety of camp opportunities this summer for players of all ages and skill levels! From pr...
06/11/2026

Union Softball is offering a variety of camp opportunities this summer for players of all ages and skill levels! From prospect and youth camps to individual skills, there's an option for you.

This is a great opportunity to learn from the Union Softball coaching staff, made up of former Division I student-athletes who bring high-level playing experience and instruction to every session.

Click the link below to see camp dates and register ⬇️

Online registration for 2026 Summer Softball Camps.

Union Commonwealth University is proud to support the Middlesboro community with a recent in-kind donation of equipment ...
06/10/2026

Union Commonwealth University is proud to support the Middlesboro community with a recent in-kind donation of equipment to the Middlesboro Community Center pool.

See how this effort is already making an impact and why community members are celebrating these upgrades.

Read the full press release below to learn more.
https://www.unionky.edu/pool-equipment-donation

06/05/2026

Students may be away for the summer but campus is anything but quiet.

🚧 Lots of progress over the last few day at our new softball facility

🏀 Our new digital scorer's table has arrived in Robsion Arena.

Just two examples of the many projects moving forward thanks to the support of our Bulldog family.

Stay tuned—there's more to come.

Address

310 College Street
Barbourville, KY
40906

Telephone

+18004898646

Website

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