Union Commonwealth University Alumni

10/13/2026

Congratulations to Ciara Uphoff ‘24, ‘25

🦁 MEET CIARA UPHOFF 🦁

We are excited to introduce Ciara Uphoff, who joined CCS in the summer of 2026 as our certified athletic trainer!

Ciara brings a passion for sports medicine and a genuine commitment to caring for our student-athletes both on and off the court and field.

A Tennessee native, Ciara earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Union Commonwealth University in 2024 and her Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2025.

While Ciara enjoys every aspect of athletic training, her favorite part of the profession is the relationships she builds with athletes.

She is grateful for the opportunity to support student-athletes through both their successes and challenges and to make sure that they know they always have someone in their corner.

When she’s not caring for our Lions, Ciara enjoys going for runs 🏃‍♀️, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops ☕ with her fiancé, and traveling to new places.

We are so thankful to have Ciara as part of Lion Nation and look forward to all she will do to support the health, well-being, and success of our athletes! 🙌

10/09/2026

We are 1 week away from Homecoming 2026! We are looking forward to seeing you!

Please make sure to register at the link below. www.unionky.edu/homecoming

Registration will close Monday.

10/08/2026

Alumni on the Rise: Sierra Williams, Class of 2017

Sierra Williams, a 2017 graduate of Union Commonwealth University, serves as a Rural Project Manager at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard, Kentucky. In this role, she leads initiatives focused on strengthening rural health systems, expanding the healthcare workforce, and improving health outcomes for underserved communities throughout Kentucky. Drawing on her experience in healthcare, research, and community engagement, Sierra is passionate about developing innovative, community-driven solutions that transform Kentucky communities' needs into sustainable, measurable improvements.
Beyond her role at the University of Kentucky, Sierra serves on several statewide committees focused on improving rural health outcomes, supporting public health workforce development, and promoting student engagement. Through these collaborative efforts, she contributes to initiatives that strengthen partnerships and support the continued growth of Kentucky's public health workforce.
After graduating from Union Commonwealth University in 2017, Sierra continued her education by earning a Master of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Kentucky. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, collaboration, and improving the health and well-being of communities throughout the Commonwealth.

10/05/2026

Just one of the great events on the calendar for Homecoming weekend 2026. Be sure to register at www.unionky.edu/homecoming We can’t wait to see you on campus next week!

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.

09/24/2026

Alumni on the Rise Spotlight: Dr. Tyler Saylor
Class of 2020 and 2022

Dr. Tyler Saylor is a high school English teacher at Harlan High School, where he teaches English III and dual-enrollment English courses. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of education and English at Union Commonwealth University, working with both undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in education.

His work centers on rigorous, student-centered instruction, literacy development, teacher leadership, and expanding opportunities for students in rural Kentucky. His students at Harlan High School earned the top writing scores in the state on the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA), along with top-ten regional and statewide performance in English and Reading on the ACT exam.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Saylor participates in several statewide leadership opportunities, including serving on the Kentucky Department of Education’s Teachers’ Advisory Council and as a GoTeachKY Ambassador. As part of his GoTeachKY Ambassador work, he developed a future teacher scholarship to encourage and support students interested in entering the education profession.

He is especially grateful for the support and mentorship he received during his time as an undergraduate student at Union, particularly from Carol Clouse, Lori Henderson, Paula Grubb, and Preshus Howard. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in his potential were instrumental in shaping his confidence, professional path, and commitment to education.

09/10/2026

Matt leads the Center for Academic Innovation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing adult learner success, credit for prior learning, and workforce-connected education. His work focuses on helping colleges, universities, and state systems create more accessible pathways for adult learners.

He also continues to teach and consult nationally and recently co-authored Beyond the Degree: Stories of Adult Learner Comebacks, a book highlighting the resilience and success of adult students returning to higher education.

In addition, he serves as CEO of Bergman Enterprises, a commercial real estate company focused on the redevelopment and stewardship of historic properties. Through this work, they help revitalize communities while preserving their architectural character.

Check out his new book! The link is in the comments.

08/31/2026

🐾 Bulldogs, it’s time to come home!

Homecoming 2026 is just around the corner, and registration is officially OPEN!

We’re putting together a great weekend to celebrate the people, traditions and memories that make Union home. Take a look at the schedule and let us know you’ll be joining us back on campus this October!

We still have a few details in the works, so keep checking back as we continue to add to the weekend.

Schedule & Registration link in the comments.

Alumni, Homecoming registration is officially OPEN! 🐾

The 2026 Homecoming schedule is now available! Take a look at what’s planned, and be sure to check back as we finalize details.

Already know you’ll be joining us? Register now and let us know you’ll be back on campus in October!

Schedule & Registration link in the comments. 👇

08/27/2026

Alumni on the Rise Spotlight: Dr. Caitlynn Estevez, Class of 2019

From the softball field to a career in optometry, Dr. Estevez has built an impressive path since graduating from Union with a B.S. in Biology in 2019.

After earning her Doctor of Optometry from the Kentucky College of Optometry, she completed a residency in Ocular Disease with an emphasis in Retina at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She later returned to KYCO as an Assistant Professor, where she taught future optometrists while continuing to provide clinical care. During her time in academia, she earned Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, Diplomate status with the American Board of Optometry and an MBA.

In August 2026, Dr. Estevez began a new chapter with The Kentucky Eye Institute in London, practicing primary care and ocular disease optometry and serving the southeastern Kentucky communities that played such an important role in her own journey.

Reflecting on her time at Union, she shared:
“I am incredibly grateful for the foundation Union College provided, both academically and athletically. The experiences I had as a Bulldog—from competing on the softball field to building lifelong friendships and pursuing my academic goals—played a significant role in shaping my personal and professional journey.”

She added that those experiences continue to inspire her “commitment to serving others, pursuing excellence, and giving back to the communities that have invested in me.”

08/26/2026

It's been a while since we've done a roll call! 🎉
Comment with:

🎓 Your graduation year
📍 Where you are now

We'd love to see where life has taken everyone and reconnect with alumni from all over. Looking forward to hearing from you!

08/18/2026

Today marks the first day of classes, and it's great to have all of our Bulldogs back on campus! The energy is building, friendships are reconnecting, and a new year of opportunities is underway.
We can't wait to see all that this semester has in store. Wishing our students, faculty, and staff a successful, rewarding, and memorable year!
Please leave any words of encouragement to our students as they start the year! 🧡🐾