Union Commonwealth University

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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 pillars 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 are saddened to share the passing of Peg Prosser Black ’71, a proud Union alumna who meant a great deal to so many.Pe...
10/09/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of Peg Prosser Black ’71, a proud Union alumna who meant a great deal to so many.

Peg dedicated more than 50 years to social work, building a career around helping others and putting their needs first. That commitment to service was something she carried with her from her time at Union throughout her life.

After graduation, Peg remained involved with her alma mater. She served on the Alumni Board, mentored students and made Homecoming a tradition. She loved coming back to campus, catching up with friends and sharing her experience with the next generation of Bulldogs.

That connection was also woven into Peg’s family. Her husband, Ed Black, was a longtime member of the Union community, first coming to campus as a student and then serving in a variety of roles as an employee for more than 40 years. Their children, Phillip and Frances, also attended Union, as did Frances’ daughter and Peg’s granddaughter, Allie.

While Peg shared a deep connection to the university with her family, her place in its story was very much her own.

Peg will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the many years she shared with us and for the care she showed to the people around her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and everyone who loved her.

https://www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com/obituaries/Margaret-P-Black?obId=49825815

We’re officially one week away from Homecoming! If you’re planning to join us, please take a moment to register online b...
10/09/2026

We’re officially one week away from Homecoming! If you’re planning to join us, please take a moment to register online before registration closes Monday, October 12.

Even if you haven’t decided which events you’ll attend, registering helps us prepare for you and your guests. It also ensures we’ll have your name badge and welcome bag ready for you at check-in.

Register today at www.unionky.edu/homecoming

We can't wait to see our Bulldogs next weekend!

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.

10/09/2026
10/08/2026

Headed to the Daniel Boone Festival? Stop by Fort Union and grab a dirty soda or boba! Go bulldogs! 🐾

Come check out Fort Union at Daniel Boone Fest!!
10/08/2026

Come check out Fort Union at Daniel Boone Fest!!

Homecoming is almost here! 🧡🖤If you’re planning to join us October 16–17, online registration closes Monday, October 12....
10/07/2026

Homecoming is almost here! 🧡🖤

If you’re planning to join us October 16–17, online registration closes Monday, October 12.

Whether you’re coming back to campus to reconnect with old friends, celebrate our Hall of Fame honorees, enjoy the weekend’s activities or cheer on the Bulldogs, let us know you’re coming!

Register online and help us plan for you and your guests. www.unionky.edu/homecoming

Fort Union is back in Pioneer Village for this year’s Daniel Boone Festival!Come grab a dirty soda or boba, or just stop...
10/06/2026

Fort Union is back in Pioneer Village for this year’s Daniel Boone Festival!

Come grab a dirty soda or boba, or just stop by to say hello and catch up with some of our students and staff.

We’d love to see you!

How often do you get the chance to ask a Nobel Prize-winning scientist a question?Join us during Homecoming Weekend for ...
10/05/2026

How often do you get the chance to ask a Nobel Prize-winning scientist a question?

Join us during Homecoming Weekend for a special screening of Cracking the Code, followed by a live, virtual Q&A with 1966 Union alumni Phil and Anne Sharp. Hear firsthand about Phil’s groundbreaking scientific career and the journey they’ve shared along the way.

This free event is open to everyone—students, alumni, faculty, staff and our wider community. Bring your questions and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with two remarkable Union alumni!

Register by clicking the story below.

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.

Union alumna Terra Childers ’04 is taking on an expanded role dedicated to alumni relations, helping strengthen connecti...
10/01/2026

Union alumna Terra Childers ’04 is taking on an expanded role dedicated to alumni relations, helping strengthen connections between UCU and its graduates.

Since joining the university in 2025, Terra has already been building relationships across the Union community. In her new role, she’ll focus on alumni outreach, storytelling and engagement while creating new opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and with current students.

Learn more about Terra’s expanded role in the story below.

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.

The 2027–28 FAFSA is officially OPEN!Returning students, now is the time to complete your FAFSA for the 2027–28 academic...
10/01/2026

The 2027–28 FAFSA is officially OPEN!

Returning students, now is the time to complete your FAFSA for the 2027–28 academic year.

We’re encouraging you to file as soon as possible because state grant funds are expected to be limited and may run out earlier than usual. Filing early can help ensure you’re considered for available financial aid.

Don’t wait…complete your FAFSA today at https://studentaid.gov

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310 College Street
Barbourville, KY
40906

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