Area families invited to ‘Breakfast with the Easter Bunny’ April 8

Rachel Dorroh • March 29, 2023
Easter decorations consisting of eggs, bunnies, and a pink shed displayed on the lawn of Barbourville's Tourism Center.

Calling all families with children 12 and under — you are invited to have Breakfast with the Easter Bunny! is partnering with AVÍ·µÈ²Õ College to offer this free event, which will include a pancake breakfast, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, and more.


Marcia Dixon, Director of Tourism for the City of Barbourville, says the breakfast is “an opportunity for kids to come out and have a great time.”


Dixon was looking for help catering the breakfast when Emily Couch reached out. Couch is the Assistant Director of Campus Life at AVÍ·µÈ²Õ and helps to oversee AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s community service program, Common Partners.


Part of Couch’s job is connecting AVÍ·µÈ²Õ students with local volunteer work. She asked Dixon if the city had any plans for Easter festivities and how AVÍ·µÈ²Õ might be able to help.


“AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is a big part of Barbourville, and Barbourville is a big part of AVÍ·µÈ²Õ,” Couch says. “Helping with the breakfast is just a small way we can give back.”


AVÍ·µÈ²Õ students and staff will serve pancakes, sausage, and milk provided by the college. They will also help lead the activities, with supplies provided by the city.


“It's important for our students to get to know where they live and where they're going to school,” Couch says, “not only on campus, but in the community, as well.”


Dixon hopes the partnership will continue and that the event will become an annual tradition. “It’s a good time for community to come together for the children,” she said.


Come to the lawn of Barbourville’s Tourism Center at 117 High Street from 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, April 8 to join in the fun. Following the breakfast event, a community egg hunt will take place at the city ball park at 1 p.m.


For more information, contact Marcia Dixon at (606) 545-9674 or Emily Couch at (606) 546-1232.

exterio
By Maisie Nelson August 12, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. As part of a reimagined academic structure, the University has introduced a new academic leadership team model, expanding from two colleges to four and aligning leadership roles to support innovation, accountability, an
images of the front of Shar
By Maisie Nelson August 8, 2025

AVÍ·µÈ²Õ has announced a major restructuring of its academic leadership and college organization, ushering in a new era of innovation, agility, and student-focused growth under the direction of Dr. Joshua Wilkey, the university’s newly appointed Provost.
By Maisie Nelson July 29, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is proud to unveil the next group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program. Now in its fourth month, the initiative continues to spotlight AVÍ·µÈ²Õ graduates under the age of 50 who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, their communities, and socie
aerial drone photo of campus overlooking football field with mountains in the background
By Maisie Nelson July 16, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is proud to announce the launch of a new corporate sponsorship initiative to support its storied athletic program and deepen partnerships with businesses across the region. The sponsorship program offers multi-tiered opportunities for companies to align their brand with AVÍ·µÈ²Õ Athletics.
Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.
By Rachel Dorroh June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.
By Maisie Nelson June 25, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the AVÍ·µÈ²Õ Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.
By David Saylor June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at AVÍ·µÈ²Õ College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.
By Maisie Nelson June 13, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at AVÍ·µÈ²Õ. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
Lynn and Amanda with AVÍ·µÈ²Õ's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on AVÍ·µÈ²Õ's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of AVÍ·µÈ²Õ. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three AVÍ·µÈ²Õ degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.