Dr. DJ Washington named 20th president of AVÍ·µÈ²Õ

Maisie Nelson • December 20, 2024

AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) is pleased to announce that Dr. DJ Washington has been appointed as the institution’s 20th president, effective January 1, 2025. The decision was made by the Board of Trustees during a special meeting on Friday, December 20, 2024.


Dr. Washington, a 2003 alumnus of AVÍ·µÈ²Õ, has served as Interim President since June 1, 2024. In February, the Board selected Dr. Washington to lead UCU on an interim basis. Since then, he has guided the institution with visionary leadership, fostering a renewed sense of energy and purpose across campus.


“I am deeply honored and humbled to be named the 20th president of AVÍ·µÈ²Õ,” said Dr. Washington. “This institution holds a special place in my heart, and it is a privilege to serve the AVÍ·µÈ²Õ community as we work together to build on our legacy and forge a path of continued growth and innovation. I am grateful to the Board, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners for their trust and support.”


Board Chair Mike Goss ’80 praised Dr. Washington’s contributions and the overwhelming support he has received from the university community. “Dr. Washington has proven to be an exceptional leader during his time as interim president, demonstrating a deep commitment to AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s mission and values,” said Goss. “Over the last six months, community leaders, faculty, staff, students and alumni expressed strong support for Dr. Washington to our board members. We are confident that he is the right person to lead UCU into its next chapter of excellence.”


Before taking office, Dr. Washington was the Director of Employer and Regional Engagement at the University of Notre Dame, while also serving his alma mater on the Board of Trustees since 2019. His extensive experience in higher education, coupled with his personal connection to AVÍ·µÈ²Õ, uniquely positions him to guide the university toward a bright and promising future.



Details about Dr. Washington’s official inauguration and additional updates regarding his presidency will be shared in the coming weeks.



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.