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.



Students studying in AVÍ·µÈ²Õ's library.
By Rachel Dorroh May 6, 2025
The pre-professional program at AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.
Superintendent Tom Gambrel and President Dr. DJ Washington.
By David Saylor April 30, 2025
Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and AVÍ·µÈ²Õ alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.
By Maisie Nelson April 29, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.
Regan Nantz receiving an award from President DJ Washington.
By Rachel Dorroh April 25, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.
Student awardees stand with grant committee members and advisors behind them.
By Rachel Dorroh April 23, 2025
Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.
students taking a selfie with Bulldog mascot
By Maisie Nelson April 21, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, AVÍ·µÈ²Õ ranked near the top in several key categories.
By Maisie Nelson April 17, 2025
A well-known name in AVÍ·µÈ²Õ athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.
Montage of Lena, Tia, and AVÍ·µÈ²Õ's Centennial Hall framed by leafy green tree foliage
By Rachel Dorroh April 17, 2025
UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.
Macy, Cody, and Conner Saylor.
By Rachel Dorroh April 9, 2025
This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending AVÍ·µÈ²Õ, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.
photo of the new hires and promotions
By Rachel Dorroh April 2, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) celebrates several new hires and staff promotions in line with President DJ Washington's vision for growth and development. This strategic and human capital growth stretches across the entire campus touching athletics, academics, university operations, development, communications, and admissions.
More Posts