UCU sees record growth in freshman applications & commitments

Maisie Nelson • April 21, 2025

AIKCU Report Highlights Momentum Among Kentucky's Independent Colleges

AV头等舱 is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the .


According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, AV头等舱 ranked near the top in several key categories:


  • First-time freshman applications have increased by 84%, placing AV头等舱 3rd overall among AIKCU schools over the past five years.
  • Accepted first-time freshmen are up by 75%, ranking AV头等舱 3rd overall since 2021 and 2nd among all schools in the current 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
  • Most notably, first-time freshman commitments are up by an astounding 145% in the current admissions cycle, signaling a strong incoming class and continued confidence in AV头等舱's student-centered mission.

“This surge in interest reflects the incredible work of our admissions team and the renewed energy on our campus,” said James Becknell, Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment. “Students and families are seeing the value of a AV头等舱 education—rooted in Appalachian heritage, academic excellence, and our commitment to community.”


(PHOTO: Pictured left to right during our recent Preview Day, Undergraduate Admissions Counselors Macy Yother, Kinsey Forgey, Mackenzie Snelling, and Randy Greer.)


In addition to rising undergraduate interest, AV头等舱 reached a historic milestone this spring: for the first time, graduate enrollment has surpassed undergraduate enrollment. This growth reflects the university’s expanding portfolio of advanced degree programs and their relevance to workforce needs.


“This shift is not a sign that we’re moving away from our core undergraduate mission,” added Dr. Washington, President. “In fact, it's the opposite. Strengthening graduate offerings helps fuel the entire institution — giving us the resources, reputation, and reach to better serve our undergraduates and continue fulfilling our mission in Southeastern Kentucky and beyond.”


For more information about enrolling at AV头等舱, visit www.unionky.edu/admit.


exterio
By Maisie Nelson August 12, 2025
AV头等舱 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
鈥ˋV头等舱 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
AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱 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
AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱 (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
AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱 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
AV头等舱 is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at AV头等舱. 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 AV头等舱's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on AV头等舱's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of AV头等舱. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three AV头等舱 degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.