28-03-2025
Union Commonwealth University president gives talk on upcoming projects, university growth
CORBIN — The Corbin Rotary Club welcomed Dr. DJ Washington, president of Union Commonwealth University, as guest speaker at its meeting last Thursday.
Washington offered updates on the university's turnaround efforts, shared personal stories of community impact, and invited club members to connect deeper with Union's evolving mission.
'I'm just so incredibly thankful for your willingness to invite us and take Union as part of your team,' Washington said. 'This community did so much for me when I was a student here, and now I want to make sure we're doing the same for today's students.'
Originally from just north of Nashville, Washington attended Union from 2000 to 2003, playing basketball and experiencing firsthand the generosity of the local community.
'When dining halls were closed over break, churches and families helped feed us. That's the kind of care I want to see us continue to give,' he said.
Washington addressed several key developments at Union including a dramatic turnaround in finances, enrollment growth, and a shift to university status.
'When I first came back to campus last summer, I was concerned,' he said. 'But now I'm happy to say we've turned things around quickly. We're expecting about a $5 million swing in revenue and have seen the largest gift commitment in the school's history.'
The university now boasts around 1,300 students, with the majority of growth driven by online and graduate programs.
'Yesterday marked the first time we've had more students enrolled in graduate and online programs than in traditional on-campus programs,' he said. 'That's a good sign; it means we can operate with a surplus and reinvest back into campus.'
Washington shared plans to renovate Miller Hall into a living-learning space with about 60 beds and additional classroom space focused on health sciences and workforce development.
'There's a need for more nurses, more cardiac rehab professionals, more people who can serve rural Appalachian communities,' he said. 'We want to be the school that helps meet that need.'
A final focus point of Washington's talk was the university's renewed focus on community engagement. He mentioned initiatives like inviting local food trucks to campus and encouraging student volunteerism.
'It's not always about writing a check or organizing an event,' Washington said. 'Sometimes, it's just about showing up, giving someone a handshake and a smile.'
