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Union College is a private, four-year institution located in Barbourville, Kentucky. Established in the late 1800s, Union College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and has a vision to be “nationally known community of learners whose graduates are distinguished contributors to the well-being of the individual, the economy and the environment.” Union College boasts a long and rich history and was the first institution of higher education to be founded in the Kentucky mountains. Today, the majority of Union College’s students are from Kentucky and/or the Appalachian Mountain area and many are the first in their families to obtain a college education. Union College holds close ties to its surrounding area and strongly encourages civil engagement and service learning within its local community.
Academic Programs
The mission of Union College is “To serve the academic needs of a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students in a dynamic, personal environment that promotes intellectual, spiritual, and physical enrichment of students, faculty, and staff and the economic growth and health of our Appalachian region.” Union College achieved accreditation in 1932 through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.Union College offers more than 30 majors and over 25 minors through its several departments, including the Department of Business; Department of English; Department of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts; Department of History, Religious Studies and Languages; Department of Natural Sciences; Department of Psychology; Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences; Department of Wellness, Human Performance, & Recreation; the Educational Studies Unit; and the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. In addition, Union College offers several pre-professional programs as well as graduate studies in the areas of Education and Psychology. Many of Union College’s undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are also made available online.
Student Life
Union College has a total enrollment figure of more than 1,000, the vast majority of whom are undergraduate students. More than 25% of students come from diverse backgrounds with at least 24 states and nearly 20 foreign nations represented in the student body. More than half of the student population chooses to live on-campus in College-owned residencies. Traditional residence halls at Union College include Pfeiffer Hall (an all male hall), Lakeside Hall (women’s hall) and Stevenson Hall, coed upperclass student hall. College-owned apartment living options include Stewart Apartments which provides accommodations for both male and female students and College Courts, which is reserved for upperclass students; additional off-campus housing options are also available through Union College.More than two dozen student clubs and organizations are recognized by Union College, with categories ranging from gaming to music to campus ministry. These and other campus events and activities provide students with ample opportunity to interact with fellow classmates as well as develop valuable leadership skills. As an NAIA Division II school, more than half of Union College’s students participate in at least one of the College’s 20-plus varsity sports.