AVÍ·µÈ²Õ

Celebrate spring with UCU Street Eats

Rachel Dorroh • March 26, 2025

Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. AVÍ·µÈ²Õ has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.


“We think students, faculty, staff, and the local community will love the variety and energy these trucks bring,” says Special Advisor to the President Meghann Chesnut. “It’s a great chance to hang out, try something new, and connect with others outside of class or the office, making the campus feel more lively and community-oriented.”


Director of Campus Life and Civic Engagement Makynzie Miller says, “My main goal during the days we have food trucks on campus is to get students to the student center, essentially so that they are aware that the food trucks are on campus and might be more inclined to get something from them.”

Promotional Graphic Text: Community Welcome, AVÍ·µÈ²Õ, UCU Street Eats.

Miller is planning a “Pot Your Own Plant” event and an Easter egg hunt, for instance, and hopes to incorporate opportunities to win 50% off vouchers for food truck offerings, as well.


Mark Moser, owner of , will be on campus twice during the lineup. He describes The Grub Hut’s menu as comfort food and sees UCU Street Eats as an opportunity to reach a new audience.


“A lot of the community knows me, but I always like to branch out and try to attract a customer that’s never eaten with me or hasn’t heard about me yet,” Moser says.


The current schedule of confirmed vendors is as follows:


• April 2:

• April 10:

• April 16:

• April 24:

• April 30:

• May 2:


All food trucks will be on campus starting at 11 a.m. and will complement the already wide-ranging menu provided to students through , AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s campus dining services. More vendors may be added to the spring lineup soon. Chesnut notes that UCU plans to schedule another Street Eats series in the fall, as well. 


“Only one food truck will be on campus at a time,” she adds. “We want to be an economic driver for these entrepreneurs.”

AVÍ·µÈ²Õ President Dr. DJ Washington says, “UCU Street Eats is part of our mission to unite for the common good. The series is about uniting community members, local businesses, and our campus community.”


Updates to the schedule of vendors will be shared via AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s social media channels as they become available.


For more information about UCU Street Eats, contact Meghann Chesnut at (606) 546-1704 or mchesnut@unionky.edu.

A poster for County Fair: A Country Hits Musical which includes information like show dates.
By Rachel Dorroh March 18, 2025
Hoedown hits, a dixie dance-off, secret plans, mistaken identity, and family-friendly comedy are packed into AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s (UCU) spring production of “County Fair: A Country Hits Musical.” Written in 2021 by Matthew Webster and Taylor Ferrera and loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” the musical comedy follows sisters Claudia and DJ as they leave the big city to reckon with their rural inheritance: a beloved county fair.
By Maisie Nelson March 13, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s Spring Concert, themed "Mountain Harmony," will honor the rich traditions of Appalachia, the mountains, and folk music. This year’s performance holds special significance as it will be presented in celebration of Barbourville’s 225th anniversary.
By Maisie Nelson March 12, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is proud to launch Reimagining Our Residences, a $125,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to revitalizing student housing and elevating the residential experience for future Bulldogs. This initiative will fund essential upgrades to Lakeside, Pfeiffer, Stevenson, and Stewart Apartments, creating modern, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces that foster academic success and community.
photo of Allen being honored during the last SESC meeting.
By David Saylor March 7, 2025
When one door closes, another opens. For Superintendent Waylon Allen, this moment came with his retirement on February 1st, 2025, after 31 years of dedicated service in education. Over the course of his career, Allen built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to students, educators, and the communities he served.
stock photo of piano keyboard
By Rachel Dorroh March 5, 2025
Local music enthusiasts and youth will have a new opportunity to come together and celebrate the arts this April. AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) is set to host the inaugural Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival Friday, April 25 through Saturday, April 26. Festival events include recitals by UCU students and guest artists, a judged recital for local youth, a master class, and an award ceremony and performance.
photo of new laundry machines in a dormitory
By Maisie Nelson February 21, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is enhancing the residential student experience by upgrading all campus housing with new, high-efficiency washers and dryers. On February 4, Excalibur Laundries delivered and installed 60 state-of-the-art units across all residential spaces.
fall photo of campus taken from a drone
By Maisie Nelson February 4, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s economic impact on the local and state economy totals $34.4 million, according to a new report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). The report highlights the significant financial contribution of Kentucky’s 18 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities for Fiscal Year 2021-22.
photo of graduates standing on sidewalk prior to commencement
By Maisie Nelson January 17, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ (UCU) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural 50 Under 50 program, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of its exceptional young alumni.
aerial photo from the back of campus during the fall
By Maisie Nelson January 14, 2025
AVÍ·µÈ²Õ is excited to invite alumni, friends, and families to campus for its annual Homecoming celebration, set for September 19-20, 2025. This year’s Homecoming promises to be a milestone event, featuring the inauguration of Dr. DJ Washington as AVÍ·µÈ²Õ’s 20th president on Friday, September 19.
Exterior photo of campus chapel.
By Maisie Nelson January 3, 2025
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2024 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 267 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
More Posts
Share by: