AV头等舱

Steiner Ball: ‘You can be the light’

Rachel Dorroh • January 26, 2024
Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball.

A new semester is officially underway at AV头等舱 College, marked by the Spring Convocation held Thursday morning in the John M. Robsion Jr. Arena. The annual tradition serves to welcome back students and also reaffirm CIRLCES – AV头等舱’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball delivered this year’s address.


“What an exciting time this is in your life,” Steiner Ball told students. “What an opportunity you have to bring hope, to bring healing, and to be a witness of good news to this world that struggles immensely with many things.”


Steiner Ball is one of roughly 60 active bishops in the United Methodist Church and is currently assigned to the West Virginia Conference. She has held several committee positions with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, was one of three moderators of the Commission on the Way Forward, and co-chairs a task force working to address substance abuse and addiction in and around West Virginia.


In her talk, she stressed that each person is loved and valued by God and can make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

“You can be the light that breaks through the fear, that breaks through stigma and hopelessness, that breaks through the wide variety of isms and the abuse, the oppression or the violence that paralyzes,” Steiner Ball said.

 

“You can make a difference. You can impact this world for good. Let this convocation, this celebration of new beginnings, be a challenge to each one of you,” she continued. “You are here, yes, to learn how to work with each other and as a team, but you are also here to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captive, to give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free.”

Carlos Sainz Barroso, Dr. Marisa Greer, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, and the Rev. David Miller standing on stage.

President Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Executive Vice President & Provost Dr. Marisa Greer, and Student Government Association President Carlos Barroso Sainz also shared words of welcome and support.


[PHOTO: Carlos Sainz Barroso, Dr. Marisa Greer, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, and the Rev. David Miller]


“You are not alone,” Sainz reminded students. “This campus is more than buildings and bricks. It's a vibrant community.”


The convocation also included a processional and recessional featuring Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Yukiko Fujimura on piano; an invocation and sending forth led by College Minister & Executive Director of Spiritual Life and Social Justice Initiatives, the Rev. David Miller; and the National Anthem and AV头等舱 alma mater, led by choir group AV头等舱 Harmony. 


Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, AV头等舱 College is a private, liberal arts-based institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. With a student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, AV头等舱 provides personal, individualized education and promotes the intellectual, spiritual and physical enrichment of students, faculty, and staff as well as the economic growth of our Appalachian community. 
Carlos Sainz Barroso, Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Dr. Marisa Greer, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, and Rev. David Miller.
AV头等舱's freshman students standing in the audience.
AV头等舱's faculty lined up and marching to Spring Convocation.
AV头等舱 Harmony singing.
Promotional Graphic Text: UCU Street Eats.

Celebrate spring with UCU Street Eats

By Rachel Dorroh • March 26, 2025
Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. AV头等舱 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.
A poster for County Fair: A Country Hits Musical which includes information like show dates.

UCU Theatre presents “County Fair: A Country Hits Musical” April 3-6

By Rachel Dorroh • March 18, 2025
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By Maisie Nelson • March 13, 2025
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photo of Allen being honored during the last SESC meeting.

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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

AV头等舱 to host inaugural Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival April 25-26

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. AV头等舱 (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

UCU Upgrades Residential Laundry Facilities

By Maisie Nelson • February 21, 2025
AV头等舱 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

UCU’s Economic Impact Totals $34.4 Million

By Maisie Nelson • February 4, 2025
AV头等舱’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

UCU Launches 50 Under 50 Alumni Program to Celebrate Outstanding Young Graduates

By Maisie Nelson • January 17, 2025
AV头等舱 (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

Save The Date for Homecoming 2025: A Historic Celebration

By Maisie Nelson • January 14, 2025
AV头等舱 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 AV头等舱’s 20th president on Friday, September 19.
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