Dockery to transition to Union University chancellor in July 2014David S. Dockery will transition from president of Union University to the role of university chancellor no later than July 2014, and Union trustees will immediately begin the process of searching for his successor as president.
“I am hopeful and prayerful for a good, smooth, joyful and positive transition,” Dockery said. “God has blessed the work of our hands and manifested his favor to this university time and time again during these past 17 years. I am confident that we will continue to see God’s grace made known to Union in the future.”
The announcement comes in the middle of what will ultimately be a three-year transition process. Dockery began talking with the executive committee of Union’s Board of Trustees in the fall of 2011 about the need to start serious succession planning for the university’s future, at which the board approved a five-member succession planning team. Dockery said discussions with that team and with other members of the board have taken place regularly since then. A letter from Union Trustee Chairman Norm Hill
Tennessee legislature marks Union Phi Alpha Theta’s 60th anniversaryTennessee’s state legislature recently passed Resolution 143 marking the 60th anniversary of Union University’s Delta-Psi Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society.
State Sen. Lowe Finney sponsored the resolution and signed the document that is now on display at Union. Other signers were Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Ron Ramsey, speaker of the Tennessee Senate; and Beth Ha...
Grace Morriss, a junior engineering major from Flower Mound, Texas, won the 2013 Union University Joseph H. Eaton Speech and Oratory Contest May 2.
Morriss’ speech, entitled “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Military Screening,” beat out nine other speeches. Courtney Brown placed second with “The Dangers of Barbie” and Leeana Cargile placed third with “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”
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Union University Hendersonville has admitted 40 individuals for its next installment of Leadership Academy, which will begin in June.
Leadership Academy is an ongoing program designed for teachers and administrators in Sumner County schools. All participants receive professional in-service credit and those who are admitted to a Union graduate degree program will receive three hours of gradua...
Record-high 647 students graduate from Union during spring commencementA record-high 647 students received degrees from Union University May 18 during the 188th annual spring commencement ceremony on the university’s Great Lawn.
That is the largest number of spring graduates in Union’s history. About 7,500 people attended the service.
“This has been an amazing year on the campus at Union University,” Union President David S. Dockery said. “Tonight brings...
Red Cross chapter names Dockery Humanitarian of the YearThe Jackson Area Chapter of the American Red Cross awarded Union University President David S. Dockery the chapter’s inaugural Humanitarian of the Year award at its Heroes Luncheon May 9 in Jackson.
The local Red Cross board of directors plans to honor someone in the community each year for displaying the spirit of humanity through volunteer work, advocacy, leadership and philanthropy in the...
Union conference examines Colson legacySpeakers at Union University’s “Salt and Light in the Public Square” conference examined the legacy of Charles Colson and how future Christians should engage with the cultural issues about which he regularly engaged.
According to President David S. Dockery, Colson was encouraged by Union University’s Christ-centered approach to education. Colson passed away April 21, 2012.
“Chuck Colso... Conference Website
Saban urges Union audience to 'be a blessing'Champions are made of people who focus on having traits that others would want to emulate, according to University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban.
“I have not coached one player who really cared anything about what I knew as a coach, until the player knew I cared about him,” Saban said. “You have to show that you care for other people and you have to be willing to serve other peop...
Union honors students for academic achievementUnion University presented more than 70 awards to students, faculty and staff May 3 at the annual Awards Day chapel service.
The Carla D. Sanderson Faculty of the Year Award went to Justin Barnard, associate professor of philosophy and associate dean of the Institute for Intellectual Discipleship. Tina Netland, administrative assistant to the senior vice president for student services and de...
Union University will hold a panel discussion with area pastors and church leaders on “The Gospel and Race” May 7 at 10 a.m. in Luther Hall.
Panelists will include Justin Wainscott and Joel Owen of First Baptist Church in Jackson; Russ Pflasterer and Matthew Marshall of City Fellowship; and William Watson and Kevin Hicks of First Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Jackson.
...
Undergrads present research findings at 10th annual Scholarship SymposiumAbout 200 students presented their research findings April 30 as part of Union University’s 10th annual Scholarship Symposium.
“In a lot of universities, the scholarship that we focus on is faculty scholarship,” said Hunter Baker, Union’s dean of instruction who oversees the program. “Here, for the last 10 years, we’ve been putting an emphasis on undergraduate scholarship.
“It’s very ...
Ray Eaton, broadcasting technician in Union University’s communication arts department, was recently elected to the Board of Governors for the National Broadcasting Society-Alpha Epsilon Rho.
Eaton will serve a two-year term for the organization, a student and professional society of more than 85 chapters on college, university and high school campuses. He was elected to the position during ...
New Thornbury book spotlights theology and influence of Carl F.H. HenryA new book by Gregory A. Thornbury explores the theology of Carl F.H. Henry and how his ideas of “classic evangelicalism” can unite today’s church.
“Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F.H. Henry,” published by Crossway, is what Thornbury described as his witness -- his “stones piled by the river Jordan” – and his attempt to provide a definition and mark...
Union University’s department of music will present concerts at First Baptist Church in Jackson on April 26 and May 2.
The Spring Choral Concert on April 26 will feature the Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Proclamation and University Singers. The String Ensemble concert on May 2 will feature the premier of Union’s “pilot” orchestra. The university is planning to launch its first orchestra in the...
Newest ‘Renewing Minds’ journal addresses religious libertyReligious liberty is the topic for the newly released spring 2013 edition of “Renewing Minds,” the journal of Christian thought from Union University.
“Religious liberty calls for Christ-followers to be friends of civil government, while maintaining that churches and Christian entities must be independent of the state,” writes Union University President David S. Dockery in the introduction. ...
The Vocatio Center for Life Calling and Career at Union University will host the 12th annual Career “U”niversity April 26 to provide students with career advice and a chance to meet with recruiters.
Career U is an academic approach to career planning and preparation. This year’s theme, “Engineering, Business and Technology Expo,” will focus on quality internship and employment opportunities ...
Ryan Center conference speakers show how Psalms point to ChristStudents of Scripture from as close as Jackson to as far away as Myanmar spent April 12-13 at Union University learning about the Psalms during the biennial R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies conference, “Read, Pray, Sing: The Psalms as an Entryway to the Scriptures.”
In addition to two plenary sessions and nine breakout sessions, the conference included audience participation. Conference...
Boud, Thornbury named among 20 most influential West Tennessee womenUnion University’s Jan Boud and Kimberly Thornbury have received the Sterling Award, naming them as two of the 20 most influential women in West Tennessee.
The Jackson Sun and the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women annually select the top 20 women leaders who display creativity and innovation within their profession, mentor other women and serve their West Tennessee community. In 2...
Ryan Center conference draws pastor from MyanmarKyaw Zin Htwe sat at a computer in Yangon, Myanmar, looking for a Bible conference to attend.
He discovered this weekend’s conference at Union University – “Read, Pray, Sing: The Psalms as an Entryway to the Scriptures,” hosted by the R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies. He knew nothing about Union, but he registered, made the necessary travel plans and arrived in Jackson April 11 to atten...
1st graders learn about Union in college awareness programA class of Union University's youngest fans performed a college cheer for Robbie Graves, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions, when he visited their first grade classroom at Maury City Elementary School on a recent winter day.
Lined up outside their classroom, Judy Poston's students were waiting for Graves when he arrived, wearing the Union T-shirts they don each Friday.
...
Bennett takes IPDA national titleUnion University senior Amanda Bennett won the International Public Debate Association Varsity National Championship at the IPDA national tournament March 21-24 at the University of Arkansas-Monticello.
In addition, Union freshman Christian Winter was the season-long champion in the “novice debate” category.
Web Drake, associate professor of communication arts and debate team coach, sa...
Mandrells discuss relational health during Crabtree seriesBen Mandrell, senior pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, and his wife Lynley offered tips on how Christians can find peace in relationships as part of the annual Crabtree Family Life chapel services April 3 and 5 at Union University.
“God has designed marriage in such a way that you get back what you put in,” Ben said in his Wednesday address. “It is the sowing and reaping princip...
The State Collaborative on Reforming Education will hold a community conversation April 15 at Union University.
The discussion will focus on the community’s work over the past year to improve student achievement and how progress can continue. The conversation is open to the public.
Panelists will include Sharon Roberts, SCORE’s chief operating officer; Eddie Pruett, superintendent in G...
Saban to speak at Union athletic fundraiserAlabama football coach Nick Saban will be the featured speaker at Union University’s Roy L. White Legacy Golf and Gala May 6.
With Alabama’s win over Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship on Jan. 7, Saban joined Frank Leahy, Bear Bryant and John McKay as the only coaches to win four national titles in the modern era. During his seven years as head coach of Alabama’s football program, ...
Dockery to trustees on Union’s future: Stay the courseUnion University President David S. Dockery encouraged university trustees to maintain the institution’s course in church connectedness, scholarship, accessibility for students and commitment to its mission as they transition to a new president in the near future.
“Union University has been the recipient of God’s ongoing blessings and favor in ways that are hard to describe,” Dockery said in...
Seck: Christians must use jobs as platforms for ministryChristians in business must be willing to surrender themselves to God and be willing to use their positions as platforms to minister to people around them, Singapore businessman Wai Kwong Seck said at a Union University luncheon April 3.
Seck, executive vice president for State Street Global Markets, addressed about 250 in attendance at Union’s Business Through the Eyes of Faith luncheon in ...
Union doctoral student McHenry named nursing dean at OBUOklahoma Baptist University has named Union University doctoral student Lepaine Sharp-McHenry as dean of its College of Nursing. She will assume the responsibilities of this role July 15.
McHenry currently serves as the assistant director and a clinical instructor for the University of Arkansas’ Eleanor Mann School of Nursing in Fayetteville, where she has been on the faculty since 1993.
...
Norm Hill, chairman of Union University’s Board of Trustees and the presidential search committee, is asking Union students to pray and fast for the university’s presidential transition process.
To help organize the effort, the university has created an online calendar that allows students to sign up for specific days on which they will devote themselves to prayer and fasting as Union seeks ...
Mann conducts orchestra at Israel Ministry of Tourism breakfastUnion University music professor Michael Mann conducted an orchestra for an Israel Ministry of Tourism breakfast March 3 during the National Religious Broadcasters annual convention in Nashville.
It was the fourth consecutive year for Mann to lead the orchestra
“It’s an honor,” said Mann, assistant professor of music. “I’ve seen spiritual difference in the lives of people who visit Isr...
Seck to headline Union luncheon on business and faithSingapore businessman Wai Kwong Seck, executive vice president for State Street Global Markets, will be the keynote speaker for Union University’s Business Through the Eyes of Faith luncheon April 3.
The event is designed to encourage and equip members of the West Tennessee business community to integrate their Christian faith into their workplaces.
“Mr. Seck is one of the leading infl...
Hayes: Two cheers for gridlock in WashingtonAmericans should celebrate gridlock in Washington rather than seeing it as an obstacle to progress, especially when nation faces a staggering amount of debt, according to FOX News contributor Stephen F. Hayes.
“I think it’s a positive outcome when gridlock in Washington has forced the politicians we send there to focus on a problem they have long ignored – or, more accurately, have exacerbat...
Representatives from 16 area school systems will meet with prospective teachers March 21 at Union University’s Teacher Expo 2013.
The event will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center. All graduate and undergraduate education students as well as students in critical shortage areas such as math, biology, physics, chemistry, Spanish, French and English as a second langu...
Ben Carson to headline 2013 Union University Scholarship BanquetDr. Benjamin S. Carson, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins, will be the keynote speaker for Union University’s 16th annual Scholarship Banquet Oct. 22 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn.
Carson is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns H...
‘Cotton Patch Gospel’ opens March 14The Union University Players will present the musical “Cotton Patch Gospel” in the W.D. Powell Theatre on the Union campus March 14-19.
Directed by David Burke with the music directed by Michael Penny, the musical retells the life of Jesus as if in modern-day, rural Georgia. The production is based on the book “The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John” by Clarence Jordan.
The Jacks...
Ryan Center Bible conference to focus on PsalmsAndy Davis and Heath Thomas will be the featured speakers for the “Read, Pray, Sing” conference April 12-13 at Union University.
The conference, sponsored by Union’s R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, will address the topic of the Psalms as an entryway to Scripture, and how engaging with the Psalms can help in understanding Scripture as whole, according to Ray Van Neste, director of the ...
Union to show documentary on linotypeLarry Raid, who runs Linotype University in Denmark, Iowa, will be at Union University March 8 for a screening of the documentary “Linotype: The Film,” and will teach students to run the linotype machine at Green Frog village in Alamo March 9.
Raid appears in the documentary, which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in room D-3 in the Penick Academic Complex, and will answer questions after the film...
Union University senior Betsy Olson has been awarded the Barbara Lotze Endowed Scholarship for Future Teachers, a nationally competitive scholarship chosen by the American Association of Physics Teachers.
“It has helped me to know that others see potential in me to be a good physics teacher, which affirms where I think God may be leading me,” Olson said.
Olson plans to graduate in 2014...
Ashley Pugh, a third-year pharmacy student at Union University, was one of 12 pharmacy students nationally to receive a 2013 student scholarship from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation.
The awards were presented March 4 at the APhA annual meeting in Los Angeles.
“I am humbled to be recognized as a leader by the APhA Foundation,” Pugh said. “I am very passionate about the p...
Symposium encourages dialogue about racial reconciliationEliminating more than 200 years of racism won’t be accomplished easily, but it’s still a goal for which Christians should strive, according to Bryan Loritts and John Bryson of Fellowship Memphis.
Loritts and Bryson were the featured panelists for Union University’s sixth annual Black History Month symposium Feb. 27.
Fellowship Memphis is a multicultural church recognized for leading r...
Union named to Community Service Honor Roll for 7th straight yearFor the seventh straight year, Union University has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America’s communities.
“All of us at Union University are truly honored and grateful to be recognized once again in such a laudable and significant way for ongoing commitment to community service,” Union President David S...
Union hosts 300 student journalists for SEJCUnion University’s campus welcomed more than 300 additional students representing 25 universities from around the South Feb. 21-23 for the Southeast Journalism Conference.
Students from such universities as Alabama, Louisiana State, Ole Miss, Memphis, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt traveled from seven states to listen to recognized professional speakers from all over the country, participa...
Union to host ‘Salt and Light in the Public Square’ conference May 2-4Robert P. George of Princeton University and Timothy George of Beeson Divinity School will be two of the keynote speakers at a Union University conference May 2-4 honoring the legacy of Charles Colson.
“Salt and Light in the Public Square: Charles Colson’s Legacy and Vision” will also feature keynote addresses from Garland Hunt, president of Prison Fellowship Ministries, Russell Moore, senio...
‘KJV 400’ book addresses legacy and impact of King James BibleA new book edited by Ray Van Neste examines the impact of the King James Version of the Bible on many different disciplines over the past 400 years.
Published by BorderStone Press, “KJV 400: The Legacy and Impact of the King James Version” includes material adapted from the 2011 festival Union University held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Version.
“The King James...
Union honors class of 1963, presents alumni awards during Homecoming 2013Forty-two alumni from the Union University class of 1963 returned to campus to celebrate their 50-year reunion during Homecoming 2013, an event that featured the annual alumni awards and the crowning of a new Homecoming queen.
“It’s a close-knit class, and a lot of these men and women have excelled in their professions,” said John Adams, a member of the class of 1963. “That goes back to what...
Dockery calls for new partnerships, greater unity in SBC effortsSouthern Baptists must rise above the rampant individualism and isolation that characterize today’s world and embrace each other in new partnerships for the sake of the gospel, Union University President David S. Dockery recently told Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary students.
“Ongoing disharmony and differences could well lead to our collective ruin,” Dockery said. “Today I want to...
Padelford to occupy Union’s Porter Family Chair of Business and EconomicsA $2 million gift to Union University from the Joe Porter family will establish the Porter Family Chair of Business and Economics, which will be held by longtime Union professor Walton Padelford.
“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Walton Padelford as the Porter Family Professor of Business and Economics,” Union President David S. Dockery said. “We are incredibly gratef...
Jayne to address Union’s global engagement at Feb. 20 Founders’ Day chapelCynthia Jayne, associate provost for intercultural and international studies at Union University, will be the featured speaker at Union’s annual Founders’ Day chapel service Feb. 20.
Jayne, who also serves as university professor of language, will speak about the history of Union’s international efforts.
“Founders' Day is an important opportunity for the Union community to reflect upon...
Loritts, Bryson to speak at Union’s Black History Month program Feb. 27Bryan Loritts and John Bryson of Fellowship Memphis will serve as guest panelists for Union University’s sixth annual Black History Month symposium Feb. 27.
Loritts is the church’s lead pastor, while Bryson serves as teaching pastor. Frank Anderson, pastor of True Light Baptist Church in Memphis and associate professor of ministry and missions at Union, will serve as the event’s facilitator....
McRoberts to present annual piano recital Feb. 19Terry McRoberts, university professor of music at Union University, will perform his 21st annual faculty piano recital Feb. 19 at Union.
The program will begin with Dame Myra Hess’ arrangement of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” McRoberts will also perform variations on “Awariguli” in celebration of the 60th birthday of Chen Yi later this year.
The centerpiece of the program will be the...
Union’s Homecoming weekend set for Feb. 21-23A family winter wonderland, the class of 1963’s 50-year reunion and a special Homecoming chapel service will be the key features of Union University’s 2013 Homecoming weekend Feb. 21-23.
“I am excited about Homecoming 2013, as there are events planned throughout the weekend for the entire Union community,” said Josh Clarke, director of alumni services for Union. “We hope that alumni from all...
FedEx flight simulation aids healthcare simulation researchIt’s not every day that an anesthesiologist and a nurse practitioner fly an aircraft, but Union University nursing professors Brian Foster and Brad Harrell found themselves doing just that recently.
But the men were flying a simulator at the FedEx Corp. Air Operations Training Center in Memphis and not a real aircraft. The FedEx center has multi-million-dollar simulators that carefully emula...
Union’s online graduate nursing program scores high in USNWR rankingsUnion University’s School of Nursing has one of the top online graduate nursing programs in the country, according to U.S.News & World Report.
In recently released rankings, the publication placed Union’s program 40th nationally, ahead of such institutions as Michigan State University, Ohio State University and Georgetown University. The rankings included the nation’s top 72 programs.
...
Stephen Hayes to headline Union Forum March 19Stephen F. Hayes, a senior writer at The Weekly Standard, contributor to FOX News and author, will speak at Union University March 19 as part of the ongoing Union Forum luncheon lecture series.
Hayes has written extensively about national politics, international affairs and the country’s current political leadership. He is the author of two New York Times best sellers: “The Connection: How a...
Union marks 5-year anniversary of campus-leveling tornadoCelebrating the goodness and providence of God, Union University alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends gathered Feb. 5 to mark the five-year anniversary of a tornado that destroyed much of the university’s campus.
“Our purpose in gathering tonight is not to be nostalgic,” Union President David S. Dockery said. “It’s not to remember anything about Union prior to the tornado. What we’re...
An instructional course on classroom use of iPad technology developed by a Union University education professor has been one of the top courses on iTunesU for several months.
Eric Marvin, associate professor of education at Union University Germantown, originally created the “Integrating iPads into the Classroom” course to meet the needs of Union graduate students and faculty as the School o...
The executive committee of Union University’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the members of the presidential search committee who will work to find the next president of the university.
“We deeply appreciate all of the search committee members’ commitment to Union University and their willingness to serve the university in this important way,” said Norman Hill, chairman of Union’...
Union University doctoral students from Singapore visit Jackson campusFive men with preaching ministries in Southeast Asia spent two weeks in January at Union University, becoming the first of the university’s Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching students from Singapore to visit the campus.
An agreement with Baptists in Singapore allows Union to make its Doctor of Ministry degree available to Singapore students, as well as exchange faculty for teaching a...
Students serve non-profits, visit National Civil Rights Museum on MLK DayMartin Luther King Day on Jan. 21 marked a day of service and learning about the history of racial tension and reconciliation for a group of Union University staff and winter term students.
The university’s Office of Spiritual Life staff organized service projects at four local non-profits: Birth Choice, the Dream Center of Jackson, the Care Center and the Regional Inter-Faith Association.
...
Dear Union University Friends:
When President Dockery first mentioned his intention to transition to a new role at Union, I asked if he would reconsider and continue to serve just a little longer. He essentially responded that he and Lanese had carefully thought about this decision and that he sensed the Lord's leading in this matter, believing it to be the right time to formally start the p... Dockery to transition to Union University chancellor in July 2014
Dockery to transition to Union University chancellor in July 2014David S. Dockery will transition from president of Union University to the role of university chancellor no later than July 2014, and Union trustees will immediately begin the process of searching for his successor as president.
“I am hopeful and prayerful for a good, smooth, joyful and positive transition,” Dockery said. “God has blessed the work of our hands and manifested his favor to thi... A letter from Union Trustee Chairman Norm Hill
Second ‘Renewing Minds’ issue explores the futureThe second issue of Union University’s “Renewing Minds: A Journal of Christian Thought” explores the future in 12 articles.
The fall 2012 issue, “The Future Of...,” is the latest edition of the print journal designed to share scholarship related to current topics in society.
“Writing about the future presents an opportunity for real speculation and anticipation,” said Hunter Baker, de...
Mt. Juliet husband and wife graduate together from Union UniversityFor the past several months, Keith and Karen Singer of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., have known the meaning of “busy” -- four kids, full-time jobs, and each of them working on graduate degrees at Union University in Hendersonville.
On Dec. 15, the Singers each accomplished a significant goal with the completion of their degrees. They graduated together during the fall commencement service at West Jacks...
McNeill, Mitchell become Union’s first Doctor of Ministry graduatesTwo pastors became the first in Union University’s history to receive their Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching degrees Dec. 15 after they successfully defended their dissertations earlier this semester.
Phil Mitchell, pastor of First Baptist Church of Adamsville, Tenn., and Howard McNeill, pastor of Maple Springs Baptist Church in Seagrove, N.C., began with the program’s first class ...
Union presents Craig Service Award to Jack and Zan HolmesUnion University President David S. Dockery presented the Robert E. Craig Service Award to Jack and Zan Holmes as part of Union’s graduation ceremony Dec. 15 at West Jackson Baptist Church.
Jack is an attorney in Jackson and Zan is a homemaker.
The award is named after Union’s 13th president, who led the university for nearly two decades and was responsible for reestablishing Union wi...
Dockery notes highlights, cultural challenges in annual report to Union trusteesUnion University trustees at their Nov. 30 meeting heard a positive report from Union President David S. Dockery about the institution’s operations and recognized several employees for their contributions.
Dockery made a brief presentation summarizing the 409-page annual report to trustees, citing institutional highlights for the year, such as a 15th straight year of increasing enrollment, a...
Dockery to transition to role of University Chancellor
