Union University News Releases

Union presents Akin with Dodd Award

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:08:53 CST

Union University presented Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Danny Akin with its M.E. Dodd Denominational Service Award June 10 during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

The Dodd Award is the highest denominational service award Union gives. It is named for the man who was a 1904 Union graduate, served as president of the SBC and who was the father of today's Cooperative Program, the method by which Southern Baptists pool their resources to fund their mission efforts.

The award, voted on by Union trustees, is given to a leader within the SBC who displays excellence and leadership in Southern Baptist life, as well as friendship and commitment to Union University. Past recipients include such leaders as Jimmy Draper, Adrian Rogers, R. Albert Mohler Jr., Steve Gaines, Paul Chitwood, Ben Mandrell, David S. Dockery and others.

"Dr. Akin has given Southern Baptists decades of dedicated, faithful service through academic service, extensive preaching and writing and by his steady example as a husband and father," said Ray Van Neste, Union's vice president for university ministries. "He has been a great friend to Union speaking here on numerous occasions, giving advice and sending two of his sons, Paul and Tim, to study here. I personally am grateful for his service and am delighted for Union to honor him in this way."

Akin has served as the sixth president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, since 2004. He is retiring at the end of July.

Prior to Southeastern, he served at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as senior vice president for academic administration and dean of the School of Theology. He also served at Criswell College as professor of New Testament, theology and church history, and as dean of students.

He is the author and co-author of multiple books reflecting his interests in international missions, expository preaching and family life.

Akin and his wife Charlotte have four sons, four daughters-in-law and 15 grandchildren.

New book from Union University Press features Old Testament sermons from chapel series

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:24:36 CST

Union University Press has published a new book featuring sermons on stories from the Old Testament, drawn from select Union chapel services during the spring semester of 2025.

Edited by Ray Van Neste and Justin Wainscott, "Great Stories of the Old Testament" includes sermons from Mark Catlin, Dub Oliver, John Oswalt, Andy Pettigrew, Eric Smith, Van Neste and Wainscott.

Van Neste is vice president for university ministries and dean for Union's School of Theology and Missions. Wainscott is associate dean and assistant professor of ministry in the STM.

The book continues a series of chapel-based publications from Union University Press. For several years, certain spring chapel services have been dedicated to working through a specific book of the Bible. In the spring of 2025, however, the series took a different approach.

Rather than focusing on a single biblical book, the spring 2025 series drew from narratives across the Old Testament. Van Neste and Wainscott note that while the great stories of the Old Testament have long played a central role in Christian discipleship and formation, declining biblical literacy has made these stories increasingly unfamiliar.

"The particular appeal and power of story make these biblical stories important resources as we counter the growing biblical illiteracy in our culture," Van Neste and Wainscott write in the book's preface. "While these stories are not as widely familiar as they once were, they are powerful ways to reintroduce people to the grand truth of Scripture."

Clint Pressley, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, said the book is "part devotional, part commentary and all excellent."

"The stories are well told by excellent preachers and scholars and filled with Christ-centered theology and gospel goodness," he said.

The editors said they hope the book serves both general readers and those in ministry.

"Our hope is that this work might encourage other Christians as they learn more about some of the great stories from the Old Testament, the truths they proclaim, and the Savior they exalt," Van Neste and Wainscott write. "We also hope it will be a resource for other preachers as they consider how to preach different Old Testament narratives."

The book is available for purchase "https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1964086078/unionuniversity">on Amazon.

506 receive degrees at Union's 201st commencement

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Sat, 02 May 2026 21:08:16 CST

Patrick Basie first learned about Union University through Impact 360 and found that his time as a Union student shaped both his engineering career and his faith.

On May 2, Basie was among 506 Union University graduates who received their degrees during two ceremonies on the Great Lawn.

Basie, of Pine Mountain, Georgia, earned his degree in engineering with an electrical concentration and will join the team at Nidec Leroy-Somer in Lexington, Tennessee. A member of the Honors Community, he credited both faculty investment and Christian community as crucial components of his time at Union.

"The Honors professors have been an integral part of my spiritual formation," he said.

As part of the commencement ceremony, Amy De Groot, of Sioux Center, Iowa, who double majored in public relations and history, received the Tigrett Medal, which is awarded to an outstanding senior in each graduating class.

Andrew Walker, dean-elect of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delivered the commencement address. Walker, who also serves as associate professor of Christian ethics and public theology at SBTS and is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, challenged graduates to resist what he called the "mythology of disruption" – the cultural pressure to build platforms, chase significance and define success by visibility and accomplishments.

Instead, Walker called graduates to a life of ordinary faithfulness, drawing on 1 Timothy 6:6 – "Godliness with contentment is great gain" – as his central text. "The Christian life is not a disruption strategy," Walker said. "The gospel does not primarily call you to change the world. It calls us to be faithful in the world. And those are not necessarily the same thing."

Walker described the ancient Christian vision of a good human life: work done honestly and with excellence, marriages built with patience, children raised in faith, neighbors served without recognition and churches tended by people who understood that slow work is lasting work. He called that vision "stubbornly ordinary" but also the most demanding and rewarding he had ever encountered.

"You cannot change the culture," he told graduates. "But you can change the culture of your dinner table."

Walker pushed back on the idea that the church is immune from its own version of this ambition culture, acknowledging his own culpability before pressing graduates toward commitment to marriage, to a local church, to a city and to neighbors known by name.

"God will ask whether we were faithful, not whether we were elite," he said. "That is your inheritance. Go claim it."

For Brianna Correia, faithfulness and perseverance marked her entire journey through Union's pharmacy program. Correia, who hails from Bermuda, found Union while researching colleges and chose to attend because of its Christ-centered commitment and strong academics.

"I appreciated the personal attention from professors and the opportunities to grow academically and spiritually," she said.

One professor in particular, Jennifer Byrd, proved to be a steady source of encouragement throughout Correia's time at Union.

"She believed in me even when I struggled to do that myself," Correia said. "I can honestly say I wouldn't have made it through this program the same way without her."

After graduation, Correia will begin a residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. She carries with her a conviction shaped by the people around her at Union.

"They've not only helped me become a better student and future pharmacist, but they've also shown me the importance of pouring into others," she said. "That's something I'll carry with me into the next chapter – both professionally and personally."

The theme of faithful persistence also resonated with Wayne Lauderdale Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership through Union's School of Adult and Professional Studies.

Lauderdale spent 14 years building his trucking business before realizing something was missing. Grateful for what his career had provided his family, he set out to earn his college degree – a pursuit made possible by Union's BSOL program, which allowed him to pursue his education without stepping away from work or family.

He found that Union's professors actively helped him apply what he was learning to strengthen and grow his business.

"The fact that Union aligns with my faith and values made the choice even more meaningful," Lauderdale said. "It truly feels like the place God intended for me to grow academically, spiritually and professionally."

Lauderdale's graduation does not mark an ending. He is already enrolled in Union's Master of Business Administration program and will continue his education at the same institution where he found his footing.

Walker to address Union graduates at May 2 commencement

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:30:54 CST

Andrew Walker, dean-elect of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will deliver the commencement address as part of Union University's spring graduation ceremonies May 2 on the Great Lawn.

Walker also serves SBTS as associate professor of Christian ethics and public theology. He is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and is the managing editor of WORLD Opinions.

He is the author or editor of 10 books on Christian ethics and public theology, including the forthcoming "Prodigal Culture: A People in Ruins and the Way Back Home."

Walker earned his bachelor's degree from Southwest Baptist University and his Master of Divinity, Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from SBTS.

He and his wife, Christian, live in Louisville, Kentucky, with their three daughters.

The ceremony for graduate and adult studies students, including MCUTS, BSOL and associate degrees, will begin at 2 p.m. and can be seen at "https://vimeo.com/event/5900113">vimeo.com/event/5900113. The ceremony for all undergraduates (excluding BSOL students) will begin at 6 p.m. and can be seen at "https://vimeo.com/event/5900117">vimeo.com/event/5900117.

Union students, faculty, staff honored at annual Awards Day service

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:33:41 CST

Union University presented more than 80 awards to students, faculty and staff April 17 at the annual Awards Day chapel service.

The Carla D. Sanderson Faculty of the Year Award went to Jay Beavers, associate professor of English.

Katie Yeaglin, administrative assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Gary L. Carter Staff of the Year Award.

John Foubert, professor of education, received the R. Keith Absher Faculty Researcher of the Year Award, which recognizes a full-time faculty member who has made significant and sustained scholarly contributions to his or her discipline and the academy.

Other award recipients:

The Bettye and Kermit Whiteaker Freshman Chemistry Award was presented to Nathaniel Plucker.

The Curtiss E. Scott Business Excellence Award was presented to Jacqueline Harris.

The Kina S. Mallard Communication Arts Student of the Year Award was presented to Luke Smith.

The Bill Truex Award in Computer Science was presented to William "Tacker" Nash.

The EDGE Student Achievement Award was presented to Jonathan Harvey.

The Dorothy Woodard Myatt Intern of the Year Award was presented to Regan Sheddan for Secondary Intern of the Year and to Anna Daniel for Elementary Intern of the Year, and the award for Special Education Intern of the Year was presented to Haleigh Weaver.

The Service Through Engineering Award was presented to Zane Bolton.

The Dr. James Alex Baggett History Research Paper Award was presented to Amy De Groot.

The Helen Blythe Creative Writing Award was presented to Sarah Grace Patrick.

The Georgia Wilson Memorial Award for Clinical Nursing was presented to Diana Trejo.

The Pre-Pharmacy Excellence Award was presented to Gabe Taylor.

The Kyle L. Hathcox Memorial Physics Award was presented to Rachel Allabaugh.

The Wilberforce Award for Civic Engagement was presented to Katie Mullins.

The Bill Bouchillon Psychology Excellence Award was presented to Alexandra Reeder.

The Mary Anne Poe Outstanding BSW Student Award and the Roslyn Wilson Outstanding BSW Field Student Award were presented to Leia Meadows.

The Servant Leadership Program Student Employee of the Year award was presented to Samuel Moss. The Servant Leadership Program Supervisor of the Year was Jonathan Lafferty.

The John C. Moore Award for Excellence in Academics and Athletics was presented to Sydney Whittaker and Finn Jacobs.

The Fred DeLay Memorial Award, for a senior who is an outstanding athlete, a person of high academic standing, unquestionable loyalty and good character, was presented to Ayla Young Cook.

The Barnabas Leadership Award promotes the ideals of servant leadership in the Union community. This year's recipients were Rebekah Ruth Basie and Riley Garrison.

The Broadman and Holman Award was presented to Finn Jacobs.

The Intramural Female Athlete of the Year was Aubrey Payne. The Intramural Male Athlete of the Year was Jonathan Carroll.

The Intramural Female Team Champion Cup was awarded to Zeta Tau Alpha, and Team Ben was awarded the Intramural Male Team Champion Cup.

The Greek Scholarship Cups, which are awarded annually to the two social fraternities with the highest average, were presented to the men of Lambda Chi Alpha and the women of Chi Omega (for the 79th consecutive year).

The Howard Newell Innovative Teaching Award recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated creativity and innovation in classroom teaching. Selections are made by a faculty committee. The award was presented to Jay Beavers, associate professor of English.

Academic Excellence Medals were presented by Union to the graduating senior in each major, as selected by the faculty members of the department. The following students received medals for academic excellence:

Art – Abby C. Thomas
Studio Art – Callie Paige Bodiford
Pre-Professional Art Therapy – Joelle Rachel Cruver.
Cell and Molecular Biology – Rose Elizabeth Kannankeril
Biology - Gabriella G. Wiese
Conservation Biology – John P. Fischbach
Zoology – Aiden Nathaniel Starry
Chemistry – Natalie Supine
Medical Laboratory Science – Noah Traig Friedrich
Communication Studies – Colin Emory Harris
Journalism – Margee Rose Stanfield
Public Relations – Amy Marie De Groot
Digital Media Communications – Jessica Galvan-Guzman
Computer Science – Alexander Thomas Keen
Cybersecurity – Bennett Matthew Wilson
Engineering – Shane Tendo
English – Eliana Joy Maribel Isom
History – Amy Marie De Groot
Applied Linguistics – Evan Paul Eads
French – Anna Claire Pitcher
Spanish – Ellie Hong Bonesteele
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – Autumn Virginia White
Mathematics with Honors – Matthew David Sureda
Music with Honors – Ashtyn Leigh Delk
Music Education – Ella Kay Thornton
Commercial Music – Gavin R. Kopko
Music Performance – LeAnne Renee Dudley
Worship Leadership – Caleb Joel Coleman
Physics – Timothy Jan-Paul White
Political Science – Eva G. Isom
Psychology – Eliana Joy Maribel Isom
Family Studies – Mallory Grace Hildebrand
Sociology with Honors – Evan Paul Eads
Criminal Justice – Alexandra Hope Reeder
Accounting – Joshua Charles Russell
Business Administration with Honors – Landrum Michael Redmond
Interdisciplinary Studies – Corrie Ashlyn Myers
Teaching and Learning – Michala Ann Crooks
Special Education – Kaylee Phillips Quinn
Physical Education and Health – Abigail Grace Fernandez
Exercise Science – Chayselyn Victoria Dabbs
Sport Management – Abigail Grace Fernandez
Nursing – Anna Margaret Schuering
Biblical Studies Languages with Honors – Sydney Marie Whittaker
Christian Ministry and Missions – Caroline Avery Saunders
Philosophy – Olivia Rose McMahon
Social Work – Sydnie Paige Arnolds
Professional Studies – Amy Dougan Wakefield
Organizational Leadership – Gena Deshea Satterfield
General Studies – Madelyn Boyce

Undergraduate Student Research Excellence Awards were presented to the following students: TJ Hjelte, Eliana Isom and Isabella Robertson.

The Graduate Student Research Excellence Award was presented to Zachary Turner.

Union breaks ground on new $30 million chapel

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:05:14 CST

Union University ceremonially broke ground Friday on a new $30 million chapel, a project described as the campus capstone that will serve as a visible testimony of the institution's Christ-centered mission for generations to come.

The freestanding facility, located on the eastern edge of the Jackson campus, will be clearly visible from Highway 45 Bypass. Its design features a steeple that will rise above every other building on campus, symbolizing the university's commitment to keeping Christ at the forefront of its work.

Union President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver opened the ceremony by citing Psalm 95:6 and expressing the university's desire to create a space dedicated solely to the worship of God.

"This chapel will testify to our deepest longings, to our eternal aspirations and to our commitment to future generations," Oliver said. "It will represent to all that the worship of God is the beginning and end of all learning and knowledge. It will also be a symbol of Union's determination to consecrate all of our days to the Lord Jesus Christ."

The project is a central priority of "Union 200: The Bicentennial Campaign." Jeff Perkins, chairman of the Union Board of Trustees, shared that the original campaign goal was $60 million, but the Board felt led to increase it to $80 million to include the new chapel.

"The challenge we looked forward to was how we would trust God for the unimaginable," Perkins said. "If he wanted us to build a new chapel, we knew he would provide. And here we are today, standing on the threshold of a new era in Union's history."

The new facility will replace the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel, which has served the campus since 1975. A final service in the existing chapel is scheduled for April 22, with demolition beginning after the spring semester concludes.

Construction of the new structure is expected to begin in late May. The pipe organ will be disassembled, stored and reassembled in the new chapel.

The Savage Chapel has served Union well, Perkins said.

"And now we come to God to ask for the blessing upon this new chapel, one that we pray will stand for decades to come," Perkins said. "With these walls that are soon to be constructed, we pray that they will be filled with the resounding truth of God's sovereignty, his salvation and his love. And may we have hearts of thankfulness that recognize his mighty hand of provision."

Lane Pyron, Union's student body president, spoke on behalf of the students who will benefit from the new facility.

"This chapel will be a sacred space where we gather to worship, to be challenged, to confess, to celebrate and to be sent out," Pyron said. "It will be a place where God shapes hearts and calls students into lives of service to church and society. What we celebrate here is not just the start of construction. It is the visible testimony of God's faithfulness and the shared commitment of this community to be devoted to Christ-centered education."

Oliver thanked representatives from Hord Architects of Memphis who designed the building, which will include four columns at the entrance representing Union's core values: excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused and future-directed. The Union president also recognized Linkous Construction, which will serve as the project's contractor.

Plans are for Union to dedicate the new chapel in January 2028.

To date, donors have given more than $15 million toward the $30 million project cost. Naming opportunities remain available, and contributions can be "https://www.uu.edu/jackson/buildings/new-chapel/support.cfm">made online.

"We're grateful to you and to so many others whose prayers and other support continue to advance our mission to provide Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to church and society," Oliver said during the groundbreaking ceremony. "What an exciting day to be part of the Union family."

Union trustees reaffirm Christ-centered excellence with new chapel and faculty promotions

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:06:30 CST

Union University trustees at their April 10 meeting authorized construction of a new chapel, approved the institution's 2026-2027 operating budget and granted tenure and promotions to several professors.

The freestanding chapel will be located on the eastern edge of campus next to the existing G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel, which will be demolished after the spring semester. The university held a "https://www.uu.edu/news/release.cfm?ID=3071">groundbreaking ceremony for the new building following the trustee meeting.

Jeff Perkins, chairman of Union's Board of Trustees, said the chapel will be the single-largest building project in Union's history and is an important component of "Protinus," the university's strategic plan.

"The construction of this new chapel is a bold reaffirmation of Union's 200-year legacy and our unwavering commitment to Christ-centered excellence," Perkins said. "By placing this sacred space at the heart of our campus, with a steeple that rises above all else, we are sending a clear message to the world about our priorities."

The $98.4 million budget trustees approved for the next fiscal year is flat from this year's budget.

Trustees promoted 12 professors. In the College of Pharmacy, Andrew Castleman was promoted to associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Nate Daniels and Sean King were promoted to professor of pharmaceutical sciences and Bethany Murphy was promoted to professor of pharmacy practice. In the Department of Sociology, Phil Davignon was promoted to professor of sociology.

In the McAfee School of Business, Brooke Emery was promoted to professor of marketing. In the School of Adult and Professional Studies, Beth Madison was promoted to professor of science. In the Department of Art, Paige Ward Moore was promoted to associate professor of art.

In the School of Social Work, Ginny Schwindt was promoted to professor of social work. In the School of Theology and Missions, Justin Wainscott was promoted to associate professor of ministry. In the Department of Psychology, Luke Walden was promoted to assistant professor of psychology. And in the Department of Biology, Faith Zamamiri-Davis was promoted to professor of biology.

Trustees approved three professors for emeritus status, which may be awarded to Union faculty who are retired from the university, held at least the rank of assistant professor, completed at least 15 years of full-time service, demonstrated excellence in their work and are recommended by the department chair and dean. Those recognized were Brad Green in the School of Theology and Missions, Chris Nadaskay in the Department of Art and Don Van in the Department of Engineering, all of whom are retiring at the end of the spring semester.

Trustees also approved tenure for eight professors: Jay Beavers, associate professor of English; Bob Bowen, professor of biology; Betsy Caceres, associate professor of chemistry; Mollie Carter-Neal, associate professor of psychology; Nate Daniels, professor of pharmaceutical sciences; Kayla Lambert, associate professor of nursing; John Netland, university professor of English; and Kate Rawls, associate professor of music.

"The strength of Union University is rooted in the excellence of our faculty," Union President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver said. "These are not only world-class scholars and gifted educators, but devoted mentors who are deeply committed to the integration of faith and learning. Investing in these men and women is an investment in our students, as we prepare the next generation to serve the church and society."

In other matters, trustees approved Jennifer Carnal, Brad Greer, Stephen Moore and Angela Snider as board members of the Union Foundation Board. Carnal is vice president and trust officer at Commercial Bank and Trust Co. Greer is owner of Greer Real Estate Group. Moore is a financial adviser and entrepreneur, and Snider is an attorney.

Trustees also authorized a new Bachelor of Science degree in data science. Brian Glas, chairman of Union's computer science department, said the program is designed to meet the rising industry demand for data analysts while maintaining a distinct interdisciplinary focus.

The program will also consider the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence, data privacy and digital surveillance.

"These are not just technical challenges but profound moral questions that echo the timeless debates of free will, human dignity and the nature of good and evil," Glas said. "Christians can offer a voice that advocates for technology that upholds human dignity and serves the common good."

At an April 9 dinner prior to their meeting, trustees recognized members of Union's Student Government Association.

Students showcase range of research at Union's 23rd annual Scholarship Symposium

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:32:39 CST

Union University held its 23rd annual Scholarship Symposium March 31, bringing undergraduate and graduate students to the Carl Grant Events Center and classrooms across campus to present collaborative research projects completed during the academic year.

"The Scholarship Symposium allows students to show the results of their hard work and gives them experience in presenting their research," said Suzanne Barham, academic affairs and accreditation specialist and symposium coordinator. "Since each of the research projects involves a faculty adviser, it allows faculty and students to work together on research projects, which results in more hands-on learning."

Sponsored by the Union University Research Program, the Scholarship Symposium is designed to highlight the academic excellence students achieve throughout their time at Union. This year, 82 posters were displayed in the Grant Center and 41 projects presented orally in various academic spaces. Barham noted that there was a significant increase in the number of poster presentations from the previous year.

"I [was] very excited to share my project, particularly in poster format," said Abby Thomas, a senior art major with an emphasis in graphic design. "I think a lot of what I have to say is more conversational ... The poster part of the symposium is such a cool event because you are able to get face-to-face [information] from the students themselves, rather than trying to delve into such a variety of topics yourself."

This year's Scholarship Symposium showcased research across 11 major disciplines, from artistic and literary endeavors such as Thomas' project, "A Judgment of Books and Covers," to astrophysics research done by senior physics and history double major Timothy White.

"While my project is pretty far on the niche side, I hope that it will interest people in astrophysics as well as help us better understand how large-scale celestial events work and how that might affect our own galaxy," White said.

Many students complete these projects as part of a senior seminar or as a requirement for specific classes, but they are still able to pursue their passions when choosing their research topics.

"We are rewiring a Nerf gun to turn and fire with the push of a button," said Jordan Tabor, a sophomore mathematics and mechanical engineering double major. "It's part of our circuits class for engineering. We had to create a project that applies circuits and particularly potentiometers, and we all decided it would be fun to have a Nerf gun we could control from a distance, because who doesn't want to ambush an unsuspecting passerby."

With projects related to creating affordable alternative diabetes medication to emphasizing the importance of sentiment and empathy in business to crafting a full picture book being sold after the event, the Scholarship Symposium gives these students the opportunity to contribute unique, personal projects to a school-wide collection of knowledge.

"Despite my dislike of giving presentations, in general, I am excited to share what I've been working on," White said. "Hopefully, I can get others excited about it too."

Union to break ground on new chapel April 10

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:54:41 CST

Union University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new chapel April 10 at 2 p.m.

The freestanding chapel will be located on the eastern edge of campus next to the existing G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel in the Penick Academic Complex. It will be clearly visible from the heavily trafficked Highway 45 Bypass.

Demolition on the current chapel will begin once the spring semester concludes. Construction is expected to take about a year and a half, with plans for the new chapel to open during the spring semester of 2028.

"For 50 years, our current chapel has stood as a testament to Union's commitment to worshiping God and fostering spiritual growth in the lives of our students," said Union President Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver. "As we look to the future, however, we recognized the need for a space that meets the evolving needs of our Union community and that stands as a symbol of our enduring convictions."

Oliver said the steeple of the new chapel will rise above every other building on campus, symbolizing Union's commitment to keep Christ at the forefront of all it does. The facility will be a place where students, faculty and staff gather to worship, to reflect and to engage with the truths of Scripture. It will also serve as a vibrant center for the arts, hosting concerts, lectures and other events that enrich the local community.

"The new chapel will be a beautiful, physical manifestation of Union's Christ-centered mission, a place not just for current students but for all generations of students," Oliver said.

The projected cost of the new chapel is $30 million, with more than $15 million already raised through gifts and commitments. Opportunities remain for others to partner with Union in building the new facility. Contributions and pledges may be "https://www.uu.edu/jackson/buildings/new-chapel/support.cfm">made online, and a variety of naming opportunities are available.

"We are deeply moved by the way our alumni and friends have stepped forward to support this project," said Catherine Kwasigroh, Union's vice president for institutional advancement. "These gifts represent a shared belief in Union's mission and a commitment to providing a sacred space where our students can encounter Christ. We are so thankful for those who have led the way with their generosity, and we look forward to seeing how God continues to provide as we work toward our final goal."

On April 22, Union will hold its final service in the existing chapel, with various speakers offering reflections about the facility over the past 50 years.

The groundbreaking ceremony on April 10 will take place in the space north of the current chapel. It is free and open to the public.

Gutierrez wins Union's top academic scholarship

news@uu.edu (Union University News Office) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:51:48 CST

Bronson Gutierrez, a high school senior from Canyon Lake, Texas, has received the 2026 Founders' Scholarship from Union University.

This is Union's highest academic scholarship, covering full tuition, room, meals, and student service fees for four years.

The scholarship was awarded following Union's Scholars of Excellence event, an annual competition that invites the university's most outstanding prospective students to campus for a weekend of interviews, discussions, and academic engagement.

"I just got the picture that if I wanted to make my college experience a step up from where I am today to make myself a better person, whether that be spiritually, career-wise or academically, then Union is the place I needed to go," Gutierrez said. "And I just felt like my faith would grow if I went here."

Gutierrez is home schooled and has pursued a rigorous schedule of academic, professional and extracurricular activities. During the week, he works at an estate planning law firm, where he has developed a strong interest in the field and gained insight into the meaningful impact legal work can have in people's lives.

He is also actively involved in competitive debate through the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association, where he has strengthened his communication, research and critical thinking skills. He is the son of Felix and Samantha Gutierrez.

At Union, Gutierrez plans to major in business administration with an emphasis in International Business before attending law school to pursue a career in estate planning law.

Founders' Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade point average at Union and are required to perform up to 50 hours of leadership services for the university each semester.