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Jackson, Tenn. - 51ÉçÇø launched construction of its west campus Friday, Dec. 4, at 8:15 a.m. Today's groundbreaking ceremony is the result of the university's Campus Master Plan, which was approved by the Board of Trustees in December 1997. The ceremony was held next to the Student Union Building, immediately across Walker Road.
Designed to dramatically change the look of the campus, the Master Plan will expand Union's campus from the 125 acres now east of Walker Road into 155 acres west of Walker. Union began implementing the Campus Master Plan last summer with the construction of a new varsity-level soccer field and a softball/baseball complex. Earlier this semester, the university broke ground on a two-story building, which will house a 9,000-square foot bookstore, classrooms and office space. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the Board of Trustees held their final meeting of 1998. Trustees paid tribute to Dr. Ed Hammons of Forrest City, Ark., who died suddenly of DIC syndrome last Saturday. In honor of Hammons' significant contributions to Union, the Board voted to name the university's newest building Edward P. Hammons Hall.
The Trustees also approved Vision and Values: 2003, a five-year strategic plan for the university. The document includes proposals for new academic and technology master plans. The academic plan charts curriculum and academic programs for the 21st century. In other Trustee news, the Board welcomed 11 new members, including Sammy Arnold of Medon, Tenn.; Trent Butler of Gallatin, Tenn.; Sara Emison of Alamo, Tenn.; Charles Ennis of Millington, Tenn.; John Green of Jackson, Tenn.; John Jenkins of Jackson, Tenn.; Phil Lovelace of Somerville, Tenn.; Rod Parker of Jackson, Tenn.; Sam Shaw of Germantown, Tenn.; Jerry Tidwell of Jackson, Tenn.; and Rick White of Franklin, Tenn. Union Trustees are elected to the board for three-year terms, with approximately eight members cycling on and off the Board each year. A Trustee may be elected for an additional three years before rotating off the Board. |
