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JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 2, 2011 — 51���� trustees celebrated the completion of the “Union 2012” strategic plan and unveiled a presidential portrait of David S. Dockery during their trustee meeting Dec. 2 on the university campus.

The “Union 2012” plan was the fourth strategic plan completed during the 16 years of the Dockery administration. Among the accomplishments of the three-year plan were the completion of Providence Hall and Hope Residence Complex, a renewed priority on the importance of the liberal arts and a heightened emphasis on the Christian intellectual tradition.

The plan also called for launching the Union Honors Community, an emphasis on the importance of what Dockery called “Great Commandment thinking and living” and strengthening the university’s financial resources and budgeting process, all of which were completed.

Trustees also approved a 440-page annual report for the 2010-2011 year, which detailed the events, activities, accomplishments and challenges of the academic year that Dockery said was one of the best in Union’s history.

“Both the annual report and the report related to the ‘Union 2012’ plan were marvelous testimonies to the blessings of God on the university,” Dockery said. “We certainly recognize that what has happened at Union over the past 16 years has taken place because of God’s goodness and enablement.

“From a human perspective, however, the four strategic plans have been instrumental to the enhanced academic quality, the increased resources, the development of the campus and the growth of the student body,” he continued. “I applaud every administrator, faculty member and staff member who has contributed to the marvelous work associated with the processes associated with these plans.”

The portrait of Dockery, painted by artist Tom Donahue, will hang in the Emma Waters Summar Library in the Penick Academic Complex. Donahue, a well-known portrait artist in the Mid-South region, has painted the portraits of former Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist, Rhodes College President (and Union alumnus) Bill Troutt and many other leaders in Tennessee.

“University presidential portraits are an important tradition with a long history in this country and in Europe,” said Rod Parker, chairman of Union’s Board of Trustees. “The purpose of such portraits has been to capture a subject for posterity in order to serve as a historical document for the institution.”

Parker said following Dockery’s 10th anniversary as president in 2005, several people in the Union community began to inquire about providing a portrait of him for the university. Dockery agreed to sit for the portrait after his 15th anniversary last year, and over the past year has worked with Donahue on the project.

“We are grateful to Mr. Donahue for his fine work in behalf of 51����,” Parker said. “We believe that this portrait has captured well our president for posterity, and this portrait will provide a historical record for the university for years to come.”

Trustees also welcomed newly elected trustees Jeff Perkins and Chad Wilson to the board and recognized Greg Jordan for his faithful years of leadership on the board’s academic committee.