JACKSON, Tenn. — April 7, 2016 — 51社区 trustees approved a $91 million budget for 2016-2017 during their April 1 meeting. The projected budget for 2016-17 represents a 3.55 percent increase from the current year鈥檚 operating budget.
鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to being wise stewards of the resources God has given us,鈥� said Lisa Rogers, chairman of the Board of Trustees. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for the ways the Lord has provided for us to accomplish the Union mission.鈥�
In addition to the budget, trustees approved a number of Union faculty members for promotions, tenure and research leaves.
Faculty members promoted to university professor were Ken Easley (theology and missions), Kelvin Moore (theology and missions), Bill Nettles (physics), Joanne Stephenson (psychology) and G. Jan Wilms (computer science). Promoted to professor were Richard Addo (pharmacy), Justin Barnard (Institute for Intellectual Discipleship) and Denise Thornton-Orr (nursing).
Promoted to associate professor were Christine Bailey (English), Linda Billings (nursing), Ashley Blair (communication arts), Kevin Chen (theology and missions), Allison Davis (nursing), Nina Heckler (sociology), Elisha Hill (nursing), Daniel Musselman (music) and Geoffrey Poore (physics). Christina Davis (nursing) was promoted to assistant professor.
Trustees granted tenure to Luna Bennett (pharmacy), James Kerfoot (biology), Sean King (pharmacy), Eric Marvin (education), Nita Mehr (social work), Ben Phillips (education), Georg Pingen (engineering), Julie Powell (physical education, wellness and sport) and Kathy O鈥機onnor Wray (nursing).
Bryan Dawson (math), Justin Barnard, Paul Jackson (theology and missions), Brad Green (theology and missions), Patricia Hamilton (English) and James Kirk (computer science) were granted research leaves for 2016-2017.
Union President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver said the research leaves were an important component to the university鈥檚 support of meaningful research among faculty and students, one of the seven themes to the 鈥淯nited in Spirit. Grounded in Truth.鈥� strategic plan that trustees approved in December.
鈥淯nion has been blessed with an outstanding faculty,鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淲e congratulate those who were recognized by trustees for their achievements, and we鈥檙e thankful for the ways our faculty members help to promote excellence in every field of study.鈥�