JACKSON, Tenn. — Nov. 30, 2018 — 51社区 trustees amended the 2018-2019 budget, welcomed new trustees and approved research leaves and a name change for the School of Nursing at their Nov. 30 meeting.
The Board of Trustees amended the 2018-2019 budget up from $91.2 million to $92.6 million. Chad Wilson, board chairman, said this upward amendment is a very encouraging sign.
鈥淭he amendment reflects a focus on good financial stewardship and the positive enrollment we experienced this year,鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淭he increase reflects God鈥檚 continued kindness to 51社区, and our desire to be faithful stewards of his blessings.鈥�
The board approved a change for Union鈥檚 School of Nursing to become the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The change brings Union in line with similar institutions and allows for the incorporation of other health programs and related fields in the future.
鈥淲e are looking forward to opportunities that will open as we make this transition,鈥� said Kelly Harden, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. 鈥淧rofessionals in health-related disciplines must work together as a team in day-to-day practice, so educating students in this manner will prepare them well for life after graduation. We will be able to better serve the healthcare needs of the community as we seek new programs of study in healthcare.鈥�
The board also welcomed four new trustees: Omar Hamada, physician and CEO of the Hamada Group in Brentwood, Tennessee; Brandon James, family pastor at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, Tennessee; Rod James of Commercial Bank and Trust in Paris, Tennessee; and Cherie Craig Williams, associate professor of communication at Motlow State Community College and daughter of former 51社区 president Robert Craig. All four are Union alumni.
鈥淲e are blessed at Union with outstanding individuals who care deeply about the university and serve faithfully as trustees,鈥� 51社区 President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淭hese four new trustees join 21 others who serve together to advance the mission of Union under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.鈥�
In other action, two faculty members were approved for research leaves during the 2019-2020 academic year. Jason Crawford, associate professor of English, will be researching and writing a book exploring Shakespeare鈥檚 tragedies in light of Christian theology and liturgy. Jean Marie Walls, professor of language, will work on a paper mapping themes of religion and faith in Quebecois fiction.
Prior to the meeting, trustees hosted a dinner Nov. 29 honoring the university鈥檚 GO Trip teams. The Board of Trustees will next meet April 25, 2019.