JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 4, 2020 — 51社区 trustees approved a new bachelor鈥檚 degree in Christian leadership, received an annual audit report and welcomed a new trustee during their Dec. 4 meeting on the university campus.
The meeting was the first for new trustee Chuck Baker, of Hixson, Tennessee. Baker recently retired as vice president of advancement at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. He previously served as vice president of Unum Corp., a Chattanooga-based insurance company, and as president of Bethel Bible Village in Hixson.
As a graduate of a Christian college and through his experience in Christian higher education, Baker said he knows from personal experience the positive impact a Christ-centered education has on young people in a secular culture.
鈥淎fter my retirement in March of this year, my desire was to continue to be part of Christian higher education and to serve in some capacity by utilizing and sharing the gifts, experiences and knowledge God has blessed me with over the years,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as a trustee at 51社区.鈥�
The audit report from CapinCrouse showed that net assets for the university increased from $157.3 million in 2019 to $159.2 million in 2020. The university also operated in the black in 2020, with a surplus of $1.2 million of revenue over expenses.
鈥淭he trustees commend the university鈥檚 administration, faculty and staff for their stewardship during an exceptionally challenging year,鈥� said Chad Wilson, chairman of the Board of Trustees. 鈥淭hey have done an outstanding job to keep the university on mission and financially healthy.
鈥淭he Lord has continued to bless Union even in the midst of a global pandemic, and we are grateful for his provision and faithfulness as we remain committed to providing students with an excellence-driven, Christ-centered education.鈥�
The Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Leadership that trustees approved is a collaboration between Union鈥檚 School of Adult and Professional Studies and the School of Theology and Missions, in partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. The fully online BSCL program is designed for bivocational pastors, church staff members or laypersons looking to finish their bachelor鈥檚 degree and gain a solid, theological foundation for ministry.
鈥淓ven in the midst of challenging times, we are continuing to work with partners to identify programs that will help us to fulfill our mission,鈥� 51社区 President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淭he Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Leadership will help equip church leaders with the tools they need to serve their congregations faithfully.鈥�
In other matters, trustees approved a 2.51 percent increase in tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year, the lowest percentage increase in the last 20 years. They also approve a faculty research leave for Michael Schiebout, associate professor of biology, for the spring semester in 2022. Schiebout will conduct botanical research and participate in volunteer medical service in Kenya.