The Centers of the University were established to promote the ideals of different academic
departments to deal Christianly with issues. Each Center is headed by a Director, who also
serves as a faculty member. Below is a list of the Centers along with their purpose
statements and directors.
The Center exists to promote the skills of effective Bible study and the art of biblical
interpretation among students at Union University as well as members of the broader
Body of Christ. The Center houses a model library for inductive study of the Scriptures,
hosts an annual conference on interpretation and provides resources for local churches
in pursuit of ongoing training in Bible study.
The purpose of this Center is to be the premier provider of economic and business information
to Jackson and West Tennessee and to promote avenues that enhance the study
and practice of Christian business principles. The Center publishes “Economic Updates”
for area Chambers of Commerce, sponsors conferences and provides other services to
area businesses such as seminars and employee training.
The Center for Christian Leadership is designed to equip Christians
serving in various vocations with the worldview and skills necessary to be
high impact servant leaders and change agents in the 21st century.
The purpose of the Center for Educational Practice is to:
- Encourage and edify contemporary practice in education;
- Foster scholarship in education among faculty at Union University;
- Publish a CEP Research journal as a forum for students, faculty and the
community;
- Bring scholars and events in education to the Union University campus.
With national recognition and accreditation of the University’s teacher education programs and burgeoning graduate programs for teachers, the Center exists to assist and
coordinate efforts internally and externally to promote the excellence of new ideas in
education.
The Edward P. Hammons Center for Scientific Studies was formed to show,
by example, how science and Christianity are not only compatible, but also
synergistic. Science at Union University is seen from a Christian
vantage point. The Center operates with the presupposition that
science as observed truth need not conflict with revealed truth and that
science is impossible apart from the recognition that God has created an
exploration of the nature of the universe, in order to afford a great
appreciation of the complexity and glory of God's creation. The
Center seeks to accomplish this by the encouragement of excellence in
research and publication by our faculty and by sponsorship of conferences,
lectures by outstanding scholars, and community outreach programs.
The purpose of the R. G. Lee Center for Christian Ministry is to equip
bi-vocational pastors, staff, and laity for Christian service by offering
the Diploma in Christian Ministry and the Associate of Divinity. Details
of these programs can be found under Special Programs, Adult and Evening
Studies.
An integral part of the Center is the R. G. Lee Society of Fellows
Program whose purpose is to enhance and encourage the preaching of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Upon invitation, a pastor builds a sermon from the
resources of the R. G. Lee Library. The sermon is published by the Center
and distributed to West Tennessee pastors.
The mission of the Center for Faculty Development is to encourage faculty in four areas:
- Effective and innovative teaching;
- Pursuit of scholarship and professional growth;
- The integration of faith and learning through spiritual formation;
- Involvement in university and community service.
The Center conducts the new faculty orientation program (Fresh Start),
the new faculty
mentoring program (Mentor Network) and continual training for all faculty (In the
Academy). The Center also sponsors the Newell Innovative Teaching Awards and the Teagle
Grant Awards for innovative teaching and scholarship. Twice a year the Center hosts an
integration of faith and learning collegium for faculty to learn how to think Christianly
about their disciplines and hosts two integration of faith chapel speakers each year.
The purpose of the Center of Excellence in Health Care Practice is to
demonstrate the Christian worldview of humanity in enhancing the skills and
knowledge of students and existing health care practitioners. The Center
seeks to demonstrate the Christian worldview of humanity through simulation
education, continuing education, information services to the community, and
excellence in clinical research.
Center for Media, Faith and Culture
The Center for Media, Faith and Culture is designed to provide Christians
serving in various mediums in the field of communications with worldview and
skills needed for them to engage the culture as change agents in the 21st
century.
Center for Politics and Religion
The Center for Politics and Religion is meant to provide a forum for
teaching, research, and discussion about the intersection between politics
and religion. The Center sponsors conferences, promotes research, and
encourages students to "think Christianly" about how their faith should
affect their politics by analyzing the role of religion in America and the
world. The Center aims not only to prepare Union students to impact the
political world winsomely and effectively for Christ, but also to represent
Union in the larger conversation about faith and politics taking place among
fellow believers and non-believers alike.
