Mission Statement
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 Center serves as the umbrella organization for Union's
Institutional Review Board to
assist with human subject research.
Goals
- To encourage excellence in
scientific research and publication
- To foster a constructive
interaction between science and the Christian faith
- To analyze the ethical
implications of scientific theory and practice
- To promote scientific
literacy.
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About Edward P. Hammons
Edward P. Hammons was a Trustee and longtime friend and supporter of the university before dying suddenly of DIC syndrome in November 1998. A native of Forrest City, Ark., Hammons established the O.P. and Evalyn Hammons Chair of Pre-Medical Studies and the Hammons Endowed Scholarship Fund with a major gift to Union in 1997.
"Dr. Edward P. Hammons was a man with a Kingdom of God agenda. He lived his life for the good of others and was generous with his time and resources for the cause of Christian higher education in particular and other numerous, benevolent causes,"
-- Union President David S. Dockery
Hammons Society of Fellows
An integral part of the Edward P. Hammons Center for Scientific Studies is the Society of Fellows Program. The purpose of the program is to initiate, enhance, encourage and promote those studies and /or efforts that advance the cause of Christ within the realm science, faith and environmental stewardship. Hammons Fellows are science-oriented professionals who are asked to join the efforts of the Center in some venue or capacity that will promote these causes within the community or abroad.
Externships
The Center does provide for non-funded externships that relate to various forms of scientific study. For instance, a University of Tennessee veterinary student has been provided an externship that provided wildlife rehabilitation experience, cadaver dissection and research involving mammalian ectoparasites within wild populations. For more information contact the Center Director.
Wildlife Rehab Center
The long-awaited wildlife rehabilitation facility is finally being erected on our campus near our facilities management building. We will focus our concentration on raptor rehabilitation in the beginning. The caged portion of the building has been constructed large enough to house an eagle while being rehabilitated but has been designed so that partitioning can occur to house other birds of prey as there should be few eagles come through our program. We are hoping to be operational some time this summer. Please follow the photographic progression of our facility. Contact Dr. James Huggins if you
would like to help bring this dream to fruition! See the October 4, 2002 Cardinal and Cream article.
Partnerships
- Cypress Grove Nature Park - Union University and the city of Jackson’s Cypress Grove Nature Park have teamed up to enhance the educational opportunities the park provides to the local community. MORE INFO
Affiliations
- Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies - provides university-level courses with transferable credits to over 50 colleges and universities, the framework and services for sustainable community-building, environmental education and restoration for school children and adults, facilities for community and environmental organizations, community and regional conferences and retreats, and outreach services.
- Tennessee Academy of Science - seeks to promote scientific research and the diffusion of knowledge concerning science; to secure communication between persons engaged in scientific work, especially in Tennessee; to assist by investigation and discussion in developing and making known the material, educational, and other resource and riches of the state; to arrange and prepare for publication such reports of investigations and discussions as they further the aims and objectives of the Academy.
