Vision and Values for a New Day
Less than five
years remain before Union University graduates must be equipped to live and
work in the 21st Century. This new century will bring about an expanding
world of technology, a changing social context, a global economy, as well
as great spiritual and ethical challenges. Union must move toward these changing
times enabled by the rich heritage of its 173 year history. Since 1823 the
solid reputation of Union University has been stamped on the state of Tennessee,
as well as the entire nation, through the influence of its leaders, faculty,
alumni, and friends. During these years the university has faced many
transitional times and challenging changes. Now we face yet another new day
filled with fresh opportunities. Some may ask if Union will be prepared for
this new day. For many reasons I believe the answer is yes!
First, Union has a long, stable tradition providing an excellent foundation. Union has a capable and talented faculty committed to excellence in teaching. Union has a caring and supportive staff concerned for excellence in service. Union has a gifted team of administrators devoted to excellence in leadership. Union has two thousand students involved in the pursuit of excellence in learning. For these reasons Union University is prepared to face a new day as an excellence-driven university.
Beyond this, Union remains committed to its Christian commitments and Baptist heritage. At the heart of our guiding vision for Union's future rests a common commitment to what Jesus identified as the "Great Commandment": loving God with all of our heart, our mind, our entire being, and loving one another as ourselves. This driving priority enables us to be faithful to the motto on the university seal, religio et eruditio, which can be understood as the love of God and the love of study. For these reasons Union University is prepared to face a new day as a Christ-centered university.
When we speak of Union University, it is not primarily a campus or buildings to which we refer, as important as this may be, but Union University is people. We believe that people are our greatest resources—people in the pews and pulpits who pray for Union, people who give counsel in alumni leadership positions, people who invest of their God-given means to advance the mission of Union University, people whom God has gifted to make a positive contribution day after day to the life and work of Union. We are committed to demonstrate the love of God to students, colleagues, and others who have contact with Union. We will seek to work for their highest good. For these reasons Union University is prepared to face a new day as a people-focused university.
Yes, the future is challenging. But Union will be positioned to maximize the windows of opportunity the Lord has presented to us to the greatest degree that resources allow. We will take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves with a prudent aggressiveness. We will seek to develop an organization that simultaneously has a short term focus and a long term view. We will place priority on enhancing our strengths, establishing our identity, expanding our programs, developing new fields of study, and impacting additional markets. For these reasons Union University is prepared to face a new day as a future-directed university.
