Blog

As a 1970 graduate, Alan Chamness's life was transformed at Union University, and he has never shied away from sharing Union's mission with others while serving at First Baptist Church in Henderson, Ky., for over 40 years. In this role, Chamness has had the gift of mentoring generations of Union students, and Robbie Graves, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions, says Chamness is responsible for more than 150 students attending Union.

"Union put shoes to the Gospel for me and gave me the ability to not only love the Gospel but to live the Gospel," Chamness said. "It's all about teaching kids that same thing, and I truly do believe Union is where you go to learn how to live the Gospel."

52 years later, he is just as passionately sharing the Union story to every student, parent and alumni he encounters because he believes learning how to be a minister for Jesus Christ in every discipline and occupation is what truly sets a Union University education apart, and there are numerous examples of alumni who continue to give back to their university by sharing the transformational impact of Union with others.

Clay Hallmark, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lexington, Tenn., saw how Union's Christ-centered values gave him a firm understanding of Truth, but he said the campus's people-focused mission also enabled him to grow and to be challenged in a safe, loving and encouraging community.

"When we say 'at Union, we are Christ-centered,' that is not just something we put on the publications or on the brochures; it's real," Hallmark said. "We know that when we send our students to Union University, they are going to be taught the truth of God's word — the inerrant truth of God's word."

The excellence-driven education that integrates faith and learning is what led Jennifer Land Graham, math teacher for 24 years and current director of curriculum and special projects at Tipton Rosemark Academy, to return years later to complete her graduate degrees.

"I have received four degrees from Union, and I couldn't have had a better experience getting each one," Graham, a 1996 Union graduate, said. "I would 100 percent choose Union all over again every time."

For each alumnus, they know the true value of a Union University education, and they believe wholeheartedly in the mission of this Christ-centered university. For Union alumni who would like some tips on how to promote Union to their acquaintances, here are some suggestions:

1. Keep an open heart and mind — Chamness said it is important to be aware of who the Lord is putting in your path, always looking for prospective Union students. "At times, I see a kid and go 'that's a Union student right there,'" Chamness said. "I say, 'they need Union, and Union needs them.'"
2. Encourage students to talk about financial aid — Graham has found that one of the biggest hesitancies for many prospective students and their families is the cost of a private Christian education, which is why she is always helping her students look for scholarships and financial opportunities. Being ready and equipped to help prospective students find financial aid can help them be more prepared to continue their education at Union.
3. Understand the value of Christian higher education — As a passionate advocate for Christian education, Hallmark constantly encourages the students and parents in his community to understand the unique privilege of integrating faith and learning in the classroom. He challenges alumni to reiterate the importance of Christian education to every student and parent they encounter — understanding the real value of life-long spiritual transformation.
4. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions — Graves encourages Union alumni to share contacts of prospective students with admissions@uu.edu, and he says the office of undergraduate admissions will be diligent to follow up with students and to do what they can to help get them to Union.
5. Share your Union story — Every alumnus has their own story of how Union has transformed their lives. According to Graves, the office of undergraduate admissions depends on faithful alumni to spread the word of Union far and wide, so celebrate all the ways Union University has impacted you, your faith and your professional growth by sharing your Union story with others.