JACKSON, May 6-- Mayor Charles Farmer and the City of Jackson have proclaimed May 6-10 "Hyran E. Barefoot Week" in honor of Union University's retiring president. Farmer read the proclamation for Union students, faculty and staff assembled in the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel and presented Barefoot with a key to the city.
Barefoot, the University's 14th president, steps down May 31 to assume the newly-created role of chancellor, a part-time advisory and fund-raising position.
The resolution cited Barefoot's numerous contributions to the city and dedication to community service. Barefoot was previously recognized by the Jackson Exchange Club as Jackson's 1993 Man of the Year for his outstanding community service record.
He has served the University in a number of positions; as a teacher, a department and division chair, as academic dean, and as vice president for academic affairs.
He was inaugurated as the University's fourteenth president Oct. 16, 1987, and has served as Union's chief executive officer since May 1986, when he assumed interim duties following the resignation of President Robert Craig.
Under Barefoot's leadership, Union's enrollment has risen approximately 15%, from 1,764 students in 1987 to 2,068 in 1994. Other notable accomplishments during Barefoot's presidency include construction of the $1.4 million Blasingame Academic complex, adoption of a campus redesign master plan to accommodate University growth, completion of a 52,000 square foot Student Union Building, and addition of graduate studies in the disciplines of education and business administration.
A community leader as well, Barefoot is a member of the Board of Directors for several area civic groups, including Jackson's area Chamber of Commerce, JACOA Alcoholism Center, United Way, Jackson Rotary Club and Literacy Volunteers.
Active in ministry for almost 50 years, Barefoot has served in numerous pastoral positions and has participated in many special missionary projects. He is a popular Bible teacher, supply preacher and speaker throughout the Mid-South.
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Last updated on May 7, 1996.
