JACKSON, September 9-- In his first public address since assuming the presidency of Union University June 1, David Dockery today revealed key aspects of his vision for the University. His address, titled "Vision and Values: Toward a Mission-Driven University," highlighted Union's fall convocation exercises in the University's G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel.
Dockery projected a team approach to leadership and a vision of unprecedented growth and prosperity for all aspects of the University.
"As we work together as teams to move Union University forward into the 21st century we must be willing to do what we have not tried before. We must envision new programs, new degrees, new delivery systems, new buildings, and take advantage of new opportunities that will come our way. To do so calls for a future-directed mindset."
Dockery further refined Union's focus by outlining the tasks his administration will pursue.
"As we move toward becoming mission-driven and commit ourselves to a common vision and values, as we sense the needs of our times, as we trust the Lord for divine provision, as we strategize and join together for the task, then we can faithfully respond to the call to become an excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed university-- focused on the integration of faith and learning, committed to the education of students in areas of content, character, competencies, and convictional world views who will be leaders and change-agents in the world."
"Less than five years remain before Union University graduates must be equipped to live and work in the 21st century," Dockery said. Union must move toward these changing times enabled by the rich heritage of its 173 year history. Now is the time to refocus our efforts toward becoming a mission-driven university."
Using events from the life of Old Testament prophet Nehemiah, Dockery outlined the process of becoming mission-driven."
"We must become focused on and driven by our mission. Our mission is not to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but symbolically we must rebuild the walls that will carry us into the 21st century."
Alluding to the rapid technological changes already taking place, Dockery called for sensitivity and responsibility in addressing the new tasks ahead.
"These changes call for us to sense the needs around us. Beyond that we need a priestly ear and responsive heart to help us hear, interpret and understand the modern, even postmodern, world in which we live."
Discussing strategic priorities for an excellence-driven mission, Dockery looked to Union's past for inspiration.
"Certainly we must build on past successes and current strengths. Change for change sake accomplishes nothing! Yet, we must be willing to ask, 'what changes need to be made to make us more effective?' "
"To enter the 21st century in an effective way, recommitment has to take place in every aspect of Union's mission to move this school to a higher plane. For we are called not just to survive, but to prosper, to be an excellence-driven university."
"Administrative, faculty and staff teams are indispensable for effective work at Union University. As we move toward becoming a mission-driven University we can empower teams to perform at their optimal level of ability. In doing so we will value the people of this institution as we commit ourselves to being a people-focused university."
Above all, Dockery stressed the necessity of completing Union's mission.
"We must not be unaware that we have been called to a task that takes time. It is not a short sprint, but a long run that we are being asked to join-- one that has already been in process for 173 years."
"We have been called to build a great Christian liberal arts university. We have not been called to build a Bible college, but a liberal arts university that is unapologetically Christian and church-related."
"Let us decide today, that with God's gracious enablement and guidance, Union will become a mission and vision-driven university, focused and prepared to move to the forefront as a Great Commandment institution that will be a shaper of Christian higher education for the 21st century-- for the good of Union University and ultimately for the glory of God."
In other actions during convocation, Union installed the following members of the president's cabinet: Howard Newell, provost; Michael Duduit, executive vice president; Don Lester, dean of the McAfee School of Business Administration; Hal Poe, dean of academic resources and information services; and Tom Rosebrough, dean of the School of Education and Human Studies.
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Last updated on September 10, 1996.
