JACKSON, December 8 -- Following his election as 15th president of Union University, Dr. David S. Dockery, vice president of academic administration and dean of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, gave the following response to the University's Board of Trustees:
It is with a deep sense of gratitude to God that I accept the invitation of the Board of Trustees of Union University to become the 15th president of this great institution."
With a dependence on God's enabling grace, Lanese and I shall look forward to investing our lives at this University in the years to come."
With genuine heartfelt appreciation we want to say thank you to the trustees for their vote of confidence. We are deeply grateful to Mr. John Drinnon and his leadership, and to the members of the search committee for their part in the process that has led us to this place today. I have confidence that the Lord has moved us along the way during each step of the process, and we want to respond in a faithful manner."
This morning's meeting serves as an overwhelming confirmation of God's leading throughout the past weeks and months. While this concludes that process, it is only the beginning of what we trust will be great days ahead for us and the entire Union family."
Particularly in the last decade Union University has begun to move to the forefront among Christian universities. Recent recognitions underscore the quality education provided at this University. It is with expectation and anticipation that we look forward to working with the excellent administrators, faculty, staff, and students of this school. It will be a privilege to serve alongside a faculty of this quality, to work with this very capable trustee board, and to get to know the outstanding students and alumni of this institution."
Certain changes are to be expected with the appointment of a new president, but I want to say that there will be much continuity as we seek to build on the great tradition of this University and particularly on the shoulders of the achievements of the past decade under the visionary leadership of Dr. Hyran Barefoot. It will be a genuine honor to follow him as the next president of Union University and work with him as he assumes his new chancellor role."
We will seek to build upon and enhance the emphases on academic excellence and distinctive Christian commitment in every discipline across the University. Our guiding vision will focus on both head and heart so that in all areas of study we encourage Christian minds to seek truth and Christian hearts to pursue God."
This means we will emphasize both faith and learning, piety and scholarship, as we seek to live out the implications of the Great Commandment by loving God with all our minds, as well as with all our hearts. We want Union to be an embodying Christian University, exemplifying a strong relational tie with Southern Baptists concerned for sound faith and observance, offering strong chapel and mission programs, and promoting Christian values. I will pledge to seek to lead Union in a way that is consistent with these institutional commitments, which have been central to the school's heritage and are foundational for our future."
We want to build upon the positive and constructive relationships with the Tennessee Baptist Convention in particular and the Southern Baptist Convention in general so as to provide leadership for today, while educating leaders for tomorrow."
We will work to build an effective leadership team that works together, emphasizing complementary strengths, that both gives vision to the University and carries out that role through enabling servant leadership. We will pray and work together to build community, collegiality, and a shared vision for this University. We will seek to continue and expand the solid support base with alumni. We will cultivate strong relationships and partnerships with the local community, with businesses and other institutions in this region, and we will establish strong ties with the churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention."
In doing so we will seek to enhance the visibility and leadership of Union University in major cities in this region. We will work to strengthen and expand involvement with various constituencies and publics, and to raise the visibility and support of the faculty, staff, and student body as well."
We will seek to prioritize the worship and service of God in all that we do. We will pray that the Union University community can be used of God as an agent of reconciliation to a factious church and hurting world. We will trust that we can continue to build a leading liberal arts University that is faithful to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life and service with dependence on the Lord's guidance, enablement, and blessing."
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Last updated on December 8, 1995.
