JACKSON, December 8-- In a special called meeting of Union University's board of trustees, David Dockery, vice president of academic administration and dean of the School of Theology at Louisville's Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, was named the University's 15th president.
Dockery succeeds President Hyran Barefoot, who retires from the presidency May 31 to assume the newly created position of chancellor. In addition to his presidential duties, Dockery will serve on the faculty as professor of Christian studies.
It is with a deep sense of gratitude I accept the invitation of Union's board of trustees to become the next president of this great institution," Dockery said in response to the trustees' decision. With a dependence on God's enabling grace, (my wife) Lanese and I shall look forward to investing our lives at this University in the years to come."
Particularly in the last decade Union University has begun to move to the forefront among Christian colleges. 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."
Dockery, who has served on the faculty and administration at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary since 1988, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master of arts from Texas Christian University, masters of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Grace Theological Seminary, and a bachelor of science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dockery has additional experience as general editor for the Baptist Sunday School Board's Broadman Press and on the faculties of several colleges, universities and seminaries. An accomplished editor, he presently serves as a consulting editor for Christianity Today and as general editor for Broadman Press' 40-volume New American Commentary series.
Dockery has authored five books and edited an additional 13 volumes including the Holman Bible Handbook, while contributing works to 16 other books. Almost 150 of Dockery's articles, book reviews and commentaries have appeared in various papers, periodicals, and scholarly journals.
The search committee and board of trustees see Dr. David Dockery as a man of true conviction and vision who already possesses a firm understanding of Christian higher education, a man we believe will capably lead Union University into the next century," John Drinnon, chairman of Union's board of trustees and presidential search committee, said.
I observed the search committee's careful consideration of each applicant and was pleased when the committee unanimously selected Dr. Dockery as the most qualified individual to guide Union University's future," retiring President Hyran Barefoot said. I support the board's decision wholeheartedly and look forward to working with Dr. Dockery in my new position of chancellor."
Union faculty also expressed their support of Dockery's selection.
Dr. David Dockery possesses the desired presidential qualities as described by the search committee, faculty and staff of our University," Dr. Carla Sanderson, dean of Union's School of Nursing, and Union's faculty representative on the presidential search committee, said.
Dr. Dockery has a vision of distinction for Union University, a vision that combines our heritage of Christian, liberal arts education with a vision for a new definition of scholarship and outreach. I am excited to be a part of a team that will be led by this man as we work toward providing quality education for the young men and women who come our way."
Dockery's colleagues at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary wished him well in his new position at Union.
I congratulate the board of trustees of Union University on its election of Dr. David S. Dockery as Union University's next president," Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said. Dr. Dockery is an acclaimed scholar and an experienced administrator, and I am certain that he will lead Union University into a new era of excellence and progress."
Union University, located in Jackson, Tenn., is a four-year, liberal arts university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Founded in 1823, the 2,000-student institution is the oldest university in the Southern Baptist Convention.
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Last updated on December 8, 1995.
