JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 12, 2021 — Traveling nearly 4,000 miles to make Union University his new home, Cade Smith, a freshman from North Pole, Alaska, said it was Union’s integration of faith and learning across all disciplines that stood out to him the most on his first campus visit in 2020.
Union’s genuine passion for Christ-centeredness set its campus visit apart for Smith and his family, and he said he immediately knew this was the school God was leading him to.
“It was important for me in my college decision to attend somewhere that truly has a Christ-centered mission — not just being historically Christian,” said Smith, who will major in digital media studies. “We loved seeing the intentionality of the gospel on campus, and it’s obvious they really value personal relationships with their students.”
With the help of numerous campus volunteers, Smith is one of over 400 freshmen and transfer students who moved in to Union’s campus Aug. 12, kicking off Welcome Week 2021.
Unlike Smith, Michael Tankersley, freshman biblical studies/languages major from Jackson, Tenn., has grown up with Union as a prominent part of his community all his life. Being the son of two Union alumni, he has witnessed firsthand how unique Union’s mission is.
“When you grow up here, you sometimes forget it's as great of a school as it is,” Tankersley said. “But coming to orientation and meeting students from all over the country reminded me why it definitely is such a great, Christ-centered school and why I shouldn’t underestimate it just because it’s where I grew up.”
Both Smith and Tankersley said they are most excited for creating meaningful relationships within a community that values Christ-like development and growth. For Lily Beth Durbin, freshman business major from Adamsville, Tenn., this caring and relational community is exactly what made Union one of her top college options for years.
“I think it’s important to be surrounded by people who continuously point you back to the cross of Christ and to help you grow in your faith,” Durbin said. “I can’t wait to get involved in the Union and Jackson community and to show the love of Christ to others like it was shown to me as a prospective student.”
Union will host a variety of activities for new students during Welcome Week 2021, including informational sessions, a local church fair and an ice cream social at Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver’s house. Welcome Week will conclude on Aug. 16 as fall classes will begin on Aug. 17.