JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 6, 2026 — Union University’s EDGE program dedicated its new lab space Feb. 5, officially opening the renovated home for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“Ultimately, a space like this helps people to learn how to extend hospitality,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “We want our students to be able to show Christian hospitality, to love others in their homes, to cook a meal and share a meal with people. So, what a blessing to have a place that’s going to allow them to do that.”
The Union EDGE program encourages increased independent skills that lead to a better quality of life and aligns with Union’s mission of providing Christ-centered education. EDGE is an acronym for employment training, daily living skills, godly focus and educational enrichment.
Twenty-eight students are enrolled this year.
Located in the Penick Academic Complex in the area formerly occupied by the engineering department before its move to The Ethos Forum, the new multi-functional lab was designed specifically to serve the needs of EDGE students.
The space includes a cooking lab, which features two distinct cooking pods and a teaching station; a student lounge equipped with couches, a television and games to foster community; and a classroom space with tables and a monitor for presentations.
The space connects to the offices of EDGE staff members.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Rebecca Holloway, director of the EDGE program. “It’s a great honor that we’ve gotten to be a part of this. We wanted this space to be a place where our students could come and work on skills that they’re going to need here and that they will take with them far beyond their time in the EDGE program.”
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the program since its inception in 2015. The new lab was funded through a generous state grant and private donations.