Union dedicates new Memphis campus on Appling Road

CORDOVA, Tenn. — Union University dedicated its new Memphis campus at 2095 Appling Road in Cordova Sept. 11 during the fall meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees.

“We come here today and gather to praise the Lord for all he’s done and will continue to do in and through Union University,” said Jeff Perkins, chairman of Union’s Board of Trustees. “And we come humbly before him asking that his presence would penetrate and permeate every square foot of this new building.”

Union acquired the former campus of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary next to Bellevue Baptist Church earlier this year. The new home for Union University Memphis is open and fully operational.

At 138,000 square feet on 36 acres, the new campus is significantly larger than the old Germantown campus, which is listed for sale. Union offers graduate programs in nursing, business, Christian studies, education and social work based in Memphis, in addition to the Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies and adult studies degrees.

“This hallowed ground has been useful for training up people for gospel ministry,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said at the dedication. “And we are excited to extend that into the future as Union University expands its presence in one of the great cities of our nation.”

Oliver said the university is also planning to rent space at the new campus to some Christian ministries, and the C.S. Lewis Society in Memphis is expected to move its collection there.

During the dedication ceremony, Oliver said the new campus’s proximity to Bellevue is fitting given the church’s close connection to Union over the years. Bellevue played a key role in Union acquiring the Appling Road property.

“We are grateful for Union’s partnership with Bellevue in gospel ministry,” Oliver said. “Bellevue has a longstanding friendship to Union, and we appreciate so much their investment in Union’s work, our students and our mission.”

Andre Jones, campus and facilities director for Union University Memphis, said the day was about celebrating the new campus, honoring relationships and giving thanks for the way God has worked through people committed to his service.

“As a Christian university, we believe education is not only about developing knowledge,” Jones said. “It is about developing people. It is about preparing men and women to lead with integrity, serve with humility and live for something greater than themselves. Our presence in Memphis is rooted in that mission.”

In other matters, trustees elected new officers, with Robyn Hari selected as chair, Bill Dement as vice chair and Kay Griffin as secretary. Hari served in the role previously but rotated off the Board of Trustees before her term as chairman was completed.

“It’s been an honor to be chairman for the Board of Trustees, and I’m grateful to pass the baton to Robyn,” Perkins said. “She provided capable leadership previously. She loves Union, and she loves the Lord. The university is in good hands with her in this important position.”

“I’m so thankful for Jeff Perkins and his leadership over the past three years,” Oliver said. “He is deeply committed to Union, and the university owes him a debt of gratitude for his service and advocacy.”

Trustees also named Michele Atkins, who recently retired as associate provost and professor of education, as professor emeritus, and they named longtime trustee Norm Hill, who concluded his service on the Board, as trustee emeritus.

During a dinner Sept. 10, trustees recognized the service of Josh Dougan and Jake Bynam, who concluded their tenure as trustees.