Union faculty mentoring program kicks off with weeklong retreat

Union University faculty completed a weeklong retreat at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 4-9 designed to renew their sense of vocation.

The retreat was the first phase of a new mentoring program led by Union professors Gavin Richardson and Jean Marie Walls, supported by the provost’s office and largely funded by a grant from the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities.

Entitled “Remembering the Call: Innovative Approaches to Collegial Mentoring,” the peer-to-peer initiative focused on helping senior faculty at Union reinvest energy in their careers and the institution’s mission.

Professors spent time during the retreat working on individual projects, such as a research essay, book chapter, pedagogical redesign and a teaching unit. Afternoon plenary discussions addressed issues related to professional identity, commitment to teaching, reflections on Christian higher education and Union’s mission.

“At Union we continue to invest in our excellent faculty so that they can continue to fulfill their callings to teaching, scholarship and service as disciples of Jesus,” Union Provost Jacob Shatzer said. “We’re grateful for the vision of Dr. Richardson and Dr. Walls and the generous support of the Lilly Network to provide this new opportunity for senior faculty.”

The program will continue throughout the academic year, with monthly triad cohort meetings continuing these conversations and encouraging progress on individual projects. Retreat participants included Christine Bailey, Justin Barnard, Chris Blair, J.R. Kerfoot, Beth Madison, Tammy Patton, Jeannette Russ, David Thomas and Joshua Veltman.