There's a word that has shaped Union
University's story for more than two
centuries: faithfulness. Not our own faithfulness,
although we certainly aspire to
that, but God's faithfulness to us. Again
and again, in seasons of challenge and in
seasons of abundance, the Lord has proven
himself faithful to this institution and
to the mission he has entrusted to us: to
provide Christ-centered education that
promotes excellence and character development
in service to Church and society.
As I reflect on where Union stands today, I am filled with gratitude for that faithfulness and with deep anticipation for all that lies ahead.
Nowhere is that anticipation more visible than in the new chapel that will soon be under construction on campus. For 50 years, the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel was a sacred gathering place where generations of students have worshiped, been challenged by Scripture and surrendered their lives to Christ. We honor that legacy.
But we recognized the need for a space that serves the generations still to come. When it opens (planned for early 2028), the steeple of the new chapel will rise above every other building on campus — a deliberate declaration that Christ is central to everything we do here. I am deeply grateful to the many alumni and friends who have already given generously toward this $30 million project, and I invite others to join us.
Union is also pressing forward beyond our Jackson campus. This fall, Union University Memphis will open on a newly acquired 36-acre campus in Cordova, Tennessee — a significantly expanded and more accessible presence in one of the state's most important cities. And plans are moving forward to launch a charter school called Union Academy, extending our educational mission in ways we look forward to sharing more about soon.
A new chapel. A new campus. A new school. Each one reflects the same conviction that has always driven us: that God-honoring education, pursued with excellence and united with our Christian faith, is among the most consequential investments we can make in people. And it's one of the most strategic ways we can influence the world, to the glory of God.
Protinus — onward. We press forward
together, with confidence in our God who
has been faithful before and is faithful still.
Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver, Ph.D.
