So writes Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries, in his recently published book, How Now Shall We Live. Colson points out that our calling as Christians is not only to live our own lives by biblical principles, but that we are summoned by God to engage the world – “defending and living out God’s truth in the unique historical and cultural conditions of our age.” It is imperative, however, that in order to engage the world, we must understand the ideas that move and shape the world as we know it – a task that Union University administration, faculty, staff, and students have taken to heart.

“Union has always been committed to excellence in the classroom,” says Barbara McMillin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, associate professor of English, and a member of Union’s faculty since 1992. “There’s an even greater emphasis now, however, to focus all the more on incorporating and integrating faith within our respective disciplines. The faculty is more aware and deliberate of their exercise of faith in the classroom.”

McMillin explains that professors are more sensitive to opportunities that may occur in the classroom with a specific topic that is addressed, and its relationship to who we are as Christians. She gives an example within the context of an English class.

Dr. Ann Livingstone, associate professor of political science believes involvement
with students is a key to Union’s success as a teaching institution.

“Students reading a short story may be asked whether it complements or contradicts our faith. If it does, there’s a dialogue there that is established between the professor and the class, and the student’s faith grows as a result. I think that’s very distinctive of Union – the truth sets you free to look at the differences and the controversies,” explains McMillin.

It is in this emphasis on faith integration, and a continued commitment to academic excellence, that Union has seen some of the most dramatic shifts in quality of student and faculty in recent years.

Faculty Development
“Union is not just a place where there’s a Christian context or Christian environment,” says Carla Sanderson, provost and professor of nursing. “Christian content is just as important.”

With the stressing of content as well as environment, applicants for faculty positions are screened carefully when applying for particular positions within the university, and unsolicited applications are no longer a major factor in finding new teachers. Rather, the university has gone to nationwide searches instead of just regional and seasoned faculty members are actively recruited.

“It’s a different approach than what has been done in the past, but it’s been very successful,” explains Sanderson. “We’re looking for people of faith who want to find a way of boldly meshing their faith and academics together – who can be articulate with a Christian voice within their respective discipline.”

While faculty will always be supported and encouraged to be a teaching faculty first, scholarship is also being encouraged. The Center for Faculty Development provides numerous opportunities for faculty to attend lectures and increase their knowledge, thus enabling them to bring back information to their students.

“Union has never been emphasized as a research institution,” says George Guthrie, department chair of Christian studies. “But we’re now being encouraged to facilitate the gifts that we have.” Guthrie points out that many of the professors in the Christian studies area are now publishing regularly, which he says is the reason for broader visibility that has brought the department from 110 majors in 1996 to 220 majors currently.

“We’ve moved to a place where recognizable scholars are attracted to Union because of the good things going on – we’ve actually had faculty move from seminary situations to teach here,” explains Guthrie.
“While there’s an emerging emphasis on scholarship, it’s not at the expense of teaching,” stresses Ann Livingstone, associate professor of political science, who has taught at Union since 1975. “We’re still a teaching institution first and foremost – it’s all about making magic in the classroom and continuing to be available to the students.”

The Union University symphonic band, under the direction of music professor Dr. David McClune, rehearses in the new band room in Jennings Hall.

“Something I will always remember,” says senior psychology major Jeanna Young, “is how accessible my professors have been throughout my time here at Union. The time they’ve taken with me outside of the classroom has really meant a lot.”

Academic Excellence for Students
With the emphasis on faculty development comes the emphasis on success of Union students.

“I can speak both as a mom and a professor,” says Dottie Myatt, director of teacher education and assistant professor of elementary education. She has two children who are graduates of Union and a daughter who is currently completing her sophomore year. “God’s hand has been on this place – through Dr. Dockery, the staff and the faculty. Everyone contributes to the students’ experiences while they are here,” explains Myatt.

One of the ways the university has tried to ensure a successful experience for every student who attends Union is the establishment of the Center for New Students. Started three years ago, the center encourages entering students to discover their gifts and, eventually, their individual calling.

“It goes way beyond specific calls to vocational ministry,” explains Sanderson. “We’re helping students to define their call not just in Christian ministry, but whatever profession they feel God is leading them toward.”

Though Sanderson adds that the program is still relatively new, with the first participants now juniors, the few surveys that have been done indicate that student retention is improving and the number of high-risk students is narrowing.

Other ways of promoting academic excellence include opportunities for students to hear world leaders through events such as the Scholarship Banquet, held each fall. Students get to hear those shaping the world of tomorrow with biblical worldviews at Mars Hill Forums, lectures by world-changing speakers brought in by the Center for Christian Leadership. One of the Mars Hill speakers planned for next year is Os Guiness.

“Events such as the Scholarship Banquet disabuse my students of the notion that leaders are non-human,” explains Livingstone. “They get to see Margaret Thatcher in person and the way she commands a podium – they are given an opportunity to sit in the presence of greatness and what happens as a side benefit is that the academic community here has to emphasize the academic context in which these people matter. The lesson is no longer abstract, but very real.”

As the new century moves forward, Union will continue to challenge students to integrate their faith with scholarship and vocation. Through the addition of new academic programs such as engineering and digital media studies, informative and thought-provoking lectures by guest speakers, and one-on-one discussion between eager learners and their professors, Union students will continue to be challenged and prepared to impact culture.

As the university’s Vision & Values 2005 states: “…for lives that will be personally satisfying and highly significant in the work of the Kingdom… done so through a Christian worldview framework where issues of truth, values, compassion and servanthood are meshed with the subject matter of a major or professional program to enlarge our student’s sense of humanity and calling in the world.”