The Board of Trustees commends the administration for the timely progress toward the completion of the Vision and Values 2005 strategic plan, approves the stated goals and objectives, and encourages the administration, faculty, staff, and student body to continue to pursue excellence in all aspects of the University mission.

This mid-term assessment celebrated God’s goodness to Union in recent days and identified what is needed to move forward toward 2005 and on toward 2010.

As we look toward 2005 we recognize— especially since September 11 and in light of the events in the Middle East this spring—that we find ourselves in a world of change and international conflict. Union graduates must be equipped to live and work in this new century where the social context and economy will be global, the expanding world of technology and information will be ever increasing, and the spiritual needs and ethical challenges of the world will seem overwhelming.

As we look toward 2005 we recognize Union’s heritage and distinctive identity will shape and direct the University’s mission of providing Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and Society. This declares that our academic programs will be both distinctive and excellent, providing a framework for integrating our teaching, our learning, our scholarship, and our living in community with a dynamic faith. These characterizing qualities must be extended to every offering of the University, ensuring the best support for the present faculty and staff, by recruiting the best faculty and staff candidates in the future for superb teaching, research, and service, and by seeking to attract the best students possible for study. It is exciting to recognize that we can now say to prospective students that Union is a University that has a national reach and reputation with a local and regional focus.

The Trustees Celebrated:

• Growth in enrollment to over 2600 students this past fall and a non-duplicating headcount of well over 3000.
• The sixth straight year of gifts of $6 million to Union
• The establishment of the Charles Colson Chair of Faith and Culture, to be held by Dr. Hal Poe (with the installation scheduled for September 27, 2002)
• The highly successful conference this spring focused on the identity and future of American Evangelicalism, hosted on campus by Union’s Carl F.H. Henry Center for Center Leadership
• The beginning of the new engineering program and the establishment of the Bob Cook Engineering Scholarship
• Approximately 200 students serving on Global Opportunity Mission Trips across the country and around the world during spring break
• The outstanding athletic seasons in all sports, particularly the conference championships, and national recognitions for Union athletes
• The specialized accreditation for: teacher education, art, music, nursing, social work, and chemistry (with expectation for a positive report soon for sports medicine)
• Academic excellence, evidenced by the above mentioned accreditation reports and quality teaching (12 to 1 faculty/student ratio) while expanding scholarship among the faculty
• The commitment to servant leadership by the University staff
• 80% of faculty have received terminal degrees
• And so much more.

Looking Toward 2005, the Trustees:

• Approved a record budget of $37 million for 2002-03
• Named the new baseball and softball fields in honor of Benny and Norma Fesmire
• Voted to move forward with the construction of the new science building, to be named the Roy L. White Hall, in appreciation for the generous support from Trustee Roy White for this project. Groundbreaking is expected in the Fall of 2002.
• Outlined expectations for every sector of the University campus including academics, residential life, student recruitment, campus ministries, business services, technology, the development office, and the athletic department
• Focused on meeting current challenges and expanding the financial resources of the University
• Highlighted the importance of constantly evaluating the affordability and accessibility of a Union education, including ongoing commitments to providing appropriate student financial aid
• Encouraged the successful completion of the $60 million “Building a Future” Campaign, while giving thanks that $45 million has been given or pledged

I am delighted to report that Union University has never been healthier in her long and storied 179-year history. The campus has never looked better. The future has never been brighter.

The support of the Board of Trustees for Union University has never been more appreciated, more valued, or more needed. Likewise, you—our alumni and friends—are equally appreciated, valued, and needed. As we look toward 2005, with expectations raised, we invite all of you to join us as we take these next faith-filled, forward looking steps together.

Soli Deo Gloria,