Nashville Chamber honors Alum Fred Harris

From demographic expert and psychologist to business consultant and politician, economic development veteran and Union University graduate Fred Harris has donned many hats in his efforts to bring new companies to Nashville.

Harris, who graduated from Union in 1960 with a degree in business and economics, recently retired as vice president of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Harris served as director of industrial development and is credited with bringing thousands of new jobs to the state capital.

More than 200 people turned out to honor Harris at his retirement party, including Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell.

Harris’ first major economic coup upon joining the Chamber--the successful bid to lure Nissan to Smyrna in 1980--still shines among his greatest professional achievements. “ If Fred hadn’t been leading the team, we would not have gotten Nissan,” observed Eddie Jones, former Chamber president and editor of the Nashville Banner. Jones, who recruited Harris to the Nashville Chamber after 10 years in economic development in West Tennessee, says Harris decided to woo Nissan’s Japanese contingency since the company’s domestic site team had close ties with the governor of Georgia.

On a memorable summer evening, Harris’ wife, Laura, prepared sushi for a group of Japanese businessmen, after which they all went out on the golf course to catch lightning bugs. “They don’t have lightning bugs in Japan, and the clients were fascinated by them,” Jones recalls. Laura also has ties to Union University. She worked in university relations in the late 1960s.

This story first appeared in the Business Nashville magazine.

Alumni Awards announced at Homecoming 2003

Union University recognized six outstanding individuals during the annual Alumni Reunion Luncheon, held in conjunction with Homecoming 2003 festivities. Those honored include Russell Wayne Mayfield, Jane Betts, Kevin Troy Sheilley, and Wayne and Greta Pearson.

Russell Wayne Mayfield, who attended Union during the 1940’s, received the Distinguished Service Award. Mayfield is retired from a 51-year family medicine practice and resides in Bells with his wife Carrie. The award is based on service to mankind and/or to Union University by an alumnus of the university.

Betts (’74), registrar for the university, received the Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award. Betts has also served as records clerk and assistant registrar at Union. The award is a salute to long and meritorious service to Union University by an
employee.

Theresa Luna (’79), received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. A high school teacher, Luna resides in Jackson, Tenn. with her husband Tony. The award is based on distinction in one’s profession and for bringing honor and recognition to Union University through that profession.

Sheilley (’94), received the Outstanding Young Achiever Award. Sheilley, the executive director of “Team Taylor County” lives in Campbellsville, Ky. with his wife Lisa and their two sons. The award is presented to an individual, age 35 or younger, who shows a record of significant accomplishment in professional life and for service to Union University or the world.

The Pearsons, from Powell, Tenn. received the Honorary Alumnus/Alumna Award. The award is presented for
outstanding service to the university by one who had not attended Union. The Pearsons began supporting Union 25 years ago. “We decided that Union University had similar beliefs, ideas, focus and commitment to serving our Lord and
training others to serve Him as we had,” Pearson said. “We thank God for leading us to Union University.”

Carter Named To Bank Board

Gary Carter (’75), senior vice president for business and financial services at Union University was recently appointed to the board of directors of First South Bank.

Carter graduated from Union with a BS in business administration and is a certified public accountant.“

Gary’s business and accounting background will serve us well as we continue to grow our bank in Madison, Haywood, and Hardeman counties,” said Ed Woodside, chairman of the board of First South Bank. “We are honored that a man of his moral character and business background has agreed to serve on our board.”

Carter and his wife, Regina, have four daughters. They are members of Englewood Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

He is also a member of the West Tennessee Chapter of the Tennessee Society of CPAs, the National Association
of College and Universities Business Officers and the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges.

Edwards called to active duty

Marine Corps Cpl. Jeffrey W. Edwards, (’01), was called to active duty in support of the global war on terrorism.
He is assigned to Company “K”, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, based in Memphis, Tenn.

Edwards graduated from Union University with a BA in Political Science. He is the son of Phyllis K. Adair.

The 4th Marine Division is the largest ground combat element in the Marine Corps and is comprised of approximately 22,000 Marines based in 42 states. The unit’s primary mission is to provide trained combat and combat support personnel and units to augment and reinforce the active Marine component in time of war or national emergency.

Correspondence can be sent to Edwards at: 423 Karen Drive, Bolivar, Tenn. 38008.

Alum named to USA Today team

Theresa Luna, (’79), was selected as a member of the USA Today 2002 All-USA Teacher Team. Luna,
who teaches world history at Jackson Central-Merry High School in Jackson, Tenn., was chosen because of her love for children and her dedication to making a difference in their lives.

She was one of 18 teachers chosen nationally from hundreds of nominees. As a team member, Luna’s school received $2,500.

Luna said she was surprised by the announcement.

“ I know so many teachers just at my school who have dedicated their lives to helping children and who are doing such a wonderful job,” she said. “Any one of them earned this honor just as much as I did.”

Luna teaches history, contemporary issues, and coaches the Academic Decathlon in grades 9-12 at Jackson Central-Merry. Her Academic Decathalon teams have won six consecutive state championships and the 2002 team placed 13th in the nation.
“ I walk in the classroom the first day, look at all the children, and wonder how God will use me in their lives,” explains Luna. “The important thing is to learn to know them as individuals and encourage them to be the most they can.”

She said her life was changed as a student at Union, where her educators taught that every person has worth, a concept she is trying to pass on.

“I came to Union as a backward, shy and underachieving student,” Luna said. “I will be forever grateful to my teachers there who believed in me and helped me succeed. Their confidence in my abilities changed my life, and all I want to do is pass that on to my students.”

Gillette returns for art exhibit

An art exhibit featuring the works of Roger Sullivan prompted a visit from Union graduate Jonathan Gillette (’02).Sullivan is Gillette’s uncle.

This is the second time Sullivan's works have been on display in the Union Gallery. His works first appeared during the senior exhibition of his nephew Jonathan Gillette last spring. In January Sullivan’s works, which feature paintings of farmhouses, animals and objects, were on display alone.

Gillette describes his uncle’s work as“ childlike” and “beautiful.” Sullivan paints from that perspective due to developmental disabilities resulting from a childhood bout with Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Sullivan’s artistic talents caught the attention of his nephew, who encouraged and helped him develop as an artist.
“ He’s always drawn,” said Gillette,“ but his talent went unnoticed at first. He eventually started to paint, beginning
last Christmas.”

“ I would describe his art as what most artists strive to do,” he said. “He just paints, it’s that simple. He’s not worried
about anything being wrong - whatever he does is perfect enough for him.”