Issue: Summer 2012 | Posted: June 18, 2012

1050 U.U. Drive

Hendersonville campus nears completion

Classes will begin this summer in a new 24,000-square-foot building that will house all of Union University Hendersonville’s academic programs.

Since 2008, the Union programs have operated in classrooms and offices at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Growth of course offerings and the need for a permanent Union campus led trustees to approve the new building in 2010.

Union University Hendersonville currently offers graduate degrees in education and theology and missions, as well an undergraduate program for adult learners and an accelerated BSN degree program in nursing. A master of nursing program is scheduled to begin in the fall.

Enrollment tops 100 students, but significant growth will be possible after the two-story building opens off the intersection of Indian Lake Boulevard and Maple Drive.

Union is the first university to offer bachelor and graduate degree programs from a physical campus in Sumner County. Local business leaders and government officials have been supportive of the campus’ development and are intrigued by the possible impact on the region.

“What you’re offering to the citizens of this county is a place of higher learning to where they can expand their horizons — upward mobility for them and their families,” said Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt. He added that the county is one of the fastest-growing in the state. The latest census figures place the population at about 160,000, making it the eighth largest county in Tennessee.

Campus Executive Director Charles Lea cites a Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce labor market survey that he says holds interesting results for Union.“The job market growth in the mid-state will mirror the programs that Union is offering and plans to offer here in Hendersonville,” Lea said.

TLM Associates Inc. provided architectural and engineering work for the facility. Union benefactor and Union Foundation board member Jim Ayers, of Nashville, Tenn., developed the project for the university through his affiliate Ayers Asset Management.

A dedication ceremony for the new building is scheduled for Aug. 2.