For almost 200 years, Union University has been an institution that is committed to the local church, to the
authority of Scripture, and to the preparation of young adults for a lifetime of service. Our mission statement
expresses our objective:
“Union University provides Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development
in service to Church and society.”
We fulfill that mission through our commitment to four core values: Excellence-driven, Christ-centered,
People-focused, Future-directed.
These values shape our identity as an institution that prioritizes liberal arts-based undergraduate education,
enhanced by professional and graduate programs. The Union academic community is composed of quality
faculty, staff and students working together in a caring, grace-filled environment conducive to the
development of character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement.
The 2017-2018 academic year saw a number of accomplishments and evidences of God’s faithfulness on the
Union campus. Our Lady Bulldogs basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four and had
opportunities to talk to the media about how the Lord worked on the team, with some players even coming
to Christ during the season. We celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the 2008 tornado that caused such
destruction on the Union campus, and yet served as a marker of God’s provision and protection in the midst
of tragedy.
We are pleased to be partners with the churches of Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and are immensely
grateful for their support. Because of the generous support of Tennessee Baptists, Union is able to educate
students like Janey Berends, a 2018 graduate who recently received a prestigious Fulbright award and will
spend a year in Peru helping students learn to speak English.
Another 2018 graduate, Ali Renckens, wrote in the Cardinal & Cream, Union’s student news publication,
about her experience at Union:
“I have seen Christ in every class I’ve taken. And not just because of a two-minute pre-class prayer, but
because of how the professors treat students as valued individuals. They have trained me to think
analytically, to consider different perspectives, and to continually challenge my own assumptions and
beliefs. They have taught me that it is possible to be kind, compassionate, and loving while also having
the mettle to combat false teaching and godless beliefs.”
As Union University strives to be faithful to our mission in an age when traditional Christian beliefs are
continually under assault, we value the ongoing prayers and support of our Tennessee Baptist partners.
Gratefully,
Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver
President