Union University Viewbook - 2014-15

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A Great Commandment University 4

Excellence-Driven 6

Christ-Centered 14

People-Focused 18

Future-Directed 26

Financial Aid 32

Union at a Glance 34

Programs of Study 36

Preview Days 40

One of my favorite scripture verses is I Corinthians 13:13, which says “Three things will last forever—faith, hope and love—and the

greatest of these is love.”

At Union University, we offer you a learning community that is integrated with faith, infused with hope and transformed by love.

It is a community that has a Christian world and life view at the center of its excellent academic program. This integration of faith and learning encourages Union students to move toward an understanding of how they will refine their gifts for service to God’s Kingdom.

Excellence in teaching and research here is infused with the hope that Christians share in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the classroom and beyond, life at Union is marked by this hope and expresses itself in a common joy and enthusiasm that makes our community a place where dreams and expectations are exceeded.

Because we have been transformed by Christ’s love, we share that love in all that we do. It is our purpose to demonstrate the love of Christ in all facets of the University.

I am delighted to join the Union community as its new president. It will be my honor to serve you during one of the most important chapters of your life.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and your family.

Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver President, Union University

A WORD FROM THE President

A GreatCOMMANDMENTUniversity

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36–40)

Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Union University purposes to be a Great Commandment university. We believe this

differentiates Union from many other institutions of higher learning that you might be considering right now.

Many universities concentrate almost exclusively on the mind. But at Union, we believe the love of God encompasses not only a well-trained mind, but a Great Commandment expectation that our hearts and souls will be attuned to God, for His glory and the good of humankind.

With more than 100 programs of study, Union University prepares future leaders who are rooted in that Great Commandment and ready to fulfill a wide variety of callings.

We’re pleased you are taking time to learn more about us. You’ll like what you see.

Recent surveys indicate about 96 percent of our graduating seniors are either satisfied or very satisfied with faculty communication and interaction, the quality of instruction and their overall experiences.

How can Union provide such satisfying educational experiences? We believe the answer lies in the four core values that shape our way of life and learning:

Union University provides Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in

service to Church and society.

EXCELLENCE-DRIVEN

CHRIST-CENTERED

PEOPLE-FOCUSED

FUTURE-DIRECTED


Excellence DRIVEN

Union University’s excellence-driven approach to higher education attracts attention from editors and educators. You’ll find Union

mentioned alongside some of the nation’s most honored colleges and universities. Taken individually, these recognitions might not have great value. But when viewed collectively, they show a consistent commitment to providing a top-tier education for our students.

At Union, our goal as an institution—and for you personally—is achievement at the highest level.

Initiative RewardedUnion students are known for taking initiative in many

areas. For example, one initiated and led a campaign to raise $50,000 for digging freshwater wells in Sudanese villages. Others place among the top national finishers in pharmacy competitions. And others take a leadership role in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, recently earning “top delegation” honors three years in a row among 37 colleges and universities. These accomplishments are not exceptions; they are typical of many of our students and demonstrate what can be done with the support and resources of Union University.

Union students work hard and set lofty goals. There are scores of stories about the success they have enjoyed. Here are just a few:

Rachel Carbonell (’13) completed the rigorous engineering program at Union, earning top honors in her class and also winning the Elizabeth Tigrett Medal, a prize that has been awarded for more than a century at Union to honor the top graduating senior. Rachel is employed at ABB, Inc., a global power and information technology company with offices in 100 countries.

Katherine Pullen (’12) finished a double major in international and intercultural studies as well as journalism. She spent time studying in Beijing and won multiple awards for her journalism work at annual Southeastern Journalism Conferences.

Jordan Hughey (’12) studied biology during his years at Union. Soon after graduation, he served at Nalergu Hospital in the West African nation of Ghana. His work was arranged through the International Mission Board, and his goal is to get further medical training while also serving the local church.

Marielle Dirkx (’08) majored in business and minored in history at Union. Following her graduation in 2008, she attended law school at the University of Mississippi on a full tuition scholarship. In 2011, Marielle was the top graduate in her law school class and was named Most Ethical and Woman with the Most Academic Achievement. Her first job was clerking for a judge in the Federal Court of Appeals.

Matt Gentry (’07) completed his B.S. in politics, philosophy and economics at Union, with minors in mathematics and interdisciplinary studies. As part of his doctoral studies at Vanderbilt, Matt conducted academic research to investigate questions of search and selection in empirical industrial organization. Upon graduation from Vanderbilt, Matt accepted an offer to become an assistant professor at the prestigious London School of Economics. LSE is known worldwide for teaching and research, and has produced 16 Nobel Prize winners.

Brian Taylor (’05) finished his studies at Union and received a full fellowship and annual stipends for research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, where he earned a Ph.D. in medical physics. Brian is now an associate professor of radiology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and also serves as a research physicist with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

At Union, our goal as an institution —and for you personally— is achievement at the highest level.


Whatever you choose to study, you can be certain Union will help you excel. In department after department, you will find students and faculty setting national standards for excellence. For a closer look at our academic departments, go to uu.edu/academics.

100PROGRAMS OF STUDY

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Program Spotlight

School of Business AccreditationUnion University’s McAfee School

of Business Administration has earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This status has been earned only by about five percent of the world’s business schools and represents a distinction that stands out to potential employers. It shows that a business degree from Union represents the highest achievement possible.

Pharmacy Early Admissions ProgramIf you’re considering a career in pharmacy, Union

offers an early admission program that will enable you to skip the graduate school admissions process and complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree just six years after entering the University as a freshman. There are eligibility requirements and prescribed courses of study that begin early in the process. Students must apply for this program no later than Oct. 15 each year.

For more information on this new opportunity, go to uu.edu/pharmacy/peap.

School of Nursing The Union University School of Nursing provides the

finest preparation available for students who want to serve the medical community in a time of tremendous technological advances in the healthcare field. All Union nursing students use state-of-the-art patient simulators and benefit from a comprehensive network of clinical partnerships in the region.

Nursing students and faculty share their skills with people in need in the local community as well as on mission trips.

Intercollegiate DebateUnion University’s debate team has won two recent

International Public Debate Association championships. In 2014, the team won the IPDA’s most prestigious recognition, The Founders Award. This award recognizes season-long, team success across all of the association’s divisions. You can find more information about the debate program at uu.edu/org/debate. You can also email debate coach Web Drake at [email protected].

World Renowned Speakers Much learning takes place outside the walls of a

classroom. In addition to an outstanding faculty, Union brings the world’s best-known speakers to Jackson. Keynote speakers at the annual scholarship banquet have included Ben Carson, Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice, George H. W. Bush, Laura Bush, Rudolph Giuliani, Mikhail Gorbachev, Colin Powell and Lady Margaret Thatcher. Students attend these events free of charge.

A program called Union Forum recently brought Fox News commentator Juan Williams, Time Magazine columnist Margaret Carlson, and independent public opinion pollster Scott Rasmussen to campus.

Few schools of any size can match the quality of the speakers we bring to campus year after year.

Undergraduate ExcellenceUnion University specializes in traditional

undergraduate education. Outstanding classroom instruction and close contact with faculty are the hallmarks of an education at Union.

The University hosts an annual undergraduate scholarship symposium that allows opportunities other schools almost always reserve for students in advanced degree programs. You can read about the event at uu.edu/events/uuss.

A few examples of recent presentations from our undergraduate students:

• Business: Modeling a High Traffic Intersection• Chemistry: Growing and Dyeing KDP Crystals• Computer Science: Road Wizard: An Android

Application for Traffic Condition Information• Engineering: GoPro Drone: Cost Effective

Aerial Photography• English: The Ethics of Infanticide: Motherlove in

Toni Morrison’s Sula and Beloved• International and Intercultural Studies: The

Influence of Social Media in the Arab Spring• Math: Discrete Calculus on a Scaled Number Line• Nursing: Efficacy of the BIS Monitor to Assess

Depth of Anesthesia• Theology and Missions: Church Revitalization in

Post-Christian Culture

Outstanding classroom instruction and close contact with faculty are the hallmarks of an education at Union.


You’ll gain knowledge from faculty members who are not just leaders in their fields, but who are committed to serving as mentors, coaches and advisors to their students. They are committed to classroom teaching and the highest levels of scholarship. The student/faculty ratio at Union is 11 to 1. That’s among the best ratios you’ll see at any university.

Each year, Union University interviews top academic achievers from across the nation. They become candidates for scholarships during our Scholars of Excellence weekend.

The Scholars of Excellence Program brings 120 top students to campus for a weekend of interviews, discussions and fellowship. On Friday evening, candidates and their parents are presidential dinner guests and afterwards, enjoy various campus activities. Saturday’s agenda includes a round of personal one-on-one interviews and small group discussions with professors on current events and academic articles.

Everyone invited to compete during Scholars of Excellence weekend receives offers of significant assistance, from at least $12,000 to full-tuition, room and board.

Union also offers a multifaceted Honors Program (uu.edu/honors) designed to sharpen your ability to assess ideas —by thinking freely and constructively across the spectrum of academic fields. The honors program offers students opportunity for advanced study within majors, interdisciplinary study across majors, as well as numerous special events and lectures.

What about students who do not excel at these high levels, and who may fall short of some minimum admission requirements? Union University’s acclaimed Keystone Program (uu.edu/keystone) is designed to provide students with additional academic support and the necessary tools to progress academically. Students who are a part of Keystone often achieve a level of success they may not have thought possible.

Study AbroadEach year, nearly 300 Union students spend time

in external study programs. Those opportunities take our students all over the world; some studying for days or weeks while others for an entire semester. All of these programs fulfill academic requirements; many of them also include a missional or service-learning component.

That’s important because employers look at more than course selections and grades. Many want employees with a global perspective. Students with international study experience enjoy remarkable advantages in the employment marketplace.

Union’s Institute for International and Intercultural Studies is directly involved with programs in Austria, China, France, Honduras, North Africa, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Syria and Thailand. Students also are invited to submit proposals for their own study-abroad programs in settings of their choice.

To help accomplish its goals, the university partners with groups such as the Consortium for Global Education, an organization that has established more than 240 relationships with educational institutions in about 80 countries, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), which offers a “Best Semester” program at locations around the globe.

Mary Ellen has studied history at the world-famous Oxford University in the United Kingdom. She focused her work on the period between the two world wars. The trip was made possible in part by a study-abroad scholarship. Mary Ellen says the experience “has made my life different and will continue to make my life different, because study abroad helps me learn about other cultures and has opened my eyes to new perspectives.”

Mary Ellen Poe (‘13) economics and history, Jackson, Tenn.

Union Awards and Milestones• Since 1997, U.S.News & World Report has

ranked Union University as a top-tier institution. Union ranks 13th among master’s level universities in the South. Editors also recently named Union among a small group of national “Schools to Watch” and third in the South among schools identified with an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

• Every year since 2006, Union has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. It represents the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement.

• Union’s School of Pharmacy is fully accredited through the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. ACPE’s rigorous standards include detailed evaluations of the program’s mission and goals, strategic plan, curriculum, teaching methods, facilities, faculty and the overall strength of the university.

• Union University’s bachelor’s degree program in engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., the recognized accrediting body of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. In 2013, all 15 senior engineering students passed the comprehensive Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Union was the only Tennessee engineering program with a 100 percent pass rate.

• The Chronicle of Higher Education recently named Union to its honor roll in the annual survey of “Great Colleges to Work For.” Not only was Union among only 30 four-year institutions on the honor roll, it was one of only three schools in the nation to place in 11 of 12 categories.

• The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has ranked Union University among the top academic institutions to produce the most effective teachers in the state. The Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs listed Union as having “consistently produced teachers that are outperforming other teachers in the state or are on an upward trend in effectiveness scores.”

• First-time test takers from Union University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have a 100 percent pass rate on the national registered nurse licensure examination. The NCLEX-RN tests graduates on topics that cover the entire human lifespan—from newborn to geriatrics.

• Stephen Carls, university professor of history, has been elected as national president of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. Union’s Delta-Psi chapter has won the organization’s Best Chapter Award for 11 consecutive years.

U.S.News & World Report ranks Union among the top 15 regional universities in the South.


Kiplinger’s Personal Finance evaluates quality and academic strength in ranking the nation’s top 100 private universities. Union ranked 77th in their latest listing, and 10th among private universities in the South.

Outstanding FacultyRenewing minds at Union means reclaiming the

Christian Intellectual Tradition and engaging the culture. These lofty goals cannot be attained without a committed and well-prepared faculty. We have invested in a faculty who bring the best in academic preparation, classroom teaching and mentorship to our growing campus. When you meet even a small group of faculty members, you’ll see why excellence-driven scholarship that renews minds is the hallmark of a Union education. Space does not permit a comprehensive listing of all our faculty members and their impressive accomplishments. But we thought you’d enjoy reading about a few faculty members who are representative of Union’s overall commitment to top-tier academic excellence.

1. C. Ben Mitchell Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy Senior Editor, Renewing Minds: A Journal of Christian Thought (Union University Press) Editor, Ethics and Medicine: An International Journal of Bioethics Co-author, Biotechnology and the Human Good Co-author of Zondervan’s forthcoming International Dictionary of Christian Bioethics

2. Hal Poe Charles Colson Professor of Faith and Culture Author of more than a dozen books, including The Gospel and Its Meaning

3. Randall Bush University Professor of Philosophy Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary D.Phil., Oxford University

4. John Netland Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Ph.D., UCLA

5. Jeannette Russ Chair, Department of Engineering Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

6. Jason Crawford Assistant Professor of English Lilly Fellow Ph.D., Harvard University

7. Justin Barnard Associate Dean, Institute for Intellectual Discipleship Associate Professor of Philosophy

8. Kevin Chen Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies Degrees from University of California-Berkeley and Stanford University

9. Hunter Baker Dean of Instruction and Associate Professor of Political Science Senior Editor, Renewing Minds: A Journal of Christian Thought (Union University Press) Author, The End of Secularism (Crossway, 2009)

10. Micah Watson Director, Center for Politics and Religion and Assistant Professor of Political Science Madison Fellow Ph.D., Princeton University

11. Ray Van Neste Director, Ryan Center for Biblical Studies Ph.D., University of Aberdeen

12. Cindy Jayne Director, Institute for International and Intercultural Studies University Professor of Languages Ph.D., Louisiana State University; Additional Study, Vanderbilt University, University of Kentucky, and the Summer Institute of Intercultural Communication

13. Jennifer Gruenke Biology, Immunology, Science and Faith Ph.D., University of Virginia

14. Jimmy Davis O.P. and Evalyn Hammons University Professor of Pre-Medical Studies Ph.D., University of Illinois Additional Study, Harvard University and Oxford University

15. Haelim Allen Assistant Professor of Art M.F.A., University of Maryland

16. Scott Huelin Director, Honors Program Ph.D., University of Chicago

“ My (Gates Millennium Scholarship) would have paid for any school in the

nation. I chose Union, and I’m reaching points in academia that I didn’t know I was capable

of reaching. I’ve been able to study Dante and Chinese philosophy. I’m hoping to go on to graduate school in education, and the faculty already is helping me understand how I can pursue that degree.”

Morgan Morfe junior, psychology and speech, Palmer, Alaska

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Union integrates the Christian faith with top-tier academics in a way that is rare in the world of higher education.

Union provides multiple opportunities for community service and mission projects around the globe. Our students want to make the world a better place. While these things are important to us, we also take a far more comprehensive approach to applying the term

“Christ-centered.”Whether you’re studying accounting or art,

engineering or sociology—or any of our 100 programs of study—you’ll understand your role in that field within the context of the Christian faith. Combine this type of classroom experience with outstanding chapel services and numerous mission and ministry opportunities, and the result is a comprehensive approach to life and learning.

In class projects, lectures and campus activities, the Christian Intellectual Tradition forms the foundation for learning. This approach is the hallmark of a Union University education.

Global Opportunity (GO) TripsAs you consider Union University, you should

know that we offer some of the best opportunities for missions and ministry available anywhere through GO Trips. Our community is committed to sharing the love of Christ with a hurting world and demonstrating servant leadership in practical ways. These trips take our students to destinations as near as Memphis and as far away as China.

During a recent summer, our students conducted home medical visits in Uganda, prayed with German college students and led basketball camps in Southeast

Asia. Our students also “GO” during winter and spring breaks. About half of the destinations are overseas.

The stories and pictures these students bring home are incredible. Their lives are changed as they work to serve people in need of improved health care, education or spiritual guidance. GO Trips have become one of Union University’s strongest and most important traditions.

Campus and Community DayAlthough our students work and study all over the

world, much investment of time and caring is also made in our own Jackson community. Each fall, the campus shuts down for a day so students, faculty and staff can complete service projects throughout West Tennessee. Campus and Community: A Day of Remembrance and Service has become one of Union’s most cherished and anticipated events. Last year, 65 projects were completed on this single day of service.

In class projects, lectures and campus activities, Christian truth forms the foundation for learning.

OVERSEASCentral AsiaDominican RepublicEast AsiaGermanyHondurasIsraelNorth Africa

DOMESTIC Boston, Mass.Carbondale, Ill.Louisville, Ky.Memphis, Tenn.Nashville, Tenn.New Orleans, La.New YorkProvidence, R.I.Tampa, Fla.

RECENT GO TRIP LOCATIONS


University MinistriesThe Office of University Ministries at Union will help

you combine a love for God and a love for learning. You’ll have a chance to join the adventure of developing and living out your faith during your college years. Here are a few of the programs University Ministries offers:

Men’s and Women’s Cooperatives

Women’s Cooperative trains undergraduate female students at Union University in the discipline of Bible study as the foundation for leading women to love God with their heart, soul, and mind. Men’s Co-Op is an opportunity for men to address key issues affecting the pursuit of a life of holiness and excellence.

Large group worship, mentoring relationships with older adults and teaching are also a part of these experiences, which have attracted several hundred participants each year.

Life Groups

These student-led groups for new students provide encouragement, assistance, and support through a network of relationships.

Life Groups give you a chance to meet other students within a small group setting that is relaxed and comfortable. It is a place where you are accepted for who you are.

Servant leadership is a major part of Union University’s focus on Christ-centered education. Our students, who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the church and their communities, are already busy serving here in Jackson.

For example, generations of Union students have taken active roles in the vital work of Jackson area congregations. You’ll find them working with after-school tutoring programs and apartment complex ministries for underprivileged youth. Although these programs are not sponsored by Union, they are a traditional part of the Union experience. Our students find places of service, and local churches depend upon them.

Union students have also expressed widespread concern about the worldwide orphan population, which now exceeds 140 million. Union’s campus was one of a small number of national stops for The Red Bus Project, which ultimately aims to provide care for orphans and funding for families to adopt children. Union students collected dozens of boxes of clothing for the project.

J Crib Ministries is an outreach in the Jackson area that matches children and teenagers with college-age students who provide mentoring leadership. Union students volunteer to help with after-school tutoring, summer camp, Bible studies and support for families. Nearly 100 Union students recently have taken part in some aspect of this ministry.

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Union is known around the world for sending students across oceans and continents in service to others.

“ I’m a biology major. Usually when you think of science,

you have science on one side and faith on the other side. But I really like how my professors

incorporate God, and show how He’s involved in the biological processes.”

Gabrielle Bonner senior, biology, Memphis, Tenn.

“ It might seem like a contradiction to say that Union takes scholarship very seriously and is academically accessible. But we have a faculty that is committed both to excellence in scholarship and excellence in serving student needs. And I think we have outstanding students.”

C. Ben Mitchell Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy

People FOCUSED

Union combines the advantages of being a nationally recognized university with the personal attention of a close-knit learning

community. Professors will know your name and care about your future. That combination of small-school closeness and big-school amenities is a unique advantage for our students. A few more examples:

• Union is large enough to offer 100 programs of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels, yet small enough that 100 percent of our classes are taught by professors rather than graduate students.

• Union is large enough to be recognized in national rankings and publications, yet small enough that every new incoming student is prayed for by name before they arrive on campus.

• Union is large enough to attract renowned scholars to its faculty, yet small enough that students often are invited to dinner in the homes of these scholars.

• Union is large enough to get national attention in athletics (including five national titles in women’s basketball in recent years), yet small enough to provide individual guidance on personal fitness and intramural activities that benefit all students.

• Union is large enough to support what has been named the best college newspaper in the South, yet small enough that professors and students informally discuss the most pressing news of the day over coffee or at the lunch table.

If you go to Barefoots Joe, our on-campus coffee house, you’ll see what this means. You might find a student sipping coffee with a professor and discussing common interests. You’ll discover a place designed and decorated by students. It’s a place where they can meet up with friends, find a relaxing study environment or unwind after a long day.

At Union, students are priority one. As Union continues to grow, we will never lose our focus on individual students. So we’ve made students and instruction a financial and philosophical priority. We’ve invested in an impressive 11 to 1 student/faculty ratio.

We’ve made classroom instruction a priority for our faculty. They publish and research, too. But they’re available to work with students at every level. These men and women make exceptional efforts to help you achieve.

Personal relationships are treasured at Union, and are crucial to your success. At Union, we see students, faculty and staff as a single authentic community. That approach values relationships, tradition and trust. It creates fertile ground for learning and achieving at the highest levels.

Union combines the advantages of being a nationally recognized university with the personal attention of a close-knit learning community.


Starting With the Proper FocusNew student orientation for all first-time college

students and all transfers who live on campus is an experience unlike any other you might have during your college career. When you move in you will be assigned to a Focus group where you and a dozen or so new students will be led by an upperclassman who has been trained to be of service to you.

During this time, new students and group leaders have the entire campus to themselves. Every activity is designed to help you connect to each other, your new campus home and the Jackson community. You’ll even be invited to the University President’s home for ice cream.

Union’s on-campus facilities are among the best you’ll find anywhere.

“ I had a tough college decision, but looking back, I would say

the community made me fall in love with this place. I can honestly say that I’ve made relationships

here that are like family. I have a Union family. When I go home, I’m excited to be home. But after a while, I can’t wait to come back to Union.”

Haaken Magnuson junior, pre-dental, Louisville, Ky.

You’ll Love Where You LiveUnion University offers students top quality residence

life experiences. Union’s on-campus facilities are among the best you’ll find anywhere.

It starts with our five quads (Ayers, Hurt, Watters, Grace and Hope) which have all been recently built and offer apartment style living. You’ll be happy to know that students had a key role in designing these buildings, and we think you’ll love the results. Available in each four-bedroom apartment:

• A private bedroom for every student (a long-standing Union tradition)

• Two bathrooms• Kitchenette and living room• Washer and Dryer – no charge to use• Safe rooms on the first floor of every buildingThe majority of freshmen students are assigned

to the Heritage Residence Complex. As with the quads, Heritage residents enjoy the benefits of a private kitchen and living room in each four-bedroom apartment. And again, each bedroom is a private room. The McAfee Commons building includes a game room and large gathering room, flat screen TVs, game systems, and comfortable sofas and tables. Complimentary use of washers and dryers is also available in McAfee Commons.

You will experience the same atmosphere in which students have thrived for years: a design that combines the benefits of fellowship and community with the opportunity for privacy.

Bowld Student CommonsUnion’s residential commons building is designed

for the use of all our residential students. Inside, you’ll find multipurpose space for meetings or athletics with a second-floor walking track, television lounges, music rooms, an Internet lounge, game rooms and meeting areas for campus organizations. In addition to 30,000 square feet of indoor space, the outdoor facilities here include courts for basketball and volleyball, as well as bricked-in grills. Students helped design this outstanding facility, which opened in January 2010.

PRIVATE BEDROOM FOR EVERY STUDENT!

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Alliance FrancophoneAlpha ChiAlpha Delta SigmaAlpha Psi OmegaAlpha Sigma LambdaAlpha Tau OmegaAmerican Advertising Federation-

Union UniversityAmerican Institute of Graphic ArtsAssociation for Computing

MachineryAthletic Training Students’

AssociationBaptist Student Nursing FellowshipBIOMECardinal & CreamChi OmegaCollege DemocratsCollege RepublicansCollegiate Music Educators

AssociationDebate TeamDigital Media Studies Societyenactus (formerly SIFE) Engineering Student Advisory

Committee

Fellowship of Christian AthletesHonors Student Associationink.Institute of Electrical and Electronics

EngineersInter-Fraternity CouncilInternational Justice MissionInternational Students UnionJustice & MercyKappa DeltaKappa Delta PiKappa Mu EpsilonLambda Chi AlphaLife139Ministerial AssociationMOSAICMu KappaMusic EnsemblesOmicron Delta EpsilonPanhellenic CouncilPhi AlphaPhi Alpha ThetaPhi Beta LambdaPhi Theta Kappa Alumni AssociationPi Kappa Lambda National Music

Honor SocietyPsi ChiPsychology ClubPublic Relations Student Society

of America

ROTC (U.S. Army)Rutledge Honorary History ClubSigma Alpha EpsilonSigma DeltaSigma Pi SigmaSigma Tau DeltaSigma Theta TauSocial Work Reaches OutSociety of Physics StudentsStudent Activities CouncilStudent Athlete Advisory CommitteeStudent Members of the American

Chemical SocietyStudent Nurses’ AssociationStudent Tennessee Education

AssociationStudents for SustainabilityThe TorchUnion Broadcasting SocietyUnion Club UltimateUnion Film SocietyUnion NationUnion Pre-Law SocietyUnion University Judo ClubUniversity Relations AmbassadorsUntitledUU CyclingZeta Tau Alpha

For a detailed description of each organization and links to individual websites, go to uu.edu/studentservices/organizations.

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Each of these organizations intentionally incorporates the Christ-centered commitment of the university.


Fraternities and SororitiesUnion University is home to three social fraternities:

• Alpha Tau Omega• Lambda Chi Alpha• Sigma Alpha Epsilon

There are three social sororities:• Chi Omega• Kappa Delta• Zeta Tau Alpha

Union University is one of the very few institutions in the 120-member Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to fully integrate a Greek social system with our student life plan. Each of these organizations intentionally incorporates the Christ-centered commitment of the university. The groups support our university mission, and take part in projects that benefit the entire academic community as well as the local community. The Office of Student Leadership & Engagement can also provide information on the Jackson chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Student Activities Council Student Activities Council is committed to providing

an exciting program of activities which seeks to promote fellowship, community and fun among the student body. This student-led organization seeks to serve Christ first by serving others. Some examples of the events they’ve staged recently include coffeehouse concerts, benefit events for ministries, and a “Senior Prom” at a local retirement center. SAC also sponsors Family Weekend, Midnight Movies, and trips to area sporting events such as Memphis Grizzlies basketball and Jackson Generals baseball, along with rallies and tailgating for Union University athletics. More information: uu.edu/studentlife/sac.

AthleticsThe National Collegiate Athletic Association has

approved Union University for full membership at the Division II level. This announcement in July 2014 ended a three-year transition process. Union is now an active member of the prestigious Gulf South Conference, one of the premier conferences in Division II. Union began GSC regular season competition in 2012–13, but is now eligible to compete in the post-season for championships.

NCAA Division II has a philosophy that matches perfectly with Union’s mission. Student athletes are encouraged to live “life in the balance.” At Union, that means intercollegiate athletics become just one part of a

balanced lifestyle that includes academic preparation and

spiritual development. Athletic competition is

kept in this perspective.

Union offers scholarships for 11 varsity squads:• Baseball (men)• Basketball (men and women)• Cross Country (men and women)• Golf (men and women)• Soccer (men and women)• Softball (women)• Volleyball (women)

Union has a tradition of strong intercollegiate sports teams. The quality of athletic facilities here usually is found only at much larger universities. Our Lady Bulldogs basketball team won back-to-back NAIA Division I national championships in 2009 and 2010. They also won the title in 1998, back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006. In 2014, they won the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association national championship; in 2013, our women’s softball team also won an NCCAA national title. Union teams combined to win the TranSouth Conference All-Sports Trophy for the past nine years.

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Union has a tradition of strong intercollegiate sports teams. We also enjoy a vibrant intramural program.

“ I came here with the purposes to study and play basketball,

but now I have other purposes. I want to do missions; I want to make an impact in my home country.

In Paraguay, there are a lot of poor people, and there are a lot of needs. I just want to go and do whatever God gives me the opportunity to do.”

Astrid Huttemann senior, business administration major and guard on the Lady Bulldogs basketball team, Asuncion, Paraguay Intramurals

Athletics at Union is about more than intercollegiate competition. We also enjoy a vibrant intramural program. At this level, anyone can participate. Some of the more popular activities attract several hundred students. They enjoy the fellowship and fun that comes from friendly team competition.

Recently offered intramural sports:• Basketball• Bulldog Madness (free throw, hot shot

and three-point content)• Fantasy Football• Flag Football• Disc Golf• Indoor Volleyball• Most Fit Competition• Ping Pong (singles and doubles)• Punt, Pass, Kick• Racquetball (singles and doubles)• Sand Volleyball• Soccer• Softball• Ultimate Frisbee

Which sport do you enjoy? Come join the fun!


Future DIRECTED

You are thinking more and more about the school you will choose, and ultimately, the career path you will take. Right now, you are probably more

“future-directed” than at any other time of your life. So it’s only natural for you to wonder how our

graduates fare when they leave Union University. It’s good to know that students who were in your shoes just a few years ago are now enjoying some of the best opportunities available anywhere:

• Nearly 100% of our faculty-recommended health science students have been accepted to medical school or professional graduate study.

• There is a 100% job placement rate for business, nursing and education graduates.

• 100% of Union’s undergraduate completers who took a PRAXIS test passed it on the first attempt.

• 93% of Union’s students were very satisfied or satisfied with courses in their major fields of study.

• 88% of Union seniors plan to complete post-graduate work.

• Approximately 80% of our graduates have jobs or places in graduate school within three months of receiving their degrees.

But being future-directed is defined by more than impressive statistics. It is an investment in students who have not yet joined us—students like you!

Investing in future studentsWhen you visit campus, chances are good you’ll

see some construction underway. It’s evidence that Union is one of the south’s fastest-growing universities. Union has invested more than $120 million in campus improvements in the past decade. A common question on campus is “What are they building next?”

We’ve told you about our on-campus housing. But the improvements don’t end there. Look at the list of recent and significant building projects completed at Union in the past decade:

• Providence Hall, a 60,000 square foot, three-story building, housing our newly accredited School of Pharmacy and select health sciences.

• White Hall, a state-of-the-art, 63,000 square foot science building.

• The Carl Grant Events Center, with impressive banquet facilities and visitor reception areas.

• Interior upgrading and renovation of the Barefoot Student Union Building including the student-designed coffeehouse named Barefoots Joe.

• A lighted World Cup-size soccer field for competition and the Smith Memorial Soccer Complex that includes seating for 1,000, a press box and concessions.

• An athletic field house with indoor turf room and locker rooms for baseball, softball and men’s and women’s soccer.

• The number of available campus parking spaces (2,700) has doubled in the past decade.

Being future-directed is defined by more than impressive statistics. It is an investment in students who

have not yet joined us—students like you!


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Our New Library Opens in October 2015!

Work is underway on the construction of a three-story, domed library building along the Great Lawn. You can follow the progress of this exciting construction project at NewUnionLibrary.com.

For decades, Union University has invested in excellent library resources. But it has become apparent in recent years that the current library space within the Penick Academic Complex is inadequate to accommodate future growth needs.

As a new student, you could be among the first to use a library building designed to incorporate all the finest 21st century technologies.

Although technology has made “going to the library” less necessary for many types of research, scholars still value opportunities for quiet study or academic collaboration. So the new library building will be equipped with physical space for a wide variety of academic work.

Join us in the excitement as our new library takes shape, and plan to help us open the doors on a new era of Christ-centered academic excellence at Union University.

“ I’m a Theology and Missions major, so there’s about a 9 out

of 10 chance I’m going to serve in some type of ministry. During my time at Union, I’ve slowly seen my

future come into focus. A key on this campus is discipleship. You see it in organizations, among the faculty and with residents of Jackson. People become aware of your capabilities, and they point out that you can always do better.”

Joshua Jenkins senior, Theology and Missions Memphis, Tenn.

Construction has begun! Follow the progress @NewUnionLibrary.

Proposed new Library Building located on the Great Lawn. TLM Associates, Inc.

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“ I’ve had great professors who want to deal seriously with the

world and the deep questions of the world. They want to talk about important things. It’s not

just ‘here are the answers,’ it’s ‘let’s have a conversation about this and let’s deal seriously with the fundamental realities of life.’”

Zach Clemons junior, Christian thought and tradition, Colorado Springs, Colo.

The annual cost of attending Union University is less than you might expect. If you compare our cost with schools of similar academic quality

across the nation, you will find we offer an excellent value and lower total costs than many of our peer institutions.

You might expect us to say that. But others with no affiliation to Union University are saying the same thing about us.

Each year, an independent research firm evaluates schools based on academic

quality and cost. From nearly 1,500 schools, it chooses America’s 100 Best College Values. Once again this

year, Union made the list.

The Council of Independent Colleges issued a survey recently that showed Union’s tuition was 15% lower than the average cost among its 530 member institutions.

Still, we know attending Union requires a significant investment. Our annual tuition, room, board and fees will total about $37,000 in 2014–15. We are prepared to help you meet these costs.

To illustrate that promise, understand that more than 90% of our students receive some form of institutional financial aid.

Our Student Financial Planning staff has a well-deserved reputation for finding aid and putting together financial packages that work. They aggressively and tirelessly search out aid sources. They tell many stories each year of students and parents who went into the process thinking they could not afford to come to Union but found out it was indeed possible.

AIDFinancial

More than 90% of our students receive some form of institutional financial aid.

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Here are a few of the resources we will tap to help you invest in your education at Union University:

Academic Scholarships(Based on ACT/SAT scores, class rank and high school GPA.)

• National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist Scholarship• National Achievement Finalist or

Semi-Finalist Scholarship• National Hispanic Recognition Scholarship• Transfer/Academic Leadership Scholarships • Fine Arts Scholarships• Debate Scholarships• Athletic Scholarships• Leadership Awards

Scholars of Excellence Presidential Scholarship (full tuition, room, board

and required fees), Provost Scholars Award (full tuition), Dean’s Scholars Award (75% tuition), University Scholars Award (50% tuition).

Applicants for Scholars of Excellence must satisfy the following two criteria:

1. Minimum 31 ACT OR Minimum 1360 SAT (combined critical reading and math scores).

2. Top 15% class rank OR a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.Note: Students achieving finalist or semi-finalist status

with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will be deemed eligible for Scholars of Excellence competition.

Eligibility Based Financial Aid• Alumni Legacy Scholarships• Church Endowed Scholarships• Institutional Endowed Scholarships• Church and Vocational Ministry Scholarships• Minister’s Dependent Award• Christian Educators Dependent Award• Missionary Dependent Award• Tennessee Baptist Convention Scholarship• Multi-student Award

(for more than one student from a family)• Federal and State Aid• Tennessee Scholars Award• Union University Grant

Loans• Federal Stafford Loan• Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

(PLUS)• Alternative Loans through Private Lenders

Federal Workstudy

Institutional Workships • Employment on the Union campus

For a complete listing of scholarships and financial aid opportunities, go to uu.edu/financialaid. If we can be of assistance to you, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 731.661.5015.


Location Jackson, Tennessee (area population: 100,000), 80 miles east of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville. In 2013, the U.S. Conference of Mayors named Jackson the “most livable” small city in the country.

Emphasis A private, four-year, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Activities More than 50 major student-produced music and theatre events each academic year; 70 campus clubs, societies, fraternities, sororities and other organizations; Cardinal & Cream student newspaper and The Torch, a literary journal, and “Jackson 24/7” daily television news program.

Campus Union University’s main campus in Jackson and its extension campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville cover 360 acres.

The wooded Jackson campus features pine groves, sycamores, a variety of oaks including Shumardi oaks lining the great lawn, elm, dogwoods, sweet gums and cherry trees. In 2013, Union opened a campus arboretum that identifies 31 species of trees and allows donors to “adopt” trees in memory of loved ones.

There are more than 40 major buildings and excellent athletic facilities. Roughly $120 million in new campus construction has been completed during the past decade, including several new Georgian-Colonial classroom buildings that support state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. Most of Union’s on campus housing has been constructed since 2008. Student-suggested design features were incorporated in each new building; all residence buildings include a private bedroom for each student.

The campus is situated along the U.S. 45 bypass in north Jackson, and is within a five-minute drive of Jackson’s largest concentration of retail establishments and restaurants.

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Technology Each on-campus apartment is equipped with filtered Internet and cable connections. In addition, wireless network access is available throughout campus, including in the residence areas. Students also receive a Union email account and private file storage space on the Union network.

Accreditation Union University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Union University.

Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s office.

Discipline-Specific Accreditations • Accreditation Board for Engineering

and Technology• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education• American Chemical Society• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools

of Business• Commission on Accreditation for Athletic

Training Education• Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia

Educational Programs• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education• Council on Social Work Education• National Association of Schools of Art

and Design• National Council for Accreditation of

Teacher Education• National Association of Schools of Music• Public Relations Society of America • Teacher Education Program of the Tennessee

Department of Education• Tennessee Health Related Boards

Affiliations • American Association of Colleges of Nursing• American Association of Colleges of

Teacher Education• Association of Collegiate Business Schools

and Programs• Association of Independent Liberal Arts

Colleges for Teacher Education• Council of Independent Colleges

• Council for Christian Colleges and Universities• Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences• Council on Undergraduate Research• International Association of Baptist Colleges

and Universities• National Art Education Association• North American Coalition for Christian

Admission Professionals• Service Members Opportunity Colleges• Tennessee Association for Counseling and

Development• Tennessee Baptist Convention• Tennessee Independent College and Universities

Association

AthleticsVarsity Sports • Baseball (men)• Basketball (men and women)• Cross Country (men and women)• Golf (men and women)• Soccer (men and women)• Softball (women)• Volleyball (women)

Recently offered intramural sports• Basketball• Bulldog Madness (free throw, hot shot

and three-point content)• Fantasy Football• Flag Football• Frisbee Golf• Indoor Volleyball• Most Fit Competition• Ping Pong (singles and doubles)• Punt, Pass, Kick• Racquetball (singles and doubles)• Sand Volleyball• Soccer• Softball• Ultimate Frisbee

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Art* # Ceramics Drawing Graphic Design Painting Photography Pre-Professional Art Therapy Sculpture Visual Aesthetics Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio

Biology* General Biology# Cell and Molecular Biology Botany Zoology Conservation Biology

Business Administration* Accounting Actuarial Science Business Administration Economics International Business Management Management for Non-Business Professionals Marketing University Studies

Chemistry Biochemistry# Chemical Physics Chemistry* # Medical Technology

Communication Arts Advertising Broadcast Journalism Communication Studies Digital Media Communications Digital Media Studies Film Studies Journalism Photojournalism Public Relations Speech Theatre and Speech* Theatre

Computer Science Computer Information Systems Computer Science Digital Media Studies Information Technology

Education* Teaching and Learning (K–6)# (additional Pre K–3 and 4–8

endorsements available) Interdisciplinary Studies Special Education# Teacher Licensure, K–12 and Secondary Areas

Engineering Electrical Mechanical

English* # Creative Writing Literature

History* #

Honors General Honors Discipline-Specific Honors,

See # note for available majors

International and Intercultural Studies Global Studies Humanitarian Studies Intercultural Studies Regional Studies Study Abroad

Language Applied Linguistics French* Spanish* Teaching English as a Second language*

Mathematics Actuarial Science Mathematics* #

Music Church Music Composition Music (B.A.) Music Communication Arts Management Worship Leadership Music Education Instrumental* Vocal* Music Theory Performance Organ Piano Voice Worship Leadership (B.A.)

Nursing

Physical Education, Wellness and Sport Athletic Training Athletic Coaching Exercise Science/Wellness Health Education* Physical Education and Health* Sport Management Communication Marketing Ministry

Physics* Physical Science Physics

Programs OF STUDY

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Kevin Ezell earned a bachelor of science degree from Union and later became pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. In 2010, he was

chosen to lead the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

He and his wife Lynette (’86) say they’re pleased that their two daughters who graduated from Union were surrounded by people who have a heart for God:

“ That’s what Union does. A great balance of academics as well as a missional heart, to help students stay focused on their ultimate purpose in being there. I cannot think of a more worthy institutional investment than Union University.”

Kevin Ezell (‘85) President, North American Mission Board

Political Science* # General Studies American Politics International Relations Political Theory

Pre-professional Programs Chiropractics Cytotechnology Dentistry Dental Hygiene Health Information Management Medicine Occupational Therapy Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Physician Assistant Podiatry Veterinary Medicine

Psychology

Social Work Social Work (B.S.W.) Social Organization (B.S.)

Sociology Family Studies Child Life Family Ministry Marriage and Family Sociology

Theology and Missions # Biblical Studies – Languages Christian Ministry and Missions Christian Studies Christian Thought and Tradition Philosophy Sport Ministry

*Teacher Licensure Available

# This major is available also with Discipline-Specific Honors

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1. Penick Academic Complex 2. Blasingame Academic Complex 3. Hammons Hall Barefoot Student Union Building

Undergraduate Admissions 5. Carl Grant Events Center 6. Miller Tower 7. New Library (October 2015) 8. Jennings Hall 9. Providence Hall 10. White Hall 11. Photo House 12. Fesmire Field House and Press Box

13. Smith Memorial Soccer Complex 14. Luther Hall 15. Fraternity Row 16. Heritage Residence Complex 17. Warmath Residence Complex 18. Ayers Residence Complex 19. Hurt Residence Complex 20. Watters Residence Complex 21. Grace Residence Complex 22. Hope Residence Complex 23. Bowld Student Commons 24. Outdoor Recreation 25. Facilities Management

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Take a closer look at Union University

Campus literature can only give you a glimpse of what’s inside Union University. To see for yourself, give us one day.

Come to Union and sit in on classes. Meet professors and staff and ask them tough questions. Eat in our dining hall and even spend the night in an apartment on campus, if you’d like. You’ll get to know students who recently faced the same major decisions you’re making now.

If you’d like to join us for a Preview Day, please register online at uu.edu/campusvisit, call us toll free at 1.800.33.UNION or contact us via email at [email protected].

Please contact us at least one week in advance of your planned visit. Even if you cannot attend one of the seven designated Preview Days, we hope you’ll get in touch with us to arrange a visit that better fits your schedule.

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2014-2015Preview Days

Fall 2014

FRIDAY

September 12FRIDAY

October 17FRIDAY

November 14

Spring 2015

MONDAY

January 19MONDAY

February 16FRIDAY

March 6FRIDAY

April 1740

uu.edu800.33.UNION

CLOSER LOOKTAKE A AT UNION

“ I was looking for a school that not only had very high

academic standards and top-tier education, but also a school that was authentically

Christ-centered with faith at the focus. Across the nation, there are just not a lot of schools like that. Union is one of a very few.”

Jesse Dahms junior, Palmer, Alaska

We’ve only begun to describe the many great things you will experience at Union University. We know you’ll want to give this decision prayerful consideration. We know you’ll probably have many questions in the process.

But don’t wait too long to ask those questions or submit an application. Union uses a rolling admissions policy, which means applications are reviewed and admission decisions are made on a regular basis beginning each September. That means we continue filling a new class until there is no more space.

For that reason, it’s very important that you apply as early as possible.

The quickest way to begin is to apply online today at uu.edu/apply.

Union’s approach to Christian higher education has brought out the best in thousands of students through the years. We are committed to Renewing Minds by integrating top-tier academics and Christian faith in every area of study.

What about you? Take the next step. Contact us today.See why an excellence-driven, Christ-centered,

people-focused, future-directed education will make a life-changing difference to you.

Apply TODAY

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at uu.edu/apply

APPLY ONLINE TODAY

OFFICE of UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS1050 Union University Drive | Jackson, Tennessee 383051.800.33.UNION | uu.edu

Apply online at uu.edu/apply

Union University Viewbook - 2014-15

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Transcript of Union University Viewbook - 2014-15