2023-24 Union University Viewbook

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT.

I often remind our students that college can either be a greenhouse, where your faith grows and flourishes, or a graveyard, where it withers away. Here at Union, our close-knit community is deeply committed to providing a transformative academic environment where your faith will not only survive, but thrive. No matter what God is calling you to do, Union is a place that will prepare you to faithfully and courageously live a life dedicated to the kingdom of God. I look forward to seeing you grow at Union University.

Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, Ph.D. President, Union University

CONTENTS

WHY INVEST IN UNION UNIVERSITY?

THRIVE IN STUDENT LIFE

BE EXCELLENT IN YOUR FIELD

RESIDENCE LIFE AT UNION

LIVING IN JACKSON

FINANCIAL AID

BE FOCUSED ON CHRIST

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR CAREER

BE EQUIPPED FOR GRAD SCHOOL

CHECK LIST FOR UNION

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

WHY INVEST IN UNION UNIVERSITY?

If you want to be excellent in your field, focused on Christ, supported in community and equipped for the future, Union University is the place for you. At Union, we integrate top-tier academics and Christian faith in every program of study. Our pursuit of excellence extends beyond the classroom and into every aspect of campus.

We know Union University is an investment, but we believe it is an investment worthwhile.

program spotlight

MCAFEE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Be prepared to fulfill your purpose in Christ and society as a business leader. The business education you’ll receive at Union is provided within a context of Christian faith, ethics and character. You will benefit from programs built upon a foundation of quality teaching and research, collaborative learning and a personalized faculty-student environment.

uu.edu/msb

ALUMNI PROFILE

MEET HAYES

College is an investment, but Hayes Bell believes the benefit of receiving Union University’s top-tier education and spiritual development is priceless. Union’s McAfee School of Business is one of the few AACSB-accredited business schools in the country, which Bell said helped him stand out in his highly competitive master’s degree and career in accounting. Not only did his Union University degree help him excel professionally, but he also believes the quality of a Union education is embodied in the opportunities students have to grow in Christ.

“I had administration, faculty and staff at Union who really cared about and invested in me, and I feel like by the time I graduated, I was able to become a well-rounded Christian leader in business. I learned how to reflect Christ in the way I do my work and in the way I treat others. My time at Union was truly transformative, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”

THRIVE IN STUDENT LIFE.

You are valued at Union. We understand that your college experience extends beyond the classroom, and that’s why we cultivate a vibrant campus community where you can grow and build lifelong relationships.

You can get involved on campus from day one and find the activities that fit your interests, choosing from over 90 student organizations and six national fraternities and sororities. Cheer on the Bulldogs at NCAA DII games, enjoy concerts by your favorite artists at one of our two campus coffee shops, compete in the Union Cup or join a team in more than 15 intramural sports. Find your place in our warm, welcoming community.

BE EXCELLENT IN YOUR FIELD.

Don’t simply learn new skills and knowledge. Be excellent and make a difference in the world.

We strive for excellence in our academics out of a desire to do all things for God’s glory. No matter which program you choose, you’ll understand your role in that field within the context of biblical faith.

Union offers honors programs, academic success initiatives and peer tutoring. Top-tier higher education begins with stellar faculty. At Union, you’ll study under faculty members who are writers, speakers, researchers and scholars who invest in your life through classroom teaching, mentoring and research collaboration.

MEET RACHEL

Ranked #1 best College of Nursing in Tennessee and #13 best College of Nursing in the nation (by Niche.com), Union University’s stateof-the-art College of Nursing classrooms and simulation lab were the deciding factor for Rachel Graves to become a Bulldog. Union balances its rigorous classes with professors who genuinely care and encourage their students, and Rachel said it’s special to be at a college where you are more than a number.

“Everything at Union’s College of Nursing relates back to God; you cannot study health sciences without seeing the beauty of God in it. It has been really powerful to be at a school where they teach me how to build a solid foundation of my faith, and I know I can go into my nursing career with confidence in my Christian beliefs.”

program spotlight COLLEGE OF NURSING

You want to make a difference in the lives of others and to have the skills, knowledge and empathy to be the nurse God has called you to be. The Union College of Nursing is here to prepare you to become a competent, professional nurse who provides quality care to meet the health needs of culturally diverse people. Be prepared to change lives through the professional practice of nursing.

uu.edu/nursing

RESIDENCE LIFE AT UNION.

Our campus housing has been ranked as some of the best in the nation. Each student has his or her own private bedroom with a shared living room, kitchen and one or two bathrooms. See why UU Residence Life is one of our students’ favorite parts of college life!

LIVING IN JACKSON.

Nestled in the heart of West Tennessee, Jackson is a thriving city with a population of over 68,000 that offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. With its central location, major highways and interstates connect Jackson to nearby cities like Memphis and Nashville, making it easily accessible. In addition to its convenient location, Jackson retains its unique character and offers a range of amenities, attractions and opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, from its rich history and cultural heritage to its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty. Come explore and experience all that Jackson has to offer!

program spotlight SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS

Preparing for ministry, planning to teach or simply seeking to deepen your knowledge of God and Scripture? Union’s School of Theology and Missions is committed to rigorous academics and attention to students as individuals. Our goal is to help you develop a deep devotion to Christ, his church and reaching the nations with the gospel.

uu.edu/stm

ALUMNI PROFILE

MEET TRENT AND GARRETT

Trent Bullock (’88) and Garrett Veazey (’19) both graduated from Union’s School of Theology and Missions and now lead First Baptist Church in Paris, Tennessee, whose congregation has faithfully given to Union University student scholarships since 1991. Bullock rallies churches around West Tennessee to continue investing in Union’s Christ-centered education through scholarships, and for Veazey, those scholarships were essential for him to attend Union University and to experience invaluable life transformation.

“None of the amazing experiences I had at Union would have been possible without the financial provision of so many who give generously to students like me, which is why I believe it is so important to continue investing in scholarships for more students. For me, Union was much more than just earning a degree. The Union professors and staff took me under their wings and loved me, and they taught me what it meant to be a Christ-like man.”

GARRETT VEAZEY (’19) SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS GRADUATE Minister of Students at First Baptist Church in Paris, Tennessee

FINANCIAL AID AT UNION UNIVERSITY.

At Union University, we understand the investment of time and resources necessary for earning a degree and how that can affect family and student financial planning. Union is consistently ranked as one of the best values in private higher education, and we want to help you make it as affordable as possible. To that end, Union administered more than $45 million in financial aid from all sources to undergraduates in 2022-23.

STUDENT PROFILE

MEET KOBI

Watching his grandad play piano and organ at church, Kobi Mosely knew he wanted to pursue a career in music since he was a kid. Transferring to Union University to play soccer and to study commercial music, Kobi knows his professors and coaches work hard to help their students grow and succeed, which is just one of the ways Union cultivates an excellence-driven, people-focused community. One of his favorite things at Union has been the opportunity to fully immerse himself in Union’s state-of-the-art music engineering lab and recording studio.

“Being at Union has given me so many opportunities to grow in music performance and sound engineering, and I never had those hands-on experiences until I came here. My professors in the music department have prepared me for my future both in a music career and in my personal growth, and I have just really appreciated that.”

program spotlight

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

You will receive numerous opportunities to apply what you learn in real-life music contexts through private lessons and classroom instruction. At Union University’s department of music, you will develop musically, intellectually and spiritually while using your musical gifts to glorify God, serve your community and reach the world for Christ.

uu.edu/music

Spring Break, May and Summer

BE FOCUSED ON CHRIST.

Live a life that connects fully with God’s global purpose. At Union, you’ll be prepared academically and provided with opportunities to grow in your faith and minister to others.

Union provides worship experiences, small group ministries, discipleship, community service and mission opportunities both locally and around the world. Worship with us and hear from Christian leaders in chapel each week, and minister with us in cities and countries around the world on GO Trips.

MEET HAYDEN

Hayden Phillips knew he wanted to come to Union when he was in high school and interacted with UU students for the first time. He admired their spiritual maturity, kindness and joy, and he wanted to experience that kind of growth at college, too. While studying chemistry at Union, Hayden said he has been encouraged spiritually as he watches his professors boldly live out their careers and faith in the classroom. He loves how his professors frequently begin class with prayer, reminding themselves of the Creator as they prepare to study God’s creation.

“Union is so intentional about not shying away from integrating faith and learning. I’m not just studying chemistry because it’s fun or because I will make a lot of money, but it helps me see the role I can play in the Kingdom. That gift [of integrating faith and chemistry] would be so hard to match anywhere else.”

program spotlight DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Union’s department of chemistry helps students gain indepth knowledge of chemical processes as well as practical problem-solving skills, which is why 100 percent of our students have been accepted into medical school for the past five years. No matter your career goals, Union’s chemistry department will help you succeed in your future.

uu.edu/chemistry

program spotlight DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING

Union’s department of engineering offers an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program with concentrations in electrical and mechanical engineering. Students are prepared to perform in all areas of the field, from conceptual and planning stages to design, manufacturing, construction and management. Graduates have success in careers with Lockheed Martin, Kellogg Company, Royal Caribbean and more. uu.edu/engineering

PROFILE

MEET DR. DON VAN FACULTY

Don Van, founding chair and professor of engineering, came to Union University in 2001 to curate hands-on, practical curriculum for engineering students to prepare for a future career. Since then, Union’s engineering students have excelled in Union’s state-of-theart engineering lab and Christ-centered environment. Van prays his students not only graduate equipped for a career in engineering, but he also prays they leave Union University knowing how to represent their Christian faith in the workplace.

“What we teach in engineering [at Union] is how it all points back to God’s design. Through the work of God, everything can be remade, returned and refreshed.”

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR CAREER.

In equipping students to serve the church and society, Union offers valuable support services to ensure their success. For example, the Vocatio Center for Life Calling and Career helps students discover, respond to and confidently live out their calling. In addition, the Center for Academic Success provides resources such as academic counseling and study labs to advance student learning and performance in the classroom. Check out some of the ways our Bulldogs are serving around the world.

MARY SWISHER (’20) FRENCH AND CHRISTIAN STUDIES

Staff associate for Young Life Ministries in Grenoble, France

CHRIS GRIFFIN (’21) COMPUTER SCIENCE

Analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation

MATTANAH DEWITT (’19) JOURNALISM

Director of marketing at Passages in Allen, Texas

HANNAH DANIEL (’20) ECONOMICS

Policy manager for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission in Washington, D.C.

program spotlight COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Union’s College of Education houses the highest rated Educator Preparation Program, which equips all students through its year-long student internship program in local schools. Through Union’s School of Education, you can become an educator of character and competence who will reflect Christ as you serve and lead in your school and community. With Christ as our center, we develop educational leaders whose mission is to transform lives.

uu.edu/education

ALUMNI PROFILE

MEET KRISTA

When she saw Union University’s Educator Preparation Program received the highest ratings in Tennessee for four consecutive years, Krista Robertson knew Union’s College of Education would prepare her to be an excellent, Christ-centered teacher. Now, as an elementary teacher, she sees how essential Union’s year-long student teaching internship was for her professional development as she had a community of professors and fellow UU students supporting and equipping her to educate the next generation.

“My professors have helped me see that teaching is my mission field, and they always tell us that our kids are made in the image of God. If I had a difficult day in the classroom, I knew I could come back to [Union’s] campus, where my professors and friends encouraged me and reaffirmed the Lord’s calling in my life”

BE EQUIPPED FOR GRAD SCHOOL.

If you’re interested in pursuing education opportunities beyond the bachelor’s degree, we want to make sure you are prepared to succeed no matter where you study. Union graduates are thriving in top graduate schools around the world, making an impact for Christ in their fields of study.

LISA REED (’22) MATHEMATICS

Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics at the University of Kentucky

EVAN HOLT (’22) CHEMISTRY

Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Polymer Chemistry at University of Tennessee in Knoxville

BRENNAN KRESS (’22)

Master of Divinity student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

HAYDEN RASH (’21)

Student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee

program spotlight DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, WELLNESS AND SPORT

Union’s physical education, wellness and sport department strives to instill a lifetime desire to serve church and society through the medium of physical activity, exercise and sport. The program introduces students to knowledge and skills that help develop a healthy lifestyle and a greater quality of life for all people.

uu.edu/pews

ALUMNI PROFILE

MEET NOAH AND TORI

Meeting while at Union University, Noah and Tori Graves see how their time at UU was transformative for their marriage, careers, graduate education, faith and personal development.

As a current doctoral student, Noah said Union’s small classroom sizes and one-on-one relationships with his professors prepared him the most for his graduate studies as he received invaluable hands-on experiences and mentorships in athletic training.

“Looking back now, I see the investment of Union University through the way it set me up for success in my career and advanced education. Union’s learning environment is personal and practical, and I learned so much through their hands-on training.”

NOAH GRAVES (’21)

ATHLETIC TRAINING GRADUATE

Doctor of Chiropractic student at Logan University in St. Louis, Missouri

PROFILE

MEET NOAH AND TORI ALUMNI

For Tori, the opportunities she was given at Union’s Office of University Ministries to grow in Christ and to serve the church both locally and globally were life-changing for her spiritual and personal growth.

“I knew I wanted to go to a school that could teach me how to incorporate my Christian values in the field of social work, but at Union, I found that its Christ-centeredness stretches to all areas of campus. They taught me not only how to serve the Lord in my career but how to use my whole life to serve God and the local church.”

TORI GRAVES (’21, ’22)

BACHELOR AND MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE Clinical Therapist at CrossRoads Counseling Center in St. Louis, Missouri

program spotlight SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

Become a competent and effective professional prepared for leadership as a social worker. Union’s School of Social Work fosters compassionate service and equips students for excellence in practice. As a social worker, you can help people —individuals, families and whole communities.

uu.edu/socialwork

UNION ATHLETICS

Baseball (men)

Basketball (men and women)

Cross Country (men and women)

Golf (men and women)

Soccer (men and women)

Softball (women)

Volleyball (women)

uuathletics.com

ATHLETICS PROFILE

MEET COACH CAMPBELL

Mark Campbell began his UU women’s basketball career in 1999 and has led the Lady Bulldogs to multiple national championships. In 2023, Campbell won his 700th career game, reaching that mark faster than any collegiate coach in history.

“I am overwhelmed with all the people that God has surrounded me with over the years at Union. From assistant coaches, to graduate assistants, to student assistants, to players and to high school coaches that did a lot of work to prepare players to play in college. I am very thankful for administrators that have been extremely supportive to the point that I never wanted to leave.”

STUDENT PROFILE

MEET LAUREN

Union University’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio has helped Lauren Steed thrive in the small classroom sizes as she has connected with her professors in meaningful ways. While taking her first photography class, her professor encouraged her to pursue a student leadership position as a campus photographer, where she has realized her passion for photography. She hopes to continue using her creativity and storytelling skills to serve God and the church for years to come.

“My professors saw my potential and have helped me grow as a communicator, photographer and Christian storyteller. At Union, I feel like I am able to try new things, take risks and step outside my comfort zone because it’s been a very safe community for me.”

program spotlight DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION ARTS

At the heart of communication lies a genuine love for others and the desire to know and express truth. In the communication arts department, you can foster these characteristics and learn complex, significant communication skills through involvement in publication, production, research and competition.

uu.edu/commarts

MEET THE PARKERS

The Parker family stands as a testament to the strong alumni legacy at Union University. Embracing the close-knit community and the unwavering support of the dedicated faculty and staff, generations of families, like the Parkers, have found their home at Union. Jerron Parker, a current student and a third-generation worship leader within the music program, follows in the footsteps of his parents, Jamie and Dana, as well as his grandfather, who all experienced remarkable academic and spiritual growth within the nurturing embrace of Union’s community.

“For Union to pour into our son as they have into our family is a huge blessing. The Union community genuinely cares, not just about his academic knowledge, but about nurturing and helping Jerron grow in his faith, and that is extremely important to our family.”

DANA PARKER (’93) COMMUNICATION ARTS DEGREE Parent of Union Student

CHECK LIST FOR UNION.

APPLY: Submit your application at uu.edu/apply.

VISIT: Schedule a visit to our campus at uu.edu/campusvisit .

DEPOSIT: Send in your deposit to reserve your spot.

REGISTER: Attend New Student Orientation in the summer before you arrive.

MOVE IN: Move in to your campus apartment and enjoy Welcome Week in August.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY.

ART*

Art Art+ # or Studio Art#

Ceramics

Drawing

Graphic Design

Painting

Photography

Sculpture

Digital Media Studies

Pre-Professional Art Therapy #

V isual BIOLOGY*

Visual Theory and Aesthetics

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computational Engineering

C omputational Science

Computer Information Systems

C omputer

Computer Science +

Cybersecurity+

Digital Media Studies

D igital

Information Technology

EDUCATION*

Interdisciplinary Studies

In terdisciplinary #

Special Education+ #

Teaching and Learning (K–5) #

General Biology

G eneral + #

Botany #

Cell and Molecular Biology #

Conservation Biology #

Zoology #

BUSINESS*

Accounting+ #

Actuarial Science A ctuarial

Business Administration + #

Economics+

Finance+ F inance+

International Business Management Management+

Marketing Marketing+

Economics + #

University Studies

CHEMISTRY

Biochemistry #

(additional PreK–3 endorsements available)

Teacher Licensure, K–12 and Secondary Areas

ENGINEERING

C omputational Science

Computational Engineering

Engineering+ #

Electrical Mechanical ENGLISH*

English + #

Creative Writing

Literature HISTORY+*#

HONORS

C hemical Chemistry+*#

Chemical Physics

Classical, Medieval and C lassical, Renaissance Studies

General Honors

Medical Laboratory Science

M edical

COMMUNICATION ARTS

Communication Studies+ #

Discipline-Specific Honors D iscipline-Specific See # note for available majors

INTERCULTURAL STUDIES

Digital Media Communications

D igital #

Interactive

Photojournalism+

Storytelling

Digital Media Studies

Film Studies+ #

Journalism + #

Public Relations + #

Rhetoric+ #

Humanitarian Studies H umanitarian

Intercultural Studies +

Study Abroad

LANGUAGE

Applied Linguistics A pplied + #

French+*#

Spanish +*#

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) o f +*#

MATHEMATICS

Actuarial Science A ctuarial

Computational Engineering C omputational

Science

Mathematics +*#

MUSIC

Commercial Music #

Arranging and Composition

Performance

Recording Engineering and Producing

Songwriting

Music+ #

Communication Arts

Management

Music Composition M usic #

Music Education M usic #

Instrumental*

Vocal*

Music Theory #

Performance #

Organ

Piano

Voice

Worship Leadership + #

NURSING

PHARMACY

Two-year Pre-Pharmacy Track

Early Admissions Program (PEAP) E arly

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, WELLNESS AND SPORT (PEWS)

Athletic Coaching A thletic Exercise Science

Health Education* H ealth

Physical Education and Health +*

Pre-Athletic Training

Sport Management+

Sport Communication

Sport Marketing

Sport Ministry

PHYSICS*

Physical Science #

Physics + #

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Ethics and Public Policy

International Affairs In ternational

Political Science +*#

American Politics

International Relations

Political Theory

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Chiropractics

Cytotechnology

Dental Hygiene D ental

Dentistry

Health Information Management H ealth

Medicine

Occupational Therapy O ccupational

Optometry

Pharmacy

Physical Therapy

Physician Assistant

Podiatry

Veterinary Medicine

PSYCHOLOGY+

SOCIAL WORK

Church and Community Social Ministries

Mental Health Services

M ental

Social Organization (BS)

S ocial

Social Work (BSW) S ocial #

SOCIOLOGY AND FAMILY STUDIES

Criminal Justice C riminal +

Family Studies+ #

Family Ministry

Pre-Child Life

Pre-Counseling

Forensic Science

Human Studies H uman

Sociology+ #

THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS

Ancient Languages A ncient

Apologetics

Biblical Languages B iblical

Biblical Studies B iblical

Biblical Studies/Languages #

Christian Ministry and Missions + #

General

Biblical Counseling Missions

Pastoral Ministry

Youth Ministry

Christian Studies + #

Missions

Philosophy+ #

Sport Ministry (see PEWS)

Theological Studies+ #

LEGEND

Majors are in Bold

Minors are in Regular

Others are in Italics

+ Also a minor

*Teacher Licensure Available

#This major is also available with Discipline-Specific Honors