Union University News Office
JACKSON — Union University trustees at their April 6 meeting approved a $91.2 million budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, a resolution of appreciation for the Lady Bulldogs basketball team, and a number of Union faculty members for promotions, tenure, and research leaves.
The new budget reflects about a 2.4 percent increase over the current year’s amended budget of $88.9 million. Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said the financial health of the institution remains strong, and that Union is committed to effective stewardship of the resources that God has provided.
In the Lady Bulldogs’ resolution, the board of trustees cited the team’s record this year of 33-4, its Gulf South Conference championship and its first trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four. The resolution also noted Chelsey Shumpert’s distinction as the conference Player of the Year, an NCAA Division II All-American and her Union record for most points in a season (856), in addition to Coach Mark Campbell’s recognition as the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association South Region Coach of the Year.
“The team measured its success less by on-court achievements than by the relational and spiritual maturation of the student-athletes,” the resolution reads. “Coach Campbell publicly testified that his privilege of baptizing two members of the program represents a greater accomplishment than all of the team’s wins.”
The resolution congratulated the Lady Bulldogs for their “extraordinarily successful season” and expressed the Board of Trustees’ and Union administration’s appreciation for the team representing Union “in a profoundly Christ-like manner, both on and off the court.”
Regarding faculty research leaves and promotions, Oliver said Union remains committed to supporting meaningful research among faculty and students, one of the themes included in the university’s strategic plan, “United in Spirit. Grounded in Truth.”
“The quality of the Union faculty is one of the many strengths of Union University,” Oliver said. “We are grateful that Union trustees continue to provide an environment that encourages professors to develop, learn and grow, thus setting an example for students on what it means to be lifelong learners and agents of discovery.”
