Union University News Office
Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver (left) visits with new trustee Chuck Baker prior to the Union Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 4.
-Photo: Kristi Woody
JACKSON — Union University trustees approved a new bachelor’s degree in Christian leadership, received an annual audit report and welcomed a new trustee during their Dec. 4 meeting on the university campus.
The meeting was the first for new trustee Chuck Baker, of Hixson. Baker recently retired as vice president of advancement at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. He previously served as vice president of Unum Corp., a Chattanooga-based insurance company, and as president of Bethel Bible Village in Hixson.
He is a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Hixson.
As a graduate of a Christian college and through his experience in Christian higher education, Baker said he knows from personal experience the positive impact a Christ-centered education has on young people in a secular culture.
“After my retirement in March of this year, my desire was to continue to be part of Christian higher education and to serve in some capacity by utilizing and sharing the gifts, experiences and knowledge God has blessed me with over the years,” he said. “I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as a trustee at Union University.”
The audit report from CapinCrouse showed that net assets for the university increased from $157.3 million in 2019 to $159.2 million in 2020. The university also operated in the black in 2020, with a surplus of $1.2 million of revenue over expenses.
“The trustees commend the university’s administration, faculty and staff for their stewardship during an exceptionally challenging year,” said Chad Wilson, chairman of the board of trustees. “They have done an outstanding job to keep the university on mission and financially healthy.”
The bachelor of science degree in Christian leadership that trustees approved is a collaboration between Union’s School of Adult and Professional Studies and the School of Theology and Missions, in partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
The fully online BSCL program is designed for bivocational pastors, church staff members or laypersons looking to finish their bachelor’s degree and gain a solid, theological foundation for ministry.
“Even in the midst of challenging times, we are continuing to work with partners to identify programs that will help us to fulfill our mission,” Union University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said.
