Jeff Perkins, right, chairman of Union University’s board of trustees, presents a model swing to Dub and Susie Oliver during an April 4 dinner. Trustees will place 10 swings across the Union campus by the end of the summer in honor of the Olivers and their 10 years of service to Union. — Photo by Karley Hathcock
JACKSON — Union University trustees during their April 5 meeting celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Union president Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, granted tenure and promotions to several professors, approved a $94.8 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year and voted to discontinue a few low-enrollment programs.
At an April 4 dinner in the Carl Grant Events Center, trustee and student leaders spoke about Oliver and what he has meant to them personally and to Union University. Oliver became Union’s 16th president upon his election to the position in 2014.
“The expressions of gratitude tonight are a testament to God’s goodness to this university through sending us Dr. Dub and Susie Oliver,” said Jeff Perkins, chairman of Union’s board of trustees and member of Bethel Baptist Church, Greenfield.
“Dub Oliver is an outstanding leader and a godly man of conviction who has served Union faithfully,” said Jeff Perkins. “We are thankful for the past decade that he and Susie have invested in Union, and we look forward to many more years of his leadership.”
As a gift to the Olivers to mark their 10 years of service, trustees will install 10 swings in various locations across the campus by the end of the summer. Perkins unveiled a model of the swings, which will be inscribed, “With gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Dub and Susie Oliver and their 10 years of service and dedication to Union University. ‘Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. — Philippians 1:3.’ ”
“We are grateful for your love for us and your kindness to us,” Oliver said. “The opportunity to serve together over these 10 years has been a sweet blessing from the Lord. Union University is a special place, and we will continue to trust the Lord to provide for us in the days ahead as we seek to build an institution that honors Christ in all things.”
In their Friday meeting, trustees approved 13 professors for emeritus status, an unusually high number this year as several professors took advantage of an early retirement incentive offered by the university. Emeritus status may be awarded to Union faculty who are retired from the university, held at least the rank of assistant professor, completed at least 15 years of full-time service, demonstrated excellence in their work and are recommended by the department chair and dean.
Those granted emeritus status were Sandra Brown, associate professor of nursing; Jeannie Byrd, professor of library service; George DeMaagd, professor of pharmacy practice; Patricia Hamilton, professor of English; Randy Johnston, university professor of chemistry; Terry McRoberts, university professor of music; Nita Mehr, dean and professor of social work; Sheila Mitchell, dean for the College of Pharmacy; R. Kelvin Moore, university professor of biblical studies; Harry L. Poe, Charles Colson Professor of Faith and Culture; Mary Anne Poe, university professor of social work; David Vickery, university professor of psychology; and Jean Marie Walls, chair and professor of language.
All of those approved for emeritus status have announced their retirement in 2024.
Trustees approved tenure for eight professors and 13 faculty members were promoted.
The $94.8 million budget approved by trustees is a $3.1 million increase over the current year’s operating budget of $91.7 million.
Trustees also voted to discontinue the intercultural studies major and minor, the physical science major, the physical science education minor, the rhetoric major and minor and the TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) major and minor, due to low interest in those programs. The small number of students currently enrolled in those programs will be able to finish out their studies. B&R
