JACKSON — Union University trustees in their April 25 meeting on the Union campus approved a university statement on biblical anthropology, adopted a $98.9 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year and granted tenure and promotions to several professors.
The biblical anthropology statement was developed by a group of professors, who collected feedback from the university community. As one of the goals in Protinus (Union’s strategic plan) to advance Christ-centered higher education, the document addresses questions of what it means to be human and provides a biblical basis for those answers that will help faculty teaching in their respective fields.
“The goal of this summary is to bring clarity and to provide guidance for our university and others so that we may more faithfully pursue God’s path individually and corporately thereby pleasing God and knowing the fullness of life He intends for us,” the statement says.
The 10-part statement says humans are created by God, bear God’s image, are created as physical and spiritual beings, are created male and female, are designed for procreation, are given dominion over the earth, are made for communion with God, are created as individuals for community, are fallen and are restored in Christ.
Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said the statement provides direction for the university in a time of deep cultural confusion about what it means to be human.
“In today’s world, foundational questions about who we are as human beings are more contested than ever,” Oliver said. “That’s why this statement matters: it draws a clear line, rooted in Scripture, about what it means to be created in God’s image, to be male and female, and to live with dignity and purpose. In a time when so much is uncertain, we believe it’s vital to anchor ourselves in God’s Word and to articulate that truth with both conviction and grace.”
The full statement is available at www.uu.edu/about/framework-for-biblical-anthropology.cfm.
Budget increase
In other matters, the budget trustees approved is an increase of about $4.2 million, or 4.4 percent, from this year’s budget.
“As trustees, we are deeply grateful for the Lord’s continued provision and faithfulness to Union University,” said Jeff Perkins, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The financial strength reflected in this year’s budget is a testament not only to wise stewardship by our administration, but also to the generosity of our supporters and God’s sustaining hand over this institution. Union’s solid financial footing enables us to invest in our mission, serve our students with excellence and look confidently to the future as we continue to advance Christ-centered higher education.”
In his report to the trustees, Oliver updated them on the repairs taking place to the Penick Academic Complex after an April 3 storm caused heavy flooding and significant damage to part of the facility. Restoration of the water-damaged areas is progressing, and drywall is going up, Oliver said, with repairs expected to be finished by the end of June.
The university also plans to demolish the Blasingame Academic Complex after the spring semester ends, as was previously planned in the campus master plan.
Tenure, promotions granted
Trustees promoted seven professors: Karen Martin and Bobby Rogers in the Department of Languages, Literature and Writing and Chris Blair in the Department of Communication Arts were promoted to university professor. Anita Langston in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Tammy Patton in the School of Social Work and Jacob Shatzer in the School of Theology and Missions were promoted to professor. Betsy Caceres in the Department of Chemistry was promoted to associate professor.
Trustees also approved tenure for nine professors: Jinni Leigh Blalack, associate professor of psychology; Kyle Butler, professor of education; Austin Camp, associate professor of pharmacy practice; Andrew Courtner, associate professor of education; Jason Cox, associate professor of social work; Anita Langston, professor of nursing; Taylor Mathis, associate professor of pharmacy practice; Megan Pittman, associate professor of nursing; and Rebekah Whitaker, associate professor of communication arts.