TENNESCENE: JULY 16

EDUCATION

Union reduces tuition for adult degree programs

Union University news office

JACKSON — Union University has lowered tuition for its adult undergraduate programs in the School of Adult and Professional Studies and the Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies, beginning in the fall 2025 semester. Tuition for Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership degrees in SOAPS and bachelor’s degrees in MCUTS will decrease from $504 to $400 per credit hour, plus the general student fee. The new rate is designed to make an excellent, Christ-centered education more accessible and affordable for adult learners. Tuition in the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will also continue at $400 per credit hour. “These changes reflect our commitment to supporting adult students and removing financial barriers to completing a college degree,” said Brooke Emery, Union’s dean for SOAPS. “We believe this tuition reduction will help more working adults achieve their academic and career goals.” For more information about Union University’s adult and professional studies programs, visit uu.edu/adultstudies or call (731) 661-5611. B&R

DEATHS

Deona Lee Thomas, 69, of Hickman, Tenn., died Monday, July 7, 2025. She was born Dec. 15, 1955, in Nashville to the late Joseph Benjamin Thomas and Frances Lee Gwaltney Thomas. Thomas joined Hickman Baptist Church on June 18, 1964, at age 8 after being baptized. She served the church for more than six decades in numerous capacities, including as organist since 1978, Girls in Action leader since 1980, and younger children’s Sunday School teacher since 1980. She taught Vacation Bible School since 1974 and served as children’s Bible drill coordinator for the North Central Region from 1996 to 2019. Thomas was church clerk since 2019 and director of the New Salem Association Women Missionary Union since 1980. She maintained perfect Sunday School attendance for 32 years. Beyond her home church, Thomas served as music teacher at Crievewood Methodist Church in Nashville during spring 1980 and as Smith County preschool music teacher at Carthage United Methodist Church from 1985-95. Thomas was active in the Caney Fork Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as regent for two terms before being elected honorary regent. She was the chapter’s state accompanist for six years and most recently served as chaplain. Memorials may be made to Hickman Baptist Church.