Union trustees reaffirm Christ-centered excellence with new chapel and faculty promotions
PRESS RELEASE FROM UNION UNIVERSITY:
JACKSON, Tenn. — Union University trustees at their April 10 meeting authorized construction of a new chapel, approved the institution’s 2026-2027 operating budget and granted tenure and promotions to several professors.
The freestanding chapel will be located on the eastern edge of campus next to the existing G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel, which will be demolished after the spring semester. The university held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new building following the trustee meeting.
Jeff Perkins, chairman of Union’s Board of Trustees, said the chapel will be the single-largest building project in Union’s history and is an important component of “Protinus,” the university’s strategic plan.
“The construction of this new chapel is a bold reaffirmation of Union’s 200-year legacy and our unwavering commitment to Christ-centered excellence,” Perkins said. “By placing this sacred space at the heart of our campus, with a steeple that rises above all else, we are sending a clear message to the world about our priorities.”
The $98.4 million budget trustees approved for the next fiscal year is flat from this year’s budget.
Trustees promoted 12 professors. In the College of Pharmacy, Andrew Castleman was promoted to associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Nate Daniels and Sean King were promoted to professor of pharmaceutical sciences and Bethany Murphy was promoted to professor of pharmacy practice. In the Department of Sociology, Phil Davignon was promoted to professor of sociology.
In the McAfee School of Business, Brooke Emery was promoted to professor of marketing. In the School of Adult and Professional Studies, Beth Madison was promoted to professor of science. In the Department of Art, Paige Ward Moore was promoted to associate professor of art.
In the School of Social Work, Ginny Schwindt was promoted to professor of social work. In the School of Theology and Missions, Justin Wainscott was promoted to associate professor of ministry. In the Department of Psychology, Luke Walden was promoted to assistant professor of psychology. And in the Department of Biology, Faith Zamamiri-Davis was promoted to professor of biology.
Trustees approved three professors for emeritus status, which 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 recognized were Brad Green in the School of Theology and Missions, Chris Nadaskay in the Department of Art and Don Van in the Department of Engineering, all of whom are retiring at the end of the spring semester.
Trustees also approved tenure for eight professors: Jay Beavers, associate professor of English; Bob Bowen, professor of biology; Betsy Caceres, associate professor of chemistry; Mollie Carter-Neal, associate professor of psychology; Nate Daniels, professor of pharmaceutical sciences; Kayla Lambert, associate professor of nursing; John Netland, university professor of English; and Kate Rawls, associate professor of music.
“The strength of Union University is rooted in the excellence of our faculty,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “These are not only world-class scholars and gifted educators, but devoted mentors who are deeply committed to the integration of faith and learning. Investing in these men and women is an investment in our students, as we prepare the next generation to serve the church and society.”
In other matters, trustees approved Jennifer Carnal, Brad Greer, Stephen Moore and Angela Snider as board members of the Union Foundation Board. Carnal is vice president and trust officer at Commercial Bank and Trust Co. Greer is owner of Greer Real Estate Group. Moore is a financial adviser and entrepreneur, and Snider is an attorney.
Trustees also authorized a new Bachelor of Science degree in data science. Brian Glas, chairman of Union’s computer science department, said the program is designed to meet the rising industry demand for data analysts while maintaining a distinct interdisciplinary focus.
The program will also consider the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence, data privacy and digital surveillance.
“These are not just technical challenges but profound moral questions that echo the timeless debates of free will, human dignity and the nature of good and evil,” Glas said. “Christians can offer a voice that advocates for technology that upholds human dignity and serves the common good.”
At an April 9 dinner prior to their meeting, trustees recognized members of Union’s Student Government Association.
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