A Transformational Ten Years
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
156970_Unionite.qxp 11/17/05 6:18 PM Page 13 156970_Unionite.qxp 11/17/05 6:18 PM Page 14 en years ago, as David S. Dockery later, Dockery is one of 27 percent of integral part of Union. walked into a room at the Old college presidents who serve 10 years at “It has been our lives,” Lanese said T English Inn for an interview with one school. He lists three achievements in about the Dockery’s time at Union. “I Union’s presidential search committee, a particular for which he is the most grateful: have loved the students and the wonder- thought struck him. — Union is an institution that takes its ful community of faculty and staff, as “I’ve been a part of Southern Baptist Christian mission purposefully and seriously. well as the tremendous learning experi- life in a pretty visible, active way for 15 — The academic rigor across the cam- ences from the faculty and speakers who years, and I think I know a lot of people pus has increased significantly. have come to be with us. The travel across this convention,” Dockery thought “The serious efforts at scholarship are opportunities, getting to know great to himself. “And I don’t know anybody heartening for me and I think encouraging alums and seeing students thrive once in this room.” for most of the faculty,” Dockery said. they leave this place really gives me joy.” Dockery wasn’t a Union graduate and — The look and development of the Dockery also acknowledges the support he wasn’t from West Tennessee. So in campus. Since Dockery’s tenure began, of Union’s board of trustees, the Union that sense, he was an outsider and fig- Union has completed Jennings Hall, faculty and staff and other loyal people ured his chances at becoming Union’s Hammons Hall, Miller Tower, new who come to work each day hoping to president weren’t good. baseball and softball fields and renova- make a difference in Union University. But that weekend Dockery enjoyed a tions to campus housing. Currently Finally, Dockery cites the support warm and stimulating meeting with under construction are White Hall, the from local churches and the community, Union trustees, specifically Elzie Danley Fesmire Field House and a new women’s and the large number of people who and John Drinnon. soccer field. pray for the university on a regular basis. “I had a sense from God that I had But in typical fashion, Dockery is “Clearly it has been a time in God’s connected with them and they had quick to credit others for his successes at good providence when he has chosen to connected with me,” Dockery said. Union and for the length of his tenure. smile on Union University, and I am The feeling was mutual, as Union At the top of his list is his family — indeed grateful for the privilege we have trustees soon elected Dockery as the his wife Lanese, and his sons Jon, Ben been given to serve in this place,” university’s president. Now a decade and Tim — who have also become an Dockery said. www.uu.edu Fall 2005 UNIONITE 13 156970_Unionite.qxp 11/17/05 6:18 PM Page 15 “David Dockery is a ‘level 5 leader’ as defined by Jim Collins in his book, Good to Great. Specifically, David has built enduring greatness at Union University ‘through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.’ He is ‘a study in duality: modest and will- ful, humble and fearless.’ David has taken Union University to new heights at all levels. It is one of the great stories in Christian higher education.” Robert C. Andringa President Council for Christian Colleges and Universities The photos on the following pages are represen- “From my perspective as an active member of tative of some of President Dockery's favorite the Jackson-Madison County community, memories from his years of leadership over David Dockery has truly made Union University the past decade at Union University. an integral part of our community. He has worked to not only broaden the community The Unionite also pays tribute to the many financial support for the University, but also to accomplishments of the Dockery administration have Union serve as outstanding academic, research with two timelines featuring institutional highlights and spiritual resources for this community.” and personal achievements from 1995 to present. Vicki Lake Director, Business Development West Tennessee Healthcare 1995-2005 INSTITUTIONAL • Five year strategic plan, “Vision and Values The Institute for International and 2001,” unanimously approved by Board of Intercultural Studies, and The R.G. HIGHLIGHTS Tr ustees. Lee Center. • Tom Rosebrough named Dean, • Hosted inaugural Scholarship Banquet, 1995 School of Education. which raised $125,000 for student scholarships. • December 8 – David S. Dockery • Mike Duduit named Executive • Listed in top tier of liberal arts colleges in unanimously elected as the fifteenth Vice President. the south by U.S. News and World Report president of Union University. At the time, • New Christian ethics major launched. for the first time in institution’s history. the annual budget was $18 million, the fall • Adoption of new university hymn, “Joyful, • Dr. Charles Baldwin named to new enrollment was 1,972 and 388 students Joyful We Adore Thee.” endowed chair: The O. P. and Evalyn were graduated. • Inaugural Address: “Toward a Great Hammons Chair of Pre-Medical Studies Commandment University.” with gift from Dr. Edward Hammons. 1996 • Germantown extension program started • Web site went on-line and all students 1997 with 60 BSN students. received internet e-mail accounts. • M.A.Ed program initiated. • Board of trustees approved new campus • New Core Values adopted: Excellence- • M.Ed. program revised. Master Plan to guide the university in early Driven; Christ-Centered; People-Focused; • Established: Center for Christian years of the 21st century. Future-Directed. Leadership,The Center for Scientific Studies, 14 UNIONITE Fall 2005 www.uu.edu 156970_Unionite.qxp 11/17/05 6:18 PM Page 16 “Without a doubt, the greatest period of advancement for Union University has been under David Dockery’s leadership. During his tenure, the University has completed the most aggressive capital campaign in its history while sharpening its focus on excellent teaching and serious scholarship. Having observed his lead- ership for nearly a decade now, I can confirm that David Dockery is ‘the real deal.’” Evans P. Whitaker President Anderson College Anderson, S.C. “For seven and a half years as president of Lambuth University I witnessed first hand the tremendous work of David Dockery at Union. By every measure Union has enjoyed unparal- leled success under David Dockery’s leadership. Moreover, throughout his tenure at Union he has brought national acclaim to Union University. His leadership has been transformational.” W. Ellis Arnold, III President Lambuth University 1997-2004 “It is hard to put into words the personal pleas- ure and satisfaction that comes from observing the life and ministry and contributions of David S. Dockery, this exceptionally gifted man who now for ten years has served as presi- dent of Union University. These have been years of remarkable growth in every single facet during times when challenges to maintain a solid Christian witness in higher education are almost beyond counting.” Darold H. Morgan President Emeritus Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention • New political science, sports medicine and • Carla Sanderson installed as provost. • Completed two new residence halls. sports management majors launched. • Jimmy Davis named associate provost. • Publication of “The Future of Christian • Added men’s soccer and women’s volleyball Higher Education,” edited by David S. 1998 as varsity sports. Dockery and David P. Gushee. • Received $2.4 million gift from James Ayers • Established Robert E. Craig Service Award • Completed Hammons Hall (24,000 square for support of new campus Master Plan. in honor of Union’s thirteenth president. foot facility) for campus bookstore, classrooms, • Celebrated University’s 175th Anniversary • Naming of Union University Drive by City and advancement/alumni office space. with 175-foot birthday cake. of Jackson. • Added men’s and women’s cross country as • Lady Bulldogs won the NAIA Women’s • “Discovering My Design” program launched. varsity sports. Basketball National Championship. • Recognized for the first time by The • The Second Annual Scholarship Banquet 1999 Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage welcomed Lady Margaret Thatcher as speaker. • $3 million commitment received from Roy Character Development. • $60 million “Building A Future” campaign L. White. • Third Annual Scholarship Banquet featured initiated – largest campaign University’s • Established Founders’ Day lecture and celebration. General Colin Powell. history (originally $35 million; extended • Kimberly Thornbury named dean of students. • The Colin Powell Scholarship established at to $60 million). • Student publication, The Torch, won a Gold Union University. • Received $3 million commitment for Crown Award from The Columbia • Kimberly Drewry of Fort Worth, Texas support of campus Master Plan from Benny University Scholastic Press Association. became the 20,000th graduate in and Norma Fesmire. • Offered five on-line courses Union history. continued> www.uu.edu Fall 2005 UNIONITE 15 156970_Unionite.qxp 11/17/05 6:19 PM Page 17 “Dr. Dockery has done what few college presi- dents have been able to do. He has successfully instilled his vision for Union University into the hearts of Trustees, Faculty, and the Student Body. I believe all of this has been possible because David Dockery is a man who sincerely puts God first.” Jerry Tidwell Pastor Ellendale Baptist Church Board of Trustees Union University “I know of no Christian or secular university president who combines multiple gifts as well as Dr. Dockery. His ability to incorporate personal faith, superb scholarship, enviable administrative skills, sincere diplomacy and authentic interest in the entire Union community is phenomenal.