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.
Expressions of gratitude
“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.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Tim Ellsworth and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
