If you ask me, today’s featured university is the best in the South, but then again, I might be partial. Union University is my alma mater.
Union was founded in 1823 in Jackson, Tennessee as a private liberal arts university, and has now grown to be home to over 4,000 students and to four separate campuses throughout Tennessee. Union has a stellar nursing program and is also known for its educational college.
Union also has the privilege of claiming some recognizable names among its alumni including the president of Rhodes college, William E. Troutt, recording artist Chris Rice, Major League baseball player, Luis Ortiz, and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Howell Edmunds Jackson.
You might recognize Union from its recent tragedy that was widely reported in the news. Union was hit by an F4 tornado in February of 2008 which destroyed 18 of its dormitory buildings, but miraculously, escaped with no fatalities. Faculty, staff, friends, surrounding churches, and the entire community rallied around Union and provided supplies, housing, and volunteered their time and efforts for the clean up.
This is so indicative of the experience I had while at Union. The faculty went above and beyond the call of duty, often inviting us into their homes for meals, book clubs, or just to watch a movie.
I had so many wonderful experiences at Union that I simply cannot say enough about the friendships I developed and the way my mind was expanded. If you’re nearby the Jackson area, make every attempt to obtain tickets to the annual Scholarship Banquet in October this year, as the speaker is scheduled to be former First Lady Laura Bush.
And, I’ve got to continue bragging, just a little. Union was recently evaluated by the U.S. News and World Report as the #3 school in the Southern region and 80th overall in the U.S.
Go Bulldogs!
My dear roommates and I in our apartment-style dorm rooms (which have since been completely redone, due to the tornado that was a blessing in disguise for those students who got brand new really nice dorm rooms).
A couple of good friends, studying on Union's campus on a beautiful day.
Fun friends grabbing some pizza.
Graduation Day!
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