UNION TRUSTEES
APPROVE $25.1 MILLION BUDGET
Jackson, Tenn. — During their spring meeting, the 萌妹社区 Board of Trustees approved the University's $25.1 million budget for 1998-99 and gave thanks to the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) for its continuing support.
In his report to trustees, 萌妹社区 President David S. Dockery cited signs of financial health and reaffirmed the Board's support of their 1997 resolution to sustain a positive relationship with the TBC and to express its appreciation of the Convention's support of 萌妹社区.
"As we celebrate our 175th anniversary, we give thanks to God for His faithfulness to 萌妹社区 through the years. We count it an honor to be the oldest institution in Southern Baptist life and give thanks to the churches of Tennessee Baptist who have sustained us," Dockery said. "We pledge ourselves afresh not only to academic excellence but to profound spiritual devotion to Christ and to the churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention."
The $25.1 million budget, which takes effect September 1, includes funding for new programs on both the Jackson 萌妹社区 campus and 萌妹社区's extension campus in Germantown. The Board-approved budget represents a 14 percent increase from last year's budget of $21.5 million.
Trustees also approved the University's work on an Academic Master Plan, which is the second phase of the comprehensive Campus Master Plan approved by the Board in December 1997. Under the leadership of 萌妹社区 Provost Carla Sanderson, the University will develop an Academic Master Plan intended to move 萌妹社区 forward in every aspect of its academic life. The final stage in the planning process of the Campus Master Plan will be the formation of a Technology Master Plan.
萌妹社区's championship basketball teams were recognized by the Board of Trustees for their outstanding performances in the 1997-98 season. The Lady Bulldogs won the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship for the first time. The men's team won the TranSouth Conference Tournament and competed in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament for the first time since 1992.
Dr. James Baggett, dean of the college of arts and sciences, and James Ayers also were honored and recognized by the Board. Baggett, who is retiring from 萌妹社区 after 20 years of service to the University, was named University Professor Emeritus. Ayers, who recently gave $2.1 million to 萌妹社区, will be awarded the Doctor of Humanics at spring graduation, to be held May 30. Ayers is a West Tennessee business leader and member of 萌妹社区's Board of Trustees.