A great university isn’t built by accident. Over the last five years, Union Adventist University worked to create and implement a strategic plan to build on Union’s 135 year legacy of preparing students to learn, serve and lead. Here are nine of the most visible achievements of that plan.
#9 A revamped employee mentorship program
Following the pandemic, the employee mentorship program needed a jump start. New employees are assigned mentors and provided with funds to go out to eat together once a month. “I really appreciated being given the time to connect with someone outside of my department on a deeper level,” said Cid Coto, director of Union’s Integrated Marketing Communications. “It’s easy to just see the same five people every day. The mentorship program really helps create connections across campus.”
#8 Improved safety features
Lincoln is not exactly a hotbed of crime, but as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. More and more doors on campus have electronic locks which allows the university to restrict access to those with ID cards. There are also more security cameras, better lit parking lots, exit sensors and a contract for professional security guards at night. That all adds up to safer students.
#7 Remodeled classrooms
When prospective students walk into the Hill Amphitheater in the basement of the Everett Dick Building, the reaction is “Woah!” In a good way. It used to be “Oh!” But not in a good way. Since the renovation was completed in 2023, the amphitheater is more accessible for everybody and every body, with tables and chairs that allow for long legs and all body shapes. The red and yellow chairs from the 1970s are gone in the amphitheater. Classrooms no longer rely on cramped desk/chair combos, but instead have more accessible tables and chairs for all classes, large and small. Another “Woah!” moment? The AdventHealth Innovation Classroom on the third floor of the Everett Dick Building. Infinitely configurable, this space allows teachers and students to adjust their group dynamics to fit any learning goal. On the second floor of Engel Hall, the new digital recording lab also gets students excited about learning.
#6 Targeting growing demographics
With one of the most diverse student bodies in the Midwest, Union’s enrollment reflects the wider Seventh-day Adventist population, the most diverse religion in America according to data from Pew Research Center. An increasing percentage of our student body is Hispanic (26%), international (9%) and Black (7%). While the students speak English, many parents do not. Union created a position for a Spanish-speaking enrollment counselor in 2024, and with the assistance of a Spanish-speaking financial aid counselor, dean and academic advisors, families can use their preferred language to navigate the entire process of enrolling and moving in.
#5 Remodeled residence halls
Room-by-room and hall-by-hall, Union’s residence halls have been slowly getting a makeover that is ongoing. “Union has always been a strong community, and it is reassuring to have people who give so our students feel that spirit of care,” said Santi Fernandez, associate dean. “I walked a student to one of the updated rooms, and when I opened the door, his mouth dropped open.
He looked at me and asked, ‘Is this really my room?’
He was so happy and grateful for the opportunity to live in such a nice dorm room that he got emotional. I am personally thankful to the alumni and friends of Union Adventist University who have made him and so many other students feel valued and loved.”
#4 Small group ministries
If you walk through a dorm hallway or common area at Union Adventist University on any weekday night, you’ll likely see a group of students praying, studying the Bible, crafting or exercising — and often mixing three or more of those activities. Since 2023, the Residential Life team and Campus Ministries at Union have been emphasizing small groups as a way of creating low-anxiety social connections.
Gen Z has been dubbed “the anxious generation” and “the loneliest generation,” with surveys suggesting that nearly a third of 12-27 year olds experience strong social anxiety. Many struggle with the large and loud events Gen X and Millennials enjoyed as students. Students have expressed an appreciation for the limited size of their group, which allows them to feel comfortable opening up and participating in whatever activity the group is focused on.
#3 The AdventHealth Complex
Forty years after breaking ground on “Phase II” of the Larson Lifestyle Center, a new 40,000 square foot fieldhouse of the renamed AdventHealth Complex provides students with a place to unwind, workout and play while providing the campus with an industry and outreach to the Lincoln community.
#2 New academic options
The university has added several new programs that closely align with its value of service. Union now offers both an associate degree for occupational therapy assistants and a master’s in occupational therapy. Students who earn the associate degree can leapfrog their bachelor’s and start on their master’s in a unique bridge program. Union also launched a master’s in leadership, as well as workplace development certificates. The Psychology Program added certification for alcohol and drug abuse counseling, giving students a career path without having to earn a master’s degree first.
#1 A new name
When the name “Union College” was chosen in 1891, there were already two well established schools with that name in other states. By 2023, a fourth “Union College” joined the herd. With an increasing reliance on search engines and AI, parents, prospective students, colleagues and even accreditation teams struggled to find the right website and correct information online.
It was well past time for a change.
In 2024, Union College rebranded as Union Adventist University, a name not shared with others that still holds onto the school’s history and clearly communicates its identity.
