Kimberly Thornbury leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to influence life at Union for many years to come. For nearly 15 years, Dr. Thornbury served as the Senior Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students at Union University.
During her tenure, she began programs such as Student Leadership and Engagement, Minority Student Services, the Hundley Center and Barefoots Joe.
Equally as important, she set the tone on-campus for competent customer service and student-centered programming.
I was blessed to work closely with Dr. Thornbury for five years.
During that time I worked directly with the areas of Residence Life, Safety and Security, Counseling Services, and Campus Reservations, as well as served as the Chief Judicial Officer for the university.
In this new role as Acting Dean of Students, I will also provide leadership and oversight to the Vocatio Center for Life Calling and Career, the Hundley Center, Minority Student Services, Disability Services, Student Leadership and Engagement, Wellness Services, Health Services and Barefoots Joe.
As the Acting Dean of Students, I strive to create an engaging and intentional educational atmosphere where students will have the opportunity to encounter God, experience community and engage culture.
I believe that this is accomplished through the creation of a seamless learning environment in which both curricular and co-curricular learning prepares Union students to become “Excellence Driven, Christ Centered, People Focused and Future Directed.”
I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Tricia, and we will celebrate 15 years of marriage in September. Together we have two sons, Clayton (CJ) (2004) and Trent (2006). We do consider serving at Union a privilege and a team endeavor.
We love hosting students, faculty and staff at our home and enjoy being active members in the life of the institution.
My goals for students this year are threefold: First and foremost, that you would continue to develop an authentic, life-altering relationship with Jesus Christ.
My second desire is that you would thrive academically, getting excited about your courses, and about how God is preparing you for service to His Kingdom.
My final goal for you is to be an active partner in creating a Bonheoffer-type community in this place, where we do “life together” very well. Each of these goals requires us to be genuine, to have fortitude and to give sacrificially of ourselves.
Please know that I desire to be an advocate for students. I have an open-door policy and enjoy meeting with students about their goals, personal or institutional challenges that need solutions, or brainstorming about ideas that can better serve the university and our community.
To this end, please know that I am eager to provide you with helpful opportunities and resources, accurate information and innovative solutions. If I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to
contact me via e-mail (bcarrier@uu.edu), or set up an appointment by calling
(731) 661 5090.
Dr.Bryan Carrier serves as the Acting Dean of mStudents at Union University. He holds a B.A.
in Theology from MidAmerica Nazarene University (1998); a M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from
Azusa Pacific University (2003); and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Higher
Education from Union University (2013)
