Union University received a grant for about $300,000 from the state of Tennessee with the intent of it being used for improving safety across campus. According to the grant, the university is allotted 17 weeks to complete the various projects.
This grant will allow Union to make many different security changes like adding barriers to limit car access, more enhanced security cameras, electronic entry to academic buildings and to get a new electronic gate at the Walker Road entrance.
“This [Walker Road electric gate] will be the best project we are doing with this grant,” Ken Litscher, dean of student life and director for residence life, said. “This will help the security officers do their jobs and increases student safety.”
Litscher stated that this will allow the security officers to focus on more pressing matters instead of manning the gate after hours.
The university discovered the possibility of getting the grant in September of 2023 and submitted their request by the end of January 2024. They had their quotes in and submitted so when they got the grant, they were ready to hit the ground running. Litscher believes these improvements should be ready for the new class coming in fall of 2024.
“Improving safety is something that is unanimously agreed upon,” Caden Greene, sophomore pre-pharmacy major and current Student Government Association’s (SGA) student ambassador, said. “Student safety is a priority that Dean Carrier and I have.”
The aforementioned Bryan Carrier is Union’s vice president for student life and dean of students. Greene said he was excited to be able to help improve the overall safety of campus and to improve campus life. He believes this can allow safety and security officers to focus on more pressing matters. Greene acknowledged that this will increase the students’ peace of mind and looks forward to the new safety features.
