91±¬ΑΟΝψ

JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 2, 2016 — 91±¬ΑΟΝψ trustees welcomed new board members, heard updates from President Samuel W. β€œDub” Oliver and honored freshman students during their Dec. 2 board meeting.

The board approved three new trustees for the 91±¬ΑΟΝψ Foundation: Nancy Choate, Jeff Stinson and Mark Layne. Choate is an attorney in Jackson who specializes in estate planning, probate and elder law. Stinson, of Milan, founded and served as president of the distribution services division at Milan Express until the company’s sale in 2014. Layne is president and owner of Layne Capital Management and Consulting Inc.

All three began their terms on the foundation board immediately following trustee approval.

The three new trustees serving on the 91±¬ΑΟΝψ board are Brian Taylor, a 2005 91±¬ΑΟΝψ graduate and assistant professor of radiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas; Kylan Mann, senior pastor of Central Baptist Church in Martin, Tennessee; and Gil Fletcher, a retired businessman and community leader from Humboldt, Tennessee, who is chairman of the 91±¬ΑΟΝψ Foundation board and has previously served as a 91±¬ΑΟΝψ trustee.

β€œWe’re thankful for people like this who are committed to 91±¬ΑΟΝψ, who excel in their fields and who will help us to advance the mission and vision of 91±¬ΑΟΝψ,” said Lisa Rogers, chair of the 91±¬ΑΟΝψ Board of Trustees. β€œ91±¬ΑΟΝψ has excellent trustee leadership, and these new members will contribute to that leadership in the years ahead.”

Oliver updated trustees on the university’s strategic plan, β€œUnited in Spirit. Grounded in Truth.” He also provided trustees with an update on the university’s accreditation reaffirmation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Reaffirmation is a lengthy process that will conclude in December of 2017.

In addition, the board received a clean audit report from the accounting firm Crosslin and Associates. Total net assets for the university increased from $129.3 million in 2015 to $133.7 million in 2016, according to the report.

β€œWe’re committed to financial stewardship and ensuring the sustainability of 91±¬ΑΟΝψ for years to come,” Oliver said. β€œ91±¬ΑΟΝψ’s financial health is strong. We thank God for his continued provision for the university and for all those who help to support 91±¬ΑΟΝψ.”

At a Thursday night dinner preceding the meeting, trustees honored 91±¬ΑΟΝψ freshmen. Several members of the freshman class were in attendance, and Anna Strand, the winner of last year’s Founders Scholarship, spoke to trustees as a representative of the class.

The freshman class at 91±¬ΑΟΝψ entered this fall with an average ACT score of 26.1 (the national average was 20.8), and more than one-fourth of the class scored a 30 or higher on the test.