The Integration of Jesus’ Great Commandment Within Christian Higher education: An Analysis of the Leadership Praxis of Dr. David S. Dockery

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this case study is to explore the influence of Dockery’s leadership on the dynamic institutional growth of Union University with an intentional focus on philosophy, methodology, and key strategic actions that have shaped Union into one of the nations top-ranking universities.

METHODOLOGY
Thirty members of the Union University community, familiar with Dockery, completed the Leadership Practices Inventory Observer (75% response rate). Ten people were also interviewed.

KEY FINDINGS
The most frequently engaged in leadership practice was Inspire, followed by Encourage, Model and Enable, and then Challenge. “The results of quantitative (LPI) and qualitative (personal interviews) measurements consistently revealed that Dockery was perceived positively as a strong visionary leader who leads by example and encourages and empowers others in their endeavor to fulfill the mission of Union University” (p. 231).