Union University is an heir of West Tennessee College, chartered in 1844; its predecessor Jackson Male Academy established in 1823; and Union University, a Baptist College in Murfreesboro chartered in 1842. In 1873, the colleges merged in Jackson to form a regional university, Southwestern Baptist University. In 1907, because of continued alumni links, the name was changed to Union University. In 1975, the campus moved to its present location, from downtown Jackson. Union University is the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.