JACKSON, Tenn. (BP) — Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, was the recipient of Union University’s M.E. Dodd Denominational Service Award this year.

Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver presented the award to Chitwood earlier this month at Union’s alumni and friends dinner during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Birmingham, Ala.

The denominational service award is named for the man who was a 1904 Union graduate, served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention and who was the father of today’s Cooperative Program, the method by which Southern Baptists pool their resources to fund ministry and mission efforts.

Todd Brady, Union’s vice president for university ministries, told Chitwood that he was a “leading voice for Southern Baptists” as president of the IMB.

“Millions hear the good news of Jesus Christ as Southern Baptist missionaries serve throughout the world,” Brady said. “In addition, hundreds of Union University graduates have served and are serving through the International Mission Board. As the need is great for the nations to hear about God’s work of salvation through Jesus, we as Southern Baptists are blessed to have you representing and leading these efforts.”

The Dodd Award is given to a leader within the SBC who displays excellence and leadership in Southern Baptist life, as well as friendship and commitment to Union University.

Previous recipients include Jimmy Draper, Adrian Rogers, Morris Chapman, Thom Rainer, R. Albert Mohler Jr., Jerry Rankin, Chester Harrison, First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn., Russell Moore and Kevin Ezell.