Faculty Art Exhibition at Driskill Gallery

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Driskill Gallery, located in the Jester Learning and Performance Center of Southwest Baptist University, is presenting an exhibit of work by art faculty members Deby Gilley, Grant Cochran, Morgan Gallatin, and Dianna Callahan.  Also on display will be artwork by guest faculty member Dustin Shaffer of the theater department.

The exhibit will run through September 17, and is free and open to the public. 

A reception will be held in the gallery on Friday afternoon, August 27, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. 

For more information contact Gallery Director Dianna Callahan, 328 1651.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Enrollment Meets Goal of 550 New Students

SBU Enrollment Meets Goal of 550 New Students

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – During SBU President Pat Taylor’s State of the University address given at the Faculty-Staff workshop on August 19, attendees were told the total fall enrollment will be only slightly under what was budgeted despite significant challenges in the economy and in higher education, in general.

Dr. Taylor said, “The University had an enrollment goal of 550 new students for the Bolivar campus, and we currently have 445 freshmen and 110 transfers enrolled. The Bolivar admissions staff members have worked very hard to meet this goal.

“The undergraduate enrollment for Salem and Mountain View campuses should show small increases.  Springfield enrollment will be smaller this year.  Our total undergraduate enrollment will be a little less than what we planned.”

New full-time faculty members were introduced at the workshop and include the following:

2010-2011 New Full-time Faculty

Dr. David Bailey, assistant professor of communication arts and Chairman of the Bob R. Derryberry School of Communication Arts; Director of Forensics.

• Previous Employment: Assistant Professor of Communication and Director of Forensics, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho; Lecturer of Communication, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri; Adjunct Instructor of Communication and Assistant Forensics Coach, Southwest Baptist University,
• B.A. in Communication and Christian Ministries, Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar
• M.A. in Communication, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
• Ph.D. in Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Dr. Robert Carney, assistant professor of music

• Previous Employment: Private piano studios in Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri: Coordinator of Instruction, The Master’s Touch School of Music and Performing Arts, Grapevine, Texas;  Pianist, First Baptist Church of Smithfield, North Richland Hills, Texas; Adjunct Instructor of Music, North Central Texas College, Corinth, TX. 
• B.M. in Piano Performance, Missouri State University
• M.M. in Piano Performance, Louisiana State University
• D.M.A. in Piano Performance, University of North Texas

Dr. Terry Cox,  associate professor of physical therapy

• Previous /Current Employment: Christian Health Care, Springfield; Aptitude Physical Therapy, Springfield; Part-time faculty at Southwest Baptist University
• B.S. in  Physical Education- Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO
• B.S. in Physical Therapy- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
• D.P.T, Creighton University, Omaha, NE

Dr. Don Denton,Jr., associate professor of theology    (He's back to working full time!)

• Dr. Denton is returning to SBU full-time after a two-year absence due to illness.
• B.A., Southwestern Louisiana University
• M.Div., New Orleans Theological Seminary
• Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary

Hillary Glauser-Patton, instructor of biology 

• Previous Employment:  Faculty Associate  in Biology and Chemistry, Southwest Baptist University
• B.S. in Biology-Southwest Baptist University-Bolivar
• M.S. in Cellular Biochemistry/Molecular Biology-Southwest Missouri State University-Springfield
• Currently working on Ph.D

Carolyn Hart, assistant professor of nursing

• Previous Employment: Nursing Instructor for St. John’s Hospital and online instructor for University of Phoenix, Axia College
• Registered Nurse, Lancaster General School of Nursing, Lancaster, PA
• B.S.N., Chamberlain College of Nursing, St. Louis, MO
• M.S.N., South University, Savannah, Georgia
• Currently pursuing Ph.D., University of Missouri–Kansas City

Dr. Alvin Holliman, associate professor of business for the MBA program

• Previous Employment: Adjunct faculty for MPA and MBA at California State University of San Bernardino, CA
• B.A. in Business Administration, California State University at Fullerton, CA
• M.A. in Management, The Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA
• D.M.S. (Doctor of Management), University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Maryland

Kenny Holt, associate professor of business for the MBA program

• Previous Employment: Associate Professor at Union University in Jackson, TN
• B.S., Union University, Jackson, TN
• M.S. in Economics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Ph.D. candidate in Management, University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Josh Layman, assistant professor of physical therapy

• Previous/Current Employment: Cox Health Systems, Springfield; A.A. -Ozark Technical Community College, Springfield
• B.S. in Biology, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
• M.S. in Physical Therapy, Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar
• D.P.T., Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar

Dr. Craig Masters, assistant professor of physics

• Previous Employment:  Assistant Professor of Mathematics-Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina KS
• B.A. in Physics, William Jewell College, Liberty, MO
• M.S. in Physics, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO
• Ph.D. in Physics/Math, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO

Dr. Dennis Siegfried, assistant professor of biology

• Previous Employment: Assistant Professor of Biology at Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, OK;  Director of Research-Quetzal Education Research Center, San Gerardo de Dota
• B. A. in Biology, Malone College, Canton, OH
• M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction, Ashland University, Ashland, OH
• Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

Dr. Tom Sneed, associate professor of physical therapy  (moved from a part-time to a full-time position)

• Previous/Current Employment:  Part-time faculty at Southwest Baptist University; Bolivar Physical Therapy Center
• M.H.A.-(Masters Health Administration), Chapman University, Colorado Springs, CO
• B. A. in Physical Therapy, Oklahoma University, Norman, OK
• D.P.T., Creighton University, Omaha, NE

Stacy Soden, instructor of nursing/BSN academic advisor

• Previous Employment: Cat Scan Technologist, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield
• B.S. in Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

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PHOTO by P.S. Dooley: SBU President Pat Taylor and the Executive Cabinet lead the procession of new students and their Welcome Week leaders into the chapel.

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

New SBU PT Center to be Named after Davis Family

New Physical Therapy Center to be Named after Davis Family

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – SBU has purchased the former Consumer’s building in Bolivar with the help of a major gift from the Warren B. Davis family, the previous property owners. The property is located at 2103 S. Springfield Avenue approximately one block from the University.

The 40,000 square-foot building will be named the Warren B. Davis Family Physical Therapy Center and will house the University’s doctoral program in physical therapy.

According to SBU President Pat Taylor, the current physical therapy space on the main campus allowed for only 40 doctoral students to be admitted each year for a total enrollment of 120. Once the renovations have been completed on the newly purchased building, the program will be able to admit 80 students per year, which will increase the total number of doctoral students to 240 after three years.

Dr. Taylor said, “The Davis family sold the property to SBU at a bargain sale price and then made a significant contribution to the University.  This building offers a great opportunity for us to grow our physical therapy program and double the number of doctoral students in three years. I sincerely appreciate the Davis family for their significant contribution. It has been a pleasure working with Warren, his daughter Kim and her husband Patrick Harrington. I am delighted that the physical therapy center will be named in honor of the Davis family. We are excited about educating the future generation of physical therapy students in this building, which is in a great location near our main campus.”

Plans for the building renovation are being designed by GHN Architects in consultation with the SBU physical therapy faculty. The Killian Group will begin construction soon. The building’s current tenant, Dollar General, will remain in the building.

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PHOTO from left to right: Patrick Harrington, Dr. Pat Taylor, Warren Davis, and Kim Harrington.

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Formal Convocation to Launch 2010-11 Academic Year

SBU Formal Convocation to Launch 2010-11 Academic Year

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. –Southwest Baptist University will begin its official academic year with a formal convocation at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25, in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar main campus. Dr. Julie Bryant ’97, assistant professor of education, and recipient of the 2010 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher Award, will present the annual convocation address.

The Distinguished Teacher Award is chosen by the current and three previous graduating classes and is presented annually to a faculty member for “outstanding teaching ability and personal guidance.”

Dr. Martha Hicks, professor of music, will be recognized for receiving the 2010 Parkway Distinguished Professor Award. The Christian College Education Committee of Parkway Baptist Church in Saint Louis awards this honor annually to faculty members from each of the four Missouri Baptist colleges who have made outstanding contributions to Christian education.

The faculty and staff Newcomer of the Year awards also will be presented during formal convocation.

JULIE BRYANT

2010 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher

Julie Bryant has been part of the University faculty since 2002 and is an assistant professor of education. She has taught courses including: behavior and classroom management; methods of teaching social sciences; integrating art, music, and movement in the classroom; methods of teaching reading; teaching reading and writing in the middle school; home, community partnerships; children’s literature; and several graduate level courses.

Dr. Bryant graduated from SBU in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and early childhood education. She then taught kindergarten and first grade for five years at School of the Osage in Lake Ozark, Missouri. During that time, she completed a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1999.  In May 2008, she obtained a doctorate in education from Liberty University in the areas of educational leadership, curriculum and instruction and reading. Dr. Bryant co-authored a series of international discipleship curriculum for Global University that targets children ages 8-11. The first set of the three part series has been published.

Dr. Bryant and her husband, Robbie, reside in Bolivar with their two children, Jaron and Jaylee. Robbie is employed at the SBU physical plant.  The family attends Lakeside Assembly of God in Pittsburg, Missouri, where her uncle is the pastor, her husband plays various instruments with the worship team, and she sings in the choir. Additionally, Dr. Bryant and her husband are involved at the Esquire ministry in Bolivar.

MARTHA HICKS

2010 Parkway Distinguished Professor

Martha Hicks is serving in her 13th year of teaching at SBU.  Her faculty position includes SBU’s coordinator of church music and directs the Higher Ground ensemble, which travels to many churches and private schools each year for ministry and concert opportunities.  As advisor to all church music majors, she provides caring leadership to these students not only while at SBU but also in their placement to church music positions and to seminaries. 

Dr. Hicks' life and work at Southwest Baptist University consistently displays a gift for serving her students and colleagues.  She sees her teaching role as more than schedules, books, notes and tests.  Dr. Hicks’ ability to discern a need and quickly respond is extraordinary. She truly strives to be an educator encompassing a perspective inside and outside of the classroom.  She is a model Christian educator for students as she clearly lives out the SBU mission statement.  Dr. Hicks is respected among church musicians across the state of Missouri, particularly for her work in hosting the annual SBU Church Music Workshop where she organizes forums for the education and development of church musicians already in the field.   

Dr. Hicks served Southern Baptists as a music minister before coming to SBU.  She has participated in workshop conferences at Glorietta and Ridgecrest, acted as worship leader at numerous churches, and provided leadership for the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference Executive Conference.   Dr. Hicks received her doctorate of musical arts from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1991.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Staff Achievements

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Jason Vaughn, director of Institutional Effectiveness, has been appointed to the Missouri Department of Higher Education Data Council (HEDC) to be one of the two individuals representing the research and data interests of Missouri private institutions of higher education.

Sharina Smith, senior director of marketing and communications has earned the Professional Certified Marketer designation from the American Marketing Association.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU to benefit from$16,000 Novus International Inc. donation

SBU to benefit from$16,000 Novus International Inc. donation to Missouri Colleges Fund

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will benefit from a donation by Novus International, Inc., which has contributed $16,000 to the Missouri Colleges Fund. 

This grant underwrites the Novus International Scholars Program by providing 16/$1,000 scholarships at each of the 16 member schools.  The scholarships will be awarded by the member schools on the basis of financial need to outstanding qualified students majoring in science related studies. 

"The Missouri Colleges Fund is very grateful for this gift from Novus International, Inc.," said Mike Backer, MCF president. "Novus International, Inc. recognizes the importance of education and significant impact that an educated workforce has on Missouri's economy."

MCF member schools are independent baccalaureate degree-granting liberal arts and comprehensive colleges and universities in the state of Missouri.  Their income is derived primarily from private sources.

Missouri Colleges Fund member schools include Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar; Avila University, Kansas City; Central Methodist University, Fayette; Columbia College, Columbia; Culver-Stockton College, Canton; Drury University, Springfield; Evangel University, Springfield; Fontbonne University, St. Louis; Hannibal – LaGrange College, Hannibal; Maryville University, St. Louis; Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis; Park University, Parkville; Rockhurst University, Kansas City; Westminster College, Fulton; William Jewell College, Liberty and William Woods University, Fulton.

The MCF was incorporated in 1952 as a partnership of private enterprise and the member independent colleges and universities in the Show-Me State. The Fund is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt corporation; therefore, all contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible up to the limits prescribed by the law.

More information about MCF can be found online at www.mocollegesfund.org.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past three years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU to benefit from $13,600 Enterprise Holdings Foundation donation

SBU to benefit from $13,600 Enterprise Holdings Foundation donation to Missouri Colleges Fund

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will benefit from a $13,600 contribution made by Enterprise Holdings Foundation to the Missouri Colleges Fund (MCF). 

This grant underwrites the Enterprise Holdings Scholars Program by providing scholarships at the 16 member schools.  The scholarships will be awarded by the member schools on the basis of financial need to outstanding qualified students majoring in business related studies. 

"The Missouri Colleges Fund is very grateful for this gift from The Enterprise Holdings Foundation," said Mike Backer, MCF president. "The Enterprise Holdings Foundation recognizes the importance of education and significant impact that an educated workforce has on Missouri's economy."

MCF member schools are independent baccalaureate degree-granting liberal arts and comprehensive colleges and universities in the state of Missouri.  Their income is derived primarily from private sources.

Missouri Colleges Fund member schools include Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar;  Avila University, Kansas City; Central Methodist University, Fayette; Columbia College, Columbia; Culver-Stockton College, Canton; Drury University, Springfield; Evangel University, Springfield; Fontbonne University, St. Louis; Hannibal – LaGrange College, Hannibal; Maryville University, St. Louis; Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis; Park University, Parkville; Rockhurst University, Kansas City; Westminster College, Fulton; William Jewell College, Liberty and William Woods University, Fulton.

The MCF was incorporated in 1952 as a partnership of private enterprise and the member independent colleges and universities in the Show-Me State. The Fund is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt corporation; therefore, all contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible up to the limits prescribed by the law.

More information about MCF can be found online at www.mocollegesfund.org.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Students are Impacting the World

SBU Students are Impacting the World

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – A total of 183 students and sponsors participated in spring and summer mission trips planned by the Office of University Missions and Ministries at Southwest Baptist University.  The purpose of University Missions and Ministries is to provide students an opportunity to fully experience every aspect of Christian living.  University missions provide mentoring, small group teaching, leadership development, and domestic and international mission opportunities.  The individuals who administer this department are committed to helping students know who they are in Christ.

Spring Missions:

A total of 77 students and sponsors participated in four spring mission trips planned by the Office of University Missions and Ministries:

El Salvador……………………….12

Baja, Mexico……………………..33

Badlands SD……………………..23

New Orleans………………………9

Summer Missions:

A total of 106 students and sponsors participated in ten summer mission trips:

East Asia……………………………5

Extreme Asia……………………...10

Peru………………………………..11

India………………………………..12

North Africa…………………………7

South Africa………………………...9

Tucson……………………………..14

Urban Discovery……………………5

(Chicago, Detroit, and Kansas City)

Badlands, SD………………………11

Ecuador…………………………….22

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past three years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Grad Ed Announces Accomplishments

SBU GRAD ED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The following are recent accomplishments from the Southwest Baptist University Graduate Education program:

Dr. Michael Arnold, director and professor, Dr. Pamela Hedgeth, assistant professor, and Dr. Robert Perry, associate professor, presented their research regarding “Low Performing Schools through the Eyes of the Principal” to the National Association of Secondary Principals Conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

Dr. Joseph Sartorius, assistant professor, has been certified as a scorer for the new School Leaders Licensure Assessment.  Sartorius, along with Dr. Jennifer Friend from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, presented “School Leaders Licensure Assessment: Scorer Training” at the March meeting of the Higher Education Evaluation Committee.  Sartorius also has been selected to serve as the chairman of the Finance Committee for the Governor’s Council on Disabilities.

Dr. Bev McNeal presented “Core Strengthening and Balance: A Systematic Review of Current Literature,” a Poster Presentation, along with first-year physical therapy students Jeanna Thomas (Clifton, Mo.), and Tim Williams (Bolivar, Mo.) at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, Calif.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past three years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU's Steve Whisler to Retire

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / scsmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – On August 6 Steve Whisler, a Southwest Baptist University graduate of the class of ’71 and recipient of the Life Beautiful Award, will retire after a total of 26 years of service to his alma mater in order to become the new minister to senior adults at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. Since 1989 he has served in nearly every area of University Relations and is presently the director of estate planning and church relations.  

Previously he had been a member of the music faculty from 1976-1981, during which time he composed the current school song entitled “SBU, Our Alma Mater.” He has participated in every capital and endowment project undertaken by the University in the last 20 years, initiated the recently-approved “SBU Gift and Planned Giving Guidelines and Procedures,” and was directly involved in securing the largest known planned gift in the history of the University. 
“Steve has served SBU well in many different roles in University Relations during his 26-year tenure.  I enjoy working with him and will miss working with him on a daily basis,” said Dr. Pat Taylor, president of SBU.  “We wish him well in his work as minister to senior adults at Second Baptist Church of Springfield.”

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one ofAmerica’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions withAmerica’s Best College Scholarships ® for the past three years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats