Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Speaking Bearcats Claim First Place in Overall Sweepstakes at Oklahoma Tournament

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Speaking Bearcats recently traveled to their final tournament of the fall 2011 semester at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, December 1-3. The Speaking Bearcats finished in first place in overall sweepstakes for the weekend.

In addition to claiming the top sweepstakes prize, the Speaking Bearcats won first place in individual events sweepstakes, first place in Pi Kappa Delta sweepstakes, and finished third in debate sweepstakes.

“We were very proud of the team not only for what they accomplished but for the work it took to generate the excellent results we had from this weekend” said Director of Forensics Dr. David Bailey. “The SBU scholars faced tough competition from 20 schools from throughout the region. To commemorate their victory (and the upcoming Christmas season) the team was presented with a three-foot-tall nutcracker as the first place sweepstakes trophy. His name is Ferdinand. If you come and visit him in the Jester Building he will give you a host of reasons why you should join the SBU Forensics Team.”

Dr. Bailey added, “This was an excellent way to finish the semester. We began the semester with a group of brand new untested freshman competitors. They are now starting to become a true team. We still have much work to do, but this is an exciting time for our forensics program.”  

There were many outstanding results from the weekend’s competition. Dr, Bailey said, “Of the 29 individual events SBU brought to the tournament 16 of them broke to finals. Individual results include:

For the first time ever Freshman Lauren Hembree advanced to finals in Prose Interpretation .She finished in seventh place in the event.

In only her second tournament, Freshman Kaila Todd added to the team’s sweepstakes total by earning a “1” in a round of Poetry Interpretation.

Matt Adams was a Semi-finalist in junior parliamentary debate with his partner Jiri Rivera (from Cameron University). Matt also finished fifth in impromptu and informative speaking.

Shawna Barkley and Nik Fischer went to finals in junior parliamentary debate and finished in second place.

Shawna Barkley earned a second place finish in Pentathlon (meaning she was the second highest point-scorer at the tournament). In the rest of her events she finished third in communication analysis, and second in persuasion.

Nik Fischer took first place in communication analysis, and third place in persuasion.
Lauren Schriver captured a first place in prose interpretation (the largest event at the tournament) and second place in dramatic interpretation.

Jenna King took third place in after dinner speaking, and fifth place in program of oral interpretation.

Meg Burns brought home a first place in after dinner speaking, third place in program of oral interpretation, second place in communication analysis, fourth place in dramatic interpretation, and third place in prose interpretation.”

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Photo: Back row left to right: Shawna Barkley, Matt Adams, Nik Fischer, Lauren Schriver, Jenna King, Lauren Hembree. Front row left to right: Meg Burns, Kaila Todd

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

The ABA Journal Chooses SBU Grad’s Blog as one of America’s Top Law Blogs

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

NEW YORK, NY– Editors of the American Bar Association’s magazine, The ABA Journal, recently announced that they have selected a blog written by Russell Jackson, a Southwest Baptist University graduate, as one of the 100 best law blogs by lawyers, for lawyers.  His blog – www.consumerclassactionsmasstorts.com – was one of only five selected in the tort law category.  This is the second year Jackson’s blog has been an ABA Journal “Blawg 100” honoree.

Jackson’s blog is now in competition for the top blog in its category.  Anyone may register for free and vote at http://www.abajournal.com/blawg100. Voting ends Dec. 30, 2011.

“Blogging has become an important, even vital, source of information, education, entertainment and inspiration in the legal community,” said Allen Pusey, editor and publisher of the ABA Journal.  “And choosing just 100 of the best from our directory of over 3,500 legal blogs is becoming an increasingly daunting task.”

“I am truly gratified by my readers’ strong support,” Jackson said.  “They nominated me for this honor, and hopefully their continued actions will help me win the honor of top blog in the torts category,” Jackson said.

While he was at SBU, Jackson was the Omnibus opinions editor and competed on the SBU debate team. 

He received his B.A. in communication and political science, graduating from SBU as valedictorian in 1987.  He received his law degree from the College of William & Mary in Virginia, and has practiced in New York City for more than 20 years.  He is a partner at one of the world’s largest law firms:  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.  Jackson also taught products liability as an adjunct professor at two New York City law schools, and recently completed his term as Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Products Liability Committee.

Besides just covering legal developments and new decisions, Jackson’s blog has a feature unique to legal blogs:  a photo diary in which he chronicles his travels and life in New York.  His office is in Times Square, directly across from where the ball drops on New Years’ Eve.

About the ABA Journal:
The ABA Journal is the flagship magazine of the American Bar Association, and it is read by half of the nation’s 1.1 million lawyers every month. It covers the trends, people and finances of the legal profession from Wall Street to Main Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. ABAJournal.com features breaking legal news updated as it happens by staff reporters throughout every business day, a directory of more than 3,000 lawyer blogs, and the full contents of the magazine.

About the ABA:
With approximately 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

For more information contact Russell Jackson at 212.735.7839 or russell.jackson@skadden.com.

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PHOTO: Russell Jackson

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Dr. John Marshall to Speak at SBU Commencement


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s winter commencement is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., in the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness and Sports Center on the Bolivar Campus.

The commencement address will be given by guest speaker Dr. John Marshall. Born December 22, 1951, in Sikeston, Missouri, Dr. Marshall is a sixth generation preacher who was called to the ministry at age 15. He earned a degree in mathematics from Southeast Missouri State University in 1972. In 1975, he became the youngest man ever to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree from a Southern Baptist seminary at age 23.

Dr. Marshall married Ruth Huey on March 20, 1971. They have two children and five grandchildren. The Marshalls came to Second Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri, in November 1995.

Dr. Marshall won the New Orleans Seminary “Distinguished Alumnus Award” in 2004. He preached the 2009 Annual Sermon for the Southern Baptist Convention. Midwestern Seminary named him their 2011 “Honorary Alumnus of the Year.” He has served as second vice president, first vice president, and currently serves as president of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
  
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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

www.Twitter.com/SBUniv               

Friday, December 9, 2011

Dr. Rodney Reeves New Book: “Spirituality According to Paul” Featured on Scot McKnight's Blog

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu
 
BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University Professor of Biblical Studies and Dean of the Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry Dr. Rodney Reeves has released a new book on the apostle Paul: Spirituality According to Paul: Imitating the Apostle of Christ.

Spirituality often evokes images of quiet centeredness, meditative serenity and freedom from life's pressures. It’s become a chic commodity, with its benefits evoked by images of sunrises and secluded retreats.

Contrast the apostle Paul, who promotes a cross-shaped spirituality for fools making their way though life's trials. Paul realized that images of crucifixion, burial and resurrection would never be popular images of the spiritual life. So he encourages his fellow travelers, who are spiritually united with Christ, to "follow me as I follow Christ."

As he explores this ancient spiritual path, Dr. Reeves probes our understanding of what Christian spirituality should be. And to illuminate its transformative power, he gives us living illustrations of what it means to follow Paul as he followed Christ. This is a book that joins a deep understanding of Paul with a pastoral and spiritual wisdom born of experience.


Recently, Dr. Reeves book was a featured by Scot McKnight on his blog, Jesus Creed.  McKnight’s blog is one of the top ten Christian blogs in the country. To see the blog post visit: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/2011/12/09/pauls-spiritual-vision-1/

Dr. Reeves is also coauthor of Rediscovering Paul and author of A Genuine Faith.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

SBU Professor of Mathematics Dr. Glasgow Receives MCTM Award

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. –  Southwest Baptist University Professor of Mathematics Dr. Bob Glasgow was honored by The Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) on Friday, December 2.  Dr. Glasgow received the Post-Secondary Outstanding Teacher Award for 2011 at the awards ceremony held in Columbia, Mo.

Dr. Glasgow is the second SBU professor to receive the MCTM Post-Secondary Outstanding Teacher Award. Last year Professor of Mathematics and Department Chair Dr. Kevin Hopkins was honored with the same award. This makes SBU the only private university to receive two MCTM awards in consecutive years. 

The Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a 501(c) 3 not-for profit organization dedicated to supporting and improving mathematics teaching and learning at all levels. With a membership of 1,800, the organization has a long history of quality activities and programs. Affiliated with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, MCTM maintains strong contacts with the national agenda and with its own affiliated groups within the state.

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PHOTO: From left to right: Julie Holstein - High School - Northwest R1 District, Marilyn Cannon - Middle School - Raytown School District, Bob Glasgow - Post Secondary - SBU

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Save Access Missouri for SBU Students and Other Students from Missouri

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

Save Access Missouri - ACT TODAY!

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- Access Missouri is at risk! We need to send Gov. Nixon a clear message that Missourians support need-based financial aid to help students attend college.

Gov. Nixon is now working on his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. It’s critical that he allocate the full $64 million in state general revenue dollars just to maintain the current Access Missouri award levels.

This is important because Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority – which kicked in $30 million each of the past two years – says it won’t bailout the program again. If Gov. Nixon doesn’t act to restore this funding, our already reduced Access Missouri awards could be slashed in half!

Take action TODAY and tell Gov. Nixon to fully fund Access Missouri.

Keep Me In College has created a quick-send email at http://keepmeincollege.org/emailNixon/ to make it simple for you to tell the Gov. Nixon that you support funding for Access Missouri.

Prefer to call? Call the Governor's office at (573) 751-3222 and tell them you support funding of Access Missouri.

Want to do more? Click on the Twitter or Facebook icons at the bottom of the page (http://keepmeincollege.org/emailNixon/ ) to tell your friends to send Gov. Nixon a message too!


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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.



Monday, November 28, 2011

SBU and Ministerial Alliance to Present 31st Annual Festival of Christmas

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The public is invited to observe the Christmas season Sunday, December 4, at the 31st annual Festival of Christmas. This year's special holiday program will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Mabee Chapel on the Southwest Baptist University campus in Bolivar.


The Festival of Christmas, sponsored by Southwest Baptist University and the Bolivar Ministerial Alliance, brings together the churches of Bolivar and surrounding communities for a spectacular Christmas celebration each year.

The program is free to the public, but as part of the festival tradition, the Bolivar Area Ministerial Alliance will collect a special offering to be used for purchasing food for Christmas baskets and to help those in need throughout the year. Local ministries include emergency relief, utility, food, fuel, prescription assistance and transient aid.

Christmas music will be provided by the Festival Choir, SBU Wind Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. The Bolivar High School Concert Choir, directed by Anna Wooderson, will be performing “Canon of the Bells” and “The Hills of Judea Ring.” 

For more information about the Festival of Christmas, call 417-328-1630.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

SBU Student Receives Library Student Assistant Award

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The SBU University Libraries has announced that Moriah Carnahan from Eolia, Missouri, was honored as the Outstanding Student Assistant of the Month for October 2011.

The University Libraries’ faculty and staff established the monthly award to recognize outstanding employment characteristics such as dependability, quality of work, motivation, attitude, and cooperation.  Ms. Carnahan, a student assistant in the Technical Services department, received an award letter from Edward W. Walton, Dean of the University Libraries, a certificate of recognition, and a gift.

The University Libraries employs 27 part-time student assistants through the University’s work-study program.  Ms. Carnahan is an Elementary Education Major in SBU’s College of Education and Social Sciences.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Friday, November 18, 2011

SBU Speaking Bearcats Finish Third in Overall Sweepstakes at LSU Competition

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Speaking Bearcats of Southwest Baptist University had an excellent weekend of competition at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Ill., November 3-6.

Facing challenging competition from approximately 30 schools from all across the nation, the team finished third in overall sweepstakes for the weekend. The Speaking Bearcats finished just behind last year’s Pi Kappa Delta National Champion Boise State University, who finished in second place and long-time fellow Baptist rivals from William Carey University who finished first.

“We were especially proud of the results for this past weekend given that we had by far the youngest and smallest team to finish in the top three in sweepstakes” noted Dr. David Bailey, assistant professor of communication arts, director of forensics, and chair of the school of communication arts.

Assistant Director of Forensics Ms. Rebecca Koe added that “These results certainly bode well for the future of the team.” The SBU team consisted of five students (four of whom were freshmen). Given their small numbers they posted some impressive results.

For the first half of the swing
Nik Fischer: “Top novice” in extemporaneous speaking, tied for sixth place in extemporaneous speaking; “top novice” in communication analysis, sixth place in communication analysis; fifth place in informative speaking; fourth place in impromptu speaking
Shawna Barkley: Fifth place in duo interpretation with Jenna King
Meg Burns: “Top novice” in after dinner speaking, third place in after dinner speaking
Jenna King: Fourth place in after dinner speaking, fifth place in duo interpretation with Shawna Barkley

For the second half of the swing
Matt Adams: Fifth place in after dinner speaking
Shawna Barkley: “Top novice” in communication analysis, seventh place in communication analysis; fifth place in duo interpretation with Jenna King
Jenna King: Fifth place in duo interpretation with Shawna Barkley
Meg Burns: Fourth place in after dinner speaking, octafinalist in novice public debate
Nik Fischer: “Top novice” in impromptu speaking, second place in impromptu speaking; octafinalist in varsity public debate

The SBU Speaking Bearcats will take the next few weekends off and then head to the “Cameron Christmas Classic,” December 2-3, in Lawton, Okla., for their last tournament of the semester.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU Dean and Professor of Physical Education Honored

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. Southwest Baptist University Professor of Physical Education, Dr. Linda Wooderson was honored with the Robert M. Taylor Professional Service Honor Award at the Missouri Association for Health Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MOAHPERD) Conference November 11-13 in Lake Ozark, Mo. Dr. Wooderson is the acting chair of health, education and recreation and dean of the college of education and social sciences.

This award is presented annually to the top outstanding teachers and administrators in physical education, health, recreation, and dance who have served the Association. The mission statement of the MOAHPERD is to support, encourage, and provide assistance to promote programs in health, leisure, and movement related activities for the enrichment of human life.

Dr. Wooderson was awarded for her effort in connecting the MOAHPERD membership (faculty of all Missouri institutions, public and private, in physical education) with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to improve Praxis scores across the state in physical education. 

The theme of the conference was, “Building on the Past, Shaping the Future.” Three students from SBU also attended the conference; Lindsay Carter, Keeshia Deshields, and Debbie Easter.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU to Benefit from the Harry Cooper Supply Company Grant

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will benefit from a recent grant to the Missouri Colleges Fund (MCF). This $12,000 grant underwrites the Harry Cooper Supply Company at MCF’s 16 member schools including SBU. These scholarships will be awarded by the member schools on the basis of financial need to outstanding qualified students.

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.

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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU Chamber Singers present “Ye Olde Madrigal Dinners”

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Chamber Singers of Southwest Baptist University will present the traditional “Ye Olde Madrigal Dinners” on Thursday and Friday, December 1 and 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the McClelland Dining Facility on the Bolivar campus. Tickets are on sale now and must be reserved in advance by calling the music department at (417) 328-1644.

The annual event features a five-course meal served to patrons amid the merriment, music, revelry, and traditions of Elizabethan England. The Chamber Singers will present repertoire from Renaissance to contemporary genres. 

“The music, the decor, the costumes, the antics of our Lord of Misrule, the lovable Court Friar—this is truly an evening of great entertainment,” said Dr. Jim Tarrant, professor of music and director of choral studies at SBU. Dr. Tarrant continues, “Add to that the fantastic food and you have an evening out, full of memories. How can there be a better way to open the Yuletide season?”

The SBU Chamber Singers are Amy Marrs, Deborah Breon, Leigha Stockton, Elizabeth McClure, Shannon Gray, Michaela Tucker, Scott Davis, David Ezzell, Scott Summers, Patrick Mattia, and Jesse Wright.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU Graduating Seniors Present Art Exhibition

SBU Graduating Seniors Present Art Exhibition

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Driskill Gallery, located in the Jester Learning and Performance Center of Southwest Baptist University, presents an exhibit by graduating senior art majors. Nancy Rector, Haley Green, Stephanie Howell, and Cassandra Carney are exhibiting photography, digital imaging, jewelry, fibers, sculpture, graphic design, drawings, and paintings.

The exhibit will run through December 17, and it is free and open to the public.  A reception will be held immediately following graduation ceremonies on Friday, December 16.

Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.  

 For more information contact Gallery Director Dianna Callahan, (417) 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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU Student Receives Library Student Assistant Award

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The SBU University Libraries has announced that Moriah Carnahan, Eolia, Mo., was honored as the Outstanding Student Assistant of the Month for October 2011.

The University Libraries’ faculty and staff established the monthly award to recognize outstanding employment characteristics such as dependability, quality of work, motivation, attitude, and cooperation.  Carnahan, a student assistant in the Technical Services department, received an award letter from Edward W. Walton, dean of the University Libraries, a certificate of recognition, and a gift.

The University Libraries employs 27 part-time student assistants through the University’s work-study program.  Carnahan is an elementary education Major in SBU’s College of Education and Social Sciences.

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

SBU Concert Choir and Bolivar Community Chorus to Present Fall 2011 Concert

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University Concert Choir and Bolivar Community Chorus will present their fall 2011 concert on Tuesday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar campus.

A new composition scored for orchestra, piano, and choir by composer Michael Cox titled “Te Deum” will feature the SBU Chamber Orchestra and selected wind players. In addition, works by SBU composer Dr. Renee Waters, as well as Joseph Martin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Rutter, Felix Mendelssohn, György Orbán, and Lloyd Pfautsch will also be performed.

The concert will conclude the evening with a few Christmas selections. Admission is free and open to the public. 

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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

SBU CIS Receives Top Honors at Regional Programming Contest

SBU CIS Receives Top Honors at Mid-Central Region Intercollegiate Programming Contest

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo.  Southwest Baptist University’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) Competitive Programming teams received top honors at Missouri State University, Saturday, November 5, in the IBM-sponsored Mid-Central Region Intercollegiate Programming Contest.

“It was a pretty exciting finish,” said Dr. Tim DeClue, chair of the CIS department. The contest is sponsored by IBM and is held at sites all over the world.

Dr. DeClue adds, “One of our teams, SBU-B, led the competition for most of the five-hour contest and our other team, SBU-A, had locked in third place.  In the judge’s room Dr. [James] Cain [assistant professor of CIS] and I thought that’s where our teams would finish.  But in the last five minutes—the last two minutes really—SBU-A managed to complete a final solution. I can only imagine what that must have been like for them.  It was pretty amazing. Our kids have worked hard, our coaches have worked hard, and God has blessed the effort. This is quite an honor.”

The competition, informally called the “Battle of the Brains,” is held annually among leading colleges and universities with computing programs. Undergraduate and graduate-level students are allowed to compete together.

According to DeClue, “Allowing graduate students to compete is good, because it certainly raises the level of problem-solving and analytical ability in the contest. It also makes our students’ achievement even that much more remarkable. We [SBU CIS] only have an undergraduate program and the one team that edged us out in the whole state was from Washington University—an institution with both master’s and doctoral-level programs in computer science.” 

Competing on SBU’s A team was Weston Herrington (Junior, Carthage, Mo.), Luke Abbott (Junior, Camdenton, Mo.), and Jacob Foster (Sophomore, Webb City, Mo.).  

SBU’s B team was comprised of Maaura Stucky (Junior, Kansas City, Mo.), Jason Jakusz (Sophomore, Ava, Mo.), and Justin Stout (Freshman, Gardner, Kan.).  Also practicing with the teams this fall were Ellie Fjellman (Freshman, St. Joseph, Mo.), Tanner Barnes (Freshman, Dallas, Texas), and Steven Hopkins (Freshman, Lebanon, Mo.)  

The SBU Competitive programming teams are coached by Dr. Cain and Dr. Baochuan Lu.

The competitive programming teams will practice and compete again in the spring at the Consortium for Computing Sciences Central Plains Regional Programming Contest where they are the 2011 defending champions.

Complete Missouri Results

Place     School/Team                                                     Problems Solved
1.       Washington University-St. Louis – A                                   5
2.       SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – A                      5
3.       SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – B                      4
4.       College of the Ozarks – A                                                  4
5.       Drury University – A                                                         4
6.       Park University                                                                4
7.       Missouri State University – A                                             3
8.       College of the Ozarks – B                                                  3
9.       Washington University – B                                                3
10.    Saint Louis University-A                                                     3
11.    University of Central Missouri – A                                        3
12.    Saint Louis University-B                                                     3
13.    Park University –B                                                             3
14.    Missouri State University – B                                              3
15.    University of Central Missouri – B                                        3
16.    University of Missouri – Kansas City – A                              3
17.    Drury University –B                                                           2
18.    Lindenwood University-A                                                    2
19.    Lindenwood University-B                                                    2
20.    Northwest Missouri State University                                    2
21.    College of the Ozarks – C                                                   2
22.    University of Missouri-Kansas City – B                                 2


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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. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

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