Thursday, February 24, 2011

SBU Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams Earn All-Academic Status

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Jeff Weseloh, Director of Athletics Media Relations
417-328-1799 / jweseloh@sbuniv.edu

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the 2010 USTFCCA All-Academic Cross Country teams for both the men's and women's cross country programs at Southwest Baptist University.

SBU was recognized on both the men's and women's side as having one of the top team GPA's in the country.  The women were recognized with the top GPA in the MIAA (3.56 cumulative GPA), while the men had the second best team GPA in the MIAA (3.27 cumulative GPA).

Only 68 teams in the nation earned this recognition on the men's side, while only 107 teams in the nation received this recognition on the women's side. The SBU men and women's programs have received All-Academic every year since 2005, the first year the records were documented.

To qualify as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, the team must have a cumulative team GPA of 3.00 or better and have compiled a score (finished at least five runners) at their respective NCAA regional championship.

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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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

SBU Art Department 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 works by the students of the art department. The exhibit will run through Friday, March 11, and is free and open to the public. 

Works on display are paintings, drawings, sculpture, digital imaging, photography, and assemblage.

Gallery hours are Monday through 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. 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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.

Saxophonist Dr. Jeffery Waters in Faculty Recital

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – On Tuesday, March 1, Dr. Jeffery Waters will present a saxophone recital at 7:30 p.m. in Meyer Recital Hall at Southwest Baptist University’s Bolivar campus. The recital is provided free of charge and is open to the public.

The program will feature the soprano and alto saxophones and will include Fantaisie by Jean-Baptiste SingelĂ©e, Etudes by Charles Koechlin, Brillance by Ida Gotkovsky,  Sonata by John Cheetham, and Rumba by Maurice Whitney. 

Dr. Waters has served on the SBU music faculty since 1989 and is currently dean of the Geneva Casebolt College of Music, Arts and Letters.  Dr. Melinda Jones, professor of music, will accompany Dr. Waters on the piano for the program.     

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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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.

SBU Speech and Debate Team Successful in MAFA Tournament

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The speech and debate team from Southwest Baptist University attended the Missouri Association of Forensics Activities (MAFA) state tournament, February 18-19, on the campuses of Drury and Evangel Universities in Springfield, Mo. The Speaking Bearcats took home fourth place in overall sweepstakes out of a field of thirteen schools.

"The competition at this year's MAFA tournament was excellent," noted Dr. David Bailey, SBU's Director of Forensics.  “In recent years our state tournament has been open to schools outside of Missouri as well, making it a highly competitive field of regional forensics powers." Dr. Bailey put the Speaking Bearcats' finish into perspective: "We were extremely proud of the team given that we had the smallest overall entry out of any school which finished in the top five. In short, we had very good overall quality. We are even prouder of the fact that we received excellent contributions from our freshmen and our seniors. It truly was a team accomplishment. "

Seniors Caprice Applequist and Jordan Hart led the way for the Speaking Bearcats. Applequist won the State Championship in After Dinner Speaking, finished fourth place in Extemporaneous Speaking, and earned a fifth place finish in the Individual Events Pentathlon.

Hart won the State Championship in Communication Analysis, took second place in Oratory, finished third place in Extemporaneous Speaking, fifth place in Program of Oral Interpretation, third in Impromptu Speaking, and earned a second place finish in Individual Events Pentathlon. Hart's second place finish in Oratory allowed him to qualify to participate in this year's Interstate Oratorical Competition to be held at James Madison University in late April.

"The Interstate Oratorical competition is over one hundred and forty years old and is an opportunity for some of the very best persuasive speakers around the country to represent their respective states and programs. Each year every state designates only two representatives to send to this prestigious tournament. We are proud of Jordan for the work he did to qualify for this event" noted Dr. Bailey.

In only her second tournament with the team freshman Kayla Duffey finished fourth in Program of Oral Interpretation while fellow freshman Matt Adams finished in fifth place in After Dinner Speaking.
The Speaking Bearcats will take the next two weekends off to practice for the National Christian College Forensics Invitational to be held at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, California March 10-13.
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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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

SBU Announce New Trustees

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


BOLIVAR, Mo. -- Southwest Baptist University announces the slate of new trustees who recently attended the Feb. 14-15 board meeting held on the Bolivar campus.

The new trustees are as follows:

Dr. David Bennett, Joplin, Mo.; Jerry Dudley, St. Charles, Mo.; Ronda Miller, Camdenton, Mo.; Rick Moore, Kansas City, Mo.; and Ryan Palmer, Springfield, Mo.

SBU is governed by a 25-member Board of Trustees. The Board members are elected by delegates to the annual Missouri Baptist Convention.  
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PHOTO:  Left to right back row: Mark Rains, Bill Bolerjack, Ed Hamilton, Jerry Dudley, David Bennett, Ryan Palmer, Phil Franz, Don Fahrni, Wayne Gott, Jim Evans, Don Jump, Gary Urich, Randy Johnson, Neil Franks, Cary Summers, Rick Moore, Jerry Williams, Billy Russell, Front row: Marcy Carter, Syndee Chase, Berniece Hamilton, Ronda Miller.

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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.


Friday, February 18, 2011

Third annual I Love Nursing Day to be held at St. John’s/SBU College of Nursing

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: N. Lee Weeks, St. John’s/SBU College of Nursing Marketing

417-820-5049 / lweeks@sbuniv.edu

Springfield, Mo. – St. John’s/SBU College of Nursing and Health Sciences will host the third annual I Love Nursing Day Saturday, March 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the college of nursing. Last year over 160 visitors of all ages and backgrounds interested in pursuing an education leading to a career in nursing attended the event.

St. John’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean, Dr. Martha Baker says, “This year, I Love Nursing Day will become a College Fair and include educational information on the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program at SBU. We know the acute shortage of nurses will continue to provide enormous and varied opportunities for nurses, however, job opportunities in the Health Science area are also growing. We want to encourage people who are interested in careers in nursing or other health care careers to come see the wonderful opportunities that are provided by St. John’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.”

Displays, information booths, and detailed information on nursing as a career, education requirements, and financial aid opportunities will be available. Faculty, staff, and current students will be on hand to give demonstrations, provide tours of the facility, and visit with prospective students individually and in group sessions.

To register for I Love Nursing Day please contact event coordinator, Ronda Thomas, at rthomas@sbuniv.edu or 417.820.5032 no later than Wednesday, March 2, 2011. A pizza luncheon will be served.

St. John’s/SBU College of Nursing and Health Sciences is located at 4431 S. Fremont, Springfield, Missouri.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

SBU Theatre to Present Die Fledermaus

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

NOTE: We will hold a media preview on Monday, March 7, at 7 p.m. 

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- What happens when you combine a light-hearted tale of revenge, Russian dancers, and some of the most recognizable Johann Strauss waltzes? Southwest Baptist University’s production of Die Fledermaus,of course.

Die Fledermaus, which translates to “The Bat,” is a farcical tale of vengeance exacted for a previously played practical joke. The show will be performed at 7 p.m. on March 10, 11, and 12, in the Davis Newport Theater located in the Jester Learning and Performance Center on the SBU campus in Bolivar.

The opera was first performed in 1874 and received its first United States showing in 1879. It is performed each New Year’s day in Vienna, Austria. The opera is a joint production of the music department and the SBU Theatre program.

Dr. Elissa Sartwell, assistant professor of theatre and Dr. Elizabeth Maben, professor of music, emphasize the accessibility of this opera: “It is be sung in English and set in modern day; this is an opera for anyone. Die Fledermaus features Seniors Adam Keller and Alyssa Phinney, recent graduate Bryan McDonald, Junior Audrey Wadell, Sophomore Josh Brown, Junior Sam Thomas, Freshmen Lindsey Gingrich and Senior David Ezell.”

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, over the phone at (417) 328-1691 or online at www.sbuniv.edu/theatre. Tickets are $3 for SBU students, $5 for SBU alumni, students of other schools, or Senior citizens and $8 for all others.  The Box Office will open on February 28 and is open from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

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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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.

SBU’s Driskell Gallery to host photography exhibit

SBU’s Driskell Gallery to host photography exhibit

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, presents an exhibit of photography by Brandon Geistedoerfer-Munger. The exhibit will run Jan. 24 through Feb. 18, and is free and open to the public.  

Geistedoerfer-Munger has a Bachelor of Arts degree in digital video production from the University of Kansas.  His photos of New York City are drawn from moments of calm and simple in the fast, hectic lifestyle of NYC where the cramped and closed spaces of the city bring a new dynamic to special relationships and the meaning of scale. 

Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 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. 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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.

Monday, February 14, 2011

SBU Basketball to be Televised as Part of MIAA Package



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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The SBU men’s and women’s basketball double-header on Saturday (Feb. 19th) against Nebraska Omaha will be televised as part of the MIAA television package.  The games were originally scheduled for a 5:30/7:30 start.  The women’s game will now tip at 1:00 with the men’s game starting approximately 20 minutes following the finish of the women’s game. 
  
The games will be carried live on KSMO Channel 62 in the Kansas City area and be available to 100% of the Kansas City market.  They can also been seen locally in Springfield on Mediacom Channel 22 as well as several cable systems throughout the MIAA geographical footprint, including Cox Communications in Kansas, Cablevision in St. Joseph, Mo., Eagle Communications in Hays, Kan., and Mediacom cable systems in Columbia, and Jefferson City, MO (see list below).  The network is available to more than 1.5 million households.
  
SBU Director of Athletics Mike Pitts had this to say about the exposure SBU will receive as a result of the broadcast.  "I was very excited a few months ago when I learned that the MIAA had teamed up with the Niles Media Group to broadcast key MIAA games during the 2010-11 season. This arrangement puts some great NCAA Division II games in well over a million potential homes."

"We have great fans at SBU. It's a great atmosphere on game nights and it has a certain magic chemistry that you have to experience to really understand. I'm sure our opponents aren't thrilled to come to Bolivar to play the Bearcats! On February 19, we have a chance to show thousands of homes what it's like to play the SBU Bearcats at the Meyer Sports Center!"
  
The SBU men and women are still fighting for an opportunity to play in the MIAA tournament.  The men are currently 11-12 (8-9 in MIAA) on the season while the women sit at 8-13 (5-12 in MIAA).  Both teams are on the road to start the week as they visit Missouri Western on Monday night and travel to Hays, KS to play Fort Hays State on Wednesday night. 
  
Broadcast Channels Mediacom (Columbia, Jefferson City, Springfield, etc.) -- Channel 22
KSMO-TV (Kansas City) available to 100% of the KC market. It is broadcast (over the air) on channel 62 and it is found on most cable systems (Time Warner, Comcast, etc.) on Channel 10.
Eagle Cable (western Kansas) -- Channel 15
Cox KS Cable system -- Channel 22
Cablevision (St. Joseph area) -- Channel 20

For more information, contact:
Jeff Weseloh
Director of Athletics Media Relations
Southwest Baptist University

417-328-1799 (office)
417-327-9637 (cell)

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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 14 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 15 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.