SBU Senior Nominated as LEAP Student of the Month

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University student, Kristen Eagon, was nominated as the Missouri Society of Certified Professional Accountants (MSCPA) LEAP student of the month for July 2011.

Eagon graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at Central High School in Springfield, Mo., and will be a senior accounting major at SBU this fall.  She is the past president of SBU's Students in Free Enterprise organization (SIFE), and is an Ambassador at SBU for the President's office.

Eagon also is a member of the SBU Honors Program, and she is a recent winner of an American Society of Women Accountant's scholarship from the Springfield, Mo., chapter. She is also a winner of a National American Society of Women Accountant's Scholarship.

Eagon will be an accounting intern this summer at Cerner Corporation in Kansas City. Eagon has also been invited to participate in the summer Pathways Program sponsored by the CPA firm, McGladrey and Pullen.

MSCPA’s student initiative, LEAP, has a feature on its website highlighting accounting majors in Missouri. Every month an accounting major from a Missouri school is highlighted on LEAP’s website at www.leap-forward.com  In addition, one of the twelve winners from 2010-2011 will be recognized in MSCPA’s magazine, The ASSET, in September 2011 as the Leap Student of the Year.

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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/SBUnews

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SBU Professor Selected to Participate in AP Program Reading & Scoring

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s Dr. Tim DeClue was selected to participate in the annual reading and scoring of the College Board’s Advanced Placement Examinations this June in computer science. Dr. DeClue is professor and chair of the SBU Department of Computer and Information Sciences.

“The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer,” said Trevor Packer, vice president of the Advanced Placement Program at the College Board. “It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful for the contributions of talented educators like Dr. DeClue.”

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP^®) gives more than 1.8 million capable high school students an opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses and examinations. Based on their exam performance, successful students can receive credit and/or advanced placement when they enter college.

This year, more than 3.2 million examinations from more than 30 AP Courses were evaluated by over 10,000 AP Readers from universities and high schools. Representing many of the finest academic institutions in the world, AP Readers are made up of professional educators from the United States, Canada and abroad. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which an academic dialogue between high school and college educators is fostered and strongly encouraged.

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Collecting Items for Joplin Tornado Victims

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University is collecting non-perishable food items, water, blankets, clothes and toiletries in conjunction with Convoy of Hope for the tornado victims in Joplin.

Please drop off all items by noon, Friday, May 27, at the Master of Business Administration lobby in the Taylor Building on the Bolivar campus.

For those who have a truck or access to a truck that would be interested in assisting with the distribution of donated items to the Joplin community, please contact Shelly Francka at 417-328-2000 or tfrancka@sbuniv.edu.

SBU President Pat Taylor said, “We will continue to pray for the Joplin area and other communities affected by the outbreak of tornadoes.”

For more information regarding Convoy of Hope and their ministry, visit www.convoyofhope.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.

www.Twitter.com/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Announces Life Beautiful Award Winners for 2011

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s Life Beautiful Awards for 2011 graduates were announced at Spring Commencement on May 21, 2011. Guest speaker was Dr. Michael Arrington, Executive Director of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities.

The Life Beautiful Presentations were made by President Pat Taylor and Provost Bill Brown. The female recipient of the Life Beautiful Award for 2011 was Holly Stubbs, and the male recipient was Brandon Griffin.  Their biographies follow below.

Holly Stubbs  

Holly Stubbs is from Urbana, Illinois, and graduated summa cum laude receiving a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and English. She was recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.  She is a member of Chi Sigma Theta, Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Chi. Stubbs also was a Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors Student.  For her Honors Capstone Project, Stubbs compiled and translated a Russian-language theater script, originally performed at the St. Petersburg Art Academy, where she studied for a semester.

Stubbs has been on several SBU mission trips, including China and South Asia.  She grew up in Kazakhstan, where her parents were teachers and missionaries.  She has been accepted to teach in China through the English Language Institute in China. She attends a home church in Bolivar.

In addition, Stubbs was an Irene Ryan semi-finalist through the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for her SBU performance in DOUBT.

Dr Taylor said, “Holly is a Christian who is committed to missions, both at home and abroad.  One faculty member described her as exuding grace, kindness and humility no matter what the circumstance.”

Stubb’s parents are both SBU graduates, Gale and Alisa Stubbs.

Brandon Griffin  

Brandon Griffin is from Mountain Home, Arkansas, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.  He was recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, is a member of Alpha Chi, Theta Alpha Kappa, and vice president of Psi Chi.

He is a student member of the Midwest Sociological Society, and presented papers at the Midwest Psychology Symposium in 2009 and 2010.  Griffin attended the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum in 2010. Griffin won the Outstanding Theology Department Scholar Award, and has served as an SBU Ambassador since 2009. 

Griffin participated in the SBU mission trip to Baja in 2009 and a medical mission trip to Brazil with a group of doctors from his hometown.  He is a member of First Baptist Church of Mountain Home and was a key volunteer in founding the Journey Church in Bolivar.

Griffin is captain of the SBU men’s soccer club team, and he is coach of a girls’ soccer team in Springfield.  He served as the Polk County Drug Court Intern and Research Assistant. 

Dr Taylor said, “Brandon is known by the faculty as someone who is humble and intent on self-improvement. He consistently pursues academic excellence and knowledge.  He has been described as conscientious, kind, and as a person who consistently thinks of the concerns and needs of others.  He has been recognized by faculty as a servant leader.”

Brandon’s parents are Eddie and Becki Griffin.

The Life Beautiful Award

The Life Beautiful Award was established in 1937 by Rosalee Mills Appleby, a career missionary to Brazil. This award is given annually to an outstanding man and woman in the Southwest Baptist University spring graduating class. These individuals have demonstrated by their scholarship and character that they are living a “life beautiful.” The faculty selects the recipients, whose identities remain confidential until commencement.

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU SIFE Ranked in Nation’s Top 40

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

Minneapolis, MN – Southwest Baptist University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team recently traveled to Minneapolis, Minn., to compete against other regional champion teams in the SIFE USA National Exposition. SBU SIFE qualified to compete in this final stage of competition at the national level by qualifying at the SIFE USA Regional Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, one of 12 SIFE Regional Competitions held around the country throughout March and April.

SBU SIFE presented on the projects they completed in 2010-2011 and were judged on the new SIFE judging criterion: “Considering the relevant social, economic, and environmental factors, which SIFE team most effectively empowered people in need by applying business and economic concepts and an entrepreneurial approach to improve their quality of life and standard of living?” SBU SIFE showcased its projects that effectively addressed the “triple bottom line” of people, planet, and profit.

Based on their competition performance, SBU SIFE was designated as a runner-up in their league and, therefore, is ranked as one of the top-40 teams out of the 600+ total SIFE teams in the USA.

SBU SIFE is a team of servant leaders that promote free enterprise as a critical means of preparing others to lead rewarding, self-sufficient lives in a global society.

SIFE is an international non-profit organization that brings together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. Founded in 1975, SIFE has active programs on more than 1,500 college and university campuses in 39 countries. Through projects that improve the lives of people worldwide, the university students, academic professionals and industry leaders who participate in SIFE are demonstrating that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force for change.

For more information, contact SIFE USA at 417-831-9505, or visit www.sife.org.  For more information about SBU’s SIFE team, visit http://www.sbuniv.edu/SIFE/

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

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 Chelsea Cantrell, Bolivar, Mo., was honored as the Outstanding Student Assistant of the Month for April 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.  Mrs. Cantrell, a student assistant at the Circulation Desk, received an award letter from Edward W. Walton, Dean of the University Libraries, a certificate of recognition, and a gift.

The University Libraries employs 25 part-time student assistants through the University’s work-study program and one part-time graduate assistant. Cantrell is an education major in SBU’s College of Education and Social Science.

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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/SBUnews

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Dr. Kevin Hopkins Awarded the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award at SBU

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University Professor and Department Chair of Mathematics Dr. Kevin Hopkins has been awarded the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award from Parkway Baptist Church.  Dr. Hopkins will be recognized during the 2011 fall formal convocation for this achievement.

Dr. Kevin Hopkins began his career at SBU in 1989 and has served as the chair of the mathematics department for 22 of those years.  He has led the department to be on the cutting edge of the use of technology in teaching mathematics.  He has overseen several revisions of the mathematics curriculum during this time as well.  He has also led the department to host multiple mathematics contests for elementary, middle, and high school students each year.

Following are details from the nomination narrative submitted for Dr. Hopkins:

In addition to serving as the mathematics department chair, Dr. Hopkins teaches upper level mathematics classes and general education mathematics classes.  He uses technology extensively and adds humor to his classes by composing and performing mathematics related songs. 

Hopkins is a wonderful ambassador for the University, the mathematics department, and ultimately the Lord in his work with elementary, middle, and high school students across the state.  Dr. Hopkins consistently organizes multiple mathematics contests each year in which hundreds of students visit the SBU campus to compete.  He also organizes and leads multiple mathematics contest camps in the summer at SBU where many students learn mathematics within a Christian environment.  His Christian influence has touched the lives of countless people, including students, parents, and teachers, through these activities.

Hopkins has stayed active in his field by attending and presenting at numerous state and national conferences.  He has been a grader of AP Calculus tests for the last nine or ten years.  He was the recipient of the Faculty Life Beautiful Award in 2006 as voted on by the SBU faculty.  He also received the College of Science and Mathematics Faculty Service Award in 2007.

Hopkins is a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church in Bolivar.  He sings in the choir, plays in the hand bell choir, publishes his Sunday School Class email newsletter, and is the secretary of the fellowship of deacons.  Over the years he has served in many ways in numerous ministries such as children’s choirs and vacation Bible school.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Physics from Greenville College in 1983.  He earned a Master of Science in 1986 and Ph.D. in 1989 both in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. He is married to Lori, and they have two children, Megan, a sophomore at Oklahoma Baptist University and Eric, a senior at Bolivar High School. 

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PHOTO: Dr. Kevin Hopkins, SBU Professor and Department Chair of Mathematics, Parkway Distinguished Professor award.

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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

Phi Eta Sigma Awards Scholarship to SBU Junior

Phi Eta Sigma Awards Scholarship to SBU Junior

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University junior Kathleen Marie Josef has been rewarded a $6000 scholarship from Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. 

  

Josef served as SBU’s chapter vice president this year and represented the chapter at the National Conference this past year, along with SBU secretary, Sarah Clawson. Josef is majoring in biology and business and is planning to pursue graduate study in Physical Therapy.  She will continue leadership of the SBU Phi Eta Sigma chapter as a senior advisor.

Phi Eta Sigma is an academic honor society that recognizes academic achievement among freshmen.  According to the website, "Those elected to membership include those who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the end of any first year, full-time curricular period, provided they have carried a normal academic load acceptable toward a bachelor’s degree and rank in the upper 20 percent of their class."

The National Phi Eta Sigma Society awards one $10,000 scholarship and thirty-five $6000 undergraduate scholarships per year.  It is a highly competitive process, as chapters from all over the nation nominate their best students to participate. 

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

Dr. Allison Langford Named SBU’s Assistant Provost

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Dr. Allison Langford, instructor in the University Success Center and director of the Dutile Honors Program, accepted the position of Assistant Provost of Southwest Baptist University under current provost Dr. Bill Brown. The position officially begins on June 1, 2011.

The Assistant Provost has specific duties including oversight of the university catalog, oversight of the university calendar, and attendance at various meetings and councils. Overall, the role is designed to assist the provost in the completion of his duties.

Dr. Langford completed her Ed.D. in higher education in December of 2010 from the University of Arkansas. Her dissertation was titled, "Climbing the Ladder: The Experiences of Senior Women Leaders in Southern Baptist Colleges and Universities.”

Dr. Langford was the recipient of the Outstanding Doctoral Student in Higher Education award at the University of Arkansas in April 2011. She was also the recipient of the Floyd and Dorothy Shireman Spratlin Endowed Scholarship at the University of Arkansas

In a press release to employees and faculty, Dr. Brown stated “I know that [Dr. Langford] will be a tremendous help to me personally and will help us to expand the work of the Office of the Provost.”

Dr. Langford began working at SBU in 2003, and currently instructs Honors Colloquium, University Seminar, and Critical Thinking.

“I’m very excited about this new position and the opportunities it will bring,” Dr. Langford said. “I’m also excited to continue serving as the SBU Honors Program director, and to still get to interact with and advise students.”

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PHOTO: Dr. Allison Langford named SBU’s new Assistant Provost.

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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

St. John's/SBU College of Nursing pinning and graduation to be held May 19

Southwest Baptist University-Springfield News Release
Contact: N. Lee Weeks, Office of Marketing
417-820-5049 . 417-880-7958 / lweeks@sbuniv.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - St. John's College of Nursing and Health Sciences of Southwest Baptist University pinning and commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m., at Second Baptist Church in Springfield. One hundred and seventeen nursing graduates will be pinned and receive diplomas.

Special music presentations by graduates will include a piano performance Variations on the Canon, by Pachelbel, performed by Shane Logan. Amber Ennis will perform Go Light Your World, by Chris Rice.

Laura Smith will be speaking for the ASN graduating class and Michelle Boswell will be representing the BSN graduating class.

The pinning ceremony is the culmination of the journey from nursing student to practicing professional nurse.

Friends, family and the community are invited to attend. Second Baptist Church is located at 3111 E. Battlefield in Springfield.

Students Main Focus of SBU’s New Web Portal Launch

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will begin a new era of online services on June 1, 2011, for students, faculty, and staff as it launches several new online services.  MySBU, the University-branded Web portal built with Datatel Portal software and Microsoft SharePoint^® technology, will integrate tightly with the University’s Datatel Colleague^® enterprise resource planning software, providing users with timely and pertinent information at any time, from anywhere.

“MySBU will deliver substantial value to the University community by increasing productivity and Web services to students, faculty, and staff, said David Bolton, director of administrative computing at Southwest Baptist University.  “All current web-based services will be encapsulated into the MySBU portal with single sign-on capabilities which will ease end-users’ frustration when accessing these various services.  MySBU will allow the University to segment and tailor messages to students instead of broadcasting them to the entire student body as now is done. This will greatly reduce the number of e-mails students receive daily.”

Bolton said, “From the beginning of the portal project, students were our main focus. “Students told us that they receive so many e-mails that they often overlook important messages. Our students are logging into numerous applications, all over the campus network to receive vital academic and institutionally related information.  MySBU will quickly eliminate this and save them an immense amount of time and frustration.”

According to Bolton, students’ difficulty in finding information easily and rapidly sometimes results in their being unaware of important campus events. “MySBU will help our students feel more connected by alerting them of campus events and by providing more efficient student services—all resulting in a stronger sense of community,” Bolton said. “Now they will have the information they need at their fingertips anywhere, using Internet access and a familiar browser interface, whether on a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone or mobile device.”

The MySBU portal will integrate with the University’s new cloud based services, Microsoft Live@edu.  These services, available to all portal users, include anywhere access to a 10GB mailbox using Outlook Live e-mail accessible across the web or mobile device,  25GB personal file  storage space on Windows Live SkyDrive, and use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

In connection with the release of the MySBU portal, SBU will be releasing a new Mobile Access application called MOX.  This mobile application will provide prospective students, students, faculty, staff, and alumni and friends with anytime access to the important information they need – courses, events, notifications, important phone numbers, news, maps, and more.  MOX will be released for use on the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Google Android, and BlackBerry mobile devices.   Access by other mobile devices will be released in the future.

Vice President for Information and Technology Services Dr. Bob McGlasson said, “The Information and Technology Services team has been working on these new services for over a year.  It’s been a total team effort and we are looking forward to providing these new services to the SBU family.”

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Incoming Students Receive J.R. Maupin Founders Award

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Three incoming freshman at Southwest Baptist University received the J.R. Maupin Founders Award, which gives students full tuition.  Students receiving this award are Julie Strubinger (Auburn, Ill.), Nikolas Fischer (Maryland Heights, Mo.) and Faith Crook (Overbrook, Kan.)

Students had to apply for this competitive academic scholarship by attending Scholars Day on February 19, 2011. To apply for this prestigious award, students must have qualified for an Ingman Distinguished Scholars Award or a Pike Scholars Award.  Three J.R. Maupin Founders Awards are offered annually to incoming SBU freshman. 

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Professor & Alumnus Presented at Communication Annual Meeting

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 Communication Dr. Brett Miller along with a colleague, Dr. Joshua Compton from Dartmouth College, presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association. Dr. Compton is a 1997 graduate of SBU.

The presentation consisted of a paper entitled, “‘You Lie!’ and ‘I’m Sorry.’: Power and Rhetoric in Congressman Joe Wilson’s Outburst and Apology” at the 102^nd Annual Meeting of the Eastern Communication Association in Washington, D.C., on April 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. 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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 21- MOVED INDOORS

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Recognizing students’ scholarship and hard work, Southwest Baptist University will honor 449 graduates this weekend. The SBU spring commencement is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 21, and has been moved indoors to the Jane & Ken Meyer Wellness & Sports Center on the Bolivar campus. Overflow seating will be in the newly renovated Pike Auditorium in Mabee Chapel, where the ceremonies will be shown via live feed.

The commencement address will be given by Michael Arrington, executive director of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. Dr. Arrington is a former professor of history, provost, and senior vice president for academic affairs at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. Dr. Arrington also served 28 years at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Traveling to many international locations, Dr. Arrington conducts seminars, speaking engagements, forums, and business negotiations.

The Bob R. Derryberry senior address will be given by graduating senior Caprice Joyce Applequist.

SBU President Dr. Pat Taylor and Provost Dr. William Brown will give faculty recognitions to Dr. Robert Kitchin and Ann Kitchin. The Kitchins plan to enter into retirement this summer after serving SBU since 1984.

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

UPDATED Bolivar Campus Commencement Information for Graduates

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The May 21, 2011, 10:00 a.m. commencement ceremony has been moved indoors to the Jane & Ken Meyer Wellness & Sports Center on the Bolivar campus. Overflow seating will be in the newly renovated Pike auditorium in Mabee Chapel, where the ceremonies will be shown via live feed.

ALL graduates will report to the Intramural Gym (located in the NE corner of the complex) for lineup.  After entering the building, follow the signs.

Graduates are to be dressed in their regalia and in their lineup locations no later than 9:15 a.m. 

For more information contact: Linda Maberry at  417-328-1601 or Paula Livingston at 417-328-1807.

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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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats

SBU Awarded Two Honorary Doctorates on Founders Day

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University celebrated Founders’ Day with a formal chapel program on Wednesday, May 11, at 10 a.m. in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar campus. Dr. C. Pat Taylor, SBU president, delivered the address.

During the program two honorary doctorates were awarded. Missouri National Guard State Chaplain (Colonel) Gary Gilmore ’79 presented Chaplain (Major General) Douglas Lanier Carver to SBU for an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, and Assistant to the SBU President Ashley Dinwiddie presented Brigadier General Parker Campbell Thompson ‘46 to SBU for an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

PHOTO: left to right Missouri National Guard State Chaplain (Colonel) Gary Gilmore ‘79, Chaplain (Major General) Douglas Lanier Carver, SBU President C. Pat Taylor, Brigadier General Parker Campbell Thompson ’46, and Assistant to the SBU President Ashley Dinwiddie.

A tribute to the late Dr. Ellen Bell was made by Dr. C. Pat Taylor.

Biographies of Honorary Doctorate Recipients

Chaplain Douglas Lanier Carver

 

A native of Rome, Georgia, Chaplain Douglas L. Carver became the 22nd Chief of Chaplains, United States Army, on July 12, 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. An ordained Southern Baptist minister, he has pastored churches in several states.

In June 1973 he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and appointed as a Regular Army Officer in the Field Artillery Branch of the United States Army. After serving on active duty for six years, he resigned his commission to enter the ministry. He was subsequently commissioned as an Army Chaplain in June 1984.   His Field Artillery assignments included serving as a Forward Observer, Assistant Executive Officer, Executive Officer, Battery Commander, Brigade Fire Support Officer, and Personnel Officer with the 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Chaplain Carver’s previous assignments include serving as the 22nd Deputy Chief of Chaplains, United States Army, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC; the Director of Training, United States Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; CJTF-7 Chaplain, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, Baghdad, Iraq; V Corps Chaplain, Heidelberg, Germany; Deputy Command Chaplain, United States Army, Europe (USAREUR), Heidelberg, Germany; Installation Chaplain, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Division Chaplain, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Career Management Officer, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, Pentagon; Assistant Training and Doctrine Command Chaplain (TRADOC), Fort Monroe, Virginia; Assistant Staff Chaplain, Mannheim Military Community, Mannheim, Germany; 3rd Brigade Chaplain, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Eagle Support Brigade and 29th Transportation Battalion Chaplain, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.   His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab. Chaplain Carver is a recipient of the Clyde T. Francisco Preaching Award (1982) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In 1995 he received the Witherspoon Chaplain’s Award from the Layman’s National Bible Association for outstanding service rendered by a military chaplain in the promotion of Bible reading and study among military families. 

Chaplain Carver and his wife, Sunny, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Brigadier General Parker Campbell Thompson ‘46

BGEN Parker Campbell Thompson is a native of St. Louis, Missouri.  He attended high school in St. Louis and then enrolled at Southwest Baptist College receiving an Associate of Arts in 1946.  He completed his undergraduate degree at William Jewell College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1948.  In 1951, he earned the Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in 1980 from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.  His military education included US Army Chaplain’s School, Basic, Company, Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

BGEN Thompson served three years in the Infantry and his chaplain service began in 1952 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.  He then served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea where he was wounded and decorated.  Following duty at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Ft. Knox, Kentucky, he served with the 3rd Armor Division in Germany.  Following another tour at Ft. Leonard Wood, he was assigned to the Berlin Brigade.  In 1967 he was Division Chaplain of the 1st Calvary Division in Vietnam where he was wounded again, and in 1968 served as the Division Chaplain of the 25th Infantry Division. Other assignments following Vietnam were Director of the Non-Resident Department of the Chaplain’s School, Post Chaplain at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, and Command Chaplain of the Test and Evaluation Command with sites from Ft. Greely, Alaska to Ft. Clayton, Panama.

A heavily decorated officer, BGEN Thompson was awarded the Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor (2 OLC); Purple Heart (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC); WWII Occupation Medal with Germany Bar; National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC); Korean Service Medal (3 Campaign Stars); Vietnam Service Medal (4 Campaign Stars); United Nations Korean Medal with Korea Bar; Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Bar and the Republic of Korea Service Medal.  He received military unit  awards for Army Meritorious Unit Citation; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Greek Gold Medal for Bravery; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Honor Medal Unit Citation.  In addition, he received civilian honors including the Knight’s Cross, Order of St. John of Jerusalem, which is the oldest Order of Chivalry in Europe.  Since 1058 A. D., the Knight’s Cross  has designated knighthood. He also received The Chapel of the Four Chaplains’ Hall of Heroes Medal.

Since his retirement from military service in 1980, he has served as pastor of two churches in Virginia, currently serving at North Fork Baptist Church in Purcellville.  Also, he is an author, editor, researcher, and he taught classes in Chaplain History for ten years at the United States Army Chaplain’s Center and School in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey.

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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/SBUnews

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SBU Receives $25,000 Grant from the William T. Kemper Foundation & Commerce Bancshares Foundation

SBU Receives $25,000 Grant from the William T. Kemper Foundation & Commerce Bancshares Foundation

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The William T. Kemper Foundation & Commerce Bancshares Foundation have presented Southwest Baptist University with a joint grant totaling $25,000. The gift will be used toward equipment for SBU’s newly renovated Warren B. Davis Family Physical Therapy Center in Bolivar.

“We truly are blessed by such a generous gift from these organizations,” said Dr. C. Pat Taylor, president of SBU. “This gift will help us to provide much-needed equipment for our doctorate in physical therapy program, which has received a record number of applications.  We look forward to putting this gift to use in equipping the new facilities.”

The William T. Kemper Foundation was established following the death of Mr. Kemper in 1989. The Foundation is dedicated to continuing Kemper’s lifelong interest in improving the human condition and quality of life through the support of education, health and human services, civic improvements, and the arts. 

The Commerce Bancshares Foundation, a division of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., also is committed to giving back. They annually invest more than a million dollars in communities throughout the Commerce Bank service area.

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PHOTO: left to right – Dr. C. Pat Taylor, president of SBU, receives a $25,000 check from Bob Moreland, community president of Commerce Bank in Bolivar, Mo. The gift was a joint grant from The William T. Kemper Foundation & Commerce Bancshares Foundation.

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/SBUnews

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats