Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
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.
