Thursday, September 29, 2011

SBU Homecoming Parade 2011: “Cirque du Southwest”

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

BOLIVAR, Mo.Southwest Baptist University’s 2011 Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday, October 29. The Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will take its traditional route through Bolivar starting from First Baptist Church and ending on SBU’s campus.


Entities interested in submitting a parade entry can register free of charge at http://www.sbuniv.edu/alumni/homecoming 

First Baptist Church is located at 316 N. Main Street in Bolivar.

For more information please contact Director of Student Activities, Nathan Penland at npenland@sbuniv.edu or 417-328-1828.



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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.

Save the date for SBU Homecoming 2011: Cirque Du Southwest

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will be celebrating Homecoming 2011 on Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29. Students will begin their activities earlier in the week with traditional events such as "Spirit Chapel" and "Bed Races." This year’s theme is “Cirque Du Southwest.”

Alumni will have the opportunity to catch up with classmates on Friday at a pre-dinner social followed by a banquet. On Saturday, everyone is invited to the parade starting at 11:00 a.m., followed by the football game where the SBU Bearcats face the Griffons of Northwest Missouri State University at 2:00 p.m.

Approximately 2,000 SBU alumni and their families are expected to come to Bolivar for the homecoming events. Bolivar businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows using the homecoming theme and the SBU school colors, purple and white.

For more information about parade entries, participating in the car show, or other Homecoming activities, contact the SBU Homecoming hotline at 417-328-1806, or visit the SBU website at: http://www.sbuniv.edu/alumni/homecoming

SBU 2011 Homecoming Schedule (subject to change)
Reunion Class Pre-Dinner Social
If you are a member of one of this year’s reunion classes, come early on Friday night (5:30 p.m.) for a pre-dinner get together.  Enjoy free refreshments as you reconnect with your classmates.  Photos of each reunion class will also be taken according to the following schedule:
1951 – 5:40 p.m.
1961 – 5:50 p.m.
1971 – 6:00 p.m.
1981 – 6:05 p.m.
1991 – 6:10 p.m.
2001 – 6:15 p.m.

Alumni Banquet
Friday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m., alumni are invited to join us for the Alumni Banquet in Mellers Dining Commons.  The cost is $11.00 per person.  SBU will be honoring the Life Service Award recipients, both present and past.  Childcare will be provided for children ages 12 and under for $6.00 per child.  Banquet tickets may be purchased at the registration booth.

Lunch/Clubs Connect
All current students and alumni are welcome on Saturday after the parade in Mellers Dining Commons for lunch and a clubs and organizations reunion.  Meet current students, connect with alumni, and see how SBU clubs and organizations have evolved over the years.

Registration Prize
The Office of Alumni Relations is giving away a gift card worth $350 to Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, MO.  The gift card may be applied to any service offered by the hotel and is also redeemable at any Bass Pro Shops!  The winner will be drawn from the pool of alumni who register for and attend Homecoming.  Please stop by the registration center in the Goodson Student Union before 12:00 p.m. on Saturday to confirm your eligibility.

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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, September 28, 2011

Dr. Brown to Present SBU Faculty Piano Recital

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Dr. William Brown, SBU provost and professor of music, will present a faculty piano recital on Tuesday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in the Meyer Recital Hall in the Casebolt Music Center.

The recital celebrates the new Steinway Concert Grand Piano recently purchased by the University. The program is titled “An Evening of Encores,” and will include well-known compositions by Chopin, Schumann, Barber, Rachmaninoff, Debussy and Ravel.

The event is free of charge 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.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

SBU PT Facility Open and Ready for Learning

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s President C. Pat Taylor and First Lady Judy Taylor hosted a public open house for the newly renovated SBU Health Sciences, Davis Family Physical Therapy Center on Monday, September 26.  The facility opened to students and faculty at the beginning of the academic year in August. 


The building’s opening extends the Bolivar campus south on Springfield Avenue. SBU purchased the former Consumer’s building with the help of a major gift from the Warren B. Davis family, the previous property owners. 

The property is located at 2103 S. Springfield Avenue approximately one block from the University. The 40,000 square-foot building will house the University’s doctoral program in physical therapy.

SBU President Pat Taylor said, “The current physical therapy space on the main campus allowed for only 40 doctoral students to be admitted each year for a total enrollment of 120. Now the program will be able to admit 80 students per year, which will increase the total number of doctoral students to 240 after three years.”

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



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PHOTO From left to right at the open house: SBU College of Mathematics and Science Dean Dr. Perry Tompkins, SBU Department of Physical Therapy Chair Dr. Steven Lesh, Mark Davis, Kim Davis Harrington, Patrick Harrington, Anne Davis, Warren Davis, and SBU President Dr. C. Pat Taylor.

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, September 19, 2011

SBU Announces 2011-2012 Ambassadors

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University has selected seven students to serve as ambassadors for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The following SBU Ambassadors are the official student representatives of SBU President Dr. C. Pat Taylor and his wife Judy:

--Sophomore Meg Goodman, daughter of Scott and Teri Goodman, is an accounting major from Cape Girardeau, Mo.
--Junior Caleb Harris, son of Scott and Judy Harris, is an accounting and finance major from Jackson, Mo. 
--Sophomore Alex Huff, son of Bob and Kathleen Huff, is an international business major from DaNang, Vietnam. 
--Sophomore Lauren Knutson, daughter of Tony and Tina Knutson, is an English major from Lee’s Summit, Mo.
--Junior Aaron Lancaster, son of Mark and Inez Lancaster, is a marketing major from Bentonville, Ark.
--Junior Keith Noltkamper, son of Troy and Michelle Noltkamper, is a computer information science major from Wright City, Mo.
--Sophomore Rebekah Todd, daughter of Steve and Sheri Todd, is an undeclared major from St. Louis, Mo.

SBU Ambassadors are chosen after an interview process that includes information on how the person relates to different personality types, social adaptability and a willingness to serve. 

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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 host Silent Images 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 “Silent Images” photography by David Johnson.

PHOTO CREDIT: David Johnson
Silent images is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that seeks to tell the stories of hope in the midst of persecution, poverty, or oppression through journalistic photography, videography, and writing.  The stories and photographs provide a voice for the voiceless as well as offer a more personal connection to social justice issues worldwide, inspiring people to action. 

Silent Images donates 100% of the profits from the sale of photography and books to provide education for African school-age girls, as well as micro-loans for women in Africa.

The photographs from this exhibit are from Haiti, Uganda, Cambodia, South Africa, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Kenya.

The exhibit will run through September 20 through October 14, and is free and open to the public.  Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 If you have any questions, please contact the Gallery Director Dianna Callahan at (417) 328 1651.


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PHOTO CREDIT: David Johnson

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 Host Author Dr. Jeanne Murray Walker


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

BOLIVAR, Mo.SBU will host award-winning poet, essayist, editor, and playwright Dr. Jeanne Murray Walker in a reading and discussion of her work followed by a book signing. The event will take place on Thursday, September 22, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Davis-Newport Theater in Jester Leaning & Performance Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

Dr. Jeanne Murray Walker, poet, playwright, and teacher, is the author of seven books of poetry including
 A Deed to the Light; and New Tracks, Night Falling.  Her poetry and essays have appeared in numerous journals, including The Atlantic Monthly, Best American Poetry, The American Poetry Review, and Christian Century. Her plays have been performed in theaters across the United States and in London.

She has been awarded several fellowships for her writing, including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Dr. Walker has appeared on PBS television and has given readings in such places as The Library of Congress and Oxford University in England. 

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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, September 14, 2011

SBU Hosts Piano Dedication Recital for New Steinway Grand

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 Music will present a concert to dedicate a new Steinway grand piano on Tuesday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m.  SBU welcomes all alumni, current students, and friends of the University to join us in celebrating this event.  This new concert grand promises to help prepare SBU’s students for their musical careers.  As an industry standard, the Steinway brand is used in concert halls throughout the world.  It is noted for its exceptional handmade quality and enduring value. 

 Bolivar musician, Charlie Long, and SBU faculty members Jeff and Renee Waters, Melinda Smashey Jones, Bill Brown, and Robert Carney will share in the celebration Tuesday night by performing piano works on the new Steinway.  Harry Reed, Senior Piano Sales Specialist from Schmitt Music in Kansas City will explain why Steinway pianos are trusted by musicians throughout the world. In addition, the piano selection committee will share stories and pictures from the selection process at the Steinway factory in New York.

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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 PT Department to Host Community in Motion 5K Run/Walk

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University Physical Therapy Department is hosting the Community in Motion 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m. A registration booth will be located at the Casebolt Music parking lot across from the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness Center on the Bolivar campus. 

Pre registration is available at Ozarkraces.com and is $15 per person. Day of registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at SBU and will cost $20 per person. All proceeds will go towards the Joplin physical therapists affected by the May 2011 tornado.

Community in Motion 5K Run/Walk is a Wellness Event organized by the SBU Physical Therapy Department to promote healthy living. The event will provide a complete wellness experience for the whole family.

Physical therapy is much more than rehabilitation, and SBU Physical Therapy is moving forward to encourage active lifestyles and healthy living for all ages. For more information about the event, contact communityinmotion@yahoo.com

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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, September 9, 2011

SBU to Host Tribute for Victims of 9/11 Attacks

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- With respect and recognition for those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, Southwest Baptist University’s Student Government Association will conclude a week to recognize the victims of the 9/11 attacks with a memorial service on Sunday, September 11, 8 p.m., that will feature a special tribute to the victims.

The service will be held in the Goodson Student Union on SBU’s Bolivar campus.

For more information, contact Nathan Penland at npenland@sbuniv.edu or 417-328-1828.

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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 Installs and Recognizes Four Academic Chairs

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist Annual recently installed and recognized four faculty as academic chairs.
 
Dr. Julie Bryant ’97, assistant professor of education, was installed as the Lewis Schollian Chair of Education. Dr. Michael Fuhrman’74, professor of Christian ministry, was named the new Robert and Ruth Powell Chair of Preaching. SBU also recognized two current academic chairs: Dr. Troy Bethards ’93, associate professor of business education, was recognized as the Ruby Letsch-Roderique Chair of Economics/Finance. Dr. Kelly Malone, assistant professor of intercultural studies, was recognized as the Jack Stanton Chair of Evangelism.

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

Dr. Bryant graduated from SBU in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary and early childhood education. She then taught kindergarten and first grade for five years at School of the Osage in Lake Ozark, Missouri. During that time, she completed a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1999.  In May 2008, she earned doctorate in education from Liberty University in the areas of educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, and reading.

Dr.Bryant co-authored a series of international discipleship curricula for Global University that targets children ages 8-11. The first set of the three-part series has been published.
           
Dr.Bryant and her husband, Robbie, reside in Bolivar with their two children, Jaron and Jaylee. Mr. Bryant is employed at the SBU physical plant.  The Bryants attend Lakeside Assembly of God where her uncle is the pastor, her husband plays various instruments with the worship team, and she sings in the choir. Additionally, Bryant and her husband are involved at the Esquire Ministry of First Baptist Church in Bolivar.

Dr. MICHAEL FUHRMAN
Professor of Christian Studies and Director of In-Service Training
Dr. Michael Fuhrman has a long association at Southwest Baptist University.  He graduated magna cum laude in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and Christianity, and served as a member of the SBU Board of Trustees from 1988 until 1998.  He currently serves as a professor of Christian studies and director of in-service training in the Redford College of Theology and Christian Ministry.  In addition, he has served on several SBU faculty committees.

Dr. Fuhrman graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 1974.  He attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Master of Divinity in 1977 and a Ph.D. in New Testament in 1981. During his doctoral study he completed two Ph.D. seminars at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dr. Fuhrman has a long and distinguished career as a pastor and an academician. He served as pastor at churches in Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri, serving most recently for 12 years as the pastor of Northgate Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. His academic experience includes having taught adjunctively at William Jewell College and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary prior to returning to his alma mater in 1998 to serve on the SBU faculty.
A native Missourian, Dr. Fuhrman has written several articles for the Biblical Illustrator and other Holman Dictionary of the bible, among other Christian publications. His sermon “the Tragicomedy of the Gospel” won first place in the Expository category in the Harper-Collins Best Sermon Competition in 1991 and was subsequently published.   He was selected as a Walter Pope Binns Fellow in 1995. He is a member of the Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals, for which he served as national president in 2006-2007, and he also is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Dr. Fuhrman and his wife, Brenda, have three children, Megan, a 2003 SBU graduate, Philip and Jennifer.  The Fuhrmans attend First Baptist Church in Bolivar.    

Dr. Troy Bethards
Associate Professor of Business Education
Ruby Letsch-Roderique Chair of Economics
The Ruby Letsch-Roderique Chair of Economics was established in 1998 through an endowed trust created by the late Dr. Roderique to benefit the College of Business and Computer Science at Southwest Baptist University.   This was the first endowed chair in SBU history.

Dr. Troy Bethards began his teaching career at SBU as an adjunct faculty member in 2000.  In 2002, he became a full-time faculty member in the College of Business and Computer Science. 

Dr. Bethards graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in economics and business administration with concentrations in finance, management and marketing.   In 1996 he completed a Master in Business Administration with a concentration in finance at Missouri State University, and last year he earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana.

During Dr. Bethards’ tenure at SBU, he has had many successes and accomplishments. He was awarded the Life Beautiful Award and the College of Business and Computer Science Psalm 15 Award. He has taught and continues to teach a plethora of business, finance, and economics classes in addition to teaching graduate courses.

Dr. Bethards has had essays published in two collaborative books, and made presentations at the Christian Business Faculty Association annual meetings in 2004 and 2007.   Immediately prior to joining the SBU faculty, Dr. Bethards was the owner of an investment advisor representative for Preferred Asset Management.

Dr. Bethard’s wife, Monica, is a 1996 SBU graduate, and is employed at Accenture (formerly Duck Creek technologies) in Bolivar.  They have two children, Alyssa and Mason.

Dr. kELLY mALONE
Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies
Jack Stanton Chair of Evangelism
The Jack Stanton Chair of Evangelism was approved and established by the SBU Board of Trustees in October 1998. The late Dr. Stanton was the founder and director of the institute of evangelism and a member of the faculty at Southwest Baptist University for 22 years. 

Dr. Malone became a faculty member at SBU in 2007 and in 2008 was appointed to the Jack Stanton Chair of Evangelism.  Immediately prior to joining the SBU faculty, Dr. Malone was a missionary with the International Mission Board from 1999-2007, and during that time served as dean of academic affairs at the Christian Leadership Training Center in Tokyo, Japan. In addition he served on the faculty at Seinan Jo Gakuin College (Southwest Women’s College) in Kitakyushu, Japan, from 1996 through 2002.

Dr. Malone earned a Bachelor of Arts (with honors) in sociology at Baylor University in 1985. A native of Texas, Dr. Malone was ordained to the ministry in 1987 at First Baptist Church of Royse City, Texas. In 1988 he received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth.  He was selected as a visiting scholar in 1999 by Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He returned to SWBTS and earned a doctor of philosophy in 1995. 

A published author, Dr. Malone has written several books and numerous articles and chapters in other published works.  He is a current member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Missiology, Evangelical Missiological Society and University Educators for Global Engagement.  Some of his research interests include Christianity and culture, Japanese religions and the Holy Spirit and spiritual warfare.

Dr. Malone and his wife, Molly, were married in 1988, and they have two children, Maggie and Kevin. The Malones attend First Baptist Church in Bolivar.

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PHOTO: New Academic Chairs with Provost & President (left to right): Dr. Troy Bethards, Dr. Mike Fuhrman, Provost Dr. Bill Brown, Dr. Kelly Malone, and Dr. Julie Bryant

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 Welcomes New Faculty and Honors Newcomers

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University recently began its official academic year with a formal convocation in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar main campus. The annual convocation address was presented by Dr. Rosalyn Snellen ’73, senior professor of biology, and recipient of the 2011 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher Award.

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

Dr. Kevin Hopkins, professor of mathematics, was recognized for receiving the 2011 Parkway Distinguished Professor Award. The Christian College Education Committee of Parkway Baptist Church in Saint Louis awards this honor annually to faculty members from each of the four Missouri Baptist colleges who have made outstanding contributions to Christian education.

The faculty and staff Newcomer of the Year awards also were introduced during the formal convocation.

The 2011 Faculty Newcomer of the Year is Dr. Robert Carney.
Dr. Carney has a Bachelor of Music degree from Missouri State University, a Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas.  He currently serves as an assistant professor of music on the Bolivar campus. 

He taught at his own private piano studio in Keller, Texas, played the piano for First Baptist Church Smithfield in North Richland Hills, Texas, and worked at the Master’s Touch School of Music and Performing Arts in Grapevine, Texas, prior to coming to SBU in August of 2010.

Dr. Carney’s dean, Dr. Jeff Waters, said the following about him: “He has shown himself to be a gifted teacher and faculty colleague, who demands high standards of himself and of his students.  During his first year on the faculty he was very active as a pianist in numerous musical performances on campus and in the region, and in adjudicating events for Music Teachers National Association and other professional organizations; he was appointed State Honors Auditions Chair by the Missouri Music Teachers Association; and Missouri State University presented him with the Outstanding Music Alumnus award last spring.  He developed and taught the first SBU music course to be delivered completely online during the summer of 2011.”
 
Dr. Carney is married to Lisa, and they have two sons: Jayden and Jonathan.  They are members of First Baptist Church in Springfield.  He enjoys watching vintage Star Trek episodes and grilling.

The 2011 Staff Newcomer of the Year is David Ginnings
Ginnings graduated from SBU in 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in history, and received his master’s of science degree in education from SBU in 2007.   He is currently the assistant director of extended learning.  Prior to working at SBU he was a special education teacher and case manager for Marion C. Early High School.

Dr. Allison Langford, assistant provost, said the following about him: “He is courteous, helpful, and goes above and beyond to help people.  He hosts a weekly small group meeting associated with his church, and organizes monthly service events for this group.  He constantly looks for ways to serve others.”  He is known among his colleagues as professional, humble, graceful, and a Christian role model.”

He attends Alliance Fellowship in Bolivar.  He enjoys cycling and the outdoors.  He is married to Melissa and has one daughter, Sophia, who is almost two years old.


Dr. Rosalyn Snellen
2011 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher
Dr. Rosalyn Snellen began her career with SBU as a student graduating with a degree in biology and mathematics in 1973. In 1978, soon after the completion of her Ph.D. from North Texas State University, she became a full time faculty member at SBU. Throughout her tenure at SBU, Dr. Snellen has served the University in a variety of capacities including: senior professor of biology, assistant dean of the college of science and mathematics, dean of the college of science and mathematics and associate provost. Additionally, Dr. Snellen has been both the assistant and head coach of SBU’s softball team and has led University mission trips to East Asia.

Dr. Snellen successfully led the University’s self-study for the Higher learning Commission (HLC) leading to the HLC re-accreditation. Additionally, she has overseen the University’s general education committee since 2001. She has been a part of many other University committees over the years including: University Planning Advisory Council, Graduate Council, Deans Council, an Ad Hoc Committee for Gender Equity in Athletics and many others.  Additionally, Dr. Snellen was instrumental in the formation of the joint nursing program with St. John’s Hospital and was a part of the Institutional Coordinating Committee for the Associate Degree in Nursing. 

Dr. Snellen is or has been a part of many professional organizations including The Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities, Women’s Leadership Development Institute, the American Association for Higher Education, the National Science Teachers Association, the National Association of Women in Education, the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, and the North American Benthological Society. Dr. Snellen has continually been active in attending national meetings, assisting high school and middle school students in learning science, and in judging science fairs and other community-based events.
A member of Way Point Church in Bolivar, Dr. Snellen has volunteered at many local organizations such as the Salvation Army, Exodus Ministries, Alpha House, and International Friends. 

Dr. Kevin Hopkins
2011 Parkway Distinguished Professor
Dr. Kevin Hopkins joined the faculty and became the chair of the mathematics department in 1989.  He has overseen several revisions of the mathematics curriculum during his tenure.  In addition to serving as the mathematics department chair, Kevin teaches upper level mathematics classes and general education mathematics classes. He is a former recipient of the SBU Faculty Life Beautiful Award and received the College of Science and Mathematics Faculty Service Award in 2007.

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
In 1983 Dr. Hopkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and physics form Greenville College. He earned a Master of Science in 1986 and a Ph.D. in 1980 in mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign.

Dr. Hopkins attends and presents at numerous state and national conferences.  He has been a grader of AP Calculus tests for the last several years.  Kevin is a 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.  
Dr. Hopkins is married to Lori, and they have two children, Megan, a junior at Oklahoma Baptist University; and Eric, a freshman at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The following new faculty members also were introduced during the formal convocation:


Amanda Keys is the new instruction of social work and director of field education. Amanda holds a M.S.W from Missouri State University; and has a Ph.D. in progress

Rebecca Koe joined the SBU staff as Lecturer in communication Arts. Rebecca has a B.A. in communication from Southwest Baptist University and is working on her M.A.

Susan Kromrie is the news assistant professor of library services in the position of reference librarian/university archivist – college liaison. Susan holds a M.A. in library science from the University of Columbia.

Kelzia Lilly is the new Assistant Professor of Nursing. She has a M.S.N in nursing and MBA with emphasis in healthcare administration from University of Phoenix.

Bethany Messersmith is the new assistant professor of library services in the position of information literacy librarian – college liaison. Bethany has a M.L.S. in nursing and M.A. in Journalism from Indiana University-Bloomington.

Timothy Richmond joins the Southwest Baptist University staff as the new assistant professor of chemistry. Dr. Richmond holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jonathan Wehmeyer is the new instruction of theatre. Jonathan has a M.A. in theatre from the University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg.

Josh Welker is the new assistant professor of library services in the position of electronic/media services librarian- college liaison. He has a M.A. in library science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Jena Whetstine is the new assistant professor of chemistry. Dr. Whetstine holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

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PHOTOS: Faculty & Staff Newcomers with President (left to right) David Ginnings, President Dr. C. Pat Taylor, Dr. Robert Carney

New faculty 2011
From left to right, front row: Timothy Richmond, Kezia Lilly, Josh Welker, Jonathan Wehmeyer, Susan Kromrie, and Jena Whetstine.
From left to right bottom row: Amanda Keys, Rebecca Koe, and Bethany Messersmith.

Teacher Awards (left to right) Dr. Kevin Hopkins, President Dr. C. Pat Taylor, Dr. Rosalyn Snellen

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, September 8, 2011

SBU MBA to Offer Five New Tracks and Two Graduate Certificates

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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Master of Business Administration program at Southwest Baptist University now offers five areas of specialization and two graduate certificates. All MBA students can opt into one of these tracks: Management, Human Resource Management, Information Assurance, Healthcare Administration, or Applied Scholarship.

Dr. Kenneth Bandy, dean of SBU’s College of Business & Computer Science (COBACS) said “MBA students can graduate with an area of emphasis or take 18 hours to complete a graduate certificate in Information Assurance or Healthcare Administration. Information Assurance is concerned with information security. Applied Scholarship is designed for those budding professors and researchers who want to serve in higher education.

“The new MBA track approach provides two advantages, Dr. Bandy said. “Attaining a specialization can help improve your marketability for new employment and/or demonstrate added value to your current employer.  Another advantage is the MBA program is now a 36-hour program instead of a 40+-hour program. This reduction in hours simplifies students’ planning for their graduate program and scheduling courses. It can also reduce the length of time they spend in the program.”

Current MBA students may still remain in their original program. If they are near the end of their program, they may determine it is best to follow their existing course of study. Dr. Bandy said, “We will continue to add tracks and certificates as the opportunities to do so arise.”

New students who wish to apply or current students who would like to declare one of the new tracks, should contact graduate assistant Nathan Brown at 417-328-1751 or nabrown@sbuniv.edu to set up an advising teleconference with one of the MBA faculty members.

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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.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

SBU Announces Summer 2011 Graduates

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


BOLIVAR, MO -- Since its founding in 1878, SBU has enjoyed a legacy of excellence in academics along with an intense passion for building Christ’s kingdom.

Follow the link below to see the Summer 2011 graduation list.

Undergraduate students will graduate with honors according to the following GPAs. In order to be graduated with honors, students must have earned a minimum of 45 semester hours of credit at SBU prior to the semester of graduation.

Summa cum laude 3.850-4.00
Magna cum laude 3.700-3.849
Cum laude 3.500-3.699


Honor Roll
To be listed on the semester's honor roll, students must carry at least 12 hours of college work at Southwest Baptist University and earn at least a B (3.00 GPA), with no grade below C.

Trustees’ List ..................... 3.85 - 4.00 Deans’ List......................... 3.50 - 3.69
President's List ................... 3.70 - 3.84 Honor's List........................ 3.00 - 3.40

SBU graduates have gone on to excel at Harvard, Notre Dame, Dartmouth, and other Ivy League schools. Our graduates have served and are serving in national, local, and state government. They have had successful careers with companies such as Cerner, Smith Barney/CitiGroup, Hallmark, Proctor & Gamble, Dannon Inc., New York Life, Bayer, Eli Lilly and Company, John Deere, Boeing, Motorola, Intel and Microsoft.

Many SBU graduates have been chosen to pastor churches, lead worship, and serve as missionaries in North America and around the world. SBU is a leader among private universities in the Midwest 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 as servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

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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.