Speaking Bearcats Claim First Place in Overall Sweepstakes at Oklahoma Tournament

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nik Fischer took first place in communication analysis, and third place in persuasion.

Lauren Schriver captured a first place in prose interpretation (the largest event at the tournament) and second place in dramatic interpretation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the ABA Journal:

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

About the ABA:

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

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

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PHOTO: Russell Jackson

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

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

www.Twitter.com/SBUniv

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Dr. John Marshall to Speak at SBU Commencement

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

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

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

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

Dr. Marshall won the New Orleans Seminary “Distinguished Alumnus Award” in 2004. He preached the 2009 Annual Sermon for the Southern Baptist Convention. Midwestern Seminary named him their 2011 “Honorary Alumnus of the Year.” He has served as second vice president, first vice president, and currently serves as president of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

  

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

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

www.Twitter.com/SBUniv               

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

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

 

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University Professor of Biblical Studies and Dean of the Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry Dr. Rodney Reeves has released a new book on the apostle Paul: Spirituality According to Paul: Imitating the Apostle of Christ.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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SBU Professor of Mathematics Dr. Glasgow Receives MCTM Award

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.Twitter.com/SBUniv

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Save Access Missouri for SBU Students and Other Students from Missouri

Southwest Baptist University News Release

Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications

417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

Save Access Missouri - ACT TODAY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.Twitter.com/SBUniv

www.Twitter.com/SBUbearcats