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.
