Friday, August 31, 2012

SBU Announces New Faculty and Newcomer Awards at Convocation


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. Dwight Haun ‘81, associate professor of education, and recipient of the 2012 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. Donald Denton, associate professor of theology, was recognized for receiving the 2012 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.

Dr. Dwight Haun
2012 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher

Dr. Dwight Haun joined the SBU faculty in 1998 as assistant professor of teacher education.  Currently, Dr. Haun is the director of teacher education, chair of the department of education, and associate professor of teacher education.   He served a term as president of the SBU Faculty Senate, is a double recipient of the Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher Award for 2005 and 2012, a Faculty Life Beautiful Award recipient, and he has received the SBU Faculty Newcomer of the Year Award.  

An alumnus of Southwest Baptist University, Dr. Haun earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematics and physical education in 1981.  He earned a Master of Science in secondary education and mathematics from Southwest Missouri State University and in 1990 a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Dr. Haun is a member of the National Middle School Association, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Missouri Association for Colleges of Teacher Education.  In 1995, he was awarded the Master Teacher Award for the Bolivar R-I Schools.

Dr. Haun and his wife, Verna, also a graduate of SBU, reside in Bolivar and have two sons, Kendall, who is married to Leigh Anne, and Grant.  The Haun family attends First Baptist Church in Bolivar

Dr. Donald Denton
2012 Parkway Distinguished Professor
Dr. Donald Denton joined the faculty of Southwest Baptist University in 2003.  Dr. Denton has made significant contributions to his discipline.  His dissertation was published by the prestigious T. & T. Clark Publishers and was recently included in the digital Logos Library for scholars.  He has presented research papers to national and international meetings of biblical and theological scholars.  He has contributed several articles to top-level referred journals.  He also has submitted his research to a book of essays produced by international scholars.  In short, Dr. Denton is a recognized scholar in gospel studies, cited often in major books and journals of biblical scholarship.

An invaluable member of The Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry faculty, he was instrumental in developing a new academic major in the Redford College.  Recently, he established a new chapter of the national honor society for theology students, Theta Alpha Kappa. 

Dr. Denton received his Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.

Dr. Denton and his wife, Diane, have one son, Joshua.  The Denton family is active at their church, serving their community by participating in mission trips, service organizations, and ministries to women and children.  In addition, Dr. Denton leads Bible studies at home and preaches for churches in southwest Missouri.

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

The 2012 Faculty Newcomer of the Year is Bethany Messersmith
Messersmith has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts degree in Journalism, and Master of Science degree in Library Science from Indiana University. She currently serves as an assistant professor of library services on the Bolivar campus.

Prior to coming to SBU in June of 2011, she was a library assistant at Ephrata Public Library in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, an office assistant at R.E. Sutton & Associates in Brownsburg, Indiana, and an intern in the University Libraries and Communication Department at Indiana University.

Her dean, Mr. Edward Walton, said the following about her:  “She has been an inspiring member of the University Libraries faculty—bringing enthusiasm, energy, and professionalism to every project she undertakes.  She has a passion for information literacy—enabling students to be lifelong learners.  She has revitalized the University Libraries’ information literacy program.  She has worked closely with the University Success Center in developing a stronger information literacy program to help students critically evaluate information and transfer information literacy skills to other courses.”

She has a deep desire to mentor young women. When the request for Small Group Leaders for the Community Life and Worship was announced, she immediately responded.  In each semester since, she has mentored a group of students.  She is an active member of First Evangelical Free Church in Springfield where she serves on a women’s ministry team, a greeter team, and in the nursery.

The 2012 Staff Newcomer of the Year is David Marsch
Marsch graduated from SBU in 1997 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in secondary education, and received his master’s degree in elementary education from SBU in 2008.   He is currently a help desk technician.  Prior to working at SBU he was employed by the Bolivar school district as an elementary teacher at the Exceptional Pupil Cooperative Alternative School.

He came to SBU highly trained in repairing computer devices.  Since he is an SBU graduate, he knows our campus and was able to help employees from day one.  He provides exceptional computer support with kindness and grace.  If he does not know the answer, he will go out of his way to find a solution.  He is known by his colleagues to exemplify the University mission statement.

He attends First Baptist Church of Bolivar.  He is married to Charlotte, the editor of the Bolivar Herald-Free Press, and has two daughters: Rachel, who is in first grade; and Gloria, who is 3 years old.

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


Dr. Nathan Wright, is the new assistant professor of economics. Dr. Wright holds a B.A. from Southwest Baptist University and a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

see caption below
Dr. Jennifer Fox, joins SBU as instructor of education. Fox holds a B.S from Southwest Baptist University, an M.A. from Dominican University and an Ed.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Mr. Kevin Day, is the new instructor of exercise science & athletic training. He has a B.S from Southwest Baptist University, and an M.S from University of Central Missouri.

Jane Berg, joins SBU as  assistant professor of music. Berg holds a B.M. from Louisiana State University, and an M.M. from Manhattan School of Music.

Rebecca (Koe) Godsey, is the new instructor of communication arts. She has a B.A. from Southwest Baptist University, and an M.A. from Missouri State University  

Dr. Bev McNeal, is the new associate professor of physical therapy. She holds a B.S. from Baylor University, an M.S. from Texas Woman’s University, and a D.P.T. from Southwest Baptist University.

Dr. Becky Schoeneberg joins SBU as assistant professor of physical therapy. Dr Schoeneberg, has a B.S. from Hannibal-LaGrange University, and a D.P.T. from Southwest Baptist University.

Dr. Tao Wei, is the new associate professor of biology. Dr. Wei holds an M.D from Henan Medical University, and a Ph.D. from Uppsala University.

Karlae Callahan is the new health professions coordinator (Salem). Callahan holds a A.S from Columbia College, a B.S. from Barnes School of Nursing, and an M.S. from Sinclair School of Nursing. 
Ms. Bethany Woods, Assistant Professor

Rebecca Carlson joins SBU as assistant professor (Springfield). Carlson holds a B.S. from Concordia University, and an M.L.S. from University of North Carolina.

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PHOTO: New SBU faculty 2012
From left to right, front row: Jennifer Fox, Dr. Becky Shoeneberg, Dr. Beverly McNeal, Bethany Woods
From left to right bottom row: Dr. Nathan Wright, Rebecca Carlson, Jone Berg, Karlae Callahan, Dr. Tao Wei
Not pictured: Kevin Day, Rebecca (Koe) Godsey.


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, August 30, 2012

Noted Steinway Authority tells “Secrets of Steinway” in Bolivar


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

Add caption
BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University announced a special addition to its popular Community Concert Series. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 7, noted Steinway expert, Harry Reed, will present his program titled “Secrets of Steinway” in the Meyer Recital Hall in the Casebolt Music Center on the Bolivar campus of Southwest Baptist University. Admission is free. 

SBU’s Department of Music Chair Dr. Martha Hicks said, “Harry Reed is a noted piano industry veteran representing Steinway & Sons pianos throughout Missouri and Kansas for decades. Reed has consulted with scores of Schools and Universities and advised thousands of individual clients on pianos. A noted trainer, speaker and clinician, his lighthearted  presentation style is sure to entertain as he takes you on a delightful 45-minute tour of the historical, engineering, human, and mechanical elements that come together to create that unique Steinway sound and touch.” 

“Harry Reed is one of the most knowledgeable Steinway representatives in the world,” said Ron Losby, Steinway & Sons President of the Americas. 


According to Dr. Hicks, “Built in the U. S. A. since 1853, and long heralded as the worlds' finest piano, the Steinway & Sons piano has been a popular subject of musical history, musician's lore, books, magazines, documentaries, and full length movies. Sit back and enjoy as Reed, industry veteran of over 30 years, takes you on a magical journey back in time to understand how this American and musical icon has evolved from its humble beginnings 160 years ago this March. You will be amazed at how little the effect of time has had on the hand-crafted process that is used to create the Steinway pianos thus continuing their rich heritage as the piano standard of the world.” 

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PHOTOS provided by Steinway & Sons: Harry Reed


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, August 29, 2012

SBU Alumni to be Featured Tonight on House Hunters International


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University alumni, Matt and Nicole Turvy, will be featured tonight on an episode of House Hunters International, which will be visiting the couple in Lima, Peru.

Matt graduated from SBU in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, and Nicole graduated in 1995 with the same undergraduate degree and in 2001 with a Master of Physical Therapy.

For more information about the episode, visit:



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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, August 21, 2012

SBU Restricting Water Usage for Landscaping, Athletic Fields


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University is restricting water usage per a request from the City of Bolivar.

SBU Director of the Physical Plant Bob Glidwell said, “At this time, we are restricting water usage for our sprinkler systems on campus. 

“We have completely shut off the sprinkler system that waters the front lawn of Sells Administration Building, the front entrance system, and the Walk of Life.  We have scaled back [watering] on the athletic fields from every day for approximately 11 hours to 3 days a week for approximately 7 hours.”  

Plans are being considered for an official request for students to conserve water as the drought continues, Glidwell said.

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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 First Day Freshman Enrollment Up from Last Fall


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

photo by Sesha Shannon Smith
BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University welcomed more than 450 freshmen to the first day of classes yesterday.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Stephanie Miller reported an increase in first day enrollment with 455 freshmen (up from 444 in 2011). 

With this increase in enrollment comes freshman ACT scores averaging 23 and their GPA averaging 3.48, Dr. Miller said. Joining the new freshmen were 100 new transfer students.

photo by Sesha Shannon Smith
The official academic year will begin tomorrow with a formal convocation at 10:00 a.m. in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar main campus.


All SBU students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and retired employees of the University are invited to attend.

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Photos by Sesha Shannon Smith
(above): Welcome Week ceremonies marked the beginning for freshmen at SBU.

(left): SBU President Dr. C. Pat Taylor and Director of Student Activities Nathan Penland welcome the freshmen to SBU in Pike Auditorium.

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, August 20, 2012

SBU Driskill Gallery Presents Artwork by Uncommon Threads Contemporary Art Quilt Group


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Driskill Gallery in the Jester Learning and Performance Center of Southwest Baptist University will present artwork by the Uncommon Threads, a contemporary art quilt group. Works are all the product of theme challenges presented to the group by a different member every two months.

The exhibit will be on display beginning August 20 and running through noon, September 14. A reception will be held on Wednesday, August 29, from 2:30– 5:00 p.m.


Gallery hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For further information please contact Gallery Director, Dianna Callahan at417-328-1651.

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PHOTO: Pictured are 12” x 12” art quilts on the theme “NOTAN” which is a term for high contrast

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, August 17, 2012

SBU Formal Convocation to Launch 2012-13 Academic Year


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. –Southwest Baptist University will begin its official academic year with a formal convocation at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar main campus. 

All SBU students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and retired employees of the University are invited to attend.

Dr. Dwight Haun ‘81, director of teacher education, chair of the department of education, associate professor of teacher education, and recipient of the 2012 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher Award, will present the annual convocation address.

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. Donald Denton, associate professor of theology, will be 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 will be presented during formal convocation.

Dwight Haun
2012 Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher
Dr. Dwight Haun joined the SBU faculty in 1998 as assistant professor of teacher education.  Currently, Dr. Haun is the director of teacher education, chair of the department of education, and associate professor of teacher education.   He served a term as president of the SBU Faculty Senate, is a double recipient of the Orien B. Hendrex Distinguished Teacher Award for 2005 and 2012, a Faculty Life Beautiful Award recipient, and he has received the SBU Faculty Newcomer of the Year Award.  

An alumnus of SBU, Dr. Haun earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematics and physical education in 1981.  He earned a Master of Science in secondary education and mathematics from Southwest Missouri State University and in 1990 a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Dr. Haun is a member of the National Middle School Association, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Missouri Association for Colleges of Teacher Education.  In 1995, he was awarded the Master Teacher Award for the Bolivar R-I Schools.

Dr. Haun and his wife, Verna, also a graduate of SBU, reside in Bolivar and have two sons, Kendall, who is married to Leigh Anne, and Grant.  The Haun family attends First Baptist Church in Bolivar.

Donald Denton
2012 Parkway Distinguished Professor
Dr. Donald Denton joined the faculty of Southwest Baptist University in 2003.  Dr. Denton has made significant contributions to his discipline.  His dissertation was published by the prestigious T. & T. Clark Publishers and was recently included in the digital Logos Library for scholars.  He has presented research papers to national and international meetings of biblical and theological scholars.  He has contributed several articles to top-level referred journals.  He also has submitted his research to a book of essays produced by international scholars.  In short, Dr. Denton is a recognized scholar in gospel studies, cited often in major books and journals of biblical scholarship.
An invaluable member of The Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry faculty, he was instrumental in developing a new academic major in the Redford College.  Recently, he established a new chapter of the national honor society for theology students, Theta Alpha Kappa. 

Dr. Denton received his Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.

Dr. Denton and his wife, Diane, have one son, Joshua.  The Denton family is active at their church, serving their community by participating in mission trips, service organizations, and ministries to women and children.  In addition, Dr. Denton leads Bible studies at home and preaches for churches in southwest Missouri.

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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. Since 1878, the faculty and staff have created a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. The University has been named one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for 13 consecutive years, one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years, and it has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships® for the past four years by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.

For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu. SBU’s Office of Marketing & Communications is available to news media 24/7 at 417-399-7918.


Thursday, August 9, 2012

SBU COBACS Students Awarded Jack Henry Scholarships


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Each spring semester, three Jack Henry scholarships are awarded to SBU’s College of Business and Computer Science (COBACS) students for the following academic year.  

Joshua Tiffany, Morgan Wohnoutka, Aaron Meusborn
This year’s recipients were:  Aaron Meusborn, junior, management and international business major from Sedalia, Mo.; Joshua Tiffany, sophomore, computer science and mathematics major from Independence, Mo.; and Morgan Wohnoutka, sophomore, accounting major from Bolivar, Mo.


Jack Henry is a leading provider of products and services for processing transactions, automating business processes, and managing mission-critical information for more than 11,200 financial institutions and corporate entities. 

Students eligible for the Jack Henry scholarships must met the following criteria:  major in accounting, business administration, marketing, management, economics/finance, public relations, international business, computer information science, or computer science; have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better; and have junior or senior status at the end of the academic year.

Finalists for these scholarships are required to interview with two panels of interviewers (one internal to the College and one comprised of Jack Henry representatives).  The scholarship decisions are based on the combination of the two interviews. 

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PHOTO L to R: Joshua Tiffany, Morgan Wohnoutka, Aaron Meusborn

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 Student Awarded Phi Eta Sigma Scholarship


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. Caleb Harris, accounting and economics/finance major at Southwest Baptist University, has been awarded a Distinguished Member Scholarship in the amount of $6000 from Phi Eta Sigma.

Harris has served as the Treasurer of the SBU chapter of Phi Eta Sigma during the 2011-2012 school year and is one of only thirty-seven students nationwide to be chosen for this prestigous award.

Phi Eta Sigma, which is chartered in 365 campuses across the United States, is the nation's oldest and largest honor society for first year college and university student.

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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 CIS Teamed up with Local Teachers


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 Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) students recently teamed up with local area teachers recently to create a series of fun games which have a very serious intent: teaching Bolivar Public School students some state mandated learning objectives.

The games were created by as a class assignment by students in Computer Science 2, a freshman level software engineering course. Each game had to be based on a theme that would interest students in third, fourth, or fifth grade, and had to help students learn at topic they were studying in class. The topics ranged from the properties of electricity, to using fractions and making change, to recognizing proper nouns. The themes ranged from Phineas and Ferb to the Avengers.

“This is one of those truly win-win situations where everyone benefits,” said Dr. Tim DeClue, CIS Department Chair. “Our CIS students benefitted because they got to apply software engineering principles to a real problem domain and because they got to work with some talented teachers in the Bolivar Public School System. The Intermediate School students benefitted from playing the games and learning, and the teachers got to understand computer science and software engineering better.”    

Identifying willing teachers and getting the support of the school’s principal was a key aspect of the project.  Laura Boyd, BIS Principal, along with Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Endres, Mrs. Bolton, Mrs. Katrosh, Mrs. Stehr, and Math Lab Teacher Mrs. DeClue facilitated the class project at by serving as a project sponsor for the SBU CIS students. “Before a software project can be built, the engineers have to collect the project requirements. That is where the teachers came in to play,” said Dr. DeClue. “The SBU students interviewed the teachers to find out what the software was supposed to teach.  Without the teachers there would be no project.”

Southwest Baptist University’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences was founded in 1984 and is home to four full-time faculty, two faculty associates, and approximately 80 students majoring in computer science, computer information science, or web systems and design.  SBU CIS is a nationally recognized leader in undergraduate computing degrees at purposefully Christian institutions.     

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PHOTO Caption: Michael Gooley, SBU computer science major plays the educational game he wrote with two BIS students.

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 Benefit from UPS Foundation Grant


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will benefit from a recent grant of $40,800 to the Missouri Colleges Fund (MCF) from the UPS Foundation, which will underwrite need-based scholarships at each of the 17 MCF member schools including SBU. The scholarships will be awarded by the member schools to first generation, low-income, minority, or new American students.

MCF member schools are independent baccalaureate degree-granting liberal arts and comprehensive colleges and universities in the state of Missouri. Their income is derived primarily from private sources.

The MCF was incorporated in 1952 as a partnership of private enterprise and the member independent colleges and universities in the Show-Me State. The Fund is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt corporation; therefore, all contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible up to the limits prescribed by the law.
More information about MCF can be found online at www.mocollegesfund.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.

Monday, August 6, 2012

SBU Named One of America’s 100 Best College Buys


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University has been named one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for the 16th consecutive year by the Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc. Over 1,400 colleges and universities nationwide were considered for these honors.

The award is given on the basis of documented evidence of affordability and the SAT/ACT scores and grade point average of incoming freshmen. SBU scored well-above the national average.

SBU also has been recognized as one of America’s Best Christian Colleges® for the 15th consecutive year and has been named among institutions with America’s Best College Scholarships® for the past six years.

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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 Alumnus Shane Schoeller Shared Life Lessons with Summer Graduates


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

BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s summer graduates learned several lessons shared by 1994 alumnus, Shane Schoeller, who gave the commencement address on Friday, July 27, in Mabee Chapel.

Schoeller recounted the Bible story of Joseph from Genesis, Chapter 37, and shared life lessons he has learned from Joseph’s life. Schoeller said, “I believe that by keeping forgiveness, humility, and accountability front and center in all that we do, we will be able to have an impact for our Lord and Savior Jesus.”

Shane Schoeller '94
In his address, Schoeller also told stories from his early days in sales and from his political career, and reiterated that without the three intangibles of forgiveness, humility, and accountability, he “would have missed out on many opportunities. The Lord has helped me learn that [these intangibles] are powerful in helping us avoid the enemies’ plan for us.”

BIOGRAPHY FOR SHANE SCHOELLER
As the Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives, Schoeller represents 39,224 citizens of Springfield and nearby Fair Grove, Walnut Grove and Willard. He is serving his third term in the 139th District.

Schoeller graduated from Branson High School in Taney County in 1990.   He earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in political science from SBU in 1994.  After graduation, he entered public and private service, including a leadership role in the Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield that preceded his election as a legislator in 2006.

As a new graduate, Schoeller, an active Republican, worked as field representative for Senator John Ashcroft and Senator Kit Bond, later becoming a legislative assistant to Congressman Roy Blunt and later chief administrative aide to Secretary of State Matt Blunt.

Prior to his election to the House, Schoeller served as the Director of Government Affairs for the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Springfield. He was a leader in encouraging pro-jobs and pro-growth policies in home construction, helping make homeownership an affordable opportunity for current and new homebuyers.

In the House, he has served on committees that reviewed budget appropriations, utilities, taxation and revenue, and also disaster recovery “after the Joplin tornado of 2011”. He was unanimously chosen by his peers as the House’s second ranking official in 2011.

Prior to his work with the HBA, Schoeller raised funds for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a global non-profit organization serving more than 1,500 campuses worldwide, to help teach young people the principles of free enterprise.

Schoeller and wife, Mendie, are the parents of Emma, Dorthy, and Johnny. The Schoeller family makes their home in Willard, Missouri. Mendie is a practicing attorney in estate planning and probate law. Shane is a member of the NRA and Missouri Farm Bureau.  Schoeller, Mendie and their children attend Second Baptist Church of Springfield.

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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.