MBU
MAGAZINE
a p u b l i c at i o n o f m i s s o u r i b a p t i s t u n i v e r s i t y
winter 2017
t h e pr esident
The Next Adventure Nearly two years ago, I began deliberating and praying about a time to retire. Unlike some who go through this process, I never had an epiphany, but I did gradually warm to the idea.
Dr. R. Alton Lacey, mbu President
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While I very much look forward to the next challenge in my life, there will always be fragments of my heart and spirit at MBU.
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The transition to new leadership seemed right for MBU. Spartan Village was completed. The Higher Learning Commission granted the University full, 10-year accreditation. The new nursing program is on track to admit the first students this January, and finances and enrollment are solid. With MBU in good shape, I felt the timing was right for me to retire. Therefore, next fall will be the first time since I was five years old that I will not be on a school campus either as a student, teacher, or administrator. Over the past forty-two years, I have been fortunate to work with some of the finest people on earth. The last twenty-three as President of MBU have filled me with great affection for the faculty, staff, students, and trustees with whom I have labored to build this university into what it is today. The years were filled with excitement as together we conceived and brought to life new programs and projects beyond what any of us alone could have achieved. I am especially indebted to the loyal senior staff who worked faithfully with me to bring about change when change was necessary. Their confidence and support made my task easier and much more enjoyable. No one could have had a harder working council of administrators. When it comes to faculty, I have long been the envy of colleagues for the cooperative and entrepreneurial spirit of the MBU faculty. They are at the forefront of our efforts to provide a faithful presence to students and to help them flourish. Our campus service staff brims with enthusiasm and dedication to maintain a clean and beautiful environment for work and study. The nice comments people have made to
me since my announcement are truly humbling. I do not assume that I merit such praise, but I have tried always to discharge my duties to the best of my ability and to uphold the core values and ideals that have marked MBU since its founding. I will transition from President to Chancellor in January and remain in that position through June. I look forward to working closely with and supporting my successor Dr. Keith Ross. He is uniquely qualified to lead MBU to its next level of success. With a doctorate in higher education administration and a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Educational Management he is well qualified academically. He is also a graduate of MBU and has twenty years of senior level executive experience. He is a committed Christian and a lifelong Missouri Baptist who understands the issues related to faith based institutions. His areas of expertise include enrollment, financial aid and fund raising, all critical to a successful presidency. A person of impeccable integrity and a dynamic visionary leader, Dr. Ross is the right leader at the right time for MBU. I recall reading a passage by Kahlil Gibran that expressed the pain of leaving a place. He writes, “Too many fragments of the spirit have I scattered in these streets…and I cannot withdraw from them without a burden and an ache.” While I very much look forward to the next challenge in my life, there will always be fragments of my heart and spirit at MBU. I hope to be able to return when possible and appropriate to see what the future brings to this worthy university. Thank you to all who have provided me with delightful memories of a special place. ■
The Next President
Dr. Keith L. Ross has been named Missouri Baptist University’s seventh president.
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The Lacey Legacy
Dr. R. Alton Lacey’s faithful presence to mbu leaves a legacy to students, the University and beyond.
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Poised for Promise
A ballerina with the St. Louis Ballet prepares for her second calling at mbu.
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Power Couple
Two Normandy educators inspire overlooked students and equip them for success.
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Departments From the President pg. 02
Poised for Promise pg. 10
Power Couple pg. 22
News pg. 04
The Lacey Legacy pg. 12
Nothing in this World pg. 24
Nice to Meet You pg. 09
My Moment to Shine pg. 20
Where are They Now? pg. 26
President | Dr. R. Alton Lacey Senior VP for University Advancement, President-Elect | Dr. Keith Ross ‘87 Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs | Dr. Arlen Dykstra Senior VP for Business Affairs | Ken Revenaugh Associate Provost & Senior VP for Student Development | Dr. Andy Chambers Editor | Bryce Chapman Managing Editor | Coral Christopher ‘14 Staff Writer | Katlyn Moncada Graphic Designers | Christine Kenney & Jenny Sinamon Photographers | Jenny Sinamon, Lisa Hessel, Pratt Kreidich, Dr. Allin Means and Matt Williams Contributors | Julie Dodson, Jill Hanna, Dr. R. Alton Lacey, Kelly Leavitt, Sandra Riutcel and Christian Robinson ‘17 www.mobap.edu
The mbu Magazine is published by the University Communications Office of Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Issues are published in summer and winter. Send change of address notification at least a month before effective date, including both old and new addresses. Postmaster send address changes to mbu Magazine, Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Articles and letters to the editor are welcome. Email submissions to editor@mobap.edu. All submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned. Free subscriptions are provided to University alumni, donors and friends. Contact 314.392.2304 or editor@mobap.edu for details. We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith. We will freely and responsibly search for truth. We strive for excellence. We believe in the importance and cultivation of character. We believe in social change through service and leadership.
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N EWS · WINTE R 2017
Dr. Keith L. Ross named Missouri Baptist University’s seventh president The Missouri Baptist University Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Keith L. Ross as the University’s seventh president in November. Ross, a native of St. Louis, is mbu’s senior vice president for university advancement. He currently oversees the areas of undergraduate enrollment, development, marketing and communications, financial services, alumni relations and special events. “I am deeply humbled and honored to lead mbu’s exceptional faculty and staff as we accomplish Kingdom work,” Ross said. “The vibrant Christian liberal arts mission of mbu occupies a unique position at the crossroads of faith and academic excellence. I look forward to extending that distinct mission as the University’s next president.” The appointment comes following a national search conducted by the presidential search committee, which began its work in August. Ross’ tenure will officially begin Jan. 10, 2018. “The trustees believe there is no one more uniquely qualified to now lead mbu as president than Dr. Keith Ross,” said Dr. William Miller, chairman of mbu’s Board of Trustees. “His 25 years of Christian higher education leadership, along with his Christian commitment, academic pedigree and collaborative spirit, will serve the University well as it embraces its bright future.” He will succeed Dr. Alton Lacey, the longest-standing mbu president, who will transition into the role of chancellor until his retirement in the summer of 2018. “We are grateful for the 23 years of leadership Dr. Lacey has provided mbu,” Miller said. “He is a committed Christian, a visionary, a leader, and a friend to us all. The Board of Trustees expresses its deep appreciation for
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Dr. Lacey’s leadership and his legacy at Missouri Baptist University.” Ross began his tenure at mbu in 1992. During his time at mbu, he has successfully led three major fundraising campaigns that have
Dr. Keith Ross and his wife, Ginger
provided resources to further the University’s Christ-centered mission. As the chief enrollment officer, Dr. Ross has led the enrollment management team to execute a student recruitment plan that enrolls a balanced and
diverse student body. Undergraduate enrollment on mbu’s main campus has increased 30 percent over the past decade culminating in the largest freshman class in University history in 2017. Recently, Dr. Ross was instrumental in launching both the University’s School of Nursing and its new adult and online programs. In 1987, Dr. Ross earned a bachelor of arts in religion from mbu. He earned a master of arts in organizational leadership in 2008 from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 2014, he earned his doctorate of education in higher education leadership from Maryville University in St. Louis. In addition, Ross has completed postgraduate work at Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. Dr. Ross and his wife, Ginger, have been married for 24 years, and they have one daughter, Madaline, who attends the University of Tulsa. The Rosses, both lifelong Missouri Baptists, are currently members of Fellowship of Wildwood in West St. Louis County. “Ginger and I are honored to serve the University we love and where we have invested much of our lives,” Ross said. “We look forward to this new chapter.” ■
N EWS · WINTE R 2017
Wall Street Journal names MBU 7th top school for inspiration Students’ Top Schools for Inspiration The schools ranked highest by students for inspiration 1. Alverno College 2. The Master’s University 3. Spelman College 4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 5. Brown University 6. Dartmouth College 7. Missouri Baptist University 8. Harvard University 9. Harding University 10. Houghton College Source: The Wall Street Journal
Missouri Baptist University has been named the 7th top university for inspiration by peers. The ranking was published in The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education’s top U.S. college rankings lists for 2018. The survey asked students across the country: “Do you think your college provides an environment where you feel you are surrounded by exceptional students who inspire and motivate you?” “Peers are the single most important
influential group on campus in terms of how students spend their time, what classes they take, how much they study and what habits they pick up,” said George Kuh, an educational policy professor with Indiana University in a quote for the Wall Street Journal. mbu has taken care in building an atmosphere that encourages students to pursue excellence in their studies while supporting their communities and each other. This can be seen throughout mbu including its resident
life with the construction of Spartan Village, an innovative on-campus residential community that opened in phases from 2011 to 2016. The spirit of an atmosphere conducive to peer-inspiration has been key for academic programs including the launch and expansion of undergraduate and graduate online degrees and the start of the new mbu School of Nursing, which begins its first cohort in January. ■
MBU exceeds first MBU Give Day challenge On Wednesday, October 4, Missouri Baptist University organized mbu Give Day to support the mbu Annual Fund. With the initial goal of 200 donors in 24 hours, a total of 209 students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents exceeded the challenge’s goal. “The support shown by the mbu community is encouraging,” said Ashlee Johnson, mbu Director of Development. “mbu Give Day was a collective effort to celebrate the mission of mbu by raising funds to enhance the overall student experience at mbu.”
Johnson hopes to continue the success with future events in upcoming years. The mbu Annual Fund was established to make a direct investment in the lives of students and faculty. The Fund supports the affordability of tuition, retaining and attracting faculty who help build on mbu’s tradition of academic excellence, technology updates expanding upon learning excellence, and continually improving the student life experience on campus. ■
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N EWS · WINTE R 2017
MBU dedicates new School of Nursing facilities Missouri Baptist University leadership, faculty, staff and friends gathered at the Walker Medical Building on Nov. 9 to dedicate the School of Nursing. President Dr. R. Alton Lacey, Founding Dean of Nursing Dr. Amber Pyatt, Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Arlen Dykstra and Dean of Academic Advisement and Allied Health Initiative Dr. Lydia Thebeau all spoke words of faith and wisdom during the event. Approximately 8,000 square feet of space was renovated to create the new facilities in the Walker Medical Building, which neighbors mbu’s main campus. The school provides an innovative learning space, a state-of-the-art simulation lab, technology-equipped training classrooms and community meeting areas. The School of Nursing is expected to begin its educational programs for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing beginning in January 2018 upon a final approval by the Missouri Board of Nursing. An RN-BSN program already began online as well as on-ground this fall. mbu is the only evangelical Christian University in St. Louis to offer a nursing program that aims to intersect innovative preparation with Christian perspectives and to integrate personal faith in the practice of nursing program while serving in a global and culturally diverse society. The launch of mbu’s nursing program comes when the demand for registered nurses who have earned a BSN is high. In Missouri, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow more than
Founding Dean of Nursing Dr. Amber Pyatt is joined by President Dr. R. Alton Lacey and the mbu Trustees for the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony at the University’s new School of Nursing facility.
13 percent by 2024, according to Missouri’s Division of Employment Security. The projections are, in part, based on the rising demand for healthcare confounded with a significant number of nurses who will be retiring in the next decade. ■
Women in communications panel launches 2017-2018 MBU Media Talk series
From left to right: Christina Coleman, Cathryn Wojcicki, Maggie Crane, Melanie Bernds, Linda Thurman, Zofia Garlicka Sowers, Tina Babel, Ellen Rostand, Jessica Moore and Abby Kassebaum
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A panel of women in communications leadership launched the 2017-2018 Missouri Baptist University Media Talk Series on Nov. 7. The panel featured professional women with diverse backgrounds in communications leadership. The panelists shared their professional and personal experiences in the workforce. Amanda Staggenborg, mbu assistant professor of public relations and communications, is the coordinator of mbu Media Talk. The series was launched in 2012 to inspire students to achieve their dreams by showcasing professionals at the top of their fields. Each guest was selected to highlight the variety of opportunities in corporate, government and non-profit professions that are available in St. Louis. ■
N EWS ¡ WINTE R 2017
MBU celebrates 2017 homecoming
mbu brought back the tradition of Spartan Rally following Homecoming Chapel. This year, a 200-foot zipline and bungee trampolines were added to the festivities.
Sophomore Maddi Sullivan sings alongside her band, 5 Miles to Manchester, during the 21st annual thePerk: the event.
During Rally Alley, a pep rally before the football game, the growing mbu Pep Band performed as Spartan fans dined on Sugarfire Smoke House and ice cream.
Freshman offensive lineman Austin Bush protects freshman quarterback Tim Brenneisen from an attempted tackle during the game against the University of Saint Francis.
Freshman Derika Amsden cheers during the football game. Alongside the addition of football at mbu, the spirit program added a dance team and a competitive cheer team.
Spartan fans celebrate after the mbu football team scored a touchdown.
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N EWS · WINTE R 2017
MBU hosts Crowder performance, sets date for Rend Collective concert The Grammy-nominated Christian singer Crowder appeared in concert Friday, November 3 at Missouri Baptist University as part of his American Prodigal tour. The tour promoted Crowder’s sophomore album American Prodigal, released in 2016, featuring the singles “Run Devil Run” and “Forgiven.” Crowder appeared with special guests Jimi Cravity and The Young Escape. Crowder released his first solo album in 2014, the Neon Steeple. The album featured the single, “I Am,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart. David Crowder is the former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning David Crowder Band. This spring, mbu will host Irish worship group Rend Collective when it brings its Good News tour to mbu on April 15. Rend Collective, a folk-inspired Dove-nominated worship group, has performed alongside Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Tenth Avenue North. The Northern Ireland worship group has produced eight records since 2010, starting with “Organic Family Hymnal,” and in 2016 released “Campfire II: Simplicity.” ■
Artist Jimi Cravity opens the show, singing original songs about surrender, belief and worship in a pop-rock style.
Crowder sings to a sold-out audience at Missouri Baptist University as part of the American Prodigal Tour.
#ShineOnMBU Follow @MoBaptistU on Instagram to stay up to date with the remarkable everyday of MBu.
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From left to right: Freshman Cameron Tyler eagerly awaits his first day of Welcome Weekend. ■ The mbu community gathered to watch the historical total solar eclipse moment on the Quad on the first day of the fall semester. ■ mbu students, faculty and staff volunteered their time to Meals for a Million, a food packaging event to produce one million meals that were distributed to those affected by the hurricane in Texas and St. Louis areas. ■ Students race in the Spartan Dash on the Quad with Exercise is Medicine, one of the University’s many clubs. ■
Nice to Meet You AARON LUMPKIN | C ampus Minister Campus Minister Aaron Lumpkin began his journey to furthering the mission of spiritual development at Missouri Baptist University in the fall of 2017. He graduated from Liberty University with a B.A. in Pastoral Leadership and Biblical Exposition and received a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lumpkin is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 1 PARENTING PADAWANS This year, the Lumpkins introduced Star Wars to their children in hope that they too would become fans. They watched the Star Wars in chronological order and sometimes dress up as their favorite characters. 2 SHELVES OF KNOWLEDGE As a minister pursuing a Ph.D. in historical theology, Lumpkin’s bookshelf of theological works is no surprise. For Lumpkin, his growing historical theology collection dates back to 1802 with words by Andrew Fuller.
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3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIE Lumpkin was not familiar with St. Louis prior to applying for his new position, so moving to a historical French-founded city from Raleigh, North Carolina came with uncertainties. Lumpkin embraced the new culture and settled on moving to the Clifton Heights neighborhood in St. Louis City, which he feels is a perfect fit for his family. 4 NATURE AS ART Lumpkin spends a considerable amount of time with lawn shears in hand. If he wasn’t called to ministry, he would pursue a career as a landscape architect, since he considers designing and maintaining beautiful yards a hobby. 5 COUNTRY LOVE Southern born and raised, Lumpkin has a palate for homecooked country comfort foods such as fried chicken, green beans, fried okra and pecan pie with a glass (or two) of sweet tea. 6 EXTRAORDINARY TREASURE Lumpkin’s coin collection, which was started by his grandfather, serves as tokens of world adventures. Some of Lumpkin’s most prized coins were collected by his grandfather during his service in wwii. As Lumpkin’s grandfather served in wwii, he collected coins from different cultures—one even dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s. 7 FAMILY BEGINNING Lumpkin and his wife, Sara, were high school sweethearts in South Carolina. The duo married in 2007 and have three children: Isaiah, Jonathan and Samuel. ■ ■
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A ballerina with the St. Louis Ballet prepares for her second calling at mbu.
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Ballet is her big love, and she spends more than seven Saint Louis Ballet when she danced as a fairy in “Sleeping hours a day, six days a week rehearsing. But she also Beauty.” The part included a solo. considers herself an old soul who loves black and white “It was the first time I got to set myself apart from movies, knitting, sewing, her King Charles spaniel dancing with a group of people,” Morse said. “I got to put “Mikey,” old records and reading the classics like “Great a lot of my personality in it, and I think it was a really big Expectations.” step in my career.” Kimberly Morse is a freshman at Missouri Baptist Morse is realistic with her ballet career and knows that University studying exercise science. She has also danced she cannot dance forever. She is 22 years old now, and with the Saint Louis Ballet for the past three years. most dancers dance until about their late 30s. When Morse was growing up in a family with seven “I want to honestly dance as long as I can because I love children in southern Oregon, she would be the one sitting it,” she said. “Ballet is a short career, and I could get hurt prim and proper in the middle of all of the chaos caused tomorrow and that would be it.” by her three older brothers. “I wanted to start school now and have something to fall It was a family rule that no one could get dessert if they back on,” Morse added. “I love mbu and especially those got up from their seat, and she was relationships I’ve built with my usually the only one to get dessert. professors and the people in the “She always had this Grace Kellydorms since I live on campus.” type poise about her that was really “The hardest part is just finding neat,” said her father, Brian Morse. time for homework and all of the “She did a tap-dancing class when she things I need to do,” Morse added. was about four or five, and it went Morse loves her exercise science from tap dancing to taking some ballet classes at mbu and looks forward classes.” to using them in her second career Both of her parents are basketball as an occupational therapist. She coaches. All of her six siblings, which has always been drawn to senior also include a younger brother and citizens and would love to work two younger sisters, are involved with them in an assisted living in some kind of athletic sport – facility or hospital. basketball, volleyball or tennis. She credits her love of that age “We used to joke – oh no ballet, no group to her “old soul” – they have a cheerleading stuff!” her father added. lot in common as far as knitting and “It was different for our family but also sewing. When Morse was a child, pretty cool because that’s what she her favorite performances were in loved.” senior citizen centers. Morse has been dancing for 12 years There’s just something Even today when she has a straight. She left home at the age of 14 break from school, she goes to about performing that is to intensely train at ballet school and assisted living homes and dances moved every couple of years since to so rewarding – to get on for the residents. She usually pursue her dream. brings a record player and dances stage and perform and “There’s just something about to a Doris Day song, her favorite performing that is so rewarding — to see the audience’s actress from the golden age of get on stage and perform and see the reactions ... A lot of shows Hollywood. audience’s reactions,” Morse said. “A lot She laughs about the day of shows will connect with people on will connect with people she was passing a sign for an emotional level, and it’s rewarding Missouri Baptist University on on an emotional level, to give back to others in that way.” the interstate when she was She joined the Saint Louis Ballet in and it’s rewarding to give searching for schools. She went in 2015. She was one of 100 applicants that to visit, and that was it. back to others in that way. year to audition, and one of only two “I woke up that morning not who received a contract. knowing what to do, and I went to “She already possessed such solid bed registered for classes,” Morse technique and carried herself with such elegance as a added. “I fell in love with the campus, and I liked everyone ballerina at the time,” said Gen Horiuchi, the executive who I met!” and artistic director of the Saint Louis Ballet. “I saw a lot “If I am going to go to school, I wanted to find a way to of potential in her dancing.” go somewhere that has a strong Christian background,” “She has never missed a class or rehearsal and is very Morse added of her decision to attend mbu. “Ballet is very dedicated and hard working,” Horiuchi added. liberal, and I wanted a school that was outside of my Morse’s most memorable role was last May with the dance experience.” ■ mbu magazine 11
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Legacy THE LACEY
When Dr. R. Alton Lacey first entered the West County campus of then Missouri Baptist College from Outer 40 Road in 1994, he noticed a large cube with “Missouri Baptist College” inscribed. Since then, Lacey was named the College’s sixth president, the cube was changed to read “Missouri Baptist University,” and during the Christmas season, a radiant Christmas tree built by Dr. Lacey himself rests on top of the cube. It’s Dr. Lacey’s mindset of strategic vision and personal devotion that transformed the small college into a thriving university that has proven to be a significant influence in the world of higher education.
When Dr. Lacey assumed the presidency in 1995, he was tasked with leading a college at the crossroads of greatness. From his home in Louisiana, Dr. Lacey brought a spirit of excellence as he led Missouri Baptist College to achieve its potential.
During his inauguration ceremony, the new president shared a 3-point strategic vision for the College to cultivate excellence. He wanted the College to: 1) commit to a strong curriculum and superb teaching 2) develop an attractive campus with a strong
residential program and 3) develop people. “After all, the college is not just a collection of buildings, or courses of study,” said Dr. Lacey. “It is a community of individuals.” Throughout the years, Dr. Lacey led his vision to fruition. The University now offers 57 undergraduate programs and 17 graduate programs including two doctoral programs. Twenty-one of the programs are offered online – something incomprehensible in 1995. The campus has more than tripled resident students, quadrupled campus facilities and became “Missouri Baptist University.” But the transformation was led by more than a pursuit of excellence by objectives. During his inauguration speech, Dr. Lacey challenged himself and others to “put Missouri Baptist College in your heart and your heart in Missouri Baptist College.” The fledgling college from 1995 has transformed into a thriving university because Dr. Lacey has done just that, creating a legacy throughout his tenure and service.
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Dr. Lacey — The Catalyst
As president of mbu for 23 years — the longest serving president in mbu history — Dr. Lacey has led the University nearly half of its years. Over the years, Dr. Lacey has served with Missouri Baptist College in his heart, becoming the catalyst for the college to realize its potential.
“Under his leadership, mbu has become a flagship institution leading the way in graduate and postgraduate courses delivered in person and online.” Dr. Shirley Hoogstra President of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
When Dr. Lacey first stepped onto the campus of Missouri Baptist College, the campus was a forest of trees with five buildings in the center: Field Academic Hall, Jung-Kellogg Library, Administration Building, Muncy Gymnasium and one residence hall — Pillsbury Huff Dormitory. Since then, mbu has quadrupled the number of facilities, but the buildings are a mere portion the metamorphosis of Missouri Baptist College.
A Place for Students to Flourish Shortly after assuming the presidency, Dr. Lacey launched the construction of North Hall. The new women’s dorm opened in January 1997. Today, North Hall remains one of the largest dormitories in the state. The spacious suite-styled rooms and relaxed community areas were a catalyst to the formation of deep relationships and a thriving residential community busting at its seams. In 2011, the University unveiled and began plans for Spartan Village, an expansive residential community. The first phase included modern apartment-style living, and became home to 14 mbu magazine
students in the fall of 2011. Despite the new buildings, Resident Life was at capacity. Two years later, the second phase of Spartan Village was completed with the construction of Spartan Row and an overhaul of the dining hall located in the Field Academic building. The 106-bed residential complex features innovative pod-style living. In each pod, 16 students live in community with one another in airy suite layouts including a full kitchen and living room. In 2016, the University completed the 80-bed Spartan Village South — phase III of the plan — and soon after reached capacity. Again. Spartan Village South offers a more traditional housing experience, but with the conveniences and facilities to build community and succeed in classes. Victoria Underwood, ’14, is now a resident director of Spartan Village South and lived on campus all four years of her time as a Missouri Baptist University student. “Living in mbu’s residential housing was a blessing that helped me form meaningful relationships that I still cherish,” said
Dr. Lacey has served with Missouri Baptist in his heart, becoming the catalyst for the College to realize its potential. mbu magazine  15
“Dr. Lacey has been a transformational force in creating strong faith-based academic programs that prepare students for success in their careers and leading their communities.” Dr. Arlen Dykstra, mbu provost and senior vice president for academic affairs
Underwood. “Those four years played a large role in my college experience. I am fortunate that I can help other students build the same experience.” To the west of Spartan Village is the campus coffeehouse, thePerk. Named after mbu’s favored coffee and music tradition, thePerk opened in 2007. Since then, thePerk has been a study refuge and host to Bible studies, classes, open-mic nights, other student life events and much laughter. At the coffee bar, you will find the University’s own mbu Brew — hand selected by Dr. Lacey. Next to thePerk is the state-of-the-art Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex, which opened in 2011. The facility includes a fitness center, group fitness room, indoor track, the home for mbu’s exercise science program, classrooms, athletic offices and community spaces. The hallmark feature of the building is Dr. Lacey’s namesake competition gymnasium. The space has hosted national championships, including the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National 16 mbu magazine
Championships. When the men’s volleyball team competed — and won — the national championship in 2015 and 2016, Dr. Lacey was, not surprisingly, among the nearly 1,000 fans cheering during the final games. Throughout the years, the athletic program has grown under Dr. Lacey. The University is ahead of the curve in offering programs including sand volleyball and e-sports. In 2014, the University began its first competitive year for football and a year later dedicated Spartan Field, a state-of-the-art artificial turf field and complex.
The Pursuit of Academic Excellence Even more than the athletics program, Dr. Lacey has developed flourishing academic programs at Missouri Baptist University. When he assumed the presidency of Missouri Baptist College, only 30 undergraduate degrees were offered. Today, the University offers 67 undergraduate degrees and 17 graduate degrees including
two doctoral programs. This January, the University will launch the School of Nursing’s first cohorts for the Bachelor of Science prelicensure program and RN to BSN program. The University now includes eight regional learning centers, providing campuses for students throughout eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. In the fall of 2015, mbu launched the Adult and Online Program. This division is geared at offering higher education in a way that meets the challenges of busy adult learners, particularly those who have started and stopped their pursuit for a college degree. The division offers nine undergraduate degrees and twelve graduate degrees including an Ed.D. in higher education. “Dr. Lacey has been a transformational force in creating strong, faith-based academic programs that prepare students for success in their careers and leading their communities,” said Dr. Arlen Dykstra, mbu provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Not only has he led in creating an expansive
degree offering for undergraduate and graduate degrees, but he has developed high expectations for professors and students in achievement.” In 2002, the University launched its first graduate program with the Master of Science in Education. With this, Dr. Lacey announced a significant change to the growing college. Missouri Baptist College would be no more — it became Missouri Baptist University. Another catalyst for the name change was the erection of the University’s flagship building — the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center. The expansive building is home to one of St. Louis’ premiere acoustically engineered auditoriums, a presidential suite and the home of mbu’s division of fine arts. The prominent rotunda is a signature feature of the University and has been included since it was erected in 2000. Since the building’s erection, degree programs including journalism were added and continue to blossom, students transform to confident actors and musicians, the
growing campus continues to come together to worship God every Thursday for chapel and the auditorium has hosted concerts for major Christian artists including David Crowder and Switchfoot. And perhaps less known — fine arts students regularly gather at the base of the rotunda allowing the tower to echo their sweet melodies throughout the hallowed halls.
A Campus of People Since Dr. Lacey’s first commencement at Missouri Baptist College, the institution has awarded more than 14,302 degrees. In the University’s 53 years, 86 percent of the conferred degrees have been under Dr. Lacey’s leadership. For many mbu students, commencement is not the only time they see or interact with Dr. Lacey. He’s often found sipping coffee in thePerk, cheering on students during games or on the Pillsbury Chapel stage. Dr. Lacey has frequented the stage throughout his tenure as president as a
performer. Performances include Carousel, the opening play of Pillsbury chapel, to last February’s production of, “Love Letters” alongside his wife and retired assistant professor of music, Mrs. Pat Lacey. During Dr. Lacey’s time spent in many mbu productions, he developed meaningful relationships with his fellow actors — the students of mbu. Among these students is Kasey (Bartley) Cox, ’10. Cox’s first performance at mbu was with Dr. Lacey and Pat Lacey in the production of, “Harvey.” and she acted in other productions throughout her time as a student. During these productions, Cox and her fellow students built relationships with the president. “I was a first-generation college student, so I thought this was normal,” said Cox. “Later on, I realized that this was not normal. I learned that at other universities it is common for students not to even see their president, while I was in productions with mine.” Now an instructor of communications and mbu magazine 17
theatre at mbu, Cox witnesses her students build relationships with Dr. Lacey and recognizes his effect as a role model. “Dr. Lacey always arrives early with his lines memorized,” said Cox. “His professionality is a strong example for our freshmen. But more than that is his devotion. He will work on building sets and always stays for strike — the teardown of a set following the final performance of a production. As a president, he doesn’t need to stay for strike, but he chooses to work alongside us.” Brenna Lacey, Dr. Lacey’s daughter, recalls the effect the students also had on her father. “I would come home for the holiday, and Dad would talk about these students during dinner like they were old family friends,” said Brenna. “He still talks about the students and alumni today.”
Spheres of Influence In October 1995, fellow higher education and St. Louis leaders were invited to witness the inauguration of Dr. Lacey. Among those in the crowd was the president of neighboring Maryville University. Dr. Keith Lovin, now retired, remembers that day well thanks to an unprecedented event during the inauguration. Dr. Lacey broke out into song. As a renaissance man with spiritual conviction, the fact that Dr. Lacey would sing a hymn is now rather expected. But in 1995 in the world of higher education, this was unorthodox. “When I heard him sing, I remember thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’” said Dr. Lovin. “But since then, we have developed a deep and dear friendship.” After the inauguration, the two presidents developed a strong professional relationship and confided in each other as they weathered the ever-changing landscape of higher education. “Alton and I enjoyed a close professional relationship,” said Dr. Lovin. “But our deep friendship was forged while fly fishing on trout streams all over the country. In good weather and bad, we spent countless days wading streams or in drift boats in search of elusive trout. That is where our true selves were revealed. Those streams nourished our souls and provided balance and perspective in our lives.” It is through this relationship that 18 mbu magazine
Dr. Lovin realized the fortune Missouri Dr. Alton Lacey has provided visionary Baptist University obtained in naming leadership distinguished by an unwavering Dr. Lacey its president. commitment to the institution’s mission,” said “I am familiar with where mbu was when Dr. McMillin. “Providing students with the Dr. Lacey became president,” said Lovin. opportunity for professional and personal “I believe that he was the perfect person to success in a setting where their faith is not assume the mantle of leadership, and he has compromised and doing so consistently brought it to a commendable level of maturity in light of cultural shifts and challenges is and influence. His mark on the institution will no small achievement. We are thankful for be long-lasting, and he will be remembered for Dr. Lacey’s commitment to Christian higher his inspirational and visionary leadership.” education.” Not only has Dr. Lacey made his mark As a part of his national leadership in on mbu, but he has also influenced higher higher education, Dr. Lacey mentors new education nationally. university presidents including Dr. David “Alton was an important player in higher Hoag, the president of Warner University. education — not just in St. Louis, but also in As Dr. Lacey’s mentee, Dr. Hoag is learning Missouri and nationally,” said Dr. Lovin. “He how to read the stream in fly fishing and is widely appreciated for his down-to-earth higher education. and unpretentious manner characterized by insight, humor, “During Dr. Lacey’s career as a president he has been goodwill, and wisdom.” Dr. Shirley able to “read the stream” of higher education and Hoogstra, president navigate challenges and opportunities to grow mbu.” of the Council for Christian Colleges and Dr. David Hoag, president of Warner University and mentee of Dr. Lacey Universities, agrees. “Dr. Lacey has served steadily, wisely and creatively in his long and productive role “A good fly fisherman such as Dr. Lacey as president of Missouri Baptist University,” knows how to read the stream,” said Dr. Hoag. Hoogstra said. “Under his leadership, mbu has “By reading the stream, you know what flies become a flagship institution leading the way in to use and know where the fish are located. graduate and postgraduate courses delivered in During Dr. Lacey’s career as a president, he person and online. Other educators come to mbu has been able to read the stream of higher to learn how to expand campus opportunities education and navigate challenges and in fiscally responsible ways. Dr. Lacey has opportunities to grow Missouri Baptist modernized the campus; impressive and University. My hope is that I will be able to beautiful is the first impression of any guest navigate the waters as well as he has done who comes for a visit.” during his faithful time of service at Missouri During Dr. Lacey’s tenure at mbu, he held Baptist University.” prestigious leadership positions including As Dr. Lacey retires in June, Dr. Lovin is meeting with President George W. Bush to helping his dearest friend prepare for the discuss higher education and terrorism and transition. Among the first activities will be a serving as the president of the International fly fishing trip along the Missoula River, the Association of Baptist Colleges and setting for one of Dr. Lacey’s favored books, Universities. “A River Runs Through It.” Dr. Lovin and One of the higher education leaders that Dr. Lacey will set out in the water where their noticed his leadership is Dr. Barbara McMillin, friendship truly began. who is currently serving as president of But this time, the mantle of Missouri Baptist the International Association of Baptist University will rest on its new president as Colleges and Universities alongside her role as Missouri Baptist University builds on its president of Blue Mountain College. realized potential but pushes forward to build “In his twenty plus years as the sixth upon its strength for an even brighter future president of Missouri Baptist University, ahead. ■
TH A NK YOU, DR. L AC EY.
“His mark on the institution will be long lasting and he will be remembered for his inspirational and visionary leadership.” Dr. Keith Lovin, former president of Maryville University
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MY MOMENT to SHINE Growing up with a love for singing and the stage, Jill Burroughs saw her first live show, “A Christmas Carol,” at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Today, the senior public relations major combines her passion for St. Louis’ thriving entertainment industry with her career goals as an intern for The Fabulous Fox Theatre. This fall, she worked in the marketing department after working in the sales department in the summer. Her days working behind the scenes allow her to create and coordinate media efforts for local publicity in this historical Broadway season, which is presenting shows including “Hamilton,” “The Color Purple” and “The King & I.” ■
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Power Couple Two Normandy educators inspire overlooked students and equip them for success.
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O B I N N O A N D D R . K I M B E R LY C O L E Y drive separately to work every day, even though they often end up at the same place. The two educators drive to Normandy School District from their home in O’Fallon, Illinois because of the same goal: to give students the chance to succeed despite what challenges the students may face. “We are both really busy during the day and drive separate cars in to work,” Kimberly said. “Sometimes I may hear his voice in the copy room but we don’t usually run into each other unless we make it a point to.” Both Coleys received a degree at mbu in 2015 – Obinno received his Master of Arts in Teaching, and Kimberly received her Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning. Obinno is in his fourth year of teaching business education for Normandy High School. He teaches marketing and entrepreneurship classes to students in all four grades. Kimberly has been an area coordinator for the Special School District of St. Louis County since 2014. She is assigned to both Normandy Middle and High School. Obinno first fell in love with teaching when he taught a high school Sunday School class at Bond Avenue Missionary Baptist Church after he was baptized in 2005, and things just snowballed from there. He loves building closer relationships with the students and getting to know them on a deeper level. His favorite class to teach, by far, is entrepreneurship. Obinno first taught entrepreneurship during his time student teaching at McCluer North and brought the program to Normandy School District. “The students get to be creative and just dream and come up with crazy ideas,” Obinno said. “But it’s also a challenge to get kids to dream big, challenge the norm and think outside the box.” “Some kids just don’t believe they can be great,” Obinno added. Obinno had a student design more stylish hearing aids that led to her having her own business, and he had another one who designed a “double backpack” that ended up
placing in a national competition. Normandy is in an urban school district and has had challenges with accreditation in the past. Three years ago they only had 10 Annual Performance Report (APR) points toward provisional accreditation with more than 75 points as of the 2015-2016 school year, according to Obinno. “They’re making progress but they still have a long way to go,” Obinno said. “That’s the struggle of any urban school – you want attendance to increase and bad behavior to decrease.” “The more you can read, the less trouble they can get into,” he added. Obinno is sure that they are on the right track and is glad that reading and math skills are improving. That way, he can spend more time teaching entrepreneurship instead of simply preparing students for standardized tests. Kimberly’s favorite thing about her job is easy to pinpoint – having a positive impact on the lives of children.
“We kind of push each other to greatness,” Kimberly said of her relationship with Obinno. “We put God first, try to be a good example, and provide opportunities for our kids.”
“Shaping and molding students into productive citizens and giving them the tools to be successful is very rewarding,” Kimberly said. “And I like that I am never bored since every day is different.” Part of her responsibility is working with special education students. She finds it especially rewarding to impact those kids who
may be a little more difficult to reach. Both Coleys learned a lot about their field of education during their time at mbu. The couple both graduated from mbu on the same day in 2015. “It’s a rigorous program that really does prepare you as much as you can to be a teacher,” Obinno said. “I used to joke when I learned how to be a teacher I did everything but get paid for it.” mbu provided a firm foundation for Obinno’s future by providing hands-on experience, student teaching and other field experience. Kimberly also still uses what she learned during her time at mbu daily in her current role. There was a strong special education emphasis in her cohort, and that was invaluable experience for her. She also met a variety of different people during her time at mbu from different parts of Missouri and that helped her look at education through a different lens. “I was also taught that even when it is hard, and you get to a hard place – just keep on going,” Kimberly said. “I was working on my dissertation at the same time we had a new baby, and that was an important lesson for me.” Working with other education students at mbu helped Kimberly learn how to combine experience and ideas to help the students who need it most. “Even though the faces of the students look different, some of the problems we were facing were the same,” she said. “It was a great opportunity to put our heads together and figure out how to fix the problems in our schools.” The Coleys certainly stay busy with four kids and their competitive sports schedules, church activities and work. But they have their priorities in order. “We kind of push each other to greatness,” Kimberly said of her relationship with Obinno. “We put God first, try to be a good example, and provide opportunities for our kids.” ■
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‘C.S. Lewis and the Untamed Lion.’ Original drawing by Jake Weidmann. Copyright 2017 Limited Edition works available for purchase at JakeWeidmann.com
Nothing in this World: C.S. Lewis’ “Argument from Desire” Through the Lens of History
We show that we crave the perfect relationship with the perfect being in a perfect reality — the love of God in heaven. C.S. LEWIS, MERE CHRISTIANIT Y
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n the mid-twentieth century, in his classic little book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, a beloved author and Oxford scholar, summarized and defended a key aspect of the Christian anthropological outlook. Lewis introduced his “Argument from Desire,” an apologia concluding that God and heaven are real. “The Christian,” explained Lewis, “says, ‘Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists.’” Throughout history, humans exhibit behaviors suggesting an evidently natural longing for something “which no experience in this world can satisfy” time and again. We show that we crave the perfect relationship with the perfect being in a perfect reality — the
AUTHOR’S BIO Dr. Keith Beutler, professor of history, teaches history and political science courses at mbu, including upper-level courses in his specialty, the United States’ Founding era. Beutler received his Ph.D. in History from Washington University in St. Louis. His teaching awards include a 2003 Dean’s award for Teaching Excellence from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Washington University and Missouri Baptist University Distinguished Professor in 2009.
love of God in heaven. The most probable logical explanation for such a natural, but seemingly over-the-top longing, is not, Lewis insisted, that we naturally desire that which does not exist in nature, or reality, but that reality itself is bigger than we may realize. That “true country” heaven that we seek even if not fully instanced here, nonetheless exists “there”— in a further reality, beyond this present world and age. Philosophers and theologians have been debating the validity of Lewis’ argument for decades. Historians have generally ignored it. Given epistemic norms in our discipline, it is easy to think of objections—from the validly academic to the merely political—that would be raised against any serious scholarly attempt to test Lewis’ anthropological claims against inductive evidence from global history. This much however, is clear: there are many instances in history that might be cited in support of Lewis’s provocative argument. People across cultures, from ancient Sumer to today, have regularly betrayed the sort of angst that Lewis argued is essentially human. We observe this theme in the ancient Sumerian “Epic of Gilgamesh” that “being human holds a special grief of privacy within the universe.” Chinese philosopher Confucius’ taught: “Great as the universe is, man is yet not always satisfied with it.”
In western civilization, Lucretius, a Roman philosopher, observed that “While what we crave is wanting, it seems to transcend all the rest; then, when it has been gotten, we crave something else,” and discover to our chagrin that we are “not better off.” The Ancient Greek tragedy, “Prometheus Bound,” by Aeschylus leads the character of Hermes to declare, “Look for no ending to this agony, until a god will freely suffer for you, will take on him your pain, and in your stead, descend to where the sun is turned to darkness, the black depths of death.” This is exactly what Scripture says that the incarnate-God, in the person of Jesus Christ, did for us in real space-time history. The early North African theologian Augustine of Hippo advised, “Seek what you seek, but not where you seek it,” and: “Thou has made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in thee.” This siren song of cosmic human restlessness’ continues into modernity. Notice the remarkable confession of the atheist philosopher Jean Paul Sartre: “I do not feel that I am the product of chance, a speck of dust in the universe, but someone who was expected, prepared, prefigured,…a being whom only a creator could put here; and this idea of a creating hand refers to God.” Historically, this realization is not odd at all, and if Lewis’ “Argument from Desire” is right, it is altogether telling.
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C .S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Harper Collins, 1952), 136-37.
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A particularly compelling, and thorough, philosophical consideration of Lewis’s argument is: Peter Kreeft, Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1989).
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Herbert Mason, trans., Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1971), 54-55;
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Qian Sima, Yutang Lin, and Ming La, trans. Kongzi de zhi hui = The Wisdom of Confucius, Vol. 1, Lin Yutang Chinese-English Bilingual 2d ed. (New York: Random House, 2009), 129;
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Lucretius, as quoted in The Great Ideas: A Syntopicon of the Great Books of the Western World, vol. 2 of The Great Books of the Western World (Chicago: Encyclopaedia Brittanica, 1952), 329;
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Edith Hamilton, trans. Aeschylus, and Euripides, Three Greek Plays: Prometheus Bound, Agamemnon, the Trojan Women (New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 1937), 141;
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Augustine, The Confessions of Saint Augustine, 1.1, 4; Sartre, as quoted in Norman L. Geisler, Is Man the Measure: An Evaluation of Contemporary Humanism (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983), 46;
mbu magazine 25
Where Are They Now? Amber Warren
Adriane Muehleisen (Struckhoff)
Jennifer Jones
lives in Fenton, Missouri with her husband and their three children. During her time at mbu, Warren was a member of the choir and was part of the orchestra for a number of musicals. She is currently a counselor with Disability Determinations for social security disability.
lives in Wildwood, Missouri with her husband, Tim, and their four children, Ahren, Lydia, Denny and Maria. During her time at mbu, Muehleisen was a member of the mbu Ringers. She currently serves as an administrative assistant at mbu.
lives in Gravois Mills, Missouri. Jones was a cheerleader and part of the Student Athletic Trainers Association while at mbu. She is an emergency room technician at Capital Region Medical Center. Jones has been accepted into a nursing program that begins in January.
(B.A. in Psychology ’90)
(B.S. in Sports Medicine ’00)
John Yehling
David Spears
(B.A. Communications Studies ’02)
(B.A. in Religious Education ’96) lives in Imperial, Missouri with his wife, Rachel, and their two daughters, Hannah and Keren. Spears graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009 and is a chaplain in the Missouri Army National Guard.
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Chad Hodges
lives in Saint Louis, Missouri with his wife, Jessie, and their three children, Cecelia, Charlie and Colton. Yehling was on the men’s volleyball team while at mbu. He has worked at mbu since 2002 and currently serves as the associate athletics director and men’s volleyball coach.
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(B.A. in Religion ’96)
lives in Wildwood, Missouri with his wife, Joann, and their four children, Nate, Abby, Noah and Rebekah. While at mbu, Hodges served as the basketball manager and was a member of the Baptist Student Union as well as campus ministry teams. Hodges is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Wright City.
Kurt Lehmann
(B.S. in Mathematics and B.S. in Secondary Education ’03) lives in Saint Peters, Missouri with his wife, Jessie, and their two children, Colby and Mikah. He is a teacher in the Parkway School District and is serving as the math department chair for Parkway Central High School.
(B.S. in Sports Medicine ’03)
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Sarah Warren (Wesche)
(B.S. in Business Administration and Management ‘04) lives in Overland, Missouri with her husband, Andrew (’05, ’11), and their four children, Jeremiah, Madilynn, Anthony and Lillian. Warren was a member of sife during her time at mbu. She is a homemaker and is homeschooling her children.
Erin Lenihan-Chamness
(B.A. in Religious Education and Religious Studies ‘04) lives in Glendale, California with her husband Rick (’04). She was a cheerleader and a member of the Ministerial Alliance while at mbu. She serves as the director of ELL curriculum design at ABCMouse.com and the global sites.
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Alumni Awards 2017
Distinguished Alumnus
Outstanding Young Alumnus
During Homecoming 2017, Missouri Baptist University’s Alumni Association honored outstanding alumni who have made a significant impact in the community and society. The event was held Oct. 19 in the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center.
Music program chair and assistant professor of music at St. Charles Community College, Becky Thorn (’00) designed and implemented a new degree program: the A.F.A. in Music. She has performed and directed in school, church and community productions and conducts the SCC choirs. She received a double major in music education and vocal performance at mbu before going on to obtain an M.A. in vocal pedagogy from Webster University in 2003. She is also an active singer, recording artist, songwriter, choral clinician, certified vocal adjudicator and professional private voice teacher.
Kelly Barns earned her degree in exercise science from mbu in 2016. She is currently pursuing her master’s in nutrition and exercise science at Southeast Missouri State University. Barns has worked for iCanShine for two years and travels around the United States teaching individuals with special needs or disabilities to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. She is currently trying to fundraise and gather support to bring iCanShine to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, so that they can help teach 40 individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a bicycle for the first time.
Mike Berry
Becky Thorn
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Marie Tudor
(B.S. in Business Administration and B.S. in Marketing ’05)
(B.S. in Psychology, B.A. in Religion ’05; MACM in Biblical Languages ’07)
lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri with his wife, Jodie, and their children: Blayne and Jolie. Berry was on the men’s volleyball team at mbu. He recently finished his master’s degree in educational administration. Berry is an educator in the Poplar Bluff School District.
lives in Chesterfield, Missouri. She was a resident assistant and student worker at mbu and was a member of the Ministerial Alliance, Alpha Chi and student ministry groups. Tudor is currently serving as the director of First Year Experience and coordinator for World Citizen at mbu.
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Bryan Harter
(B.A. in Communications ’05)
Laura Bliggenstorfer (Carter)
lives in Ballwin, Missouri with his wife, Lana, and their two daughters, Sidda and Jemma, who was recently born. While at mbu, Harter was in SpiritWing and the chapel worship leader. He is the family counselor and cemetery manager at Oak Hill Cemetery and Chapel Hill Mortuary.
lives in Saint Peters, Missouri with her husband, Eric, and their three children, Kayla, Alex and Emma. She is currently the neighborhood store manager at the Disney Store.
(B.S. in Elementary Education and Teaching ‘06; MBA ’12)
Kelly Barns
Gina Staley (Reese)
(B.S. in Education ’06, M.A. in Counseling ’11) lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Jonathan, and their three children, Malachi, Isaac and Ezra. Staley recently moved to St. Louis from Ossing, New York.
Ricky Todd
(B.A. in Science ’06; M.E.A. ‘08) lives in Lake St. Louis, Missouri with his wife and their four children, Jude, Elliana, Mara and Adena, who was recently born. Todd played soccer while at mbu. He is currently a physical education teacher in the Wentzville School District.
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Clayton McKibbin
(B.S. in Mathematics ’08; MBA ’17) lives in Saint Ann, Missouri with his wife Kinsey (‘08) and their daughter, Aletheia.
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Vocational Excellence
Outstanding Service
Mission in Action
Obinno Coley serves at Normandy High School as the lead teacher in the Entrepreneurship Pathway Program. As the lead teacher, Coley creates an entrepreneurial mindset in his students so that they can be creators and not just consumers. In addition, he creates and maintains positive relationships with stakeholders in the community that can help his students bring their dreams to life. Coley graduated from mbu in 2015 with a Master of Arts in Teaching.
As a teacher for the Special School District, Lancaster teaches in a self-contained, cross-categorical classroom. In 2014, Lancaster founded the Cotinga Foundation. The Cotinga Foundation’s mission is to empower and equip special education teachers in the developing world through mentoring and seminars by practicing professionals. She established the foundation after a week-long trip to Ecuador where she spent time at a special education school.
The University recognized current student Ethan Metzler for his demonstrated ability to living out the mission and core values of mbu. Metzler is a senior physical education major and is from Frederick, Colorado. He hopes to become a middle school P.E. teacher. Metzler currently serves mbu as a resident assistant for Spartan Village Row, an FCA leader and is the starting kicker for the mbu Spartan football team.
McKibbin was a resident assistant, in Chorale, Chamber Singers and InCharactre, and was a member of CRU and SGA at mbu. He is currently the reporting team lead at Gateway Blend, LLC.
Carol, William, Evan and Elisabeth. While at mbu, Parker was involved in volleyball, theatre, InCharactre and was a resident assistant. He is now the pastor of InJoy Christian Fellowship in Bourbon, Missouri.
Obinno Coley
Kinsey McKibbin (Kell)
Terry Lancaster
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Robyn Pitts (Diekamp)
(B.A. in Religion ’08)
(B.A. in Marketing ’08)
lives in Saint Ann, Missouri with her husband, Clayton, and their daughter, Aletheia. She was a resident assistant, in Chorale, Chamber Singers, mbu Ringers, Concert and Jazz Band, as well as a member of the Student Activities Council at mbu. She is a sales and customer service associate at Cotton Babies.
lives in Barnhart, Missouri with her husband, Tyler (‘07), and their son and daughter. She was a member of Allusion, Chamber Singers, Faithful and SpiritWing while at mbu. Pitts now serves as the administrative assistant to the vice president of graduate studies at mbu.
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John Parker
(B.A. in Religious Education ’08) lives in Cuba, Missouri with his wife, Joyce (’07), and their six children, Abigail, Daniel,
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Aimee Sutton
(B.A. in Human Services ’09) lives in Taylorville, Illinois. She is an underwriter for Wells Fargo Home mortgage.
Ethan Metzler
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Rebekah McKinney (Phelps)
(B.S.E. in Elementary Education ‘09)
lives in Maryland Heights, Missouri with her husband, Fred. She was a member of s-ascd and s-msta at mbu. She currently serves as the cataloging specialist for mbu. In 2016, McKinney earned a Master of Information Science and Learning Technologies with an emphasis in Library Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Lauren Jennings (Farrar) (M.A. in Gifted Education ’10)
lives in Florissant, Missouri with her three children. She is a teacher in the Hazelwood School District.
Ben Chapman
(B.A. in Secondary Education ’10) lives in Manchester, Missouri with his wife, Stacie (’10,’16), and their son, Peter. Chapman
is currently a teaching assistant with the Special School District.
her husband, Isaiah (’13), and their daughter, Olivia, who was born in September 2017. Barnfield was a member of ascd while at mbu. She currently serves as the student development office coordinator at Covenant College.
Jeremy Copeland (M.A.T. ’11)
lives in Kennett, Missouri. He is a business education teacher at Senath-Hornersville High School.
(B.S. in Behavioral Science ’14; MBA ’17) lives in Hazelwood, Missouri. She currently works as the administrative coordinator at Washington University.
(B.A. in Elementary Education ’12; MET ‘14 and MEA ’18)
(M.S. in Education, Counselor Education ’11) lives in Woodside, New York. She is currently a legal secretary at Clifford Chance LLP.
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lives in St. Clair, Missouri with his wife and their three children. He is a teacher in the St. Clair School District.
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, Chavonna. Johnson was a member of mbu’s Alpha Chi and Kappa Delta Pi. He is currently a teacher in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
(B.A. in Music Education ’13)
(B.S. in Biology ’12; M.A.T. ‘16)
lives in Winfield, Missouri with her husband, Jacob, and their two sons, Elisha and Ezra. While at mbu, Young was a member of band, Science Club and the STARS program. She is currently a chemistry teacher at Winfield High School.
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Reynaldo, and their daughter, Elena. While at mbu, Hernandez was a member of Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale and the mbu Ringers. She is currently a music teacher at Hazelwood School District.
Shana McMahon
Lydia Wegener (Keller)
(B.S. in Business Administration ’13; M.B.A. ‘16)
(B.S. in Accounting ’12)
lives in Oakville, Missouri. She was a member of sife (Enactus) while at mbu. McMahon is an inventory specialist at Spectrum Reach.
lives in Saint Louis, Missouri with her husband and their son, Jack who was born in April 2017. She currently serves as the manager of mbu’s Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
(B.A. in Ministry and Leadership ’14) lives in Kirkwood, Missouri. He is a project manager with Charter Communications. He has recently developed a passive income generation for ministers. The strategy
(B.S. in Elementary Education ’12)
lives in Lookout Mountain, Georgia with
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Ashley McRoy
(B.A. in Elementary Education ’14; M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction ’17) lives in O’Fallon, Missouri. While at mbu, McRoy served as a resident assistant. She is currently a 2nd grade teacher for Wright City Schools.
Katie Green
(B.A. in Sport Management ’14; M.S. in Sport Management ’16) lives in Kansas City, Missouri. While at mbu, Green was on the women’s volleyball team and an intern and graduate assistant in mbu’s Sports Information department. She is currently the manager of athletics communications and media for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Carlos Castro
Hayley Barnfield (Robinson)
Bradley Johnson
(B.S. in Business Education ’14)
Katie Hernández (Kremer)
Chelsea Young (Roggeman)
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Monet Demming
Andrew Green
Michelle Parson
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maintains full availability for ministerial work and mitigates their financial risks.
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Tyler Oesch
Dr. Nicholle Ruess (Richardson)
lives in Troy, Missouri with his wife, Danielle. He was a member of Chapel Band, Spirit Wing, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Chamber Singers and Chorale at mbu. He is a social studies teacher in the Van-Far R-1 School District. He was selected as the 2016-2017 Character Teacher of the Year.
lives in Bonne Terre, Missouri with her husband, Doug, and their two children, Bailey and Eric. She is currently the assistant superintendent for Festus R-VI School District.
(B.A. in Theater ’15)
(Ed.D. ’16)
(B.S. in Accounting ’16)
Ricky Jenkins
(B.S. in Exercise Science ’15) lives in Marion, Illinois. He participated in intramural sports and resident life while at mbu. He currently works with inside sales at Roofers Mart.
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Jeanette Rock
(B.A. in Psychology ’15) lives in Ballwin, Missouri. She was a member of the cross country and track and field teams at mbu and was part of sife (Enactus). She is currently a relocation management specialist with Unigroup.
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Andrew Hildebrand lives in Ballwin, Missouri. He played lacrosse while at mbu. Hildebrand is currently an accounting manager at McBride & Son Homes.
(Computer Science MBA ’17) lives in Florissant, Missouri with his wife and their five children, Army, Yonikah, Shyra, Victoria and Victor Jr. Webber was a member of sife at mbu. He is a program support assistant at the National Cemetery Administration.
Jessica Tatko (Andersen)
(B.S. in Mathematics, B.P.S. in Secondary Education ’17)
Kelly Barns
(B.S. in Exercise Science ’16) lives in St. Clair, Missouri. At mbu, she was part of amp, cross country, track, a small group leader and eim-oc.. Barns is currently a bike tech at iCan Shine. In May, she will graduate with her master’s degree.
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lives in Brentwood, Missouri with her husband, Noah. While at mbu, Tatko worked in the Academic Success Center and Public Safety, was a member of the Math and Science Club, Sigma Zeta, Alpha Chi and Kappa Delta
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Karen Ulery (Settles)
(B.A. in Human Services ’17) lives in Gillespie, Illinois with her husband and they have one daughter and five grandchildren. She is currently serving as the head start family community development specialist with the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation.
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Melissa Kuhn (Stamper)
(B.P.S in Healthcare Management ’17)
Victor Webber
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Pi. She is currently a tutor and pursing an Actuarial Science Certificate at UMSL.
lives in Ballwin, Missouri with her husband, Jon. She is a clinical research associate with Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
Stacy Jackson
(B.A. in Accounting ’17) lives in Hillsboro, Missouri with her husband, Chad, and their three children, Tyler, Brendon and Blake. She is an event accountant at Maritz Holdings Inc.
Abigail Crain
(B.A. in English ’17) lives in Troy, Missouri. She is a community organizer and counselor in training with Life Restoration Center.
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Mrs. Pat Lacey and President R. Alton Lacey join the traditional festivities during mbu’s 33rd annual Hanging of the Green.
30 mbu magazine
the cru x o f the i ssu e
“We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Amen. mbu magazine 3 1
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