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
LIGHTING THE WAY
FORWARD
winter 2019
LIGHTING THE WAY
FORWARD How innovation and a Christ-centered mission will empower MBU to shine its brightest yet. pg. 20
President | 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 VP for Enrollment, Marketing & University Communications Bryce Chapman Editor | Coral Christopher ‘14 Staff Writer | Katlyn Moncada Graphic Designers | Christine Kenney & Jenny Sinamon Photographers | Jenny Sinamon & Shelby Boos Contributors | Jill Hanna, Sebastian Munoz Castellanos ‘17 and Sandra Riutcel www.mobap.edu
2 mbu magazine
The mbu Magazine is published by the University Communications Office of Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Copyright 2019. 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.
News pg. 5
mbu’s latest happenings and updates.
Nice to Meet You pg. 16
Called to the Corps pg. 28
mbu alumna Nandi Person embraces the unknown in a two-year adventure in Costa Rica.
Alonzo Medcalf, instructor of communications and multimedia production, brings an Emmy in photojournalism and a master’s degree in church ministry to mbu.
Success – That Wouldn’t be Enough pg. 30
Bridging the Gaps pg. 17
Where Are They Now? pg. 33
From immigrants in Midtown St. Louis to students at a private school in West Saint Louis County, mbu alumnus Jon-Pierre Mitchom is clearing a path for those on the margins.
mbu Professor Dr. Julie Ooms on how the hit musical Hamilton gives Christians a unique framework for how to think about success.
Updates on the successes of mbu’s ever-growing alumni community.
Alumni Awards pg. 35
Recognizing the accomplishments of mbu’s best and brightest.
mbu magazine 3
TH E P R ES ID E NT
A season of building In-demand academic programs, innovative on-campus learning spaces and a continued commitment to online learning will allow us to expand our mission like never before. Dear Friends, As the Lord continues to bestow His blessings on Missouri Baptist University, we look forward to embracing our bright future in 2019. It is a season of building at mbu as we carry out our mission of enriching students’ lives spiritually, intellectually and professionally. I am excited to report significant new capital initiatives for the coming year as well as the expansion of new academic programs that will broaden our distinctively Christian mission. This spring, renovation of the Jung-Kellogg library will begin and the interior redesign will transform the current building to flexible-use, collaborative spaces. This will create an environment that promotes peer-to-peer engagement and innovation that is more responsive and relevant to the new ways students learn. In addition, the offices of Alumni Engagement and Career Development will be housed in the renovated space, providing for greater visibility and student accessibility. We are currently raising funds for the library renovation and recently received a challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. In addition, to accommodate the growth of our student development and athletic programs, construction will begin on Phase II of Spartan Field. This significant expansion will include a concession stand, weight room, women’s locker room, bleachers, restrooms, field lights and improvements to the fitness trail connecting the main campus to Spartan Field. These enhancements will transform the Many Blessings,
4 mbu magazine
current practice facility into an exceptional competition venue that will serve the needs of a variety of men and women’s athletic teams, along with intramurals. New academic programs are on the horizon as well. With more than 750,000 adults in Missouri who have some college experience but do not have a bachelor’s degree, online education is a viable option for those who want to complete a degree and advance or change careers. In order to engage these non-traditional students, mbu will continue to increase its undergraduate online program offerings particularly in areas such as healthcare, business and information technology. Moreover, in response to the projected shortage of nurses over the next decade, mbu will explore the feasibility of offering an evening and weekend Bachelor of Science in Nursing program aimed at attracting working adults who desire a convenient alternative in preparation for a career in nursing. The University also has plans to launch a Master of Science in Social Work program. As one of the only faith-based MSW degrees in the region, this new program will provide another avenue for the University to expand its Christian mission and meet the growing need for well-trained social service professionals. Each of these important endeavors mentioned above presents an opportunity for us to exercise our faith and more fully engage the communities in which we serve — loving God, students and our neighbors. ■
Dr. Keith Ross, mbu President
“
It is a season of building at mbu as we carry out our mission of enriching students’ lives spiritually, intellectually and professionally.
”
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
MBU celebrates inauguration of seventh president
Missouri Baptist University’s board of trustees installed Dr. Keith L. Ross as the University’s seventh president on Friday, Oct. 19, during an official inauguration ceremony. Dr. Ross assumed the presidency of mbu on January 10, 2018. He is the 7th president in the institution’s history and the first alumnus to serve in this role. Previously, Dr. Ross served as mbu’s senior vice president for university advancement. During his time at mbu, he successfully led three major fundraising campaigns that provided resources to further the University’s mission. During the ceremony, leaders from across the region charged the president to lead the University well. “Be faithful to the gifts of God. You have worked hard professionally. Academically, God has blessed you, gifted you and equipped you to do what you are doing,” said Ken Parker (‘88), president of the Missouri Baptist Convention. Other charges were given by Jonathan F. Duncan, National Collegiate Athletic Association vice president of enforcement, and Dr. Melanie Bishop, mbu associate vice president for graduate affairs and dean of the School of Education. Top to Bottom: Dr. William Miller, chairman of the mbu Board of Trustees, facilitates the investiture of Dr. Keith Ross as the seventh president of Missouri Baptist University. // Dr. Ken Parker, Missouri Baptist Convention president, Jonathan Duncan, vice president of enforcement for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and Dr. Melanie Bishop, mbu associate vice president for graduate affairs and dean of the School of Education, present charges to the president.
mbu magazine 5
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
During his inaugural speech, Dr. Ross spoke of a vision for mbu using the University’s five core values as the foundation. Ross emphasized the importance of mbu’s Christ-centered mission, charging mbu to be a “city on a hill” in St. Louis and beyond. “Much like the city that is described so vividly in scripture, Missouri Baptist University for more than 54 years has been a shining light in the region,” Dr. Ross said. “The University’s foundation is strong, built on Christian principles and a biblical worldview that will stand the test of time. It is a vibrant community teeming with students from a variety of backgrounds who are attracted to the idea of a university that inspires them to become more than they ever thought they could be.” During the inauguration ceremony, mbu unveiled the official Missouri Baptist University Tartan. The tartan, commissioned in honor of Dr. Ross’ inauguration, is woven in the traditional plaid pattern as a visual representation of mbu’s timeless values and the optimism of what is yet to come. Each color within the Tartan pattern represents a University Core Value. The crimson represents the blood of Christ, as we are serious and intentional about our Christian faith. The light blue resembles the sky and reminds us to look heavenward as we commit ourselves to freely and responsibly search for truth. The bold richness of the dark blue inspires us to strive for excellence as it symbolizes trust, loyalty and wisdom. The purity of the white represents integrity and honesty, as we believe in the importance and cultivation of character. The sterling gray represents social change, which is achieved through alumni whose lives are distinguished by service and leadership.
Clockwise: Dr. Keith Ross gives the inaugural address to attendees on Oct. 19, 2018. // Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Jordan Cox leads the University Chorale in song. // Bryce Chapman, vice president for enrollment, marketing and university communications, introduces the University tartan. // mbu first lady Ginger Ross addresses and welcomes guests to the inaugural luncheon.
6 mbu magazine
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
The inauguration week included a host of events to commemorate this important milestone in the University’s history. On Tuesday, the week began with mbu Inaugural Service Day. Students, faculty and staff packaged meals for Kids Against Hunger, and prepped teddy bears for Sharing Smiles, a nonprofit founded by mbu theatre major Lindsey Peters that builds and distributes teddy bears to local children’s hospitals. Also during that day, a red maple was planted to commemorate the inauguration of Dr. Ross. In conjunction, the Ross family served iced coffee to the mbu community and hosted a picnic on the University quad. On Thursday, Ryan Bowman, mbu trustee and senior pastor of Fellowship of Wildwood, spoke at the inaugural chapel service. Following the inauguration ceremony, mbu First Lady Ginger Ross welcomed guests to the inaugural luncheon and expressed appreciation and optimism for the future of mbu. ■
Clockwise: Lindsey Peters, mbu student and director of Sharing Smiles, prepares teddy bears that are given to children in local hospitals. // Dr. Keith Ross lays mulch over a newly planted tree to commemorate the presidential inauguration. // Ryan Bowman, senior pastor at Fellowship of Wildwood, leads the Inauguration Chapel held Oct. 18, 2018. // mbu First Lady Ginger Ross and daughter Madaline serve coffee during Inaugural Service Day.
mbu magazine 7
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
MBU partners with Logan University for new 3+3 dual degree Missouri Baptist University has partnered with Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri, on an articulation agreement that establishes a new 3+3 dual-degree, pre-chiropractic program between the two institutions. The program makes it possible for qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from mbu and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan’s College of Chiropractic in just six years, one year less than the traditional academic study required by a Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. “It is our goal to provide viable options and resources to students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree,” said Clay McDonald, DC, MBA, JD, president of Logan University. “Our partnership with Missouri Baptist University not only achieves that, but makes it both efficient and economical for students to earn a bachelor’s degree at mbu as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan.”
Dr. Greg Comfort, Health and Sports Sciences Division chair at mbu, said: “Faculty from Missouri Baptist University and Logan University have collaborated on several student-centered academic initiatives in the past years. This new articulation agreement will provide one more way for the two institutions to work together to help students achieve their academic goals.” Under the provisions of this 3+3 program, qualified students must successfully complete a minimum of 90 credit hours at mbu with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in order to be eligible to be admitted to Logan. Upon admission to Logan and completion of the required 35 hours of coursework in their first two terms, students will have completed both their Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at mbu and satisfied the first two terms that will lead to their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. The program is currently available to those interested students. ■
MBU School of Business in candidacy for leading specialized accreditation The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is pleased to announce that Missouri Baptist University is a candidate for ACBSP accreditation of its business programs. “We are delighted to have Missouri Baptist University as a candidate for ACBSP accreditation,” said Dr. Steve Parscale, chief accreditation officer for ACBSP. “The fact that mbu is pursuing ACBSP accreditation shows their commitment to providing the highest quality business education for their students,” he said. Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business programs offered by Missouri Baptist University meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP. “The School of Business is moving forward in the ever-changing business marketplace to meet the needs of both current and future learners and employers,” said Dr. Karen Kannenberg, dean of mbu’s School of Business and associate professor of accounting and business administration. “mbu’s mission and Christian worldview is a foundation for programs of distinction that prepare the business leaders of tomorrow and today.” ■
8 mbu magazine
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
MBU’s longstanding provost, Dr. Arlen Dykstra, announces retirement; Dr. Andy Chambers named next provost After 43 years of distinguished service to Missouri Baptist University, Dr. Arlen Dykstra, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will retire at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. Dr. Dykstra began his career at then-Missouri Baptist College in 1972—when mbu was just eight years old—as a professor of history. Among his immeasurable contributions to mbu, Dr. Dykstra has helped lead the University to experience transformative growth in academic programs, number of locations and students. Dr. Dykstra spearheaded the initiative to begin serving non-traditional students through a regional learning center in Moscow Mills, Missouri. Today, mbu operates 10 regional learning centers, and offers more than 17 undergraduate and graduate programs online. He also was instrumental in the birth of mbu’s dual credit program, called EXCEL, which allows high school students the opportunity to garner college credit from their high school classrooms and online. This year, nearly 2,500 students from 44 high schools throughout Missouri and Illinois participated in the program. “Dr. Dykstra has been a faithful steward of the mission and vision of mbu, and his
leadership has been invaluable during these years of significant growth and expansion,” said Dr. Keith Ross, mbu’s president. “He has made tremendous contributions in the lives of colleagues, students and alumni; his influence is both deep and profound. His unwavering commitment to his family, his church and this institution is an example of his Christian faith and exceptional character. I am proud to call him my colleague and friend.” mbu President Dr. Keith Ross has named Dr. Andy Chambers, the University’s associate provost and senior vice president for student development, as the University’s next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. He will assume the role July 1, 2019. Dr. Chambers holds both a Ph.D. in New Testament/Homiletics and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, along with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He has completed additional study at Baylor University and Harvard University’s Institute for Education Management and the Council of Independent Colleges Executive Leadership Academy. Dr. Chambers has worked at mbu since 1995
Dr. Arlen Dykstra (left), provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Andy Chambers (right), associate provost and senior vice president for student development
and has been a member of the president’s cabinet since 2000 as a senior administrator. “Dr. Chambers will provide leadership and vision related to emerging trends in higher education including exploration of new programs, majors and education models that complement mbu’s strategic plan and Christian mission,” said Dr. Ross. “Under Dr. Chamber’s leadership, the University will continue to strengthen its academic reputation and commitment to the integration of faith and learning.” ■
MBU names new Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and University Communications mbu President Dr. Keith Ross has named Bryce Chapman vice president for enrollment, marketing and university communications. In this new position, Chapman has joined the president’s cabinet and is leading the initiative to fully align enrollment, marketing and communication efforts, creating a cohesive and compelling brand experience for prospective students. In addition to marketing and University communications, Chapman now oversees
undergraduate main campus and graduate enrollment. Previously, he served as the associate vice president of university communications and marketing at mbu. Chapman holds a master of arts in media communication from Webster University and a bachelor of arts in technical journalism from Colorado State University.
mbu magazine 9
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
MBU to launch four new online programs in fall of 2019
mbu is set to expand its online degree programs in fall of 2019. The additional online programs include bachelor’s degrees in marketing, business administration, information technology with concentrations in cybersecurity and application development, along with an associate’s degree in pre-nursing. These new programs align with the University’s mission to enrich its students’ lives spiritually, intellectually and professionally, and to prepare them to serve in a global and culturally diverse society. “These are highly demanded fields of study and provide skill sets greatly needed in various industries,” said Dr. Karen Kannenberg, dean of mbu’s School of Business.
“This will be a way to provide more prospective students easy access to these degrees from a University with an evangelical Christian world view.” The addition of the online associate degree in pre-nursing will prepare students to enter the University’s bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. mbu’s BSN cohort admits only 24 students every year in order to provide the best education, and to allow students to have a one-on-one experience with instructors. The expansion of mbu’s online programs increases the possibilities for working adults seeking an alternative to traditional higher education models. mbu’s online programs are designed with those students in mind, providing accessible and flexible education so that students can continue their education, build their careers and improve their lives. The newly added programs are built on the strong foundation of the University’s on-ground degree programs, the expertise of faculty with professional and real-world experience and the core idea to combine our Christ-centered mission with world-class academics. mbu’s online programs are among the fastest and most flexible of all online options. Programs are specifically designed to be easy to transfer, ensuring that all students can keep the credit they have already earned. mbu is ranked in the top 20 for best online colleges in Missouri by Best Colleges Online. ■
MBU athletic teams garner national attention WOMEN’S SOCCER & MEN’S SOCCER | NAIA National Championship Debut WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL | NAIA National Championship Play WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY | Emily Bayer - NAIA Cross Country Championship Race MEN’S BASKETBALL | Record-breaking season As of presstime, mbu men’s basketball was ranked fifth nationally and was one of the winningest collegiate basketball teams in the country.
10 mbu magazine
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
Jung-Kellogg Library renovation, Spartan Field completion set for 2019
mbu Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to move forward with both the Jung-Kellogg Library renovation project and Phase II of Spartan Field. Both projects are slated to begin in the summer of 2019 and should be completed next year. The transformation to the Jung-Kellogg Library is aimed at empowering the 21st-century student to engage in innovative learning. As part of the project, the University is working to develop a modern approach in creating more functional open space areas, address technology needs and to identify innovative furniture concepts that support today’s student learners. The project will likely result in collaborative workstations, small group meeting rooms equipped with state-of-theart technology and smart classroom spaces that can be easily and quickly adapted to various group sizes and purposes. The office of Alumni Engagement and Career Development will also be housed in the renovated space. The first phase of the renovation is underway and involves the significant downsizing of the Jung-Kellogg Library’s print collection. Donations to the University will fund the project. “It is a blessing to further develop and innovate the way our students learn and grow,” said Ashlee Johnson, mbu executive director of institutional advancement. The first phase of Spartan Field, located on the west side of campus, was completed in the fall of 2015 and features an artificial turf field with a football complex, which houses coaches’ offices and locker rooms. This fall, phase II of Spartan Field will begin, which will include a track, bleachers, concession stands, restrooms and a walking trail connecting mbu’s main campus to Spartan Field. ■ Clockwise: The library renovations will create a space to encourage innovation and further integrate career services into the student experience. // New spaces will foster student relationships as they inspire each other to pursue the careers of their dreams. // Phase II of Spartan Field will create an engaging environment that will enrich student experiences and create memories.
mbu magazine 11
N EWS ¡ WINTE R 2019
MBU celebrates 2018 homecoming
mbu students attending the annual Homecoming Bash enjoyed bungee trampolines, yard games, funnel cakes and more.
mbu dance team member and Miss Missouri 2018 Katelyn Lewis (second to the left) shared her experiences in living out her faith in a panel discussion during mbu Homecoming Chapel.
Local St. Louis indie rock band Hounds took thePerk[22] stage as the event’s headlining performance.
Students participated in the annual Cornhole Tournament hosted by mbu Exercise is Medicine (EIM) on The Quad during the homecoming tailgate.
mbu Football coaches led the team through a path of cheering fans at Rally Alley before the homecoming game.
mbu Football scored a record-breaking 56-23 win over Trinity International University at the homecoming game on Oct. 27.
12   mbu magazine
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
National accrediting body for educator preparation programs grants MBU full accreditation The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) granted mbu’s educator preparation program (EPP) accreditation for all initial licensure programs, effective now through 2025. CAEP is the sole national accrediting body for educator preparation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. “We know that when those programs in Missouri receive CAEP Accreditation, they meet the highest possible standards and have evidence to support their claim,” said Dr. Paul Katnik, assistant commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Office of Educator Quality, earlier this year.
“These CAEP-accredited programs demonstrate through evidence that they are delivering programs that most likely will lead to successful teaching, content expertise, and strong outcomes for K-12 learners,” said Katnik. CAEP was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. It is a uniform accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all providers focused on educator preparation. Currently, more than 850 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation system, including many previously accredited under former standards. CAEP is recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, providing states and consumers quality assurance. ■
Marcus “Goodie” Goodloe, Ph.D., headlines MBU’s Fall Speaker Series Pastor, author and speaker Marcus “Goodie” Goodloe, Ph.D., joined Missouri Baptist University for the annual Fall Speaker Series on Oct. 2-3. Goodloe serves as teaching pastor at Parkcrest Church, in Long Beach, California. He is the author of the 2015 book, “Kingmaker: Applying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Leadership Lessons in Working with Athletes and Entertainers,” and co-authored “Habits: Six Steps to The Art of Influence” in 2017. Additionally, he is an active volunteer of Wave Church in Los Angeles, California, where he leads the pastoral care team and serves on the speaking team for the other seven Wave Church campuses around the country. Goodloe travels around the country mentoring others on a range of issues including cultural and interpersonal relationships, leadership, team and synergy, character formation, and faith. ■
MBU Give Day 2018
24 Hours
253 Donors
$24,089 Raised
mbu magazine 13
N EWS · WINTE R 2019
Missouri governor visits MBU Missouri Gov. Michael L. Parson visited mbu on Nov. 8 as the opening speaker of the 2018-2019 mbu Media Talk series. Gov. Parson was interviewed by two communication students, Ross Munroe and Colin Baillie, and spoke on a variety of issues including both the importance of voting and the role of politics in one’s Christian faith. Gov. Parson was sworn in as Missouri’s 57th Governor on June 1, 2018, by Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary R. Russell. He came into office with a longtime commitment to serving others with more than 30 years of experience in public service. Amanda Staggenborg, mbu assistant professor and undergraduate communications instructional coordinator of public relations and communications, is the coordinator of mbu Media Talk. The series launched six years ago to further inspire students to achieve their dreams by showcasing professionals at the top of their fields. “The mbu Media Talk provides students with the
mbu students Ross Munroe and Collin Bailie interview Governor Michael L. Parson.
opportunities to actively engage with a respected member of the communications field,” said Staggenborg. “We focus on all types of communications impacting social issues and strategic messaging. We are honored to have Governor Parson speak with our students about his background and experience in public service.” ■
MBU Theatre performs entertaining show lineup
1 1
mbu Theatre brought the talking, hungry plant Audrey II to life in the rock
2
mbu senior Rebekah Side student-directed “The Best Christmas Pageant
3
musical “Little Shop of Horrors” Sept. 27-30.
Ever,” from Nov. 15-18. The play featured the Herdman family, who brought mayhem to the mbu stage as they recreated the Christmas story. A fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community was brought to the stage in an intimate setting in the theatre’s presentation of “The Amish Project” Aug. 30-Sept. 2.
14 mbu magazine
2
3
Coming in 2019 Anything Goes March 21 - 24, 2019
Myriad: A One Act Festival April 12 - 13, 2019
My Moment to SHINE After beginning the season with a 0-4 record, Missouri Baptist University’s women’s soccer team went on to hold a 13-match unbeaten streak. With a clinch in the AMC Women’s Soccer Tournament, the women moved on to automatically compete in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round, which was a first for mbu in nine years. Additionally, the mbu men’s soccer team also proceeded to the National Championship for the first time in program history. ■
mbu magazine 15
Nice to Meet You ALONZO MEDCALF | mbu’s new instructor of communications and multimedia production, Alonzo Medcalf, joined the faculty in the fall 2018 semester. With a bachelor’s in mass communication as well as a master’s degree in church ministries, the former St. Louis KMOV news photojournalist has found a home for both his passions at mbu.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION After working in sports photojournalism throughout college at a local news station in Joplin, Missouri, Medcalf found his calling in the field of media communications. At KMOV, he became known as the lighting guy for using techniques that made his subjects look like movie stars. His experience working in the local news industry has helped to shape the curriculum for his mbu students because he wanted to be able to apply real and current industry standards in his teachings. Medcalf continues to stay active in the news world as a freelancer for KMOV. ONE WRITE WAY While many people have a favorite pen, Medcalf would go so far as to say there is only one pen with which he will ever write. He bought a Lamy fountain pen while in seminary about eight years ago and has yet to part with it. According to Medcalf, it is the only pen that makes his handwriting legible. AND THE EMMY GOES TO... After being nominated three times, Medcalf won his first Emmy in photo journalism in 2018. Medcalf collaborated with KMOV’s Alexis Zotos on “Homeless Dispatcher,” a story about a man who worked his way through school to become an EMT dispatcher while living in an abandoned house. It was from stories such as this that Medcalf would learn his biggest takeaway after 10 years in the industry: compassion. HE FOUND ME Toward the end of Medcalf’s undergraduate days at Missouri Southern State University, he felt compelled to communicate the Gospel in a bigger way and put his journalistic goals on hold. After graduating in December 2010, he gave all of his furniture to his neighbor and trekked to Louisville, Kentucky, to pursue a master’s in theological church ministries from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later returned to St. Louis to work for KMOV before his passions for media and theology would intersect when he accepted a faculty position at mbu. ENJOYING THE VIEW
TACOS FOR LIFE
Before meeting his wife, Medcalf would not have envi-
It’s not uncommon to find Medcalf trying out one of our
sioned himself to be a hiking kind of guy. But now? Medcalf
city’s many ethnic cuisine offerings around St. Louis.
says the duo are hiking fanatics. This year will mark the
On the weekends, he can likely be found in a Bridgeton
fourth time the couple will embark on an adventure atop
neighborhood grabbing tacos de lengua (tongue) and other
the mountains in Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.
authentic Mexican food from a stand in the breezeway entrance to El Morelia, a Mexican grocery store.
16 mbu magazine
F EATUR E
Bridging the Gaps From counseling immigrants to building community programs in his neighborhood— MBU alumnus Jon-Pierre is building a path for those in the margins.
It is the end of the work day, but Jon-Pierre Mitchom (’13) isn’t heading home quite yet. Instead, Mitchom walks into a cheerily bright office to prepare to lead a counseling session at Casa de Salud’s Mental Health Collaborative. On this day, his patient is from Iraq, and Mitchom is helping him heal from the trauma from his homeland and subsequent immigration. At the end of the session he will head home from the clinic. He’s only a few blocks away. Mitchom first started his career in community health after a career playing semi-professional basketball in Bosnia. His first career after basketball was working as a community support worker for the Amanda Luckett Murphy Hopewell Center, a health center that fights disparities in mental health. His clients were slipping through the social safety net, and Mitchom was desperately working to better their lives. During this time, Mitchom had an overloaded caseload of 22 clients
mbu magazine 17
Mitchom talks with students during his day job as director of equity and inclusion at St. Louis Priory School.
with diagnoses such as chronic bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He would support the patients and help them stick to their treatment plans. The trauma the patients suffered called Mitchom to action. “I had the chance to see the hard stuff people go through; most people don’t see the trauma,” said Mitchom. “This created a dilemma for me: ‘What can be done?’ I’m on the reactive side of the trauma my patients are experiencing, but how can I be proactive?” Mitchom then took a role at a small Christian private middle school, where he helped screen kids so they could get help before their problems and illnesses escalated. And shortly after being married, his position was cut due to low enrollment. At the same time, Rockwood School district was awarded a sizable grant for a mentoring program, and Mitchom was hired as its program facilitator. The position transformed into one of social justice. He worked on issues ranging from diversity and emotional support to cultural awareness sensitivity. In addition to being the area supervisor for Rockwood’s Department of Educational Equity and Diversity, he became the homeless coordinator for the school district. He served families that were living out of
18 mbu magazine
motels. In this case, Mitchom was a primary resource to help the families from further disparities. “This is a side of education most people don’t see,” said Mitchom. “I wanted to provide a sense of normalcy for the kids who were going through that difficult time. I connected them with resources, made sure transportation was not an issue and such. In the midst of this, I reflected and thought, ‘There is a lack of resources for people who are in desperate need.’” That is when Mitchom realized that he should follow in a counseling trajectory. “I feel like I’m called to do this—I have a natural gifting—so why not formalize this?” Mitchom recalls thinking. His mother was a counselor and is a strong influence in Mitchom’s life, so a graduate degree in counseling seemed a natural step. He pursued mbu’s dual track of school counseling and mental health so he could be a licensed professional counselor and work in schools. “While I was in my master’s program at mbu, I was affirmed, and it confirmed that I selected the right degree and university,” said Mitchom. “I was able to have case conferences with my supervisor,
roll up my sleeves and have a sharper therapeutic experience. When it came to take my licensure exam, I was well prepared.” Mitchom was then invited to join the Parkway School District as a school counselor for Parkway Southwest Middle School. Mitchom still wanted to practice professional counseling, so he began his own practice, accepting patients after school hours. This year, Mitchom partnered with Casa de Salud, a nonprofit that provides healthcare to the under and uninsured with a focus on immigrants. The Mental Health Collaborative, part of Casa de Salud, opened last March, helping to dramatically decrease the wait for mental health-related appointments from two years to two weeks. As a part of the incubator, Mitchom sees Casa de Salud clients and personal clients at the Collaborative. Many of Mitchom’s immigrant patients are battling trauma. “They’re just like us,” said Mitchom. “We may not speak the same language and need an interpreter, but it actually works. It’s great. Sometimes the sessions are hard; sometimes they are moving. But working in this symbiotic relationship of medical and mental health is awesome.” Just down the street is Mitchom’s childhood neighborhood called Tiffany— a small community bordering St. Louis University Hospital and Casa de Salud. He and his family now live on the same street he did as a child. Mitchom is also the neighborhood association board president of Tiffany. “I really began to think about my skill set and my purpose. I felt called to do ministry, but maybe not in a traditional sense, and so I just really felt impressed to get involved in my community in whatever way I could,” reflected Mitchom. As an advocate, he has been a part of projects including a needs assessment and championing tutoring and services for his neighborhood children. During the school day, Mitchom now works at Saint Louis Priory School as their new director of equity and inclusion. In this newly created position, Mitchom marries his counseling background with his natural aptitude for creating a diverse and inclusive culture. It’s something that just seems natural considering his past experiences. “I felt impressed to make a difference in the community where I live and where I worship—South City Church,” said Mitchom. “I need to live in a way that is consistent with what I am preaching. Ministry isn’t always in a church context behind a pulpit. We need many ministries, and in the context of systematic theology, we’re called to go everywhere to be His hands and feet. In a way, that’s what I feel like I’m doing.” ■
Mitchom serves as a counselor with Casa de Salud, a healthcare provider serving immigrants living in St. Louis.
mbu magazine 19
You are the light of the world
A C I T Y S E T O N A H I L L C A N N OT B E H I D D E N .1 5 NOR DO PEOPLE LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT I T U N D E R A B AS K E T, B U T O N A STA N D , A N D I T G I V E S L I G H T TO A L L I N T H E H O U S E .1 6 I N T H E SA M E WAY, L E T YO U R L I G H T S H I N E B E F O R E OT H E R S , S O T H AT T H E Y M AY S E E YO U R G O O D W O R K S A N D G I V E G LO RY TO YO U R FAT H E R W H O I S I N H E AV E N .
M AT T H E W 5 : 1 4 - 1 6 ( E S V )
2 0   mbu magazine
COVER STORY
LIGHTING THE WAY
FORWARD How innovation and a Christ-centered mission will empower MBU to shine its brightest yet.
Politicians and ministers—from John F. Kennedy to John Winthrop— have referred to Matthew 5: 14-16 throughout history to challenge exceptional people to be shining examples for Christ during pivotal times. So when mbu President Keith Ross began researching ways to illustrate mbu’s next chapter, the famous passage referring to “a city set on a hill” just seemed rather fitting. Perhaps it was because, as the only evangelical University in St. Louis, mbu has a distinct mission to integrate faith and learning in a way that time and time again has proven transformative. Or the fact that colleges and universities across the country are in an era of turbulent change—a time when, through innovation, ground-breaking academic programs and a heightened commitment to student service, Dr. Ross is confident mbu is positioned to emerge as a leader in an exciting chapter in higher education. Or maybe it is because if mbu’s past is any indication of our future, this university is destined to shine brighter than ever. “Much like the city that is described so vividly in scripture, Missouri Baptist University for over 54 years has been a shining light in this region. How is the University today?” Dr. Ross asked during his
inaugural speech this past October. “Its foundation is strong, built on Christian principles and a biblical worldview that will stand the test of time. It’s a vibrant community teeming with students from a variety of backgrounds who are attracted to the idea of a university that will inspire them to become more than they ever thought they could be. Its gates are open wide, warmly welcoming to all those who aspire to a culture of lifelong learning. It’s a place of exceptional teaching and an entrepreneurial spirit that is a catalyst for momentum and growth.” As the “light of the world,” we are called to facilitate the light of Christ—to be luminaries in our fields, communities, family and world. As a Christian university, we have an important crossroad of a calling—to train the leaders of today and tomorrow to shine brightly and to be a light ourselves. It’s that Christian calling that will allow mbu to lead the way with innovation. The University is set to continue to introduce new, ground-breaking programs that will foster the ingenuity of our students so they can lead into new and emerging fields, armed with the preparation of an innovative degree and a solid Christian liberal arts core. mbu magazine 21
“Much like the city that is described so vividly in scripture, Missouri Baptist University for over 54 years has been a shining light in this region. How is the University today? Its foundation is strong, built on Christian principles and a biblical worldview that will stand the test of time. It’s a vibrant community teeming with students from a variety of backgrounds who are attracted to the idea of a university that will inspire them to become more than they ever thought they could be. Its gates are open wide, warmly welcoming to all those who aspire to a culture of lifelong learning. It’s a place for exceptional teaching and an entrepreneurial spirit that is a catalyst for momentum and growth.” — Excerpt from President Keith Ross’ Inaugural Address | Oct. 19, 2018
T H E U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S V I S I O N W I L L B U I L D O N T H E F I V E C O R E VA LU E S T H AT G U I D E D T H E U N I V E R S I T Y I N T H E PAST W I T H R E N E W E D H O P E A N D F O C U S O N T H E F U T U R E . T H E F I V E VA LU E S I N C LU D E :
01
02
03
04
05
We are
We will
We believe
We strive
We believe
serious and
freely and
in the
for
in social change
intentional
responsibly
importance
excellence.
through
about our
search for
and cultivation
service and
Christian faith.
truth.
of character.
leadership.
2 2 mbu magazine
mbu student Rachel Garcia talks with mbu Assistant Professor Robin Murray.
As a city on a hill, we are an example for all to see. This calls us to serve God as a university and as individuals. With this responsibility, we take our role as a higher education institution and a Christian organization seriously. We will pursue excellence faithfully, and research industries rigorously to offer the most emerging programs and supportive services. Throughout the years, mbu and its graduates have embraced the call to be the light of the world and making an impact in their communities. Today, we carry on this mission with even more fervor.
WE ARE SERIOUS AND INTENTIONAL ABOUT OUR C H R I ST I A N FA I T H .
The Christian faith of mbu remains and will forever be the ultimate cornerstone and light of the University. This distinction separates us from the rest of the higher education
institutions in our area. As time moves on, we will lean further into our Christian faith. “We wrestle with what it means to learn in an environment that is informed by a Christian worldview and also committed to the intellectual exploration of the world,” said President Ross. “But through this process we deepen our experience of what it means to take faith seriously and live a life fully committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” Rachel Garcia is a senior in mbu’s School of Nursing. Like many others, she got into the field of nursing to help those who are hurting. She entered mbu as a freshman knowing that a faith-based education would provide her a solid foundation for her life and career in healthcare. When she found out that she could join the first cohort of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, she realized the combination of faith, knowledge and nursing would be a perfect trifecta. Since entering the School of Nursing, she feels called to work in the underserved area of mental health. “During my clinicals, I realized there is so much brokenness in mental health,” Garcia said. “Through my professors, I’m
learning how to use my faith in nursing, and mental health goes hand-in-hand with the restoration of the Gospel.” It can be hard to wait when a calling feels so strong. Garcia has gotten a head start in the nursing industry working in home health. She, like many of her classmates, isn’t waiting until her nametag reads, “Rachel Garcia, B.S.N., R.N.,” to make a difference. Building on the University’s School of Nursing, mbu is continuing to focus on developing innovative, in-demand academic programs that fill industry needs and leverage the University’s mission. The University is currently moving forward with a plan to offer a Master of Science in Social Work in the near future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of social work will grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026. An online master’s in social work would allow students to work full-time, while pursuing their degrees. This degree could join several other programs set to begin this fall including online undergraduate degrees in business administration, marketing and information technology. They are programs in mbu magazine 23
Students choose MBU for the ability to dive into knowledge and have the chance for serious study, honest questioning and robust engagement all within the framework of our Christian faith.
fast-growing fields, providing mbu students opportunities to be leaders of the future. “This will require greater innovation in the curriculum and co-curriculum and also building upon and expanding our partnerships with other educational institutions as well as the corporate and healthcare communities,” Dr. Ross said.
W E W I L L F R E E LY A N D R E S PO N S I B LY SEARCH FOR TRUTH.
A second core value that is foundational to mbu’s future is our unwavering commitment to freely and responsibly search for truth. At mbu, students know that truth and faith coincide. With our conviction, we know that no true discoveries will disprove our faith. Students choose mbu for the ability to dive 24 mbu magazine
into knowledge and have the chance for serious study, honest questioning and robust engagement all within the framework of our Christian faith. Many mbu students sit in the classroom of Dr. Keith Beutler, professor of history, before their graduation day. In his classroom he regularly recites the words of American evangelical educator Frank Gaebelein: “All truth is God’s truth.” Beutler is an integral member of mbu’s Faith and Learning Committee, and assists with University-wide initiatives to help foster a culture on campus that promotes this critical component to an mbu education. “The urgent task of faith and learning integration in my classroom is never as simple for me or my students as peppering lectures or discussions with soothing affirmations of whatever historical suppositions are most current in American or even in Americanevangelical culture,” Beutler said. “It involves looking with care at as much available, relevant academic evidence as possible. Simultaneously, we strive to exemplify the Christian virtue of humility, taking care not to
confuse our own academic hypotheses with received Biblical writ, or to wall ourselves off intellectually from academic colleagues within and without this university.” It is through such methodologies that mbu students will not only learn, but also experience the responsible exploration of knowledge and truth even after they graduate. “mbu’s commitment to intellectual inquiry and academic excellence will empower students whose lives will become not narrower, but broader; not more limited, but more boundless; not more regulated but more abundant,” Dr. Ross said. It is courses like the one Dr. Matthew Bardowell is teaching this spring focused on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien that encourage this type of distinct learning. In this course, Bardowell will teach his students to dive into the texts and analyze writings of the Oxford Christians or “Inklings,” alongside modern literary and Christian culture. mbu will additionally focus on providing engaging, innovative learning spaces. These spaces will not be merely new and beautiful,
Skylar Weston (left) leads worship during a chapel service. Daniel Dilworth (above) rehearses with Jordan Cox, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities.
but reimagined to serve our students of today and tomorrow. The first project is already underway: the book collection of the Jung-Kellogg Library is being reduced by 90 percent to make way for an entirely reimagined library, which is set to open next fall. As part of the project, the University is working to develop a modern approach in creating more functional open space areas, to address technology needs and to identify innovative furniture concepts that support today’s student learners. The new library will include collaborative workstations, small group meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the mbu “Makerspace” and smart classroom spaces that can be easily and quickly adapted to various group sizes and purposes. Included in the space will be the University’s Career Development and Alumni Engagement suite. The heightened visibility will allow mbu students to more readily access resources for them to gain meaningful internships, build networks and land their first jobs in the career of their dreams. Now that Career Development is paired with
Alumni Relations, students will be paired with alumni and industry like never before. “By pairing career services with alumni services, our students will be prepared to excel in their careers from day one,” said Ashlee Johnson, executive director of University Advancement. “Our students will be mentored and matched with alumni who are the best and brightest in their industry.”
WE BELIEVE IN THE I M PO RTA N C E A N D C U LT I VAT I O N O F C H A R AC T E R .
Our third core value underscores our belief in the cultivation of character. As a Christian liberal arts university, we have the distinction of developing and preparing the whole student for success. Here, we foster appreciation for literature, music and theater, and we recognize
the Creator from whom these gifts flow. Take, for example, students like junior merit scholar Daniel Dilworth, who is pursuing a double major in communication studies and theatre. He spends his days juggling classes, work, theatre, chorale and helping out his friends. “Daniel is a student that is fully immersed in every subject that he studies, and I see that especially in theatre,” said Kasey Cox, director of mbu theatre. “It is students like him who I see grow, and come in and further develop this outstanding character. They are able to handle situations and conflict with grace and are a blessing to all who interact with them.” By further exploring our liberal arts foundation, our students will learn to passionately convey big ideas and to do so in a manner that elevates respectful dialogue and honors civility. “As a Christian University, it is our great opportunity and great responsibility to model for our students, one another, and the world how to engage in civil conversation and to welcome the reasonable exchange of ideas, even when we disagree,” said Dr. Ross. mbu magazine 25
MBU’s gates are open wide, warmly welcoming all those who aspire to a culture of lifelong learning. It’s a place of exceptional teaching and an entrepreneurial spirit that is a catalyst for momentum and growth.
W E ST R I V E F O R E XC E L L E N C E .
A fourth focus is to further pursue excellence in a way that drives us not to settle for “really great” but to instead pursue God’s true calling. “mbu has a long-standing tradition of striving for excellence; this core value is what stretches and inspires us daily,” said Dr. Ross. “I am confident that doing all things well—from the classroom and fine arts to athletic competition— creates a culture of high expectation where students, faculty and alumni flourish.” One way we are doing so is by pursuing additional accreditations. This spring, mbu’s School of Nursing will seek accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The University is also pursuing accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and 26 mbu magazine
mbu will return to Ghana this summer for a service-based study abroad trip.
Programs and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This fall, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) granted mbu’s educator preparation program accreditation for all initial licensure programs, effective now through 2025. And when we pursue excellence for the glory of God, the world notices. The Wall Street Journal has recognized mbu as a top school for peer-to-peer inspiration, and the St. Louis Post Dispatch has named mbu a top workplace in the region for the past six consecutive years.
W E B E L I E V E IN SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH S E RV I C E A N D L E A D E R S H I P.
A hallmark core value of mbu is our calling to equip our students to affect social change
through service and leadership. “Millions in this world are hungry and many more long for healing; still others who live in a repressive society seek justice,” said Dr. Ross. “These great needs are met by leaders who possess a servant’s heart and skills that a Christian liberal arts education offers.” mbu yearns to prepare leaders to address these needs. One way students are able to do so is through a new service-based study abroad trip to Ghana, which launched in 2018 and is led by Dr. Amy Harrison, mbu assistant professor and director of the higher education leadership graduate program. Students serve with organizations such as the First Step Academy, which was cofounded by Brinkley in 2015. “By combining study abroad and service, these students are able to have a rich experience and knowledge of the culture,” said Harrison. “They no longer are tourists or observers; they join the culture and are able to serve and lead in ways that would not be possible otherwise.” We are also preparing students like Skylar
Weston to lead in ministry even before she graduates. Weston recently led her first women’s retreat on her grandparents’ property. As Dr. Ross said in his inaugural address, mbu’s gates are open wide, warmly welcoming all those who aspire to a culture of lifelong learning. It’s a place of exceptional teaching and an entrepreneurial spirit that is a catalyst for momentum and growth. It’s a grace-filled, caring community that creates proud, self-confident graduates. And a place where alumni always know they will be welcome home. With a strong foundation built on Christ, mbu is poised for success. However, mbu’s story does not end here; it is only the beginning. With a vision that will not tarry and a University dedicated to serving God’s will, Christ will illuminate the path so we can shine even more brightly than before. “The promise of Missouri Baptist University beckons us forward, acknowledging what we’ve achieved in the past, and calling us to our bright future,” Ross said. ■ mbu magazine 27
Called to the Corps
NANDI PERSON (‘16, ‘18) lived in St. Louis her entire life.
She went to Hazelwood Central High before going on to pursue a criminal justice degree and an MBA at mbu. Despite a longing to travel or study abroad, she never got the chance to go beyond the United States borders—until she decided to dive in to a two-year long commitment to the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Costa Rica this summer. Going to school at mbu, Person credits professors and administrators such as Dr. James Kellogg, Brenda Bradford and Dr. Alton Lacey for sparking an interest to pursue work internationally in her career. “I felt like mbu shaped me to work with a diverse group of people,” she said. “I always wanted to go abroad but didn’t get the opportunity.” Knowing she wanted to work internationally in some capacity upon graduating, a Google search for opportunities abroad in one of her last semesters at mbu led her to the Peace Corps website—a volunteer service program funded by the United States, which aims to provide opportunities to become servants and changemakers in a community abroad—and Person felt drawn to apply. Months later, she found out she got accepted and would be moving to Limon, Costa Rica, in July 2018. “Nandi joining the Peace Corps made perfect sense,” said Brenda Bradford, dean of University Diversity/ Inclusion & Community Engagement. “Her personality, her heart, her desire to have a major impact on the lives of others—it all fit. Nandi is a hands-on, face-to-face kind of helper, and that’s what the Peace Corps is about.” Upon arrival, Person joined her new cohort of 21 people 2 8 mbu magazine
OPPOSITE: Nandi Person volunteers to help the owner of Riverside, an organic restaurant with an on-site garden. BELOW, LEF T: Person is sworn in as an official Peace Corps volunteer. RIGHT: Person meets with children in a local school in Limon, Costa Rica.
to participate in the Peace Corp’s extensive training session that would where a group of women would gather to exercise as well as pray last for about three months. She spent a lot of that time learning together. Spanish in order to communicate and connect with the people there. Now that Person is settled-in to her new home, she’s working on her Person admitted it was a struggle to get to the required “intermediatenew fitness routine in a third-world country—and she even documents high” level of proficiency in order to get sworn in as an official Peace her activity through her blog, Natural Nandi. Without a gym to go Corp volunteer. Two weeks before the test she needed to pass in order to every day, Person decided to stay active through her community to stay, Person was discouraged, but she persevered through her involvement. Because the kids in her community love being outside studies and passed the test the day before the swearing-in ceremony. and play a lot of football (soccer), she’s been developing projects for Not only did she pass, but she more than them that combine her love for fitness and her rose to the occasion. She was asked to read job. a speech that she was required to write to Worrying about her daily workout is a far become part of the Peace Corps. cry from where Person was just 18 months “We had to write a speech in Spanish, ago. Her move to Costa Rica marked the first and those chosen were asked to recite their time she had traveled outside of the United message at the ceremony,” she said. “I started States. And with no car or air conditioning IF G O D ’S W ILLING O R WANTS at the lowest level in Spanish and was able to in her apartment, getting use to her new life get to say my speech in Spanish—and it was wasn’t easy. However, Person said she felt God livestreamed.” placed her in this position and believes that The area Person is assigned to in Limon is sometimes you have to get uncomfortable to a low-poverty community. She was excited to know she would work realize your full potential. with youth in local schools and hopes to enhance participation in “I came in with no family and no language,” Person said. “I had community organizations. nowhere to go but to God and cling to my Bible. My relationship (with “I am beginning to find that the kids need positive self-esteem God) has grown tremendously since I have been here.” programs,” she noted. “In trying to get the community involved, I will Her journey is just beginning, and Person is ready to learn more focus on internal and external activities and make sure they are using about herself and her new home with the words, “Si Dios quieres,” their time the right way.” meaning “if God’s willing or wants.” Initially, Person wondered how her passion for physical fitness “Do what you feel your heart is calling you to do,” Person said. ■ would be able to be maintained in her new life abroad. She ran track and field as well as played lacrosse with mbu’s athletic teams. She even went on to develop a program called Women in Nature in St. Louis,
Si Dios quieres.
mbu magazine 29
FACULTY EDI TORI AL
SUCCESS
That Wouldn’t Be Enough Eliza Hamilton
30 mbu magazine
AS CHRIS TIAN S , SHOULD WE WANT TO BE SUCCE S SFUL? At first glance, that question seems pretty innocuous, and its answer obvious. Of course, our thinking might go, of course we should want to be successful. We’re given gifts in order to use them, and use them well. What exactly is success, though? Many people, when tasked with defining a word, would look up its dictionary definition first (or, more likely, just google it). Before doing that, though, think a moment about the contexts in which we use the word. How would you describe a successful person? A successful trip? A successful college career? A successful feature film? My guess is that you would tie success first to wealth, to fame, or to status—and only secondarily to truth, or virtue, or meaningfulness. A successful college career might end with a high overall GPA, low debt, a diploma, and a job, but whether that job would enable the new graduate to serve others and build God’s kingdom isn’t a requirement of success. And indeed, once we do look up “success” in the dictionary (or, in this case, the Oxford English Dictionary’s webpage), we find that the most prominent definition is “the attainment of wealth, fame, or social status.” There’s nothing there about being a virtuous person, or helping others, or furthering a Kingdom that’s larger than any one person. The problem is, of course, that for so many of us—and I hear this from my students and my friends as much as I hear it echoing in my own mind—it’s so, so, important that we succeed. We don’t want to waste our God-given gifts. We don’t want to feel worthless. What we need is a new way of thinking about purpose, a new way of interpreting that parable and the meaning of our own lives. Here is where I think the recent hit musical Hamilton, and its titular couple, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, can help.
The story of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton recently increased in popularity after the production, “Hamilton,” became famous on Broadway.
I’m not throwing away my shot.
Think of the Hamiltons as opposite sides of the coin of success. Alexander Hamilton strides through life devoted to success as I’ve defined it so far: he wants a name for himself, he wants fame, he wants status. “I’m not throwing away my shot,” he states in “My Shot,” one of the earliest songs in the musical. Nineteen-year-old Hamilton has big plans for his future; after he and the other cast members on stage spell out his first name, Alex tells them, “Enter me! / Don’t be shocked when your history book mentions me / I will lay down my life if it sets us free / Eventually, you’ll see my ascendancy.” Hamilton’s desire for glory and renown—for success—remains an emphasis throughout the musical, from his refusal to work as a secretary for powerful men because he believes the role beneath him, to his foolish dueling to preserve Washington’s reputation and his own, to his ascendancy to a secretarial job that apparently wasn’t beneath him—Secretary of the Treasury, with the power to push for and finally establish a national bank. His success allows him to provide handsomely for his family, but it simultaneously drives them away; he works so much that he neglects his family and friends and, while they are away on vacation, he has an affair. It’s when his mistress’s husband discovers the affair that the lengths to which Hamilton is willing to go to preserve his own success and reputation are revealed. When this husband extorts Hamilton, asking for money to keep the affair secret, Hamilton complies. And when Hamilton’s political rivals uncover the affair and Hamilton worries that they will expose him, he plans to preserve his good name by “overwhelm[ing] them with honesty” and revealing the affair himself. Of the Reynolds Pamphlet, and of his many other writings, Hamilton says in “Hurricane”: “And when my prayers to God were met with indifference / I picked up a pen, I wrote my own deliverance.” And in a sense, Hamilton has succeeded in delivering himself—from poverty, into a good marriage match, and into a position of political power.
mbu magazine 3 1
FACULTY EDI TORI AL
But his success costs him dearly, and it is clear that these costs were not things he factored into the decisions he’s made in order to succeed. News of his affair humiliates his wife and fractures their marriage. Perhaps worse, overhearing a man insult his father’s name drives Hamilton’s son Philip to challenge the man to a duel. Philip shares his father’s desire to elevate his own name. In “Blow Us All Away,” Philip sings, “Gotta be my own man, like my father, but bolder / I shoulder his legacy with pride.” Philip’s pride, so like his father’s, is foolish, and ends in self-destruction: rather than defending and elevating his father’s name, Philip dies in the duel. Hamilton’s kind of success—a proud name that goes down in history but leaves a community in shambles—is hardly what we want to encourage in our students, our children, and ourselves. Instead of success, then, let’s strive for something else—something that still enables us to do good and use our talents, but which also truly enables us to serve others. And that something else is embodied in Eliza Hamilton, who plays a smaller role in the musical compared to her famous husband—that is, until the final song, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” Eliza lives fifty years beyond her husband’s death—years she says “the Lord in his kindness” gives her—and she fills those years with service. She preserves her husband’s writings, speaks out against slavery, and establishes the first private orphanage in New York City, where, she says, “I help to raise hundreds of children / I get to see them growing up”; in their eyes she sees her husband, himself an orphan who felt he had to help himself. Notice how, in each of these examples, Eliza uses her name, her wealth, and her influence not to elevate her own status but to lift others up—to tell her husband’s story, to free enslaved people, to provide a home for the homeless and care for the orphan. And it’s her story of humble service, not her husband’s story of prideful success, that closes the musical. Alexander and Eliza Hamilton’s characters in this musical give us a framework for how to think about success, and to consider if success is what we should really be after as Christians who seek to use the talents given to us by God. The musical describes Alexander Hamilton’s search for success as self-destructive, something that splinters his family and community; he is able to rebuild those relationships only by acknowledging what he has done, and only at great cost. Eliza Hamilton’s commitment to service stands in contrast to that. She acknowledges that the long life she had after her husband’s death was a gift from the Lord, and she used it to help others first and foremost, not to elevate her own name. Instead of seeking success, then, let’s follow Eliza’s example and seek to serve each other, to help the lowly, to give a voice to the voiceless, to care more about the welfare of others than our own wealth or status. Our commitment to service rather than success will help us become more like not just Eliza, but more importantly like Christ. ■
32 mbu magazine
I help to raise hundreds of children/ I get to see them growing up.
AUTHOR’S BIO Dr. Julie Ooms is an Assistant Professor of English at mbu, where she teaches courses in composition, world literature, and American literature. She has published articles on several different 20th century American writers, and presented conference papers on American war literature, dystopian literature, composition and rhetoric, and even comic books. Writing is, for her, first and foremost a way to communicate and forge connections between different people across time, space, and experience. In her teaching and interacting with students, she seeks to help them find connections between themselves and the writers of the past, and actively connect with others in their own right as readers, writers, and researchers.
Where Are They Now? Danny Stephens
Her favorite memory from mbu is getting an A+ on one of Dr. Dykstra’s essay tests.
(B.A. in Social Science ’75) lives in Bridgeton, Missouri, with his wife, Carol (’74). He is now retired and celebrated his 42nd anniversary earlier this year. 1
Steven Zabriski
(B.A. in Ministry ’75)
lives in Cedar Park, Texas. He is the product director at Polycom, a Plantronics company. He was a member of the Student Government Association while at mbu.
Bruce Renshaw
(B.A. in Music Education ’79) lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a CEO piano technician at Renshaw Music, Inc. He was appointed as a long-term missionary with Greater Europe Mission and will be living long term in Wales, United Kingdom, this year. Renshaw’s favorite memory from mbu was touring with the concert choir and meeting people from across the country.
Terri Sutton
(B.S. in Social Science ’81) lives in Vandalia, Illinois, with her husband, Tom, and their two sons. She works for Vandalia Christian Academy as a principal/ teacher. While studying at mbu, Sutton was a teaching assistant for Dr. Arlen Dykstra and participated in choir and student foundation.
1
Brad Pilkington
(B.A. in Music Education ’82) lives in Newark, Ohio, with his wife, Paula (’81), and their son, Jack. He was actively involved in various fine arts programs while at mbu including concert choir, musicals, Anticipation and the ministry teams. His favorite memory from his time at mbu was going on choir tours, especially the 1979 tour. He has served as the senior associate pastor (Worship) of Spring Hills Baptist Church in Granville, Ohio, since 1993.
Ernest Downs
(B.A. in Church Music ’83) lives in Imperial, Missouri, with his wife of 39 years, Linda. Together they have three children and six grandchildren. He is now retired, but during his time at mbu he participated in college singers (serving as president for one year), Anticipation, men’s basketball, and he was in four school musicals. His favorite memory at mbu is being in the barbershop quartet for “The Music Man” and reprising that quartet for the following Harvest Festival.
Gary Taylor
(B.A. in Religion ’90)
lives in San Jose, California, with his wife, Beth. They have a son, Jack, and a daughter, Calleigh. Gary serves as pastor for Central Christian Church. His favorite memory from his time at mbu is the series of chapel services led by Rick Ousley, which sparked in him a deep desire to communicate God’s Word with creativity and passion. Taylor was also involved in basketball and student government while at mbu. 2
Jasper Rains
(B.A. in Religion ’93; B.S. in English ’97) lives in Naperville, Illinois, with his wife, Kendra (’99), and their son, Jackson. He is currently the missions pastor at Grace Pointe Church. He has led six trips around the world – to Haiti, Cambodia, Guatemala, Germany, Maine and Colombia, and this year he will be overseeing 10 trips with over 100 church members going on mission. During his time at mbu, he participated in Chorale, BSU, Ministerial Alliance, Student Government, Sigma Tau Delta, and Kappa Delta Pi. His favorite memory from mbu is the choir tour to Memphis where they spontaneously sang a capella in the stairway of a mall. 3
Tina Hunsel (Bueneman)
(B.A. in Business Administration ’95) lives in Moscow Mills, Missouri, with her husband, Tom. They have two children, both
2
3
mbu magazine 3 3
mbu alumni, and three grandchildren. She currently works as an adult education & literacy instructor for Rockwood-Parkway Adult Education & Literacy/MOLearns.
Jeanne Larkins
(B.S. in Behavioral Science ’96) lives in Farmington, Missouri with her husband. She has three children, three stepchildren, eight grandchildren and eight step grandchildren. She retired from the Missouri Department of Corrections in March 2018 after working more than 26 years as a probation and parole officer. 1
Jason Soroski
(B.A. in Church Music ’96)
lives in Manchester, Missouri, with her husband, Paul, and their three children. She works for mbu as the administrative assistant to the senior VP for student development and associate provost.
of accounts payable and financial reporting for Daughters of Charities Ministries. She has recently begun to seek her doctorate in gerontology.
Christian Lamken
(B.A. in Psychology with minor in Church Music ‘05)
(B.S. in Administration of Justice ’97) lives in De Soto, Missouri, with his wife, Jennifer, and three children. He is a deputy sheriff with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as bailiff for Honorable Judge Troy Cardona of the 23rd Judicial Circuit Division VI. November 2018 will mark 20 years of service with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Tammy Bloebaum (Wallis)
lives in Longmont, Colorado, with his wife, Jana. They have five children together: Rachel, Ruth, Hezekiah, Jena Grace, and Isaiah. He recently accepted the position of worship pastor at Calvary Church. While a student at mbu, he was involved with choir, ministerial alliance, Sigma Apple Pi and Sigma Tau Delta.
(B.S. in Education ’99; M.A.T. ’03)
lives in Waterloo, Illinois, with her husband of 17 years, Jamison, and their two children, Harrison and Watson. She is a substitute teacher at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School and a community volunteer. She was recently invited to join the board of Helping Hand, a local charity organization in Waterloo.
David Spears
2
(B.A. in Religious Education ’96)
Chris Huff
lives in Imperial, Missouri, with his wife of 25 years, Rachel, and their two daughters Hannah and Keren. He is a chaplain with the Missouri Army National Guard. While at mbu, he participated in Ministerial Alliance and went on mission trips, including a trip to Brazil.
(B.A. in Religion ’03)
Krista Huse
lives in Florissant, Missouri, with her 15-yearold son, Payton. She works as the supervisor
(B.A. in Health Science ’97)
lives in Nokomis, Illinois, with his wife, Abby, and their four children, Amber, Cory, Emily and Raelynn. He currently serves as pastor to Grace Baptist Church.
Anna Shanks
(B.A. in Accounting ’03)
1
2
34 mbu magazine
Kara Stone (Patterson)
lives in Winfield, Missouri, with her husband, Tim, and their children. Her favorite memory from her time at mbu is singing with Faithful. Kara has been serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas as a counselor since 2008. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Practitioner in Aroma Freedom Technique at M.O.V.E. Christian Counseling, a counseling practice she founded. Kara also serves on the worship team at NorthRoad Church. When Kara is not seeing patients, she is chasing her boys around while they all enjoy the country life with chickens, ducks, goats, cats and a dog.
Peter Hon
(B.S. in Accounting ’06) lives in Wildwood, Missouri, with his wife, Sarah (’07), and their three children. He played baseball while attending mbu. He works as the manager of corporate risk management for TD Ameritrade.
Ricky Todd
(B.A. in Science ’06) lives in Lake St., Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Jessica, and their four children. He played soccer while attending mbu. He is currently a PE Teacher with the Wentzville School District.
4
3
5
Alumni Awards 2018 During Homecoming 2018, 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. 25 in the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center.
Vicky Lauer (Kasten)
(B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Chemistry ’07) lives in Almond, Wisconsin, with her husband, Adam, and 3-year-old twins, Abby and Noah. She works as a professional services veterinarian at Animart LLC. 3
Laura Ribeiro (Young)
(B.A. in Psychology and Human Services ’08) lives in Affton, Missouri, with her husband, Paulo, and their three daughters Analisia, Milena and Camila. She currently works as a therapist for St. Louis Counseling. Her favorite memories from mbu are classes with Dr. Beutler, Dr. Brand and Dr. Puls.
Jason Gilliam (M.B.A. ’09)
lives in Farmington, Missouri, with his wife, Dana. They have three children and two grandchildren. He is the CEO of Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. 4
Lauren Pittman (Cornwell)
(B.A. in Human Services ’09)
lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with her husband, Christopher. She is a manager for
Distinguished Alumnus
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Dr. Amanda Ortmann currently serves as an assistant professor and the interim director of studies for the program in audiology and communication sciences at Washington University School of Medicine. Ortmann graduated from Missouri Baptist College in 2001 with a B.S. in both mathematics and communications before going on to receive an M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Washington University in 2003 and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012.
Following graduation in 2015, Kris Cook moved to Washington D.C. to work in U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner’s (MO-2) congressional office. He returned to the St. Louis area in the spring of 2018 to work on Wagner’s campaign for re-election to Congress as her political director. While at mbu, Cook was part of the Spartan men’s basketball program and graduated with a B.A. in history and a minor in political science.
Marcus Theatres. While attending mbu she participated in Faithful, Closer, Chorale, Chamber Singers and student ministries. Her favorite memory from her time at mbu is Faithful’s mission trip to California.
Kevin Burley
Dr. Amanda Ortmann
Eva Eikel
(M.A. in Classroom Teaching ’10) lives in Martinsburg, Missouri, with her husband, and two children. She is a business teacher at Community R-6 High School.
Mark King (M.B.A. ’10)
lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with his wife and three children. He currently works as a business consultant for The Hartford.
Jessica Stevenson (Robinson) (B.S. in Sport Management ’10)
lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with her husband, Kyle, son, Grant, and stepson, Hunter. She is a project manager for Express Scripts. She played softball while at mbu. Her favorite memory from her time at mbu is beating William Woods in the conference play-offs.
Kris Cook
(M.S. in Sports Management ’11) lives in Rockmart, Georgia, with his wife, Carol. They have six adult children and eight grandchildren. He is currently the juvenile program master for the State of Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. His favorite memory from his time at mbu is his internship at Unity Christian School. 5
Katie Goodwin (Cline)
(B.A. in Human Services ’11)
lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with her husband, Jared. She serves at mbu as the head women’s cross country/track & field coach.
Meredith Lewis (Hall) (B.S. in Public Relations ’11)
lives in Midlothian, Virginia, with her husband, Andrew. She serves as an intake coordinator for Geoff McDonald & Associates. While attending mbu, she served as an mbu Timeline online editor and anchor and participated in CRU, STARS and mbu ministry team.
mbu magazine 3 5
Matthew Salzer
David Miller
lives in Orange, California. He recently became president of the Micronational Olympic Federation, which oversees both eSports and physical sports in the micronational community. During his time at mbu, Salzer was a resident assistant, a member of the Student Activities Council and was part of the wrestling team. He currently works as the senior editor of mmafreak.com.
lives in Hamilton, Ohio, with his wife, Whitney. He works as a technical data analyst for The Reynolds and Reynolds Company. During his time at mbu, Miller participated in baseball and thePerk: the event.
(B.S. in Social Sciences ’11)
Jamie Patterson (McLean)
(B.A. in Business Management ’12; M.B.A. ’14) lives in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with her husband and two children. She currently works as an administrative assistant for Washington University in St. Louis.
Casey Peterson
(B.A. in Religious Education ’12) lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with his wife, Brittany. They have a 2-year-old son named JJ and newborn son Judah. He is the pastor of Main Street Church and is currently writing a book called, “The Untamed Church: How the Church Can Break Free from Captivity in American Culture.” While at mbu, Peterson participated in men’s volleyball, the mbu ministry team and ministerial alliance.
Holly Vardeleon (Robinson) (B.A. in Elementary Education ’12)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Kevin. She serves as a pre-K teacher for Sunshine Ministries.
Chad Gray
(B.A. in Business Management ’13) lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Lydia. He currently works for Tropiclean Pet Products as the associate product manager. While at mbu, he was a resident assistant at Spartan Village Apartments and participated in bowling, AMP and Enactus.
1
36 mbu magazine
Brian Geldmacher
(B.S. in Mathematics ’13)
Lucy Northen (Ford)
(B.S. in Secondary Education and Social Sciences ’14) lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Stacey, and their three children, Jakob, William and Liliana. She currently works for Salem Lutheran School – Affton as a middle school teacher.
(B.A. in Elementary Education; B.A. Childhood Education ’13)
Bradley Johnson
lives in Monticello, Illinois, with her husband, Kenton. She is a kindergarten teacher for Argenta-Oreana Elementary School. While at mbu she participated in volleyball. In 2018, she was inducted into the Monticello High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
lives in Ferguson, Missouri, with his wife, Chavonna. He is employed as an educator and department chair for the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Johnson recently joined the Special School District as a part-time homebound instructor and serves on the board of trustees for Newstead Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis. During his time at mbu, he participated in Alpha Chi and Kappa Delta Pi.
Brittany Davenport (Hastings) (B.M. in Musical Theatre ’14)
lives in Cape Girardeau, Missouri with her husband, Mac (’15), and their 1-year-old son, Jonathan. She is the Marketing Manager of SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau and Scott counties and this fall she began working at SEMO as an adjunct instructor in the Theatre & Dance Conservatory, teaching private voice lessons to musical theatre students. Her favorite memory at mbu is hiding under the risers in the choir room to listen to the orchestration students perform their projects (with which she had helped them). 1
Monet Demming
(B.S. in Behavioral Science ’14; M.B.A. ’17) lives in Hazelwood, Missouri. She is an administrative coordinator at Washington University in St. Louis. She recently launched Annual Band Together Benefit Concert to raise funds for children being raised by their grandparents due to parents’ absence from violent crimes.
2
(B.S. in Business Education ’14)
Johanna Stull
(B.M. in Piano Performance ’14) lives in Denton, Texas. In 2018, she graduated summa cum laude with a master’s in Music from the University of North Texas. She is a pianist, teacher and music director for TWU, New Song Music and CYT Dallas. She received an award from UNT for an innovative business plan in music technology.
Chanae Bowman
(M.A. in School Counseling ’15) lives in Frankford, Missouri, with her husband and daughter. She is currently a school counselor for the BGR1 School District.
Carlos Castro
(B.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership ’15) lives in Kirkwood, Missouri. He was recently promoted to global senior project manager at Bayer Agricultural Sciences division.
3
4
a lu mni awa r ds 2018
Outstanding Service
Vocational Excellence
Mission in Action
Joe Myers, group supervisor for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s diversion group, has been recognized with honors such as the Police Chief Letters of Commendation, the Meritorious Citation Medal, Drug Enforcement Administration Exceptional Performance Award and the U.S. Attorney Award for Distinguished Service. After he received his B.A. in management, he returned to mbu to earn a master’s degree in education in 2009.
Receiving a B.S. in chemistry and mathematics from mbu in 2000, Dr. Allen Kesselring and his two business partners founded E.K.G. Life Science Solutions (EKG Labs) in 2015, where he currently serves as chief science officer. Kesselring also serves as CEO of their second, parallel organization, Vape Testing Labs. EKG Labs has sponsored laboratory internships as well as hired mbu chemistry graduates. Kesselring received his master’s and Ph.D. in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis.
The Mission in Action Award is an award that recognizes a current student who has set an example by living out the mission and core values of mbu. Born in Germany and raised in Peru, Tanya Drochner’s first home in the United States in 2014 was an mbu dorm room in North Hall, where she served as an RA for three years. She graduated in December 2018, and is teaching 6th to 9th grade science in Peru.
Matthew Harris
Christine Platter Dr. Francis Madamba (Warmbrodt) (M.B.A. ’16)
Joe Myers
(M.A. in Counseling ’15) lives in Monroe City, Missouri, with his wife, Teresa, and their four children, Kylie, Natalie, Andrew and Madison. He was recently promoted to director of admission & therapeutic services at Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch. 2
Carrie Morrow
(B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education ’15) lives in St. Peters, Missouri. She accepted her first teaching job at Becky-David Elementary in May 2017 and now works as a fifth-grade teacher for the Francis Howell School District. She participated in cheer for five years at mbu, and her favorite memories include mattress sledding while living in North Hall and swinging on The Quad.
Dr. Allen Kesselring
Tanya Drochner
3
(M.A. in Counseling ’15)
lives in Hillsboro, Missouri, with her husband, Eric. They have eight children together. She has worked as a disability support services coordinator for Jefferson College for 10 years. While at mbu, Planner enjoyed meeting with other students and the instructors in the counseling program to discuss real world readiness in the field. In 2017, she received an Educational Specialist Degree in Mental Health Studies from the University of Missouri—Columbia.
Ashley Porter
(Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction ’15) lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a professional tutor and instructor at St. Louis Community College – Forest Park. She also recently enrolled in the doctoral program at mbu.
lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with his wife and son. He served as the acting chief of dental at the St. Louis VA Medical Center from May 2017 to April 2018 and continues to work as a dentist there. 4
Kristyne Smyth
(B.A. in Science ’16)
lives in Munster, Indiana, with her two dogs, Moss and Gunner. She works as a physical education teacher/coach at Crete-Monee High School. She coaches girls’ basketball, softball and boys soccer. During her time at mbu, Smyth was involved in girls’ basketball and served as captain from 2012-2014. Her cherished memories were every day spent on the basketball court with her teammates and Coach Iris Dixon.
mbu magazine 37
Kevin Tennill
Kirsten Slaughter
lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with his wife and two kids. He is a certified dialectical behavior therapist in Missouri and currently works as a therapist for Lifework.
lives in De Soto, Missouri, with her husband, Michael (a fellow mbu graduate). She is the owner and operator of Heritage Hope ChestBakery. While at mbu, she served as a resident assistant and barista at thePerk, as well as participated in Chorale, mbu Ringers and In Charactre.
(M.A. in Counseling ’16)
1
(B.A. in Psychology ’17)
Jacob Virtue
(B.A. in Christian Ministry ’16) lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his family. While attending mbu, he worked as a resident assistant, a production assistant for special events, a contributor for the Odyssey’s mbu chapter as well as the FCA Vice-President. He also participated in men’s wrestling and mbu Institute of Leadership. Virtue was awarded the “5 Years of Excellence” award by the Saint Louis Wrestling Officials Association. He works as the minister of students for First Baptist Church of Crestwood and operates Painting by Virtue. He is a second year Master of Divinity student at Covenant Theological Seminary. 2
Michael Maasen
(B.A. in Worship Arts Technology ’17)
Antonia Wright (Carter) (B.S. in Education ’17)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three kids. She played lacrosse, at mbu and her favorite memory of her time here was Welcome Weekend. She currently works as a teacher at KinderCare.
Rebecca Wright
(B.S. in Business Administration ’17) lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a selfemployed small business owner. While at mbu, Wright participated in women’s lacrosse, and her favorite memories include traveling with the team.
lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with his wife, Valerie. He was promoted to the full-time position of Technical Ministries Director for Fellowship of Wildwood in June 2017. During his time at mbu, he participated in Spirit Wing, AMP, thePerk and helped record special events and sports. His favorite memory was watching Jonathan White try to ride a hoverboard.
Taylor Bell (Rankin)
Brett Schneider
lives in High Ridge, Missouri. He was recently married in October 2018. He serves as the youth director of First Baptist Church House Springs. While attending mbu, he participated in campus ministry and eSports.
(B.A. in Sport Management ’17) lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with his wife. He has worked as a master fitter and builder at Club Champion for more than a year. His favorite memory from mbu was walking down the aisle at graduation. While at mbu he played on the men’s golf team.
1
38 mbu magazine
(B.S. in Liberal Arts ‘18)
lives in High Ridge, Missouri with her husband, Joshua, and son, Josiah. She works as an office manager and academic advisor at mbu’s Regional Learning Center in Arnold. She is also a foster parent for Jefferson County, Missouri.
lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with her husband. She works as an adjunct English professor at Saint Louis Christian College. 3
Monica Robinson
(B.A. in Business Administration ’18) lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She works for Boosterthon as a program specialist and as a server at Applebee’s. She was recently promoted to Neighborhood Expert at Applebee’s. While at mbu, she participated in women’s soccer and Exercise is Medicine.
Aubrey Schrand
(B.A. in Marketing ’18) lives in Breese, Illinois, with her family. She works as a claims representative for AutoOwners Insurance and has recently accepted a new job in Lakeland, Florida. During her time at mbu, she participated in women’s golf and Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Caleb Smith
(M.A. in Education ’18) lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a first grade teacher at Hancock Elementary School. He served as a teacher in Africa for 10 days during his break and will be speaking at a missions conference with the Pentecostal Church of God in 2019.
Jessica Smogorzewski (Smith) (Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction ’18)
lives in Hillsboro, Missouri, with her husband and their two sons. She works for Carondelet Leadership Academy as an instructional coach.
Brandon Clark
(B.A. in Christian Ministry ’18)
Elizabeth Richards (Tolias) (M.E.T. ’18)
2
Joshua Thomure
(B.A. in Elementary Education ’18) lives in Farmington, Missouri, with his wife of nine years and their three children. He was recently promoted to the position of activity aid at South East Missouri Mental Health Center.
3
TH E CR UX OF T H E ISSUE
“Then Jesus asked, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree and the birds perched in its branches.’ ” — Luke 13:18-21
Alumna Andrea Robb takes a turn shoveling soil at the base of a red maple on the University’s quad. The tree was planted in honor of the inauguration of Dr. Keith Ross as mbu’s seventh president.
mbu magazine 3 9
Missouri Baptist University One College Park Drive Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID #5615 Non-Profit
Missouri Baptist University Tartan COMMISSIONED 2018
The mbu Tartan is a traditional plaid commissioned in coordination with the inauguration of President Ross this fall. A committee of faculty and staff worked together to devise a tartan rich with meaning. Each color woven into the tartan pattern represents a core value of the University.
The crimson represents the blood of Christ, as we are serious and intentional about our Christian faith.
The light blue resembles the sky and reminds us to look heavenward as we commit ourselves to freely and responsibly search for truth.
The bold richness of the dark blue inspires us to strive for excellence as it symbolizes trust, loyalty and wisdom.
The purity of the white represents integrity, as we believe in the importance and cultivation of character.
The sterling gray represents social change, which is achieved through alumni whose lives are distinguished by service and leadership.