MBU Magazine-Summer 2024

MENDING A FRACTURED CULTURE WITH GRACE-FILLED CONVERSATION

A word from the President

Dr. Keith Ross (‘87) | MBU President

From unpleasant social media exchanges to political polarization, it seems clear that much of our society’s ability to engage in civil discourse has profoundly diminished. Whether online or in person, conversations about important issues are increasingly marked by pervasive rudeness and entrenched tribalism. This issue of MBU Magazine tackles the importance of civil discourse, an increasingly rare practice that is not only essential for a healthy, functional society but also crucial for gospel proclamation and faithful Christian witness.

I believe the erosion of civil discourse is rooted in an unfortunate shift in priorities by some of our most important cultural institutions — namely, schools. Over the decades, there has been a noticeable decline in teaching moral formation in both public and private schools and universities. From the early years of elementary learning to the complexities of higher education, the focus of many institutions has shifted toward measurable testing outcomes and career readiness, often at the expense of nurturing a strong moral and spiritual foundation. At MBU, we aspire to setting and attaining measurable outcomes-based goals for our academic programs and graduates. But equally as important is MBU’s commitment to teaching moral and spiritual formation.

I hope you’ll see in this issue that a gospel-centered institution like Missouri Baptist University offers a hopeful path out of the morass of incivility. At MBU, we see students as more than just future employees in the economic machine; rather, we are committed to cultivating the whole person. This means emphasizing spiritual and moral growth alongside intellectual development, all of which shape the human soul and bless the world.

Our cover feature explores how MBU is addressing the crisis of incivility by instilling values that encourage respectful and meaningful engagement. We are dedicated to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable in their fields but also skilled at blending strong convictions with deep compassion. Such habits of head and heart, we believe, shape character as much as they shape careers.

We invite you to read this issue and see how our community is striving to reclaim the lost art of civil discourse. By fostering an environment that values respect and understanding, we hope to contribute to a society that reflects the principles of Christian love and fellowship.

MBU MAGAZINE

Dr. Keith Ross (’87) PRESIDENT

Bryce Chapman SENIOR VP FOR ENROLLMENT, MARKETING & UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

Joel Lindsey

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jenna Gulick

MANAGING EDITOR

Jake Cannon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Maeve Coulter (’23, ’24), GradImages, Lisa Hessel (’04), Madisyn House (’23) PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joel Lindsey, Jenna Gulick STAFF WRITERS

Dr. Ashley Bell, Dr. Keith Beutler, Kasey Cox (’10), Rachel Heston-Davis, Dr. C. Allin Means, Lauryn Pyatt CONTRIBUTORS

A word from the Editor

As we dive into the latest issue of MBU Magazine, I am reminded of a recent experience that beautifully illustrates the essence of what makes Missouri Baptist University a truly special place.

A few weeks ago, I was with my son, Schaeffer, and his friend Max at a local baseball facility. I serve as a coach on their 13U travel team, and we were getting in some extra practice before a big tournament over the approaching weekend. While there, we ran into Cesar Soto, a recent MBU graduate and second baseman for the Spartan baseball team. Cesar was coaching a group of 16- to 17-year-olds. After a brief chat, Cesar invited Schaeffer and Max to join the drills he was running with his group of young men. Without hesitation, Schaeffer and Max jumped at the opportunity.

MBU Magazine is published by the University Communications Office of Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Send change of adress 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.

What struck me was not just Cesar’s energetic and clear coaching style, but his inclusive, wise approach. He treated Schaeffer and Max with the same respect and intensity as his older athletes. He did not take it easy on them because they were younger, but he also didn’t leave them to figure it out on their own. Instead, Cesar communicated verbally and demonstrated physically exactly what they could do to be successful in the drills. They loved every moment of it, and it was a testament to Cesar’s skill as a coach and character as a man.

This story encapsulates what we strive for at MBU. We are committed to cultivating the minds, bodies and character of our students. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field or through everyday interactions, we aim to inspire our students to make life shine a little brighter for everyone they encounter.

Enjoy the stories, insights and updates in this issue as we explore the many ways Spartans like Cesar are shining on.

Joel Lindsey Editor-in-Chief

MBU MAGAZINE

Civil discourse: Mending

a fractured culture with grace-filled

conversation

Three MBU faculty members explore civil discourse in the areas of politics, media and nursing.

MBU bestows 638 degrees at 52nd commencement

MBU alumni relive musical memories in Alumni Cabaret

Speaker for MBU’s 52nd commencement encourages graduates to “shine on”

MBU Associate Professor of English Dr. Matthew Bardowell named 2024 Distinguished Professor

Significant grant establishes naming of MBU’s College of Business & Entrepreneurship, supports construction of new academic building

Give Day 2024 aims high and scores record numbers

MBU establishes John Mason Peck Institute to equip next generation of Christian leaders

Spartan STUNT reaches milestone in wins at home tournament

MBU First Puppy captures hearts of students

MBU dance students perform at National Dance Week STL

New head women’s basketball coach Edgar Mendez joins MBU Spartans

Taylor Jarvis promoted as head men’s basketball coach

Sport management students provide media coverage of NFL Scouting Combine for Sports Management Worldwide

New partnership with John Brown University expands MBA concentrations

Missouri Baptist University receives NetVUE Professional Development grant

MBU’s corporate partnerships put degrees within reach for employees.

mentorship program builds connections for students Learn

MBU bestows 638 degrees at 52nd commencement

Missouri Baptist University conferred degrees to graduates in its 52nd commencement ceremony on April 30, 2024, at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. The University awarded 638 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and certificates for the 2023-2024 academic year. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

One Spartan graduate signals her love to family in the stands.

Mikael Merrit anticipates walking onto the commencement stage to receive his diploma.

Daniel Creighton accepts his bachelor’s degree in Ministry and Leadership from Dr. Ross.

President Ross speaks to MBU’s 2024 graduating class.

Speaker for MBU’s 52nd commencement encourages Spartan graduates to pursue Christ in their seasons of success

Dr. David Wright, president emeritus at Indiana Wesleyan University and former dean of the School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University, was the keynote speaker at MBU’s 52nd commencement ceremony.

Wright shared about the seasons of success with the Spartan graduates, encouraging them to walk with Christ through both the challenges and successes of life. “Friends, if I have one thing to share with you, the secret of a lasting joy and peace in your life is to make Jesus Lord of your life,” said Wright.

Wright served at Indiana Wesleyan University for 25 years, filling the roles of faculty member, vice president, provost and president. During his tenure, the university developed an online program that is nationally ranked and has served over 30,000 alumni. IWU also saw expanded faculty scholarship resources and new academic programs under Wright’s leadership.

Currently, Wright acts as the executive chair of Christian Education Services. He has served on the Board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) for eight years, including one term as chair.

Dr. David Wright speaks to MBU’s graduating class at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., on April 30, 2024

MBU Associate Professor of English Dr. Matthew Bardowell named 2024

Distinguished Professor

Dr. Matthew Bardowell received the Distinguished Professor Award from MBU at the University’s 52nd commencement ceremony on April 30, 2024.

Associate Professor of English

Dr. Matthew Bardowell received the 2024 Distinguished Professor Award for his excellent teaching, scholarship, integration of faith and learning, and strong student relationships. The University surprised Bardowell with the award at MBU’s 52nd commencement ceremony on April 30.

Each year, the University honors one professor with the Distinguished Professor Award. The award recognizes the professor who exhibits model classroom teaching, campus leadership, outstanding course development, scholarship, integration of faith and learning, and strong relationships with students both within the classroom and across campus. The award includes a $1,000 stipend and a brass apple.

“Dr. Bardowell is one of my favorite professors,” wrote one student. “He inspires me to learn more about subjects that I may not be familiar with, while also keeping it interesting. He always prioritizes our knowledge of the subject over the completion of the work.”

Dr. John Han, associate dean of the School of Humanities and Theology, applauded Bardowell for his exceptional leadership of students.

“Dr. Bardowell is one of the most popular professors among students, and his classes quickly fill up. Students are drawn to his classes because of his extensive knowledge, effective teaching style, faith and learning integration, and positive demeanor,” Han said.

“Dr. Bardowell is an exemplary combination of outstanding teaching, love for students and excellent scholarship that inspires students to want to grow,” said Dr. Andy Chambers, MBU provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His humble faith in Jesus Christ and his easy way of being with students and colleagues is contagious. I can hardly think of anyone so deserving of the honor of Distinguished Professor this year.”

Bardowell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida International University and a Master of Arts in British and American Literature from Florida Atlantic University. He also received his Ph.D. in English from Saint Louis University, where he published his dissertation on “Art and Emotion in Old Norse and Old English Poetry.” An exemplary scholar, Dr. Bardowell played a vital role in co-editing a recent collection of critical essays, “Certainty and Ambiguity in Global Mystery Fiction” (Bloomsbury Academic, 2024).

His academic work also appears in “Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature,” “Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts,” “Mythlore” and “The Ashgate Encyclopedia of Literary and Cinematic Monsters.” In addition to being an indispensable member of the English department and a proven scholar, Dr. Bardowell serves as a volunteer for his residential community and local church.

An early rendering captures an architectural concept of the new academic building and welcome center.

Significant grant establishes naming of MBU’s College of Business & Entrepreneurship, supports construction of new academic building

The Robert W. Plaster Foundation has bestowed a substantial seven-figure gift to Missouri Baptist University for the naming of MBU’s College of Business & Entrepreneurship.

The funds will support construction of a new academic building, which will house the Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship as well as MBU’s School of Nursing and a University welcome center. The new building, which is an addition to MBU’s current Administration Building, will include new classrooms and an applied innovation lab for MBU business students.

“THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEDIOCRITY AND SUCCESS IS AN HOUR A DAY.”

Robert W. Plaster

Dr. Karen Kannenberg, dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, spoke about the value this generous gift brings to the College. “The Plaster Foundation grant provides an enhanced and consolidated learning environment for our students and faculty. The faculty and I are excited about the potential for collaboration, innovation and community building in this new inspirational space.”

“We believe Robert W. Plaster would be quite pleased for his foundation to name the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Missouri Baptist University, a beacon of light guiding students as they prepare for their lives in faith, family and work,” said Jason Hannasch, executive director for the Plaster Foundation.

“We applaud all other supporters of this project at Missouri Baptist University, which will provide world-class facilities for faculty and students to study business and free enterprise. And of course, we cannot wait to see what Missouri Baptist University students accomplish,” added Hannasch.

In 1983, the Robert W. Plaster Foundation was established to help academic institutions provide affordable college education to students who may not have the ability to afford it otherwise. Robert W. Plaster grew up in southwest Missouri during the Great Depression.

After his father died, Plaster worked hard as a boy to help support his family. He was not able to afford college, so instead he went to work. Plaster believed in God, his country and the value of hard work, living by the philosophy of “Can’t Never Could.”

“Mr. Plaster was an innovative entrepreneur with Midwestern roots who had a major impact in the world of business,” said MBU President Dr. Keith L. Ross.

“The very generous gift from the Plaster Foundation enables us to not only enhance our campus through a new building project for the College of Business & Entrepreneurship, but also allows MBU to make a profound impact on the world of business as we train students from a Christian worldview,” Ross said.

During his long and successful career, Plaster founded over 500 individual corporations in a wide variety of industries. This includes the Empire Gas Corporation in 1963, which was sold over thirty years later as one of the largest retail propane distributors in the nation. Attributing to his success, Plaster often said, “The difference between mediocrity and success is an hour a day.”

MBU alumni relive musical memories in Alumni Cabaret

Left to right, Laurel (Spencer) Fox (’12), Gregory Carr II (’23), Gavin Young (’23), Jamie G’Sell (’11), William Launsby (’23), Brittany (Hastings) Davenport (’14), Bradley Bliven (’23), Emily (Dixon) Crain (’13), Cameron Tyler (’21), Lindsey Peters (’21), Holland (Doherty) Phillips (’16) and Melanie Craig (’10) perform “Toledo Surprise” from “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Photo credit: David Ayres

Nearly 50 musical theatre alumni returned to Missouri Baptist University to perform at the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center on April 13, 2024.

The Theatre Department hosted “Then and Now: Alumni Cabaret and BFA Showcase,” a blast from the past for alumni who performed in MBU’s musical productions over the past five decades. After the alumni performances, students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program took to the stage with pieces from contemporary musical theatre works.

The alumni revisited pieces from previous MBU Theatre productions such as “Oklahoma!,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Into the Woods,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and others.

“My goal from the moment we announced this project was to find ways to make the alumni feel valued, affirmed and appreciated for everything they have given to MBU, even beyond their participation in theatre,” said Kasey Cox, director of Theatre and Dance and assistant professor of Theatre.

Cox hopes current students can appreciate the legacies of returning alumni. Seeing the skills alumni learned through MBU’s Musical Theatre program can inspire students to chase their dreams for a successful future.

Dating back to the 1970s, the Musical Theatre program at MBU has challenged students to view storytelling on the stage through a biblical worldview. Musicals have always been showstopper sellers for the Theatre Department, with a record-breaking year in 2022-2023 with over 5,000 tickets sold.

The Theatre Department also prepares students to succeed in careers after graduation. Over the past six years, 93% of MBU Theatre graduates have landed a paying contract in the theatre industry within three months of graduation. “The Theatre program gave me a lot of opportunities to work on

my skills as an actor and build confidence in doing things that scared me,” MBU alumna Brittani O’Connell (’16) said.

O’Connell learned that the most challenging moments in life produce the most growth. “In a performing context, the roles that have been the most challenging always taught me the most about myself as an artist and a person. Believing in yourself to do hard things goes a long way,” O’Connell continued.

Brittany Davenport (’14) agreed that MBU’s Musical Theatre program prepared her for the various career paths in musical theatre. She studied all facets of musical theatre life, from music theory, singing, dancing, acting, directing and more.

During the cabaret, Davenport reprised the role of Kitty in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and also sang in the ensemble. She felt privileged to be part of the program’s history.

“I learned the importance of telling stories through the arts,” Davenport said. “How a story is told and portrayed can impact both the performer and the audience in new ways to make them think and ponder about various things in life and cause a greater impact than simply being entertained.”

The Theatre program taught alumni other valuable lessons, such as pushing themselves to their fullest potential. “I learned to step outside my comfort zone to audition and perform on stage,” Kathleen Wendt (’79) said.

Wendt performed in “Traditions,” “Oklahoma Medley” and “Music Man Medley” during the cabaret. “Teamwork was essential to making the shows a success, which is also true today,” Wendt said.

“Then and Now: Alumni Cabaret and BFA Showcase” brought together alumni and their families to relive their glory days and celebrate their legacy. “Our alumni, particularly those who performed in the basement of the Field building, laid a foundation of teamwork, grit and love for the craft that I strive to maintain even today,” Cox said.

Give Day 2024 aims high and scores record numbers

On April 11, MBU faced a challenge to reach 350 donors in 24 hours — and the Spartan community met the challenge head-on.

Alumni, families, faculty, students and friends of the University joined together to show their love and support of Missouri Baptist University.

With 415 total donors and over $70,000 raised in just one day, Give Day 2024 was a recordsmashing success.

Donors could choose between 19 giving initiatives, including the Together We Shine campaign,

MBU Athletics and various academic programs. The MBU Annual Fund was the most popular, with $25,300 donated to provide an affordable education and excellent experience for MBU students.

“Oh behalf of MBU’s board of trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, we thank you so much for celebrating with us on MBU Give Day,” said Ashlee Johnson, vice president for University Advancement. “We talk about impact a lot at MBU, and we see firsthand how the lives of our students are transformed here every day. We thank you so much for your investment in MBU’s future!”

MBU raised over $70,000 in just 24 hours on April 11, 2024. The funds will directly contribute to MBU’s transformational impact on the lives of students.

MBU establishes John Mason Peck Institute to equip next generation of Christian leaders

The John Mason Peck Institute at Missouri Baptist University will launch this fall to equip the next generation of Christian leaders to serve the body of Christ. The Peck Institute will bring together students and churches for gospelcentered ministry in St. Louis and beyond.

The John Mason Peck Institute will provide scholarship programs for students in an eligible Christian Ministry degree. Students can either receive financial support as Peck Scholars or as Peck Fellows, which each provide opportunities for ministry training and service. In addition, the Peck Institute will offer monthly workshops, called “Peck Labs,” to equip students to grow in areas of Christian formation and leadership in preparation for serving the Lord Jesus Christ in the church and society.

The Peck Institute also partners with the George Liele Center, a new ministry facility in St. Louis

that exists as a collaborative effort between the St. Louis Metro Baptist Association and SEND Relief.

Dr. Aaron Lumpkin, associate vice president for Spiritual Formation and assistant professor of Theology, said, “Through the John Mason Peck Institute, our students will be further equipped to fulfill the Great Commission as they prepare to serve the Lord in a variety of contexts.”

The Institute is named after John Mason Peck, a pioneer missionary who founded the first Baptist church in St. Louis during the early nineteenth century. In addition, Peck started higher education schools to train missionaries and pastors, established schools for African American men and women, and advocated against slavery.

“John Mason Peck has too often been forgotten for his faithfulness to carry out the Great Commission in a variety of spheres,” said Lumpkin. “From starting churches and schools to advocating against slavery, Peck embodied the best of Baptist convictions and cooperation. He understood the times, the implications of the gospel for life and the necessity of partnership in carrying the good news to all people.”

Dr. Aaron Lumpkin, associate vice president for Spiritual Formation and assistant professor of Theology, is the founder and director of the John Mason Peck Institute.

Spartan STUNT reaches milestone in wins at home tournament

In just four short years, Missouri Baptist University STUNT has become a premier STUNT program in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the region.

The Spartans hosted the MBU STUNT Tournament in the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports & Recreation Complex on March 22-23. The STUNT team closed the tournament with three dominant victories, outscoring their opponents 56-1. With the trio of wins, the Spartans’ season record improved to 10-2, and the team reached 10 wins for the first time in program history.

To open the tournament, the Spartans defeated Mid America NAIA conference opponent Central Methodist by a score of 13-1. The conference win over CMU solidified the Spartans’ spot in the 2024 STUNT National Championship for NAIA and Club Divisions.

The Spartans headed to Fullerton, Calif., for the NAIA National Championship at Hope International University on April 18-20. There, the STUNT team won one match, scoring their 13th win of the season — setting a historic win record for the MBU STUNT program.

MBU senior Sophia Welch is held aloft by her teammates during the MBU STUNT Tournament in the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports & Recreation Complex on Friday, March 22, 2024.

MBU dance students perform at National Dance Week STL

Students in MBU’s dance minor were selected to perform a selection from their spring dance concert “Dancing in the Light” at National Dance Week STL (NDW) on April 27.

The piece, choreographed by Cecil Slaughter, professor of Dance at Washington University and founding director of the Slaughter Project, featured MBU students Sháreon Brown, Sammy Broeker, Emma Brandwein, Andrea Reed and Ashley Harris.

NDW, organized by the National Dance Foundation, celebrated the artistry of dance and raised awareness about dance’s cultural contributions. Professional dance companies, local dance studios and college dance programs gathered to bring ballet, jazz, tap and other dance styles to the St. Louis community.

Miranda Payne, adjunct instructor of Dance at MBU, said that MBU students were exposed to professional companies through NDW. It was also a “great opportunity for studio dancers to see the wonderful possibilities for continued dance education at MBU.”

Missouri Baptist University’s dance minor began in the fall of 2019 and has elevated the quality of dance, both for students in the minor and for students majoring in Theatre and Musical Theatre. Claire Ward, coordinator of MBU’s Dance program, said, “Performing on the NDW stage is a notable step forward in promoting the talent we have in MBU’s growing Dance department. Though dance students have been performing on MBU’s stage since 2020, this performance will mark our debut in the dance community outside of MBU and will serve as a catalyst for future performances in the St. Louis area.”

Left to right, students Sháreon Brown, Andrea Reed and Emma Brandwein perform in “Dancing in the Light” at MBU on March 22–23, 2024.

New head women’s basketball coach Edgar Mendez joins MBU Spartans

Edgar Mendez was announced as the Spartans’ head women’s basketball coach on March 18, 2024.

Mendez comes to MBU following a successful stint as head women’s basketball coach at Simpson University in Redding, Calif. Mendez took the Red Hawk program to new heights with a series of firsts, including the first California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac) Tournament win.

With a year under his belt at SU, Mendez earned 2022-23 Cal Pac Coach of the Year honors after leading the Red Hawks to a 20-11 overall record. Across the past two seasons, Simpson sported the second-best league record and coached six All-Cal Pac selections.

Before his time at Simpson University, Coach Mendez spent nine seasons at his alma mater, San Diego Christian College, coaching men’s basketball. After five years as assistant men’s basketball coach, Mendez was promoted to head coach of the Hawks and remained in the role for four seasons.

Mendez has coached at nearly every level, including professionally in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), Mexico’s top professional basketball league, and the American Basketball Association (ABA).

A San Diego Christian College graduate, Mendez earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Development with an associate’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Phoenix. Edgar is married to Rosa Maria Mendez.

Edgar Mendez joined MBU as new head women’s basketball coach on March 18, 2024.

Taylor Jarvis (‘23) promoted as head men’s basketball coach

MBU Director of Athletics Jeff Fore announced Taylor Jarvis as the 15th head coach in MBU men’s basketball history on June 10, 2024.

Jarvis has worked in the MBU basketball program since the 2020-21 season, beginning as an assistant coach leading local recruiting efforts and serving as the head junior varsity coach before being promoted to the lead assistant coach after his first season. After his promotion to lead assistant coach, the Spartans posted a 64-29 overall record, including an American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championship in 2021-22.

“When we stepped back and looked at who we wanted in our next leader in the men’s basketball program, it became very evident early on that this individual was already in our program,” said Fore.

“Coach Jarvis not only helped recruit our current roster but was also the key individual in recruiting our incoming class. While this will be his first head coaching job, I can tell you that after several conversations with him, I know he is ready.”

Outside of his time at MBU, Jarvis has been a key figure for the Larry Hughes Basketball Academy, serving as the Head of Skill Development and Performance. Along with Hughes, Jarvis developed Basketball Training Systems (BTS) utilized by several other academies, including Chris Paul’s CP3 Academy, the Bobby Jackson Academy and the Mamba Academy.

A Eureka, Mo., native, Jarvis graduated from Lindenwood University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and from Missouri Baptist University with a Master of Science in Sport Management.

Taylor Jarvis was promoted as head men’s basketball coach on June 10, 2024.

Sport Management students provide media coverage of NFL Scouting Combine for Sports Management Worldwide

This spring, seven MBU students from the College of Business and Entrepreneurship headed to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., to provide media coverage for Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) on Feb. 29–March 1, 2024.

The sports business organization offered scholarships to the Sport Management students so they could provide media coverage during the two-day event.

The NFL Scouting Combine brings together NFL scouts to evaluate 300 of the nation’s top college players who are eligible for the draft. The event is a national highlight for both fans and media outlets as they speculate who will be this year’s top prospects in the league.

MBU students earned hands-on experience representing SMWW during the conference. They

provided photo and video coverage, interviews, graphics and social media content, and they were able to network with the featured speakers and panelists — all industry professionals.

“What an opportunity for our MBU students to network with NFL executives and to ask them questions related to various sport management jobs,” said Brett Tindall, instructor of Sport Management. “One of our students on the trip was offered an internship with a professional franchise while we were at the event,” Tindall added.

Dr. Karen Kannenberg, dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, applauded the students’ hard work. “We are so proud of these outstanding Sport Management majors who took the initiative to provide this level of skill and talent at such a high-profile event in professional football.”

The Sport Management student team returned to represent SMWW at the 2024 NHL draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28-29.

Left to right, Brett Tindall, Isabella Click, Audrey Wolfe, Joe Johnston, Foster Edwards, Ryan Bozada, Lily Haire, Madison Saulsbery and Guy Danhoff provided media coverage for Sports Management Worldwide at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., on Feb. 29–March 1, 2024.

MBU First Puppy captures hearts of students

“I want to introduce you to a new member of the Spartan family,” announced Dr. Keith Ross, president of MBU, during the President’s Chapel on Feb. 15, 2024.

Students erupted in cheers as First Lady Ginger Ross carried a tiny goldendoodle puppy to the stage and introduced Magnolia Bleu to her new family.

“We’re going to have a ‘Lion King’ moment here,” quipped President Ross, lifting the squirming ball of fluff into the air, reminiscent of the iconic movie scene. After the chapel service, Magnolia Bleu greeted her adoring fans in the Mabee Great Hall.

The Rosses adopted Magnolia Bleu as MBU’s “First Puppy” to spread cuddles and cheer to students across campus. As she grows older, the pup can be seen strolling through campus with President and Mrs. Ross, offering furry friendship to all who meet her.

First Lady Ginger Ross introduces Magnolia Bleu to students following the President’s Chapel in the Mabee Great Hall on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

New partnership with John Brown University expands MBA concentrations

Missouri Baptist University has announced an innovative partnership with John Brown University (JBU), offering MBU students the opportunity to pursue an online MBA with concentrations in Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

This brings the total number of MBA concentrations up from eight to 10. The JBU partnership is set to commence in the 2024 fall semester, marking a significant enhancement to MBU’s graduate education offerings.

Dr. Karen Kannenberg, dean of MBU’s College of Business & Entrepreneurship, highlighted the benefits of the partnership, saying, “This collaboration with John Brown University is a game-changer for our MBA students. It opens up incredible opportunities for them to gain specialized knowledge and skills in areas that are essential for modern businesses. Data Analytics and Cybersecurity are not just buzzwords; they are vital components of today’s business strategies. Our students will be well-prepared to meet industry demands and lead with confidence and competence.”

The expanded MBA through JBU offers an exclusively online format designed to accommodate working professionals while ensuring a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Students will have access to the expertise of faculty from both MBU and JBU, benefiting from their extensive knowledge and industry experience.

This new partnership underscores MBU’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education that meets the evolving needs of today’s business landscape. As companies increasingly depend on data-driven decision making and robust cybersecurity measures, the skills acquired through this MBA program will be invaluable for graduates.

Located in Siloam Springs, Ark., John Brown University was founded in 1919 and, like MBU, has a rich history of integrating faith and learning. JBU is renowned for its strong business programs and forward-thinking educational approach, providing a unique opportunity for MBU students to gain advanced expertise in two of today’s most sought-after fields. The MBA program will feature a curriculum that integrates academic excellence with practical application, preparing students to excel in a competitive job market.

MBU students now have the opportunity to pursue an online MBA with concentrations in Data Analytics or Cybersecurity through MBU’s partnership with John Brown University beginning in the 2024 fall semester. JBU is a Christian university located in Siloam Springs, Ark.

Missouri Baptist University receives NetVUE Professional Development grant

MBU has received a significant grant that will allow the University to expand its curriculum to further train students in vocational excellence.

The award, which is a grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), is awarded to faculty and staff who actively guide undergraduate students through vocational exploration. The grant provides $57,000 for faculty and staff training and curriculum development.

“I am grateful for the continued support from NetVUE and the Lilly Foundation,” said Missouri Baptist University President Dr. Keith L. Ross. “This partnership is a catalyst for promoting vocational excellence among our faculty, staff and students, which is central to MBU’s mission,” Ross said.

The grant will fund continued efforts to establish common language and an institutional culture related to the themes of calling and vocation. Specifically, the grant provides funding for

curricular revisions designed to emphasize holistic student development, including vocational excellence and faithful living. The grant funds are also designated for training and development of campus leaders through reading groups and vocational counseling workshops.

“We are delighted to be one of the recipients of the 2024 NetVUE Program Development Grant. These funds will enable us to advance conversations surrounding calling and vocation, revise and enhance school-specific general education courses and expand mentorship and training programs,” said Dr. Aaron Lumpkin, associate vice president for Spiritual Formation and assistant professor of Theology.

Along with Lumpkin, the grant proposal was written by Director of Career Development Sarah Marie Gibbs, Vice President for University Advancement Ashlee Johnson and Associate Professor of English Dr. Julie Ooms.

The NetVUE Professional Development Award is made possible by a grant to the Council of Independent Colleges from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Dr. Amy Harrison speaks to faculty and staff at the Spring 2024 In-Service Day. In conjunction with the NetVUE grant, Dr. Harrison is working to more intentionally integrate vocation into the University curriculum.

Left to right, Edgar Cortes-Meneses, Chick-fil-A team member attending MBU online; Anduin Eastman, Chick-fil-A team member who is also attending MBU online; Maddison Botfield (‘19, ‘22), assistant director of Online and Graduate Enrollment Services for MBU; and Devin Bruce, owner/operator of the Chick-fil-A in Creve Coeur.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

MBU’s corporate partnerships put degrees within reach for employees

Like many first-generation college students, Edgar Cortes-Meneses knew a degree would make a huge impact on his life, but he wasn’t sure if he would be able to overcome the obstacles.

“Going to school and obtaining a degree had always been my dream,” said Cortes-Meneses. “But with inflation and my financial status, I always knew it would be a hard goal to accomplish.”

Between a full-time job at Chick-fil-A and all the other responsibilities of adulthood, Cortes-Meneses didn’t have a surplus of time or money to make college happen. But an innovative partnership between Missouri Baptist University and Chickfil-A smoothed his path.

It was his mentor, Chick-fil-A restaurant owner Scott Swindler, who first told Cortes-Meneses about the “earn while you learn” agreement with MBU. The program allows employees of participating Chick-fil-A restaurants to access flexible online degree programs from MBU tuition-free, so long as they seek applicable sources of financial aid and remain employed with Chick-fil-A.

“I knew this was going to be one of the only ways to get a degree, since I travel for work and maintain a full-time leadership position in field operations,” Cortes-Meneses said. He enrolled in MBU’s bachelor of professional studies emphasizing business and marketing. The flexibility of online classes allows him to complete schoolwork around his busy lifestyle, while the education and skills he gains will advance his career.

Degrees within reach

The Chick-fil-A agreement is one of 63 corporate partnerships that MBU has established with businesses, school districts and other organizations to make higher education affordable to more people.

“MBU understands that it can be a significant barrier for students to work and pay their way through school, so by partnering with organizations, we offer a discount to alleviate the financial burdens students face,” said Maddison Botfield, MBU’s assistant director of Online and Graduate Enrollment Services.

“GOING TO SCHOOL AND OBTAINING A DEGREE HAD ALWAYS BEEN MY DREAM. BUT WITH INFLATION AND MY FINANCIAL STATUS, I ALWAYS KNEW IT WOULD BE A HARD GOAL TO ACCOMPLISH.”

Edgar Cortes-Meneses

MBU sees corporate partnerships as an effective way to serve the St. Louis region, and community needs are often the driving force behind the creation of new partnerships. For example, the nationwide teacher shortage inspired MBU to collaborate with educational districts to offer teachers affordable paths to earn their master’s and doctoral degrees. In response to post-2020 strains in the healthcare system, MBU has

partnered with organizations like BJC Healthcare to help produce a greater number of highly qualified health professionals.

These programs put degrees within reach for more people, and they also strengthen the quality of the workforce for partner organizations, as seen in Cortes-Meneses’ case. He already knew he wanted to pursue a career at Chick-fil-A, but the opportunity to obtain a degree in business management and marketing allows him to bring even better skills to the table as an employee.

“Chick-fil-A had many leadership opportunities, but most of them required a degree or at least five years of leadership experience,” he said. “With MBU’s partnership program, I was able to obtain one of the requirements that the company is asking for, and the degree would also open so many opportunities that would expand my horizons.”

Ginney Ison, an employee of the St. Lous-area nonprofit Youth In Need, had similar goals when she enrolled at MBU through her employer’s partnership program. “I wanted to move up the ladder at work, and most positions require a master’s,” she explained. “I wanted a school that shares my beliefs and will give me a quality education.” So, she enrolled in MBU’s Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) program with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction.

Ison soon found, as had Cortes-Meneses, that MBU offered excellent flexibility for students who already work full-time. “I love that, for the most part, I can complete assignments and discussion posts when I have time, and I can complete and turn them in as I finish the readings,” she said.

Demands of a modern workforce

These corporate partnerships are just as much a win for regional employers as for students. Employers reap the benefits of equipping their most motivated team members with greater skills and qualifications.

“WITH MBU’S PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR, AND THE DEGREE WOULD ALSO OPEN SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT WOULD EXPAND MY HORIZONS.”

Through MBU’s partnership with local Chick-fil-A restaurants, Edgar CortesMeneses is able to pursue his tuition-free online degree in professional studies while working full-time.

Edgar Cortes-Meneses

Just ask Devin Bruce, owner/operator of a Chickfil-A restaurant in Creve Coeur, Missouri. “At Chickfil-A Creve Coeur, we are all about finding ways to add value to people,” said Bruce. “Our partnership with MBU affords us the opportunity to add lifetime value to team members seeking higher education and help propel them into accomplishing their individual goals.”

Dr. Jaime Cavato, executive director of human resources for Lindbergh Schools, also sees this value. Her district is in its second year of partnership with MBU. Under their agreement, Lindbergh teachers can receive a significantly discounted rate on MBU master’s and doctoral programs.

“One of our goals is to recruit and retain the highest quality educator that we can,” Cavato said. “A highquality educator is always a lifelong learner. They

often want to go back to school — yes, for career advancement and certification purposes, but also to be learning at another level.” Those educators then bring their skills back to the classroom and district.

Employees are increasingly realizing the benefits of tuition reimbursement programs and other educational opportunities offered by employers. For some, these programs are a major factor in accepting a job. Cavato sees this firsthand when interviewing new teachers. Two of the most frequent questions candidates ask are, “What does your mentorship program look like?” and “What does your tuition reimbursement program look like?” Growth and change are clearly top-ofmind for many prospective job seekers, and large companies can’t afford to treat these educational partnerships as an afterthought.

Jaime Cavato, executive director of human resources for Lindbergh Schools, sees firsthand the benefits of partnering with MBU to offer significant tuition discounts to Lindbergh teachers.

Devin Bruce is one of 15 Chickfil-A owner/operators who has signed an agreement with MBU enabling team members to pursue a tuition-free online bachelor’s degree.

In that sense, MBU is simply responding to the demands of a modern workforce. In the last two years, the University has ramped up its interest in corporate partnerships, and they will continue to be a major priority for the University.

Facing the enrollment cliff

This approach has proven beneficial for the University as well. Amidst nationwide fears of low enrollment in higher education, MBU is growing its enrollment pipeline.

“The landscape of enrollment continues to shift, and competition is on the rise,” said Brittany Sansagraw, associate vice president for Enrollment Management at MBU. “Our nimble approach to partnerships allows us to create enrollment pipelines while responding to community needs.”

It’s an important consideration as higher education approaches what many have called the “enrollment cliff.” The enrollment cliff is a predicted drop-off in the number of students attending college. How far of a drop? According to Carleton College economist Nathan Grawe, the U.S. could see the number of college-bound students decrease as much as 15 percentage points from 2025-2029.

Enrollment cliffs like the predicted 2025 drop are caused by several factors. The cohort of collegeaged young adults has shrunk due to declining birth rates, which started during the last economic recession. In addition, more people are questioning the value of a college degree compared to the rising costs.

“OUR NIMBLE APPROACH TO PARTNERSHIPS ALLOWS US TO CREATE ENROLLMENT PIPELINES WHILE RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS.”

Brittany Sansagraw Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

Serving the community well

The timing couldn’t be better for MBU to shore up its enrollment pipeline. Yet at the end of the day, corporate partnerships do more than just boost headcounts. They are all about serving MBU’s community.

“While partnerships are certainly an aspect of our [enrollment] strategy, they are also missionaligned,” Sansagraw said. “Ultimately, as a faithbased institution we feel an obligation to serve our community well. If we make every attempt to do that with sincerity, we feel the enrollment piece will fall into place.”

“Our hope is that our partnerships foster employee growth and retention while enhancing our communities and creating well-rounded professionals with a strong moral compass,” said Botfield. “Our primary criterion for exploring partnerships is establishing if we can be helpful. Obviously, we hope that has some benefit to the University as well, but our first goal is to serve.”

MENDING A FRACTURED CULTURE WITH GRACE-FILLED CONVERSATION

How do we “shine on” in a shattered world? We see clashing conversations and fragmented relationships in every direction — so how can we respond with both truth and love?

In other words, what does shining on look like in everyday conversations?

Three MBU faculty members wrestle with this question in the areas of politics, media and healthcare as they explore the concept of civil discourse: the art of practicing humility and grace in conversation with others.

POLITICS

KEITH BEUTLER, PH.D. PROFESSOR OF HISTORY

Over the next few weeks, billions of dollars will be spent to influence your vote and mine in November. Because research shows that negative political advertising is effective, much of that money will be invested in promoting uncivil political discourse: near-blinding hatred of the “other side” politically — a vast swath of your countrymen that, however you align yourself politically, includes tens of millions of neighbors, friends, classmates and co-workers. If you are, as I hope, a follower of Jesus Christ, you are sworn to resist that siren song calling you to hate your neighbors. You are required to love them “as he first loved us.”

IF WE ARE FOLLOWERS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, WE HAVE STILLMORE-BREATHTAKING REQUIREMENTS, ORDERS FROM ONE OF INFINITELY GREATER AUTHORITY THAN ANY AMERICAN POLITICO.

No one, except heretics, can promise that it will be easy to do so. American cultural history, as biblical anthropology would predict, offers only uneven precedents for being civil toward each other in our politics. A case in point: In the earliest days of the United States’ political history, Founders Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were fast friends — until the presidential election of 1800, in which Jefferson bested Adams, turning them into bitter foes.

Years later, in the twilight of their lives, fellow Founder Benjamin Rush urged them to engage in a civil exchange of letters that renewed their friendship and blossomed into a remarkable discourse, a sharing of intimate personal sentiments and astute political insights.

AMERICAN CULTURAL HISTORY, AS BIBLICAL ANTHROPOLOGY WOULD PREDICT, OFFERS ONLY UNEVEN PRECEDENTS FOR BEING CIVIL TOWARD EACH OTHER IN OUR POLITICS.

Yet, just as the Bible’s take on human nature would lead us to expect, the Adams-Jefferson rapprochement did not usher in a long golden age of widespread civil discussion in American politics. Instead, as historian Joanne B. Freeman’s “The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War” explains, over the next few decades, rank rowdyism — including fistfights, stabbings and gunplay — became increasingly common in Congress.

At mid-century, when the national sin of slavery tore the American body politic apart in the Civil War, one of the few leading political lights who proved capable of “shining on” with incandescent moral clarity, but without detectable hatred, was Abraham Lincoln. In his Second Inaugural Address in March 1865, Lincoln acknowledged

that the evil institution of race-based chattel enslavement was formally concentrated in the South. Yet, he effectively allowed: since slavery was introduced into Virginia in 1619, every region of the United States had been complicit, whether directly or indirectly by its economic investments, in underwriting that unconscionable traffic in human flesh. The sin of “American slavery” was truly national. “If God wills that” the Civil War must “continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, ‘The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’”

In the meantime, Lincoln insisted, political discourse must be civil, characterized by “charity toward all,” because we all need charity. We all need grace.

If we are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have still-more-breathtaking requirements, orders from One of infinitely greater authority than any American politico: “love your enemies,” “do good to those who spitefully use you,” and a host of parallel imperatives. These we have no right to set aside merely because, on the secular political calendar, it’s hunting season again.

C. ALLIN MEANS, PH.D.

ASSOCIATE DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PROFESSOR OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATIONS

Anger sells.

The economics break down clearly:

1. Social media feeds rely on user engagement to drive revenue. Engagement creates impressions, and impressions generate advertising dollars.

2. User engagement is driven by our emotions. We respond more emphatically when the message sparks emotional reactions.

Instagram, for example, in-feed ads made up most of the app’s estimated $50 billion revenue in 2023. Evoking emotions that keep us on Instagram directly correlates to enormous profits for parent company Meta. Back in 2012, when it was still Facebook, the company bought Instagram for $1 billion, when it had just a dozen employees. Now, if it were a stand-alone company, Instagram would enjoy a market value of around $100 billion, according to Bloomberg analysts.

3. What is the most powerful emotion driving engagement, which in turn drives revenue? Anger.

Anger is quick and easy. In a clicks-measured media market that rewards vitriolic canceling of opposing views, anger monetizes best. It’s far easier to post and shut down opponents than to build up allies.

Although counter-cultural, we are called to live differently, to only say things that are helpful and build others up according to their needs, “that it may benefit those who listen,” says Ephesians 4:29.

At Missouri Baptist University, we cultivate a servant’s style of communication — one that rejects the profit-at-all-cost corporate mentality in favor of unselfish dialogue that facilitates an open exchange of ideas. While we do not always live this out perfectly, the administration, faculty and staff at MBU share the same goals: to elevate logical voices, to hear people out, to be curious about the person behind the social media post. This is what civil discourse looks like in a Christian context.

Modern cultural conversations run counter to these values, too often devolving into an onslaught of emotion-evoking images and clips. As we scroll through our social media feeds, we notice reels that evoke anxious emotions from us: police chases, road rage, political arguments, celebrity feuds. According to Pew Research Center, we gobble up social media to the tune of around three hours per day. That means nearly 19% of our waking hours are spent consuming social media.

This increased engagement leads to increased advertisement impressions, which delivers increased revenue to corporations that may or may not have our best interests at heart. With

IN A CLICKS-MEASURED MEDIA MARKET THAT REWARDS VITRIOLIC CANCELING OF OPPOSING VIEWS, ANGER MONETIZES BEST.

And buttering all that bread is anger. Anger monetizes on social media, but is there another way? Is it naive to suggest that media enterprises can profit through amplifying honest discussion?

LET’S DEMONSTRATE THAT GOOD-MANNERED TRANSACTIONAL INTERCHANGES MIGHT, IN FACT, ULTIMATELY PROVE DISCOURSE CAN SELL AS WELL AS DISCORD .

Is civil discourse even possible today?

Civil discourse requires, at its core, a sense of humility. It requires that we seek to understand each other’s perspectives and realize that we don’t have all the answers. As Christian communicators, we must be especially resolute to encourage unselfish conversations that seek the opinions of others instead of looking for openings to inject our own views. In short, we should consistently reflect the spirit of Jesus Christ in every conversation.

Studies show that Christians rank among the happiest people on Earth, so when it comes to encouraging civil discourse, let’s play to our strengths. Let’s lead with joy instead of anger. Let’s speak with peace instead of hostility. Let’s encourage truth-seeking conversations that bring all sides to the table.

Let’s demonstrate that good-mannered transactional interchanges might, in fact, ultimately prove discourse can sell as well as discord

In order to encourage civil discourse, we must first be civil to one another. We must embrace a Christ-centered willingness to hear all sides of all issues. The power of consensus building begins with humility. And humility takes work. But it is work worth doing.

ASHLEY BELL, PH.D., RN, OCN, CNE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NURSING

Jesus humbly exemplified civil discourse through engaging in respectful dialogue with individuals from diverse backgrounds. He addressed their deepest needs and shared the hope that is only found in him. Scripture encourages Christians to follow Jesus’ example, speaking out for justice with grace and truth.

These commands are true for all spheres of life, which is why Christians must think deeply about their professional voice and use it to promote justice and mercy in the world. The nursing profession desperately needs gospel voices, especially when it comes to workplace violence and civility.

According to a 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 73% of all non-fatal workplace violence injuries happen to healthcare workers across the United States. While workplace violence in nursing is not a new concern, it is becoming more prevalent with increasingly severe forms of injuries reported. The Journal of Nursing Education describes workplace violence as violent acts directed at a person while at work, including both physical and verbal abuse. Nurses experience such abuse, not only from patients and visitors, but also from colleagues within the interprofessional team. Sadly, even many nursing students experience workplace violence and incivility in nursing school, a topic explored by MBU’s own Dr. Robin Murray in the International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship.

The MBU School of Nursing is committed to promoting a learning environment that prepares students to be agents of civil discourse in a broken world. It is the role of nursing educators to foster a healthy learning environment that promotes respect, teamwork, collegiality, professionalism and productive discourse. To accomplish this commitment, Dr. Robin Murray, associate dean of Undergraduate Nursing Programs, created a Civility Pledge published in the School of Nursing student handbook and reviewed with all new students. This pledge lays the foundation for civil discourse inside the classroom and in clinical settings. However, it is the consistent attitude of civility from faculty, staff and students that inspires curiosity, creativity and courage. This type of environment creates a social learning community that allows students to practice civil discourse as they identify and respond to workplace violence.

Each semester, the concept of civility is intentionally threaded throughout the nursing curriculum. Students are given opportunities to reflect on ways they may contribute to an uncivil culture and respond to uncivil situations through simulation. Simulation is a wonderful tool that allows students to experience potentially dangerous workplace situations in a safe environment. For example, in second semester,

students are given a de-escalation scenario with a patient who is becoming violent. In third semester, they are given a scenario where the patient’s family member is unsatisfied with their care from the previous shift and could become dangerous. In fourth semester, students are given a scenario with a healthcare team member who behaves uncivilly. These opportunities allow faculty to guide students as they consider appropriate boundaries and language to use during confrontations. They also discuss strategies with students on how to keep themselves safe throughout the conflict. Missouri Baptist University’s School of Nursing teaches students to approach patients with a sense of humility and brotherly affection and aids students in setting appropriate boundaries.

Humility is at the heart of God-honoring civility. The perfect example of humility is Jesus Christ himself who, as Philippians 2:8 reminds, “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus’ example of ultimate humility on the cross motivates faculty and staff to serve students with love in the academic setting. Rather than a transactional relationship, School of Nursing faculty view themselves as co-learners with the students, and they encourage students to ask questions with curiosity.

The School of Nursing prepares graduates to shine a light in the dark places of this world — and employers recognize the difference. Local community healthcare partners and clinical affiliations have noted that graduates from MBU approach learning with humility and describe MBU students as “engaged employees” who use their voice to enhance patient care and improve patient outcomes. Nursing graduates from MBU have a reputation in the St. Louis community for serving their patients and colleagues in humility, making a gospel impact in a broken world.

MISSOURI BAPTIST

UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF NURSING TEACHES STUDENTS TO APPROACH PATIENTS WITH A SENSE OF HUMILITY AND BROTHERLY AFFECTION AND AIDS STUDENTS IN SETTING APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES.

THE GIFT OF SCIENCE

MBU

alumni

excelling at some of the top graduate programs in the country

ELMA MOHAMMED (‘22)

Elma graduated from MBU with her B.S. in Biology. Mohammed is currently a secondyear student at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

For Elma Mohammed (’22), studying medicine has always been the goal.

Born in South India, Elma moved with her family to the United States when she was four years old. She inherited a love for science from her mother, who was a science teacher. “Being around some really great teachers growing up and learning cool things about the body was my first initial gateway into [medicine],” she reminisced.

The daughter of a pastor, Elma grew up visiting church members in hospitals and volunteering in hospice. Young Elma learned firsthand how medical ailments affect both the body and the spirit.

When Elma entered MBU, she joined the Biology program with a concentration in biomedical sciences with the goal of attending medical school.

“[One] thing I really liked about being at MBU is we would pray before every one of our science exams,” Elma said. “For me, it put everything back into perspective that the gift of science comes from the Lord — and that’s something we can use to help people.”

The MBU honors program also prepared Elma for medical school by cultivating her research skills.

“One of the wonderful things about being premed at MBU was that it furthered my passion for medicine. Because I was also in honors, I did a lot of research, which helped me explore different parts of medicine.” Now, she uses those research skills in medical school to dig through medical articles for her weekly case presentations.

When she entered the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri, Elma wanted to pursue

pediatric neurology. However, she quickly realized that the medical field is competitive — with a wide selection of paths.

“Being in school, you can get easily lulled into picking [a field] where you make the most money,” Elma said. “But the more time I spend in [medicine], the more I realize that’s not what we’re called to as Christians. We’re called to do something that, first of all, glorifies the Lord.” Elma is keeping her options open and seeking the Lord’s calling as she continues medical school.

In the meantime, she will return to her birth country this summer with the Global Health Scholars Program at the University of Missouri. “It’s been one of my lifelong dreams to go back [to India],” Elma said. “God has been super gracious in giving me an opportunity to be able to serve the community there.”

Elma will be working with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and shadowing physicians to learn more about Eastern medicine and how it differs from medicine in the West. “I really love meeting people — I’m a big talker! — so I think it would be super cool to be able to meet with people in the community to see the specific problems that they deal with in India.”

After her trip to India, Elma will return to medical school at the University of Missouri for about three more years before embarking on a five- to sevenyear residency.

“[ONE]

THING

I

REALLY LIKED ABOUT BEING AT MBU IS WE WOULD PRAY BEFORE EVERY ONE OF OUR SCIENCE EXAMS. FOR ME, IT PUT EVERYTHING BACK INTO PERSPECTIVE THAT THE GIFT OF SCIENCE COMES FROM THE LORD — AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE CAN USE TO HELP PEOPLE.”

Elma Mohammed B.S. in Biology (’22)

CHEYENNE MORRIS (‘18)

Cheyenne graduated from MBU with her B.S. in Biology, and she is now studying in the Plant Microbial Biosciences program at Washington University.

“I’ve always had a good gut feeling of when things are right, and I had that feeling with MBU.”

Cheyenne Morris (’18), Ph.D. student at Washington University in St. Louis, reminisces on the value of mentorship throughout her academic journey. From independent research projects to career advice, MBU professors helped springboard Cheyenne into a graduate program. Now, Cheyenne loves to give MBU students the same advice that helped her along the way. “I was there once too and had all the questions, and I would have jumped at any opportunity to have some answers given to me. We’re all in this together.”

Cheyenne came to MBU to play tennis. Having always loved science, she decided to major in biology. Cheyenne needed a threecredit hour elective for her degree, so she took a plant physiology class. She fell in love with plant biology and began working with MBU faculty to research algae as an independent research project. The project catapulted her into the research world, and Cheyenne learned firsthand how to develop her own research hypotheses and test them.

Part of her research involves conducting experiments around the St. Louis area. Last summer, Cheyenne worked with the Tyson Undergraduate Research Program and led a team of undergraduate and high school students. She loves “being involved in those mentor-mentee relationships, especially because I was there once needing guidance.”

Cheyenne also enjoys giving back to her MBU community through the alumni mentorship program. During the 2023-2024 school year, she worked with a senior in the School of Natural Sciences and guided her through career path options — just like Cheyenne once experienced. “I’ve been very, very fortunate in academic settings that I’ve always had great mentors. ... I’ve been shown how great mentors are supposed to be.”

“I’VE BEEN VERY, VERY FORTUNATE IN ACADEMIC SETTINGS THAT I’VE ALWAYS HAD GREAT MENTORS. ... I’VE BEEN SHOWN HOW GREAT MENTORS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE.”

Cheyenne Morris B.S. in Biology (’18)

When graduation neared, Cheyenne was unsure what to do. One of her professors suggested she find a position as a lab tech for more research experience. Cheyenne applied to the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where her undergraduate research experience helped her land a lab tech position, where she also researched algae.

Three years later, Cheyenne entered the Plant Microbial Biosciences program at Washington University. Now in her third year, Cheyenne studies plant diseases in an ecological context, investigating the impact of climate change on plant and disease dynamics.

Looking back on her undergraduate experience at MBU, Cheyenne sees so many pieces that fell into place, including taking that research class because she needed three extra credits. “It’s really cool to look back on those little doors of opportunity that open and completely change your trajectory,” Cheyenne added.

Cheyenne hopes to complete her Ph.D. by December of 2026. After that, she’s not sure what the future holds — perhaps continuing her research as a postdoctoral researcher. Whatever happens, Cheyenne wants to continue mentoring students in their academic journeys, just like her MBU professors did for her.

DR. KEVIN KNIGHT (‘15)

Kevin graduated from MBU with his degree in Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry, and he received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology with an emphasis in biophysics in 2022 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He now works at The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology.

From a young age, Dr. Kevin Knight (’15) knew he wanted to pursue the highest possible education in whatever field he entered. Bright and curious, he excelled in both academics and volleyball.

When John Yehling, former coach at MBU, recruited Kevin for volleyball and offered a full-ride academic scholarship through Dr. Mary Vedamuthu, associate dean of the School of Natural Sciences and professor of Chemistry, it seemed a natural fit. Kevin said, “I took a half-day visit with Coach Yehling to see the gym and meet Dr. Mary, and that was all I needed.”

Dr. Vedamuthu, known as Dr. Mary by her students, was instrumental in shaping Kevin’s academic trajectory toward science. “Once I got on campus freshman year, [I took] Dr. Mary’s general chemistry class. She was so dedicated to her students and to being academically rigorous that she inspired me into pursuing much more of a scientific bend toward my studies,” Kevin recalled.

Though he excelled in academics, Kevin acknowledged that he had some growing up to do at MBU. “I could be pretty immature back in my college days. Once a year for our volleyball conference championship tournament at the end of the year, I would shave my head into a big mohawk, and I would come into the class looking like a fool,” Kevin chuckled. He was also notoriously late to class and would sometimes forget homework assignments. “But through all of that, I think they could see that I genuinely did care. I asked questions and I would seek them out in the hallways after class, and I was a TA for microbiology for a few years with Dr. Thebeau.”

Kevin graduated from MBU in 2015 and decided to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to study pharmacology, the research side of drugs, hormones and neurotransmitters. He packed his life’s belongings in his Honda Accord and drove across the country to start a new chapter in a town full of strangers.

Surrounded by graduate students from the likes of MIT and Northwestern, Kevin felt like the “underdog” at first. “But then I quickly realized that I was every bit as prepared as anybody there. I had a really wonderful time — some of the best years of my life — at UNC.”

He also found a beach volleyball community in Chapel Hill. As Kevin dove into his scientific studies, he also dove into volleyball. During the last three years of his studies, Kevin got to occasionally compete with the Association of Volleyball Professionals — America (AVP) Tour Series, traveling across the country to play volleyball tournaments on the weekends.

In 2022, Kevin completed his Ph.D. in Pharmacology with an emphasis in biophysics. He worked in the lab for one more year, then packed up the same Honda Accord and moved to Jupiter, Florida, to work at The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology. Kevin uses his pharmacology and biochemistry expertise to do research under the supervision of Dr. Kirill Martemyanov, chair of the Department of Neuroscience. There he and other members of the lab study receptors that bind drugs of abuse, such as opioids, to discover the regulators that turn them on and off. Their overarching goal is to understand how to design more effective and less addictive treatments.

Looking back, Kevin is grateful for the influence of MBU professors like Dr. Vedamuthu. “The ability to work my way through college close to home and have full tuition [scholarships] due to the generosity of my professors and coaches at MBU — and to have the flexibility to pursue both volleyball and academics — was a rare combination I don’t think I could have found anywhere else.”

“THE ABILITY TO WORK MY WAY THROUGH COLLEGE CLOSE TO HOME AND HAVE FULL TUITION [SCHOLARSHIPS] DUE TO THE GENEROSITY OF MY PROFESSORS AND COACHES AT MBU — AND TO HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO PURSUE BOTH VOLLEYBALL AND ACADEMICS — WAS A RARE COMBINATION I DON’T THINK I COULD HAVE FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE.”

Kevin Knight

A LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP

Building connections with MBU’s student and alumni mentorship proram

Emilee Goldsmith (’24) and Chelsea King (’15) chat at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, where Chelsea works as program administrator for Cardinals Care. Chelsea mentored Emilee through MBU’s student and alumni mentorship program during Emilee’s senior year.

Like many college students, Emilee Goldsmith (’24) didn’t know what she was going to do after graduation. Majoring in sport management, she knew that she liked sports and she liked talking with people — but she wasn’t sure how that translated into a job.

In her junior year, Emilee joined the student and alumni mentorship program at MBU, co-directed by the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Office of Career Development. She was paired with an alumna who worked for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes, and through that mentorship Emilee learned more about the job opportunities available to her.

When she entered her senior year, it was a nobrainer to apply once more to the mentorship program to continue building professional connections. “In the sports world, you have to have connections to basically do anything, so it was great networking for me,” Emilee said.

Emilee was paired with Chelsea King (’15), program administrator for Cardinals Care, the charitable organization of the St. Louis Cardinals. Chelsea and Emilee had met a year prior at a Waypoint Church event, and Emilee also interned with Chelsea’s team at Cardinals Care. When they were placed together as a mentor pair in the fall of Emilee’s senior year, it was a natural fit.

“FOR ME PERSONALLY, WHEN I WAS STARTING MY CAREER, IT WAS REALLY HELPFUL TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO WERE HELPING ME ALONG THE WAY AND WOULD GIVE ME RECOMMENDATIONS OR GIVE ME OPPORTUNITIES. SO I WAS HOPING I COULD DO THAT FOR SOMEONE ELSE.”

Chelsea King (’15)

“It’s been great getting to know Emilee more and getting to share my experience with her,” said Chelsea.

Emilee added, “I’m graduating this year, so I got to talk through that, and she comforted me because it’s a little stressful. It was nice to hear, ‘It’s okay if [a job] doesn’t line up right now. There will be a time and place, and God’s plan will be there for you.’”

Working with Chelsea gave Emilee a better understanding of the type of work she wants to do after graduation. She realized that she loves event planning and outreach because it fits perfectly with how her brain works — and Chelsea’s mentorship gave her an insider’s perspective on her potential career. “Last year it was nice to see what other jobs there are because I didn’t know about that specifically. And this year, it’s been really nice knowing what Chelsea does and then seeing what her thought process is behind things.”

“MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY THIS YEAR WAS SEEING HOW CHELSEA MAKES LIFE WORK AND WHAT LIFE LOOKS LIKE FOR HER.”

Emilee Goldsmith (’24)

Emilee and Chelsea also discussed what it was like to work as a Christian in a non-Christian atmosphere. “I’ve grown up in the church my whole life, and it’s something that I battle with when I look for a job, because I want my missions and values to line up with [my employer’s] missions and values,” Emilee said. The prospect of leaving MBU’s Christian community for a secular work environment was daunting, so Emilee appreciated “seeing how that plays out with someone who I trust and look up to very strongly.”

For Chelsea, she appreciates the opportunity to pay forward the mentorship she received early in her career. Chelsea didn’t have a formal mentor in college, but she worked part-time for the Cardinals as a student and recent graduate. While there, several people in the organization invested in her as a young professional, even offering on-the-spot recommendations during interviews that helped her secure a full-time job.

“For me personally, when I was starting my career, it was really helpful to have people who were helping me along the way and would give me recommendations or give me opportunities. So I was hoping I could do that for someone else,” Chelsea said.

Her favorite part about the mentorship?

Watching Emilee blossom into a confident young professional, ready to change the world. “Seeing how she’s growing every time we meet has been very rewarding. I’m just excited to see where God

takes her, and her future is going to be cool to see,” Chelsea said.

Meanwhile, Emilee is thankful for Chelsea’s advice and encouragement. “My biggest takeaway this year was seeing how Chelsea makes life work and what life looks like for her — and her reassuring me that it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get a full-time position right out of college. Hearing all that was just really nice.”

Emilee graduated from MBU on April 30, 2024, and she is now working at Wentzville High School as head dance coach. She’s eager to see where God takes her on this new adventure after graduation, and Chelsea is just as excited to watch Emilee succeed. “I feel like we have a lifelong relationship now, and we’ll always check in with each other.”

SPARTAN SPEAKER SERIES

This spring, MBU hosted three renowned Christian speakers for the 2024 Spartan Speaker Series. Sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Life, the series brings authors, leaders, artists and thinkers from a variety of backgrounds to speak on culturally relevant issues impacting the lives of students.

Dr. Karen Swallow Prior

Renowned Christian author and professor

“THIS ABILITY OF THE HUMAN MIND TO MAKE IMAGES, TO IMAGINE, REFLECTS THE MARVELOUS FACT THAT WE ARE ALL MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD. WE ARE THE PRODUCT OF GOD’S IMAGINATION — HE LITERALLY IMAGED US.”

Anna BertelsDavey (’18)

Executive director of African Vision of Hope

“GOD HAS PLANS TO REDEEM. HE HAS PLANS TO BLESS. BUT HE ALWAYS CHOOSES TO INVOLVE US. THE QUESTION IS IF WE’RE WILLING TO BE INVOLVED.”

Chris Singleton

Former professional baseball player and inspirational speaker

“I WISH MY MOTHER’S KILLER HAD A PARENT, OR A TEAMMATE, OR A FRIEND, OR A COACH, OR A PROFESSOR TO TEACH THIS GUY AND REMIND HIM THAT I’M GOD’S CHILD, JUST LIKE HE IS. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE TEACHING EACH OTHER THIS MISSION OF BEAUTY.”

Catch the upcoming Spartan Speaker Series at the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center this fall!

FALL 2024 LINEUP JUSTIN WHITMEL EARLY

Author of “Made for People: Why We Drift into Loneliness and How to Fight for a Life of Friendship” Sept. 3 at 11 a.m.

JD GREEAR

Pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, N.C., and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention Oct. 1 at 11 a.m.

The Spartan Speaker Series is free and open to the public. For more information, go to mobap.edu/spartanspeaker.

NICE TO MEET YOU

DR. ANDREA COX

ANDREA COX

Dr. Andrea Cox joined the MBU family in 2019 as an adjunct faculty member. Since then, she has become a full-time faculty member, the director of Field Experience and, most recently, the associate dean of the School of Counseling. Cox received her Ph.D. in Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri in St. Louis, where she also worked in Children’s Advocacy Services as a counselor before coming to MBU. Cox has a 14-year-old son named Justin, who will be starting high school in the fall.

AHA MOMENTS

Cox loves watching students’ aha moments as they discover how to apply philosophical concepts to real-world situations. Cox especially enjoys her field experience classes, where she can shepherd students as they prepare to interact with clients for the first time. “I really enjoy those moments where I’m getting to support students as they’re finding who they are as counselors and as they’re finding what they enjoy about this profession.”

WHICH DR. COX?

The College of Education sports a grand total of three faculty members named Dr. Cox (and no, none are related). Early in Cox’s time at MBU, a student told Dr. Tammy Cox, dean of the College of Education, about how she met a school counselor who raved about how wonderful Dr. Cox was. Dr. Tammy Cox wracked her mind trying to remember this school counselor who spoke so highly of her — until she realized the counselor was referring to Dr. Andrea Cox.

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

While Cox pursued a master’s degree, one of her professors approached her about continuing to a Ph.D. after her master’s, but Cox was not interested. A second professor recommended that she pursue her Ph.D. She declined again, but when the third faculty member suggested it a few weeks later, Cox thought, “Okay, Lord, what are you trying to tell me?” After much prayer, she decided to continue at UMSL for her Ph.D.

A PASSION FOR TRAUMA COUNSELING

Cox worked as a counselor at the Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis while pursuing her Ph.D. There, she provided traumafocused therapy for children impacted by stressful living experiences and trauma. Cox’s passion lies in counseling children who have experienced trauma, and while it was heavy work, she loved it.

“ANY WAY YOU BLESS ME”

When Cox began working at MBU as an adjunct faculty in 2019, she was unsure what was next for her. She wanted to stay in academia, and she loved working at MBU, but there were no full-time faculty positions open at the time. Cox began a calendar countdown for the next year, crossing off each day and praying, “Lord, any way you bless me, I will be ready to serve you.” Nine months into the countdown, MBU offered Cox a full-time faculty position — and the rest is history.

KAYAK CONNOISSEUR

In her free time, Cox loves to kayak at Creve Coeur Lake, Lakeside 370 and other lakes around the St. Louis area. She and her family have also enjoyed tent camping over the last couple of years — but Cox will only camp in campgrounds where she can see the water when she wakes up in the morning.

Dr. Andrea Cox poses with her son, Justin, who is 14 years old.

MY MOMENT TO SHINE

ANDREW MCCUBBINS runs audio for the Spartan Speaker Series in the Pillsbury Chapel. As a junior majoring in both Worship Arts Technology and Communication Studies, Andrew also works for the Special Events crew, where he uses his skills learned in class to cover live events at MBU.

After he graduates next spring, Andrew hopes to tour with Christian artists to manage live audio and other aspects of production. He also plans to work with churches to develop their production teams and streamline their services.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

KEELY SUTTON

B.S. IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ’11, ED.S. IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION ’14

Lives in Union City, Georgia. She works as a community engagement manager and was recently inducted into the Aspiring Leaders Cohort for the 2023-2024 year.

REV. ROBERT ALLEN

B.S. IN ENGLISH ’02

Lives in Rolla, Missouri, with his wife, Amanda. He is a senior pastor at Salem Avenue Baptist Church, and he recently published his first book, “The Blueprint of Grace: Seeing and Submitting to God’s Design for Sanctification.”

DR. LISA BLAZER

B.A. IN MUSIC ’87

Lives in Webster Groves, Missouri, with her husband, David (’87). She is the vice president of Enrollment Management at Webster University.

ZACHARY TOBEY

B.S. IN MARKETING ’19

Lives in Lake St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, Kelsey. Zachary is an admissions representative for Lindenwood University. He and his wife are expecting their first child in September of 2024.

ZACHARY DIEL

M.S. IN SPORT MANAGEMENT ’22

Lives in Wentzville, Missouri, with his wife, Kayla. He is a teacher at Saint Louis Public Schools, and he won the Teacher of the Year award in 2023.

PARIS FOREST (BUCKLEY)

B.S. IN BIOLOGY ’99

Lives in St. Charles, Missouri. She is the IT senior director of corporate functions & systems at the Boeing Company. Paris was recently recognized nationally by “Fortune Times Magazine” on the cover of their 2Q issue, “The 10 Most Iconic Women Leaders to Watch in 2024.”

AMY POLANOWSKI

B.S. IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ’11, M.S.E. IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION ’13

Lives in Pacific, Missouri, with her husband, Nick. She is a teacher at St. Charles School District. Amy just bought a new house, and she is working on her Administration degree.

HOLLY EPISCOPO (MCANDREW)

B.S. IN HEALTH SCIENCE ’21

Lives in Pembroke, Kentucky, with her husband Kolya. She is a patient navigator at Logan Memorial Hospital.

AUTUMN HEATON

B.A. IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND B.P.S. IN JOURNALISM ’23

Lives in Fenton, Missouri. She is a record’s assistant at Missouri Baptist University.

DOUG MICKAN

B.M. IN CHURCH MUSIC ’00

Lives in Festus, Missouri, with his wife, Cindy. He is the associate pastor over worship and music at Faith Baptist Church, Festus.

REBECCA SULLIVAN

M.A. IN COUNSELING ’17

Lives in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with her husband, Mike. She is an adolescent therapist, and she recently became a director of field education in 2023.

CAROLE MCFADDEN (BOCH)

B.A. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ’74

Lives in Indialantic, Florida, with her husband, Hugh. Carole is retired from nursing, and she and her husband are raising three of their grandchildren, who they adopted.

JASON GILLIAM

M.B.A. ’09

Lives in Farmington, Missouri, with his wife, Dana. He is the president and principal consultant for JWG, LLC.

REV. JOSEPH BRADEN

B.A. IN BIBLE AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ’83

Lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with his wife, Diane. He has been the pastor at First Baptist Church of St. Peters for 28 years, with 37 years of pastoral ministry overall. He and his wife have been married for almost 43 years and have 10 grandchildren.

LAURIE WALLACE (GOWEN)

B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY ’97, M.B.A. ’07

Lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with her husband, Brian. She is the associate director of Student Financial Services at Missouri Baptist University. Laurie is excited to help a new generation of students achieve their goal of getting a college degree.

JEREMIAH WARD

B.S. IN HEALTH SCIENCE ’21

Lives in Pikeville, North Carolina. He is a dental tech in the United States Air Force and is in the process of applying to dental schools.

JOSEPH LINK

B.S. IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ’20

Lives in St. Charles, Missouri. He is in his second year of law school and after graduation plans to join Lewis Rice, a St. Louis law firm, as a full-time attorney.

EMMA TEEMS (HINSON)

B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ’24

Lives in Union, Missouri, with her husband, Zachary. She is a second grade teacher at Saint Clair R13. She married Zachary in January 2024, and she feels blessed to be an educator.

Zachary Diel

Paris Forest (Buckley)

Rev. Joseph Braden

Amy Polanowski

Doug Mickan

KAREN LAWS

B.A. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ’82

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Karen is a retired special education teacher from the Special Education District of St. Louis County. She enjoys art, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

JESSICA MCLARD

M.A. IN TEACHING ’23

Lives in Imperial, Missouri. Jessica is a fifth grade teacher at Mehlville School District.

RACHEL GALBRAITH

B.S. IN EXERCISE SCIENCE ’20

Lives in Edwardsville, Illinois. She is a physician assistant student at Missouri State University.

ERIN CROCKETT (MCDERMOTT)

B.S. IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT ’09, M.A. IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY ’12

Lives in House Springs, Missouri, with her husband, Steven. Erin has run her own business, a daycare, for the past 10 years. She and her husband have four children.

RYAN REEVES

B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY ’03

Lives in Kingsville, Missouri. He is the president of Redline Sales & Marketing LLC.

GRACIE HELM (BOECKMAN)

B.A. IN PSYCHOLOGY ’22

Lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with her husband, Gavriel. She is a closing supervisor at O2B Kids Cottleville, a preschool. She just received her director’s certification and will begin training soon to become a director.

DR. JIM RAMSEY

B.S. IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ’97

Lives in Oakville, Missouri, with his wife, Jennifer (’00). He is the manager of spiritual care at Mercy Hospital in Jefferson.

KIRSTIN RIFFEE (JOHNSON)

B.A. IN MUSIC ’10

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Joseph. She is a talent development lead at Hussmann Corporation. Kirstin recently graduated from Baker University with her M.S. in Instructional Design and Performance Technology.

DOUGLAS FRANCKOWSKI

B.S. IN BUSINESS ’22

Lives in Princeton, North Carolina. He is a people services specialist at the TA Loving Company.

YULANDA TOMLIN

B.P.S. ’21

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a community outreach manager at BJC and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She was promoted twice since graduating from MBU and is now overseeing three programs.

IVAN MILICEVIC

B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY ’13, M.A. IN COUNSELING ’17

Lives in Ballwin, Missouri, with his wife, Holly. Ivan is the clinical director at Sandhill Counseling & Consultation.

Karen Laws

Ryan Reeves

Kirstin Riffee (Johnson)

VALERIE LAWRENCE (TRIGG)

B.S. IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ’04, M.A. IN TEACHING ’13

Lives in Fenton, Missouri, with her husband, Chad. She is a customer relations representative for Andrew Poston State Farm. She and her husband have a 3-year-old child.

KIRENDA BROWN

B.S.N. ’23

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a staff RN and charge RN for the neurosurgical floor at St. Luke’s Hospital.

AUSTIN SMITH

B.S. IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY ’23

Lives in St. Charles, Missouri. He is a coach and substitute teacher at Mary Institute and Country Day School. Austin also works at the St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center, where he is an integrated risk assessment specialist.

MICHELLE KEIM

M.S.E. ’09

Lives in Waterloo, Illinois. She is a school counselor at the Career Center of Southern Illinois, a local vocational high school.

TERRY FUNK (FOLLEN)

B.A. IN BEHAVIOR SCIENCE ’83

Lives in Wildwood, Missouri. She worked for Family Support for 34 years and is now retired.

MICHAEL MAASEN

B.A. IN WORSHIP ARTS/TECHNOLOGY ’17

Lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with his wife, Valerie. Michael is a technology specialist at Maryville University. He and his wife recently welcomed their baby boy, Seth, into the world.

KAREN ULERY

B.A. IN HUMAN SERVICES ’17, M.A. IN COUNSELING ’18

Lives in Raymond, Illinois. She is a licensed child welfare specialist/placement for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Karen is returning to school in the fall for her M.S.W.

GRACE COVINGTON

B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY ’23

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is an after care assistant at the Freedom School. Grace has returned to school for a post-baccalaureate certification in early childhood and elementary education.

MEGAN WILLIAMS

B.S. HUMAN SERVICES ’20, M.A.C. ’23

Lives in Farmington, Missouri. She is a school counselor and a volleyball coach at South Iron School. She was voted coach of the year in 2021 and 2023.

ERIC MARR

B.A. IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION ’21

Lives in Dillingham, Alaska, with his wife, Genevieve. He is a physical education teacher and coach at Dillingham Elementary School, heading into his fourth year of teaching.

NICOLE PRICE

B.P.S. ’19, M.A. IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH ’22

Lives in Trenton, Illinois. She is a psychotherapist at Champion Consulting. She has been with Champion Consulting for almost a year and plans on opening a second office with them.

Kirenda Brown

Michael Maasen

Eric Marr

MADISON SULLIVAN

B.M. IN MUSIC ’21

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Madison is a voice and piano teacher who also began her solo music career in 2023, releasing her first album “Memoir.”

EMILY HECHLER (HEFLIN)

B.A. IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES ’22

Lives in Wentzville, Missouri, with her husband, Curtis. She is the marketing coordinator at Alltru Credit Union.

KEVIN CARROTHERS

B.S. IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND ENGLISH ’91, M.A. IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY ’11

Lives in Mount Vernon, Illinois, with his wife, Jennifer. He is the executive director of the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home & Family Services. Kevin also serves as the Illinois Baptist representative on the Gateway Seminary Board of Trustees. He and his wife have two children.

KATHERINE DUNLAP

B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ’11, M.A. IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION ’17, ED.S. SUPERINTENDENT ’22

Lives in Kirkwood, Missouri. Katherine is a principal at Pevely Elementary. She recently returned to MBU for the doctoral program for teaching and learning, which started in April 2024.

KATHRYN CAPUTO

B.S. IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES ’18

Lives in Union, Missouri. She is a technician at Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Louis. Kathryn is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Missouri Baptist University.

CHRISTY BRIMM

M.A. IN COUNSELING ’15

Lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with her husband, Kevin. She is a therapist at Two Bridges Counseling.

JILL GEVJAN (BROMLEY)

B.S. IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ’99

Lives in Waynesville, North Carolina, with her husband, Robert. She works at Creative Minds Christian Preschool, and she leads a Zumba class and sings in a community choir in her spare time. Jill and her husband have two daughters and two sons.

BRANDI GALLAWAY

B.S. IN EDUCATION ’05, M.S. IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP ’22

Lives in Hillsboro, Missouri, with her husband, Scott. She is the student development coordinator for Jefferson College. Brandi is also highly involved in her church as the missions coordinator.

FRITZI ANDERSON

B.A. IN ELEMENTARY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ’79

Lives in Paris, Illinois, with her husband, David Regan. She is an adjunct professor at St. Mary of the Woods College and also tutors ESL students. Fritzi has five grandchildren.

Madison Sullivan

Kevin Carrothers

Christy Brimm

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.”

—TITUS 2:7

Dr. Matthew Bardowell, who was named MBU’s distinguished professor, visits with a student outside of thePerk, MBU’s coffeehouse.