MBU
MAGAZINE summer 2017
a p u b l i c at i o n o f m i s s o u r i b a p t i s t u n i v e r s i t y
Portraits of Perseverance The grit of MBU’s non-traditional students
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MBU served non-traditional students before it was cool When classes resume at colleges across the United States this fall, nearly one out of every two students will be classified as “non-traditional.” At mbu, that group —which is typically defined as those 25 and older— will comprise nearly 40 percent of mbu’s total population. And that number is growing thanks to burgeoning online programs. Some might say mbu has been a trailblazer in accommodating those adult learners. In fact, it has been 20 years since mbu opened its first regional learning center in Moscow Mills, Missouri, as a way to provide accessible and affordable education to adult students. Since then, thousands of adult learners have earned a degree from mbu through our main campus, at one of our 12 regional learning centers or online. One of those students was my mother. In 1994, my mom started attending evening classes at mbu. Not only was she raising three children, she was also juggling full-time work and the many responsibilities that came with being a pastor’s wife. Despite the busyness of her life, she had a lingering dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. It was a dream she knew would never go away. And something she was willing to work hard to earn. I remember regularly waking up to her feverishly doing homework at the kitchen table before heading off to work. From there, most nights she would attend class until 10 or so before getting home and making sure we were all ready for the next day. Then, she would do it all again. In the spring of 1997, inside Third Baptist Church in midtown St. Louis, all of the sacrifice paid off when Dr. Arlen Dykstra, the University’s provost, called her name at mbu’s 25th commencement. It was the same year my oldest brother graduated high school. Despite media reports to the contrary, research after research supports the assertion that earning a college degree is worthwhile—no matter the age. It significantly increases earning potential and enhances one’s quality of lives. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. As illustrated through my mother’s experience, along with the students and alumni featured in this edition’s cover story, it takes perseverance and grit. But it also takes a supportive community of faculty and staff that values diversity and wants to see every student flourish, no matter the circumstance. It’s a distinction that mbu lives out daily as St. Louis’ only evangelical university— and one that we have long taken seriously. Just ask my mom. Shine On,
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Bryce Chapman, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Marketing
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Honoring the legacy of Clayton Pfeiffer through a providential pairing of fours
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Portraits of Perseverance The grit of mbu’s non-traditional students
pg. Departments From the President
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All Creatures
The journey of one mbu alumnus to become one of St. Louis’ six veterinarian surgeons
Tragedy to Opportunity
An mbu student’s fight with cancer inspires him to empower others
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Portraits of Perseverance
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News pg. 05
Tragedy to Opportunity
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Nice to Meet You
pg. 29
All Creatures
My Moment to Shine
pg. 30
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President | Dr. R. Alton Lacey Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs | Dr. Arlen Dykstra Senior VP for University Advancement | Dr. Keith Ross ‘87 Senior VP for Business Affairs | Ken Revenaugh Associate Provost & Senior VP for Student Development | Dr. Andy Chambers Editor | Bryce Chapman Managing Editor | Coral Christopher ‘14 Staff Writer | Katlyn Moncada Graphic Designers | Christine Kenney & Jenny Sinamon Photographer | Jenny Sinamon Illustrator | Dennis Scanio Contributors | Julie Dodson, Jill Hanna, Dr. R. Alton Lacey, Kelly Leavitt, Linda Myers, Sandra Riutcel, Christian Robinson and Matthew Williams www.mobap.edu
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The Origins of Creativity and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Imaginative World pg. 32 Where Are They Now?
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The mbu Magazine is published by the University Communications Office of Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Issues are published in summer and winter. Send change of address notification at least a month before effective date, including both old and new addresses. Postmaster send address changes to mbu Magazine, Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Articles and letters to the editor are welcome. Email submissions to editor@mobap.edu. All submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned. Free subscriptions are provided to University alumni, donors and friends. Contact 314.392.2304 or editor@mobap.edu for details. We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith. We will freely and responsibly search for truth. We strive for excellence. We believe in the importance and cultivation of character. We believe in social change through service and leadership.
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t h e pr esident
Amazing Grace
Dr. R. Alton Lacey, mbu President
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It is a confluence of sound, celebration, worship, relief and hope all rolled into a cacophony of sound.
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Someone made a good decision many years ago to use a bagpipe band for the processional and recessional at our commencement. There is something about bagpipes and drums that are stirring to the soul and at the same time regal. When the bagpipes enter the arena, the flashbulbs are reminiscent of Busch Stadium during Mark McGwire’s home run chase. Because I am the last person in, I do not see the beginning of the processional anymore, but that is all right. My favorite part of commencement comes later, at the recessional, and not just because it signals the end of the ceremony. For me, the entire event is still very meaningful, and I truly wish that academe had not lost some of the decorum that used to exist on these occasions. I suppose it is partly our own fault as we have moved into arenas for the venue instead of stately academic halls, but we tend to treat it as a sporting event with cheers, catcalls, air horns (at some), and other less-than-solemn responses. Our commencement is much better than most I have attended in recent years, but I have pretty much acquiesced to the fact that some raucousness is here to stay. It definitely is a celebratory occasion, but it is also a serious one, and some balance makes it a more meaningful one. Now back to my favorite moment. We have a tradition of the bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” before the recessional begins. Bagpipes exist for this hymn. A solo bagpiper
plays the first verse and then the moment happens. As you may know, a bagpiper does not just start playing. He first has to get some air rushing through the instrument to create the sound. Just as the solo bagpiper is finishing his verse, all of the bagpipes start this rush of air, which continues for a brief moment before exploding in unison on “Amazing Grace”. I always choke up a bit at that point. It is a confluence of sound, celebration, worship, relief and hope all rolled into a cacophony of sound. At commencement this year, I told the graduates a story about my father from my commencement ceremony 46 years ago. My father did not have a clean, pressed shirt to wear to my graduation, so he borrowed one of mine. As we walked into the arena, he turned to me and said, “Wearing your shirt is the closest I will ever get to a college degree." He meant it in a humorous way, but it struck me as deeply poignant. My father, a WWII veteran, received his GED after the war, and that would be the extent of his formal education, but he and my mother were determined that their two boys would be the first of our family’s generation to graduate from college. They had a high regard for educated people, teachers and the value of education as a way to a better life. My father made sacrifices so that I could get a college education, and on that night, he was seeing his efforts come to fruition through me. I wish everyone felt as deeply about the importance of higher education. ■
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President Lacey announces retirement After nearly 24 years at the helm of Missouri Baptist University, President R. Alton Lacey will retire at the end of the 2017-2018 academic year. Dr. Lacey announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2018, at the quarterly mbu Board of Trustees meeting May 25. “I do not have the words to adequately express my overwhelming sense of gratitude nor the honor and privilege that is mine for having the opportunity to serve as your president for the past 22 ½ years,” Dr. Lacey said at the board meeting. “At the end of my tenure, I will greatly miss the mbu students, faculty, staff, trustees and friends who have made up my world for the past third of my life.” Dr. Lacey is now the longest-tenured president in the life of mbu and, for that matter, of any sitting college president in St. Louis. In 1995, he was appointed president of then-Missouri Baptist College after serving for 18 years as a faculty member and administrator at Louisiana College. His tenure at mbu has proven to transform what was a small, fledgling college into a flourishing Christ-centered University. Under Dr. Lacey’s leadership, the University has grown exponentially. This past year, mbu saw record-breaking enrollment with more than 5,700 students studying at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. The number of resident students has also increased since Dr. Lacey took office—from around 100 students in 1995 to more than 400 today. Such enrollment growth can, in part, be attributed to the vast number of academic programs that have begun under Dr. Lacey’s leadership. In 2000, the University launched its first master’s-level program, a decision that would pave the way for the 12 graduate programs and the doctorate in education that are in existence today. The University has also launched many undergraduate programs offered at the University’s main campus, 12 regional learning centers and online. This May, mbu received initial approval to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The University’s athletic program has also seen dramatic growth. Today, mbu has 27 athletics teams that are competing nationally through the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Of particular significance was the birth of mbu’s football program in 2014.
Dr. Lacey praises the parents of the class of 2017 during mbu’s commencement ceremony.
Dr. Lacey looks outside a window from his office located in the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center as it was under construction in 1999.
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Along with such growth, the University’s main campus has undergone an indisputable renaissance. In 2000, the University completed construction of its hallmark facility. The Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center continues to serve as the University’s flagship building. Also under Dr. Lacey’s leadership, mbu has constructed North Hall; thePerk coffeehouse; Spartan Village, which includes apartments and the innovative Spartan Row; a new bookstore; the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex; and the Spartan Field and Fieldhouse. Dr. Lacey will spend his final year at mbu, in part, working closely with the board to ensure a seamless transition as the University begins the search process, which will be announced at a later date, for its next president. “Thank you and God bless each one of you as we head into this final year of my service and soon into a new era for the University,” said Dr. Lacey as he concluded his remarks. ■
Dr. Lacey has participated in numerous theatre productions during his tenure at mbu. This February, he and his wife, Pat Lacey, co-starred in the mbu Theatre production of “Love Letters.”
MBU named Top Workplace
Dr. Lydia Thebeau discusses the muscle structure of the human arm with students during anatomy and physiology lab.
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Missouri Baptist University has been named the 10th Top Workplace in the large workplace category by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s annual list. This is the University’s fifth year in as many years of eligibility of being named a Top Workplace. The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces assessment programs with 37 major publishing partners and recognizes a list of 150 National Top Workplaces. ■
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MBU confers more than 800 degrees at 45th commencement BY THE NUMBERS Total Degrees: 839 Doctor of Education: 24 Educational Specialist: 34 Graduate degrees and certificates: 327 Undergraduate degrees: 454
More than 800 degrees were conferred at mbu’s 45th graduation ceremony, which took place on May 2, 2017, at the Family Arena in St. Charles. This year marks mbu’s largest undergraduate class to graduate from mbu. Graduates, faculty and administrators were ushered into the arena by an ensemble of bag pipers, per mbu tradition. mbu President Dr. Alton Lacey, now completing his 23rd year as president of mbu, delivered the commencement address to the graduates and their families. ■
Jesse Kassebaum looks out into the crowd during the 2017 commencement ceremony.
MBU professor of journalism Dr. Allin Means receives distinguished professor award Missouri Baptist University presented the 2017 Distinguished Professor Award to Dr. C. Allin Means, professor of journalism and communications, at the 45th annual commencement ceremony. The University recognizes one professor annually under the consideration of model classroom teaching, campus leadership, outstanding course development, scholarship, integration of faith and learning and strong relationships with students both within the classroom as well as across the campus. The award includes a $1,000 stipend and a brass apple. “Dr. Means is an outstanding colleague, professor and friend,” said Amanda Staggenborg, assistant professor of communications and public relations. “He encourages students to excel in the style and flow of modern journalism while inspiring them to utilize all courses as a foundation to become successful in any area of professional communications. He teaches students to commit to telling the story and realize the many possibilities in
such an exciting and evolving industry. His door is always open and ideas are nourished with positive feedback and rich discussion. He is welcoming, open-minded and dedicated to the beauty and discipline of journalism.” This is not the first time Means received recognition from his students and peers. In his first year at Southeastern Oklahoma State
University in May 2002, he earned the honor of Faculty Member of the Year. “Dr. Means is one of the best professors I’ve ever had,” said 2017 journalism graduate Chelsie Bartley. “He held such an interest in growing each of his students as journalists and people. You can tell he is unafraid to live out his faith.” Means holds degrees in communication and journalism from Baylor University and the University of West Florida as well as a doctor of philosophy in mass communication and journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. Means has served in teaching and lecturer positions through communications departments at Northwest Florida State College, University of West Florida, Morris College, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Baylor University and the University of Southern Mississippi. He began teaching journalism and communications classes at mbu in addition to advising the student news publication “mbu Timeline” in 2011. ■ mbu magazine 7
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MBU Theatre’s ‘Peter Pan’ takes flight, spreads joy to families affected by illness
Seniors Emily Rice and Jenny Hampton visit patients as Peter Pan and Wendy at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Missouri Baptist University Theatre spread the fairy dust of J.M. Barrie’s high-flying production, “Peter Pan,” to hospital rooms
and the stage of the Pillsbury Chapel & Dale Williams Fine Arts Center this past March. mbu Theatre director Kasey Cox said she
hoped to spread the magic of Neverland by visiting patients at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and offering a free performance exclusively to children with illnesses along with their family, friends, hospital staff and caretakers who serve them. The desire to visit sick children and provide the free show was inspired by playwright J.M. Barrie, who gave all the rights to “Peter Pan” to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929. The rights were confirmed upon Barrie’s death in 1937, and the hospital received royalties every time a production of the play was put on, as well as from the sale of related books and other products. The cast and crew, along with mbu faculty and staff, invited St. Louis-area hospitals and organizations. In addition to a free show for children, mbu Theatre hosted a benefit featuring a character meet and greet, games and a real-life pirate ship. The ticket included entry to the event and the 7:30 p.m. performance. Proceeds benefited Matt’s Hats, a non-profit founded by mbu senior Matt Williams with a mission to provide hats to children in the hospital and raise funds for cancer research. ■
MBU Chamber Singers perform at Winter Jam The Missouri Baptist University Chamber Singers took to the stage of Winter Jam, one of Christian music’s largest annual tours. Led by Jordan Cox, director of choral activities, the group sang with eight-time Dove Award-winning band and Winter Jam founder, NewSong on Jan. 28 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to perform at Winter Jam,” Cox said. “Not only was this a wonderful experience for our students to perform in front of such a large audience, but it was also a great blessing to worship alongside thousands of fellow believers.” Winter Jam’s national tour formed in 1995 with a mission to provide an affordable evening of worship led by top performers in the Christian music industry across the United States. This year, the tour made its annual stop in St. Louis to host thousands of guests with headlining artists Crowder, Britt Nicole, Tenth Avenue North, Colton Dixon and more. Additionally, the Gospel message was shared by speaker Tony Nolan. ■
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mbu Chamber Singers wait behind stage before performing at Winter Jam.
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Missouri Board of Nursing gives initial approval for MBU to offer nursing program beginning in January The Missouri State Board of Nursing granted Missouri Baptist University initial approval to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (bsn) program. The unanimous decision was made May 23 during the board’s quarterly meeting in Jefferson City. Pending a successful site visit later this year, mbu will begin offering nursing courses in January 2018. “The decision marked a critical juncture as mbu pursues approval for its pre-licensure nursing program,” said Dr. Amber Pyatt, mbu’s founding dean of nursing. “mbu’s program will fill an important role in St. Louis and beyond as it intersects innovative preparation with Christian perspectives, integrating personal faith in the practice of nursing while serving in a global and culturally diverse society.” The application process will open July 1, 2017. Prospective students will be evaluated on GPA in addition to experiences and attributes related to success in nursing. Prospective students will apply for the nursing program upon completing pre-nursing coursework at mbu or another higher education institution. High school seniors will be able to apply for early admission before completing all of the required pre-nursing coursework at Missouri Baptist University. mbu’s School of Nursing will be located in the Walker Medical Building, which neighbors mbu’s main campus. The initial approval gives the University the go-ahead to begin the renovation of more than 8,000 square feet into an innovative learning space, which will include a simulation lab, tech- nology-equipped training classrooms and community meeting areas. All students in the mbu School of Nursing will receive a laptop included in tuition to help foster innovative learning. In particular, “the use of technology will be important as
students learn how to communicate relevant patient data, manage care, mitigate error, and support clinical judgment and evidence-based nursing practice,” Pyatt said. The launch of mbu’s nursing program comes when the demand for registered nurses who
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mbu’s program will fill an important role in St. Louis and beyond as it intersects innovative preparation with Christian perspectives.
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have earned a bsn is high. In Missouri, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow more than 13 percent by 2024, according to Missouri’s Division of Employment Security. The projections are, in part, based on the rising demand for healthcare confounded with a significant number of nurses who will be retiring in the next decade. The nursing curriculum will prepare students spiritually, intellectually and professionally through a foundation of liberal arts education. The bsn program will utilize a conceptual approach to teach students about health, illness and the patient-centered provision of nursing care. Attention will be given to current local, state, national and global health incidence and prevalence statistics. ■
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MBU counseling program reformatted to align to CACREP standards This fall, the current Master of Arts in Counseling program will transition to a new format approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). mbu will offer a Master of Arts with a choice of three different programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Pending approval from CACREP, all students starting in the fall of 2017 who complete the new CACREP-aligned programs will be considered graduates from a CACREPaccredited program. The University has long been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and CACREP is an additional accreditation on the program-specific level. Courses offered in fall and spring will be 16-week courses, with summer courses offered as 8-week courses. Each program is designed for three-year completion. Night classes will be available at the main campus and regional learning centers. In addition to the face-to-face format, the school counseling program will be available online. ■
MBU to add new online programs including RN to BSN and criminal justice This fall, four new undergraduate programs in nursing, criminal justice, applied management and liberal arts will complement the five undergraduate programs mbu currently offers online. “These new programs will enhance mbu Online’s objective of offering in-demand degree programs in an accessible and affordable manner,” said Dr. Amber Henry, associate vice president for extended learning. “Our programs have been tailor-made to prepare busy students whose many responsibilities make traditional education formats impractical for successful careers.” The rn to bsn program will allow nurses to obtain the now industry standard bsn and enhance nursing skills and knowledge of health care. The online program will allow nurses to continue their education around their work shifts. mbu’s online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will prepare students for successful careers in the law enforcement field. Taught by faculty who have proven careers in the criminal justice system, the program will place an emphasis on practicality and job placement. mbu’s online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts offers flexibility,
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customized options and an accelerated format to assist students in completing their bachelor’s degree. The well-rounded degree program is particularly ideal for transfer students who come to mbu after earning a significant number of credit hours at other colleges and are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree in an accelerated fashion. mbu’s online bachelor’s degree in applied management positions students for management roles in fields such as finance, technology, hospitality, retail and healthcare. With classes taught by leaders in the business world who have a Christian perspective, courses will couple career preparedness with ethical decision-making. mbu’s online, undergraduate programs are among the fastest of all undergraduate degree options, requiring only 120 credit hours to complete, compared to 128 for traditional programs. In addition, mbu’s generous transfer policy allows students to apply most existing credits to their mbu program. Tuition for the online undergraduate programs is among the lowest in the region at $395 per credit hour with no fees. ■
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MBU students continue to build community in Guatemala For a second year in a row, a team of mbu students and staff served on mission in Guatemala from May 4–12 in the areas of Los Chillitos, Amapa, Guatemala City and Antigua. “Much of the work we do in Los Chilitos is relational,” said Marie Tudor, mbu director of first year experience. “Whether playing soccer or games with the kids or doing construction, or even just sitting in the church during the heat of the day, we were building relationships with the villagers." Tudor said many of the children remembered the team from last year, and she hopes to continue building these relationships for years to come. While there, the group was able to partner with local pastor Calletano Cardona and helped lead children in the village in Bible studies and playing soccer. “It is truly humbling to see how the people of Los Chilitos village live,” said mbu Senior Ben Carril. “It was even more humbling and an honor to be able to preach to them from the book of James. Each year I’ve gone, I come back more grateful for my life and more fervent in prayer each day.” Much of the time was spent working with children in the area where they were located
that day. Members of the group would tell Bible stories, play with the children and make crafts. “Before these trips, it was not real to me just how much the gospel can impact those who have not heard it, and seeing it reaffirmed the power of the gospel even stronger,” said Ashleigh Poteete, recent mbu graduate. During several points of the trip, the team was able to worship with the villagers and fellowship with members of a small church in Los Chilitos. “There were two different points in the trip that songs and worship were being led in Spanish, and yet, we knew the English translations, and we could worship in English while the villagers worshiped in Spanish. It was truly beautiful,” said Poteete, who went to Guatemala with mbu in 2016. Carril, who went with mbu to Guatemala in 2016 as well, worked closely with Calletano while in the village and was able to deliver a sermon to the village. “It was such a beautiful and truly humbling experience to be a part of that church service,” said Carril. “It is always such a blessing to serve with mbu students,” said Tudor.
mbu senior Ben Carril leads devotion with local families in Guatemala.
“They give sacrificially, love unconditionally and serve wholeheartedly. They fight through language barriers, trudge through mud, ignore comfort zones and share the gospel through their words and their actions.” ■
MBU choir shares melody and the gospel during Ireland tour
An mbu choir of 35 members performs at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.
A Missouri Baptist University choir of 35 members toured through Ireland from May 4-11. mbu students, faculty, staff and Choral Society members combined to form the choir that performed at notable churches including St. John’s Church in Tralee, Malahide Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and Grace Fellowship, a small church plant in Kilarney. “The opportunity to perform for Grace Fellowship was a special opportunity,” said Jordan Cox, mbu assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. “We worshiped on a Sunday with the small church plant averaging 25 in attendance on a Sunday morning. We sang a few songs then worshiped
congregationally together for about 30 minutes before a time of sharing and the sermon.” The group also visited historical sites such as Rock of Cashel, the Ring of Kerry, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Bunratty Castle and Malahide Castle — and even kissed the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. “Traveling to Ireland with mbu choirs is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Cox said. “It is our hope that as we travel we share good will, good cheer and even more importantly the good news of the gospel.” The mbu choirs last performed internationally in 2014, and will travel overseas again for a tour in 2020. ■
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MBU education program scores high on state assessment Out of the five largest ranked education programs in Missouri, mbu's Division of Education has the highest percentage of programs — 75 percent — ranked in the top tier. This year, mbu's Division of Education is the third largest in the state with more than 1,400 students eligible to be included in the ratings. With this new yearly evaluation from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), each university's programs are assessed and placed into four tiers with tier one as the most excellent. The tiers are based on student performance in school and their first year of teaching. To study graduate competency in the classroom after graduation, principals complete a survey every year on new teachers administered by the state of Missouri with questions about their perceptions of their prep program and their preparedness levels. Points are awarded based on how high graduates and their principals rate our program compared to the state average. “We have a broad range of high-quality programs, which prepare strong teachers for Missouri pre-K to grade 12 classrooms within a Christian worldview,” said Dr. Melanie Bishop, mbu’s dean of education. “These results indicate that the mbu Division of Education provides excellent curriculum and instruction
to prepare our candidates to be successful in the field. We took early steps to ensure that our students complete the optimal course and field work which set them up for success both on the state assessments, and, more importantly, in their future classrooms." The University's Education Division equips leaders in education at the primary, secondary and higher education levels. Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees are offered in addition to certificates. At the doctoral level, Ed.D. degrees are offered for Leadership in Teaching and Learning (pre-K to grade 12) and Higher Education and Leadership. ■
#ShineOnMBU Follow @MoBaptistU on Instagram to stay up to date with the remarkable everyday of MBu.
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From left to right: mbu Theatre performs Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” for the first time in mbu history. ■ Fox Associates President and ceo Jack Feivou gives advice during the third mbu Media Talk for the school year. ■ The class of 2017 lines up for the processional to begin this year’s mbu commencement ceremony. ■ mbu Spartans play Oklahoma Wesleyan in game one of the Avista naia World Series on May 26. ■
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The big ideas of MBU Honors Last fall, the inaugural cohort of mbu’s Honors Program met for their first class: “Big Ideas I.” mbu Honors is led by Dr. Larry Smith, who also serves as the fine arts chair and as a professor of music. At its core, mbu Honors capitalizes on the idea that an education is more than the mere learning of facts and procedures. Instead, it is learning how to find, apply and question current knowledge. It is asking the inquisitive questions, and trying to “plus it” to engage the big idea. This mindset begins at the beginning of the Honors program with the Big Ideas I and II courses offered freshman year. For these classes, students with differing majors gather together to discuss the “big idea” of the chosen topic. The class entails regular readings, discussions and guest lectures. Last fall, the class studied happiness, and professors across disciplines joined the students to discuss the topic from different angles including neuroscience, media and communications, music, history and psychology. The model continues for Big Ideas II in the spring with a new topic. “For the Honors program, the phrase that I use a lot is ‘connect the dots,’” said Smith. “Can you make a connection between two disciplines or thoughts? Sometimes things connect, sometimes knowledge and theories collide, but sometimes they run parallel to one another and never meet.” These classes as well as research courses and honors contracts — enhancements to their traditional courses — prepare students to succeed in graduate programs. “This really is a graduate prep program. Students can leave here with completed original scholarship, and have some scholarship published or presented at a national conference.” For instance, freshman honors student Nicole Walen was one of the participants for the research symposium and her research proposal received second place. “This is an excellent achievement, especially for a freshman,” said Smith. “Walen already uses what she learned with employers including the St. Louis Cardinals.“ Innovative academic offerings such as mbu Honors that capitalize the spirit of Missouri Baptist University. From day one of class, these students are challenged to think critically, push for excellence and discover their God-given passions. The mbu Honors program trains students to become wise and inquisitive. These students are becoming leaders prepared for a life of service and success. ■
The mbu Honors courses are discussion-based and enhance students’ ability to think critically and clearly articulate their beliefs.
This April, mbu Honors student Nicole Walen presented her research proposal during mbu’s annual Research Symposium and was awarded second place.
Coral Christopher, �14 Digital & Editorial Strategist | Managing Editor
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Honoring the legacy of Clayton Pfeiffer through baseball
t was the beginning of the fourth game of the tournament. Fourth batter. Fourth pitch of the at-bat. With a Rawlings Quatro bat in hand, Brandon Schlichtig went up to the plate and hit a grand slam putting his team up by four. The number four seemed to be everywhere on February 18, 2017. But most significantly, it was on the back of Schlichtig’s jersey. The last student to wear the No. 4 jersey was Clayton Pfeiffer. He was killed on February 22, 2012, in a tragic car accident just miles from campus before he had the opportunity to wear the Missouri Baptist pinstripes in his first college game. He was 18 years old. “His dream was to be a professional baseball player, so I told his dad and aunt that I’m trying to fulfill those dreams for him now – for both of us,” Schlichtig said. “He just liked the game; he would always talk baseball.” Schlichtig, a senior sport management 14 mbu magazine
major, and Pfeiffer first met when they were about 8 years old and played baseball against each other in grade school. They went on to become teammates at St. John Vianney High School in South St. Louis County. Pfeiffer played second base, and Schlichtig usually plays catcher. “Clay was always the smallest kid, but he always had the biggest heart on the field — no matter who we were stepping up against,” Schlichtig said. “He would model being a ball player both on and off the field.” “My favorite thing about baseball is having a team behind you — no matter what,” said Schlichtig, who has played the sport since he was four years old. “It’s not an individual sport; it’s like being brothers.” The two were very close friends, and Schlichtig enjoyed giving Pfeiffer a hard time about his size. “He was about 4-foot-nothing,” Schlichtig
joked. “We would call him ‘little guy.’” Schlichtig misses his friend and teammate but also misses the way he seemed to always get out of trouble. “No matter what it was, Clay would always get out of it,” he said. “If we were getting in trouble with his mom or in school or something, he would just have this little up-to-nogood smirk — like he’s so small and cute — he would get out of it.” Schlichtig said that Pfeiffer was a St. Louis Cardinals fan but admired many players from a variety of professional teams. “Clay was a ballplayer; he looked the part. If there was a trend going on in the major leagues, Clay had already done it,“ he added. “Clay had his name on his batting gloves just like the pro guys even though he never used them.” “He always had them in his back pocket, and they always looked nice,” Schlichtig
At Left: Schlichtig goes up to bat at a home game. At Right: Wearing the No. 4 jersey, Schlichtig prepares to hit a home run to honor the memory of his friend, Clayton Pfeiffer.
added. “But when he would go to bat, he would just use dirt and pine tar.” Pfeiffer’s strong work ethic is something that Schlichtig is carrying on. “In high school, I’d always get there early to try and hit with Clay, but he had always been there for a couple hours already with his dad,” he said. “This is something I have tried to model the past couple years — to be the first one in the cage to warm up.” “He would show us that he would come prepared every day. He would respect the game – he definitely modeled himself to be a great baseball player on and off the field,” Schlichtig added.
Head Baseball Coach Eddie Uschold says the best part of his job is working with the guys on his team, having an impact on their lives, and helping them become the men God called them to be. “Clay was always one of the first ones there and the last ones to leave – his teammates loved him,” Uschold added. “Both him and Schlichtig were hard workers and loved the game of baseball – although Clay was a lot quieter than Brandon.” The moment when Schlichtig wore the No. 4 for the first time really stood out to Uschold. “It was really neat the night before that game when Clay’s father put that jersey on Brandon at the banquet,” Uschold said. “I didn’t think about the significance of the number four until after the game the next day.” Schlichtig is still close to Pfeiffer’s family. They come to a couple games each year, and
Pfeiffer’s parents, aunt and grandparents were all at the game in February. The Pfeiffer family and the mbu baseball players also participate in the annual Clayton Pfeiffer Golf Tournament, held the first weekend in August. Proceeds go to the Clayton Pfeiffer Scholarship fund to help a student attend Vianney High School. Schlichtig said that Pfeiffer always chose to lead by example, and he is carrying on that tradition. “Wearing his number means a chance to honor him, and he didn’t get a chance to fulfill his dream and win a World Series and sign pro,” he added. “I’m doing it for him and not just for me and my team – I think about it every time I put on his number or even when I am just practicing.” ■
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All Creatures
The journey of one mbu alumnus to become one of St. Louis’ six veterinarian surgeons.
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He grew up on five acres in the middle of South County in St. Louis with a barn of horses, goats and pet llamas named “Pralines and Cream,” “Soul Searcher” and “Mizpah.” And when Dr. W. Wesley Kimberlin (who goes by “Wes”) turned 1 year old, he was given a pet pony named “Inky Binky.” Once, his family even adopted a pig they found in front of a restaurant in the city. “It was sort of bizarre because we were bordered on all four sides by neighborhoods, and it was really cool,” Kimberlin said. “I always had animals, and I really enjoyed that.” So, perhaps it is no surprise that Kimberlin is a board-certified surgeon with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and an alumnus of Missouri Baptist University (’05). It seemed early on that his love of animals would play a large role in his chosen career; he wanted to be a vet since middle school. But after he shadowed a veterinary surgeon perform a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair at the age of 16, Kimberlin then knew he wanted to make veterinary surgery his career. “It was just really, really neat seeing that surgery on a dog – the surgery is similar to an ACL surgery on people,” Kimberlin said. “I still get together with the guy I shadowed that day and play golf sometimes.” Kimberlin looks back on his time at Missouri Baptist University fondly. “The professors were willing to go above and beyond to help if you needed it,” he said. “Knowing people around campus was very helpful – my teachers knew who I was, and those are relationships that you don’t necessarily have anywhere else.” One of those professors was Dr. Holly Brand, professor of psychology. Brand and her husband, Todd, did Kimberlin’s marriage counseling when he married his wife a few years after graduation. “He was conscientious, dependable and
engaged, and he took it seriously,” Brand said. “And he was always very, very funny – I remember that standing out about Wes.” During his time as a student at mbu, an ambitious Kimberlin played volleyball and owned two businesses – a llama-shearing business and a lawn care company. He said the admissions staff at the University of Missouri was especially impressed with his ability to run those companies while going to school full time and making good grades. After graduating from Missouri Baptist University, Kimberlin received his Doctor
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In those cases, we do everything we can to get the animal well and back home as soon as possible – sometimes we have to get creative.
” of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2010 before going to Mississippi State University for his rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery. He then did a surgical internship followed by a surgical residency at Veterinary Specialty Services in Manchester, Missouri, where he works today. Jon Hessel (’03) is the pastor of spiritual formation for The Journey: West County, where Kimberlin attends church. The two attended mbu together and have known each other since Kimberlin was a student at Mehlville High School. Hessel believes that Kimberlin’s focus, commitment, love of animals and availability has led to his success.
“Wes is well-known and liked, but he also has depth in his relationships; he’s a person you can count on,” Hessel said. “I think he’s always been somebody with an eye for what he wanted — he was very focused.” Kimberlin performs anywhere from 10 to 14 surgeries on animals each week, and many of those surgeries are fracture repairs, broken bones or CCL repairs — the same type of surgery he saw as a 16-year-old high school student when he fell in love with the field. In addition to the more common pets, he worked on some more exotic animals during veterinary school like tigers, and he occasionally does procedures on animals from the Saint Louis Zoo, including birds and foxes. “I absolutely love my job; I love being able to help folks out,” Kimberlin said. “When things go really well the owners are really appreciative – I work long hours but I love it.” While his office works on thousands of pets, Kimberlin finds working with service dogs and therapy dogs an even bigger responsibility. The police consider a service dog a member of the team, not just an animal doing a job. “One therapy dog would notify the owner three to 10 minutes before the owner had a seizure — it was amazing,” Kimberlin said. “In those cases, we do everything we can to get the animal well and back home as soon as possible — sometimes we have to get creative.” Kimberlin enjoyed the biblical aspect of mbu and said he grew spiritually during his time there — in a period of life when it is easy to drift away from God. He still gets together with three of his offcampus roommates for an annual golf trip, and he is part of a larger group of graduates who have dinner every few months. “I felt like God was calling me to go to mbu; I still remember filling out the application in their old gymnasium,” Kimberlin said. “I felt really comfortable with the decision, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” ■
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There were times that I told my professors I couldn’t do it. They told me that quitting wasn’t an option. I was going to finish and they would do whatever it takes to get me there. SHERRY JONES, Page 22
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When adversity challenges dreams, there is one factor that can predict a chance to succeed: grit. While grit has been in the English lexicon since the 1800s, recent research led by University of Pennsylvania Professor Angela Duckworth showcases the gravity of grit. In a 2007 study, the research suggested that individuals who work through challenges and failures are likely to find higher success than those without adversity. And the number one factor for success in school isn’t an IQ score — it’s grit. It is grit — the perseverance and passion for long-term goals — that brings students to not only to return to school after years away but to succeed. At mbu, the most determined and strong students are not only resolved to earn a degree for themselves but also to make a difference in others’ lives. Stories of grit can be found throughout
the history of the University. mbu has been a leader among Christian universities by supporting nontraditional students since the first class of mbu — then a St. Louis extension of Hannibal LaGrange. Among the first students was Juanita Stalnaker — then a 31-year-old married mother of two — who earned a degree in education under the tutelage of professors including Dr. William L. Muncy. In 1996, mbu opened its first mbu extension site in Moscow Mills, Missouri, so nontraditional students in rural areas could pursue degrees. Since then, that single site has increased to 10 regional learning centers across Missouri and Illinois and flourishing online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For Sherry Jones, who returned to school
in her 50s, the chance to influence students living in poverty and give them a chance to attend college motivated her to persevere with her degree despite working and caring for her dying husband. mbu senior and Marine Jeremiah Gibbs decided to follow a calling in community ministry after serving his country for 13 years, while running a carpentry business and caring for his children. A mother of three, Nicole Price works on her homework in the wee hours of the morning so she can eventually predict and prevent criminal behavior, while inspiring her children to continue on despite adversity. Grit isn’t pretty; it is rough and raw but essential for creating a future of beauty. Grit fights for dreams to become reality.
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Jeremiah Gibbs Undergraduate Student, Main Campus and mbu Online
Illustrations by mbu’s own Dennis Scanio 2 0   mbu magazine
Jeremiah Gibbs Once a Marine, always a Marine. Jeremiah Gibbs has seen combat in life and death situations in cities that many can’t pronounce. Many of his life-defining moments are characterized by danger greater than the common U.S. citizen will ever encounter. Now his current challenge is civilian — he’s pursuing his degree.
In 2014, Gibbs left the Marine Corps as a gunnery sergeant. Throughout his 13 years in service, Gibbs held roles in combat support, truck driving and recruitment. He enlisted in the Marine Corps right after high school. “I was young and looking for a way to get out of my hometown to serve my country,” said Gibbs. “I was also looking for something in my life that could be respectable, that people would look up to, that people would see as a positive thing.” At that point of time, Gibbs was not ready to commit to God’s will for his life. “At that time, I really wanted to do what I wanted to do, so I became a Marine,” said Gibbs. “All of the services have a purpose, but the Marine Corps demands and expects a little more out of you. I lived that, and that is what I enjoyed about it.” When Gibbs left the military, he was ready to follow his calling to ministry, but first he needed a college degree. Gibbs chose to attend Missouri Baptist University for its faithbased mission and the ability to seek a degree in business and take classes in Christian ministry. For even the experienced Marine, taking 18-21 credit hours per semester — let alone attending college 14 years after graduating high school — was a challenge to overcome. “I was scared at first,” said Gibbs. “I was a little nervous until I started, and then I realized that life had prepared me a little more for college than I expected. My responsibilities in the Marine Corps gave me the ability to handle the heavy load and stress.” As a stay-at-home father of two, the flexibility of course offerings made it possible to pursue his degree. “One of the biggest challenges returning to
school was balancing family, my reclaimed wood carpentry business and school because I didn’t want to just get an online degree,” said Gibbs. “I liked that mbu offered both. I could take online, and I could attend classes on the main campus.” Even with the flexibility of coursework, attending college is challenging, but Gibbs’ work ethic and support system has helped him succeed in his journey. “Dr. Curtis McClain and Professor Bradford both pushed me hard to try to continue pushing myself,” Gibbs said. “Having professors on campus who you can lean on helps me continue when I grow weary of doing my best.”
I was a little nervous until I started and then I realized that life had prepared me a little more for college than I expected.
In addition to supporting his family, achieving a degree will allow Gibbs to become a full-time missionary in a forgotten area of the United States. Gibbs has already accepted a missionary position with the Missouri Baptist Convention in the small, impoverished rural town of Charleston, Missouri.
Four years ago, Gibbs first traveled to Charleston to cook meals for the families served by the local food bank. Last year he returned to Charleston to serve as a summer missionary, and this summer he returned on his own to serve the community. Gibbs works as a missionary helping afterschool tutoring and substitute teaching in the local schools. “Teaching in the schools is a great way to get to know the kids in the community better. Because of my classes at mbu, I can help the kids on their assignments and also the students struggling with their emotions or spiritual lives.” In addition to tutoring and working at the food bank, Gibbs’ service to the Charleston community includes carpentry work. “Last summer I would spend eight hours a day fixing the building, doing repairs,” said Gibbs. “I felt more like a carpenter than a missionary.” The carpentry work led to an unexpected area of service – mentoring teenagers to become strong Christian men. In the community, many of the high schoolers lack a fatherly figure. When the young men saw Gibbs’ skill set, they asked Gibbs if he would teach them to use power tools and work on cars since they did not have a father to teach them. “A lot of them are missing a dad that will teach them about life like my dad taught me,” said Gibbs. “I had a father that showed me how to be a Godly man. I want to be able to pass that on to young people who don’t have that male role model in life. Being in college is hard, but the courses and an upcoming degree are giving me opportunities to make a difference in their lives, and I’m thankful for that.” mbu magazine 21
Sherry Jones At Pasta House after Sunday church, Sherry Jones’ family surrounds her, filling the expanded table. Jones wouldn’t change it. Lunch after church is a cherished tradition for her and her expansive family of biological and school children.
While some students call her Ms. Jones, many students, teachers and administrators prefer to call Sherry Jones “Mama Jones.” For many of her students, the music teacher at Jennings Junior High School is the only motherly figure in their lives. “Many of these students have no parental support — they raise themselves,” said Jones. “I try to fill in the gap.” Filling in the gap is both practical, emotional and spiritual. Jones will provide clothing, food and support to any student who needs help. She’ll take students to her church, then feed and spend time with the students to keep them away from a life on the street. Life hasn’t been an easy, straight road for Jones either. She left her studies before completing her undergraduate degree to support her husband with his ministry and dreams. After seeing a flyer posted at church, Jones knew it was time to continue her dreams and signed up for classes at Missouri Baptist University. “I knew since kindergarten that I was called to be a music teacher,” said Jones. “I taught my dolls and played as the church musician. God sent me to teach.” Earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at mbu was a challenge, but her faith gave her strength. She worked as an administrator, taught classes at a local Catholic parish school, continued her music ministry, and cared for her family while completing coursework at mbu. When Jones walked onto campus for her first night class, she was worried that the agegap between her and her classmates would be difficult. But instead, it was a strength as she formed her mbu family. “I would just sit down with them and talk, and I enjoyed my time with them,” said Jones. Her classmates too called her mama. She took them into her home for Thanksgiving 2 2 mbu magazine
or chastised them for procrastinating homework. Her professors were also a source of strength. Dr. Cathy Benton was her piano teacher, and they clicked. “Dr. Benton and I would take time to pray together and talk about family,” said Jones. “My professors were why I completed my degree. They supported me when my husband was dying from renal failure and I had to leave in the middle of class. There were times that I told them I couldn’t do it. They told me that quitting wasn’t an option. I was going to finish, and they would do whatever it takes to get me there.”
She was worried that the age-gap between her and her classmates would be difficult. But instead, it was a strength as she formed her mbu family.
When Jones’ husband passed away, her professors and students attended the visitation and would check in with Jones to see how they could help her. That strength supported Jones, helping her finish a master’s degree in 2010 after earning her bachelor’s degree in 2008. Like her professors were to her, Jones wants to be a source of strength and hope for her students. She is the school’s first music teacher to stay, and her students are now a part of her family. For this year’s graduating eighth-graders of
Jennings’ College Prep and Career Academy, Jones is instrumental in their process of pursuing their dreams. These young students are in accelerated classes so they can graduate from high school with an associates degree. For them, this is their chance to pursue their ambition of becoming a cardiologist, pediatrician, attorney and musician, Jones said. In their first year, these students didn’t have anywhere to go one period of their schedule. Jones decided to do more than supervise a study hall – she exposed them to the world of music and taught them piano. Two and a half years later, these students are now musicians, playing challenging songs such as “Flight of the Bumblebee.” Jones gives her students more than musical chops. She helps them discover the strength to persist despite adversity and serves as a supportive ally. Among these students is eighth-grader Taviah Crume. “Mama Jones is like family,” she said. “When I have problems, I always go to her, and she helps me work it out. She takes us places like the theatre and church, just like a real mom.” A fellow eighth-grader, Devin Elkins, agrees. “I don’t want to leave her class,” she said. “As of now, our high school classes won’t allow for any electives—including piano. She’s fighting for a way to teach us next year.” Nina Ely aspires to become a cardiologist, and piano is playing a vital role in helping her achieve her dreams. “Piano helps me express myself and focus on my studies,” said Ely. “Ms. Jones introduced me to this love. When I go to college, I plan on using piano as a way to help to do well in my studies.” When asked how the students have the strength to persevere in adversity, the answers are in unison and automatic: “It’s Mama Jones.”
Sherry Jones B.M., B.P.S. ’08, M.S.E. ’10, Main Campus and mbu Online
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Nicole Price Undergraduate Student, mbu Online
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Nicole Price It’s four days until Mother’s Day, and stay-at-home mother Nicole Price can’t stop gushing about her children. Her day and life revolve around her children of 2, 6 and 12 years. Walks to the park, helping her children with their homework, and family games of UNO are all in the daily routine. But as the children are tucked into bed, Price makes another selfless choice — to complete her homework.
While applying for mortgages for her family’s first home, she realized the gravity of relying on her husband to be the breadwinner for her family. That same year, her husband crushed his foot to add to his already shattered back. Price decided she needed to finish her bachelor’s degree online so she could add to her family’s financial security and relieve the pressure to provide from her husband’s shoulders. Attending college was always a part of the plan, but Price's plans were railroaded when her now-husband was in a serious car accident and her children came into her life. In high school, she set her goal high — she wanted to earn her Doctorate in Psychology to become a clinical psychologist. Price’s career aspirations aren’t surprising to those who know her well. In addition to her strong desire to help others, she has curiosity about why people behave the way they do. What led the woman to rob a bank? What led him to commit murder? When Price was in high school, the Laci Peterson trial
was underway. She was perplexed about why Anthony Peterson would kill his pregnant wife and decided that she would find out why. Price’s goal is to become skilled and renowned enough to work with Peterson or to have access to study his records. Getting to that point isn’t easy. She is determined that her schooling won’t negatively affect her children. She only works on her homework after bedtime. When one of her children awakens with night tremors, she runs to comfort them even if it means she runs out of time on her online test. “My kids are my first priority — school is second,” said Price. “If caring and comforting my children causes me to receive the grade of ‘B’ instead of an ‘A,’ so be it.” Faith is the integral source of strength for Price. “Without my faith, I don’t think I would have the strength to do what I do daily, let alone go to school,” said Price. “It was a definite push by God to do this. I believe He said this needed to happen and put it inside
me and said, ‘Do it.’” Her church family is also a village of support and love. “They are our kids’ aunts, grandpas and cousins,” said Price. “If my husband and I didn’t have such a strong relationship with God and our church family, we couldn’t do it.” With strength credited to God, Price receives top grades despite her extraordinary challenges. Even though Price and her family battled illness this year, she fought through the sickness to turn in every assignment on time. Even when her family is well, she stays up until 3:30 a.m. to complete her homework and begins her day again at 6:30 a.m. Some nights, her step-daughter will stay up with Price for a few hours, mesmerized by Price’s determination and strength to pursue a degree. Price wants her journey to achieve her dream to inspire her children. “They need to see that no matter what life throws, you can persevere,” said Price. “I want them to ignore the naysayers telling them they can’t do it and know that they can do it.” ■
They need to see that no matter what life throws, you can persevere. I want them to ignore the naysayers telling them they can’t do it, and know that they can do it.
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in his ow n wo rds
Tragedy to Opportunity mbu senior and cancer survivor Matt Williams on fighting childhood cancer and despair through a thriving nonprofit he started in high school.
THE INSPIRATION
When I was nine-years-old, I was diagnosed with a stage three ependymoma brain tumor. I was immediately sent to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for an emergency 10-hour brain surgery and three months of radiation therapy. Because of the cancer treatments, I lost my hair. Onlookers gawked when they saw a bald child walking around the city of St. Louis. To help me blend in around the city, individuals gave me hats. When my radiation treatments ended, I went home to Vienna, Illinois and realized I had a collection of approximately 200 hats. When my hair began to grow back, I decided to sell the hats at a local fair for a donation of $5 to support research at Washington University School of Medicine. The leftover hats were then donated to kids in the hospital. I continued this effort as Matt’s Hats to make an impact in the children’s lives in addition to supporting efforts to treat and end childhood cancer. While I don’t sell hats anymore, Matt’s Hats collects hats for children with cancer and raises money to sponsor local cancer research.
Matt Williams looks out to Forest Park after brain surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital TEEN ENTREPRENEUR
My mom tells the story of me when I was 14 years old, lying on my bed, surrounded by paperwork and on the phone with the irs trying to figure out how to start a nonprofit. Matt’s Hats was originally just a project, but then I raised $5,000 then $10,000.
Understandably, I began to be asked for paperwork for tax deduction and if I had an official status. So, I decided to make Matt’s Hats official. With that, I began to catch the entrepreneurial spirit. I realized Matt’s Hats is something with meaning to people. At the time, nonprofits were difficult to start, so my mom and I just sat down and wrote out the paperwork over a summer and built this idea into an organization. In high school, I had a lot of conversations about if I wanted to do Matt’s Hats long term. Because if I was going to quit, there was no reason to do all this paperwork, but I felt that this story wasn’t simply going to go away. I was blessed with a mentor named Rodney Gholson who would help me with a lot of questions about business, branding and simply being a good steward of people’s investments. I would then talk to other people who had started nonprofits or anyone with experience. I asked questions trying to absorb as much information as I could about the topic so I could do it on my own.
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I want each child to believe the cancer is an experience, not their identity. They are individuals with hope, promise and strength. And that’s an empowering thing.
THE TIPPING POINT
After coming to Missouri Baptist University, I began to leave Matt’s Hats behind. I told my parents they could do what they wanted with it but that I was going to focus on college and pursue so-called better things. When my story spread across campus, I was asked to speak at chapel and after that people just started asking how they could help. mbu faculty and staff made it evident to me that my story needed to continue. Despite working a couple jobs and taking classes, I began to work on Matt’s Hats again. Since then, Matt’s Hats has continually grown. At first, I thought my nonprofit was not big enough, but fulfilling God’s purpose for me is the best thing I can do. Now that I’m in college, I have advanced past only using tutorials and blind trial and error. While those are both fantastic ways to learn, at mbu I am immersed in a community
of professionals who give me not only their personal advice, but, research and theory-based advice that is truly powerful. There are times when I will be sitting in class or my internship, and I will learn how to do something like edit a photo or design something, and as soon as I get back to my apartment, I sit down and apply it to Matt’s Hats. Having an organization to apply those concepts to has been incredibly beneficial for my learning experience and Matt’s Hats. MORE THAN HATS AND CANCER
When I relaunched Matt’s Hats in St. Louis, I needed to create a way to tell my story on the mass level. So, I worked with a video production company to recreate my story through video, built up the social media accounts, rebranded, launched a new website and built key partners within the St. Louis community.
Matt’s Hats is transitioning to focus less on hats and more about empowering children to take their struggle and use the experience as inspiration to better the world. My mantra is “Tragedy to Opportunity.” It is the biblical belief that someone can go through life, go through cancer, and walk away realizing their brush with cancer puts them in a unique position to help others. Now, the hat serves as a key to unlock the door to hospital rooms. Once we are inside, the children open a box designed to distract and spark their imagination, and the parents receive information to help guide conversations with that child to begin the process of converting the child's mindset from tragedy to opportunity. I want each child to believe that cancer is an experience, not their identity. They are individuals with hope, promise and strength. And that’s an empowering thing. ■
Left: Matt Williams visits the St. Louis Zoo with one of the first hats after cancer treatments led him to shave his head. Right: A student participates in a Matt’s Hats day at Vienna Grade School to raise money to support cancer research.
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Nice to Meet You
Deno Merrick
| H ead Women’s Soccer Coach
Originally from the Caribbean isle of Antigua, mbu Women’s Soccer Coach Deno Merrick grew up outdoors along the beach. Sports were always an interest, but his mother’s influence prevented him from pursuing football (soccer) until he turned 13 years old. After heading to the U.S., Merrick became a Spartan in the middle of his college career and never left. Known for his laid-back, optimistic and worry-free character, the coach has made St. Louis home.
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1 We are Family
Camaraderie is important for team success on and off the field. One of the main points Merrick gets across to potential teammates in the recruitment phase is that mbu Women’s Soccer is worth more than just a team. They are a family. Deno’s open door policy with the team stems beyond soccer strategy and builds into trusting, valuable relationships where school and personal matters are brought to his office daily.
2 You’ve Got Mail
Before online dating was considered the norm, Merrick met his wife in a Yahoo chatroom in 2000. They lived in different states, so their beginnings remained in friendship form online until they met in New York and they went to see “Jurassic Park” on their first date. They spent eight years writing each other in the form of letters, postcards and email, which they have kept as treasured memories.
3 Sunny and Sweet
The tropical Caribbean climate comes with an array of tropical fruit that was usually found right in Merrick’s backyard. Growing up, he helped his family with produce on their farm, where he could easily grab a mango or sweet tamarind for his afternoon snack. About a third in size from this pineapple pictured, the native Antigua Black Pineapples are some of the sweetest in the world.
4 World Cup Merrick joined the Antigua and Bermuda national football team’s youth team at the age of 14. He eventually made his way to the senior national level and was able to experience playing on fields throughout England, Germany and other islands in the Caribbean region. It is a bucket list dream of Merrick’s to catch a game in Liverpool’s Anfield football stadium.
5 Knowledge is Power It may come as a surprise that out of all the people Merrick would choose to have dinner with in the world, it would be Sir Winston Churchill. When he’s not coaching or watching a soccer game, Merrick spends his time relaxing with new knowledge of world history. Whether it’s reading “Mein Kampf” or watching a World War II special on the History Channel, he educates himself on the past no matter if it was good or bad.
6 Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans
Antigua’s beginnings as an associated state of the British Commonwealth initiated the tradition of drinking tea. Merrick grew up drinking the herbal brews rather than coffee, which is locally harvested to be roasted around the world. ■
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MY MOMENT to SHINE Cinematography and Los Angeles are a natural pairing. Thanks to the Best Semester program with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), recent communications studies graduate Rickie Ross spent a semester learning the ins and outs of the film industry in Hollywood. Ross feels at home behind the camera and credits mbu as the springboard to finding his true career calling to use video and cinematography as a platform to share the gospel, make disciples and better the world. â–
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facu lty edi to r ia l
The Origins of Creativity and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Imaginative World
AUTHOR’S BIO Dr. Matthew Bardowell is an assistant professor at Missouri Baptist University. He specializes in medieval literature, specifically Old English Poetry and the literature of the Vikings. His research interests also include the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Inklings, aesthetics, and the study of emotion. Bardowell received his Ph.D. in English from Saint Louis University, an M.A. in English from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English from Florida International University. He has written for numerous academic publications and regularly presents at academic conferences.
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n writing “The Lord of the Rings,” J. R. R. Tolkien cultivated entire worlds populated with strange and fanciful creatures. Beyond his fiction, Tolkien’s theoretical writings address fundamental questions about human creation—questions like: What is art? and Why do we make it? Settling on any final answers to these questions can be difficult, but Tolkien sheds some welcome light on them. Indeed, as a creator himself, Tolkien offers a clear and an eloquent explanation of the human impulse to create. In his captivating but little-read essay “On Fairy-Stories,” Tolkien sets the table for a discussion of literature’s value. He observes that when humans create, whether by carving a figure from a marble slab or constructing
man, sub-creator, the refracted light through whom is splintered from a single White to many hues, and endlessly combined in living shapes that move from mind to mind. J.R.R. TOLKIEN
and populating entire worlds from linguistic material, their art is a secondary creation. When artists take the world’s primary materials and reconfigure them “new form is made; Faërie begins; Man becomes a subcreator.” God is The Creator, and it is from His handiwork that all art is composed. Tolkien articulates this notion colorfully in his poem “Mythopoeia,” a poetic treatise on myth-creation. In it, Tolkien sets human art squarely within the context of divine creation. Humans are fallen, but they have not entirely lost the image in which they themselves were fashioned: Dis-graced he may be, yet is not dethroned, and keeps the rags of lordship once he owned, his world-dominion by creative act: not his to worship the great Artefact, man, sub-creator, the refracted light through whom is splintered from a single White to many hues, and endlessly combined in living shapes that move from mind to mind. All human creation, according to Tolkien, is an echo of God’s own creative impulse. God
is “the single White,” the fountainhead, the source of all that is and all the matter out of which humans create in their impoverished way. In the act of creation, we, as sub-creators, perceive the “single White” and we refract some small part of it, bending it toward some derivative art object. It is hard for anyone to trace the refracted light’s origins, but they proceed from the prime-Creator, the source of all that exists and through whom all things, even art, live and move and have their being. For Tolkien, then, art is a small, broken piece of God’s beauty and creative activity. Human art is as distant from the “single White” as refracted light in a prism is from the rays of the sun. It is nevertheless beautiful in its own way because it participates, however remotely, in the life and creation of God. But what of the question, “Why do we make it?” One of Tolkien’s own fictional explorations of this question is instructive. In his mythological cycle of stories, The Silmarillion, Tolkien tells of Aulë, a quasi-angelic being. The ultimate creator of these beings is called Ilúvatar (a name that means ‘father of all’), the supreme deity of Tolkien’s mythology. The story in question takes place after Ilúvatar has created
various orders of spiritual beings, but before he has made any creatures to populate the world. In his impatience, Aulë presumes to make the race of creatures known as the dwarves without the permission of Ilúvatar. Aulë is a smith and “master of crafts,” a description that connects him neatly to all artists. The notion of art as the product of skill and craft emanates from medieval aesthetic ideas, and Tolkien was, among other things, a formidable medieval scholar. Tolkien writes that Aulë, “wrought [the Dwarves] in secret.” In preempting the creative work of Ilúvatar, Aulë has erred. Ilúvatar intended to create the Elves first, and so Aulë’s creation is an act of pride. Ilúvatar immediately confronts the smith. He asks, “Why hast thou done this? Why dost thou attempt a thing which thou knowest is beyond thy power and thy authority?” In this line of questioning, one detects a possible anxiety that Tolkien himself may have felt about his own artistic creation. Could not these same questions be posed to anyone who presumes to tinker with fictional worlds? Aulë expresses regret but also offers this defense: “The making of things is in my heart from my own making by thee;
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Human art is as distant from the “single White” as refracted light in a prism is from the rays of the sun. It is nevertheless beautiful in its own way because it participates, however remotely, in the life and creation of God.
and the child of little understanding that makes a play of the deeds of his father may do so without thought of mockery, but because he is the son of his father.” In contrition, Aulë lifts his hammer to dash his illicit creation, and the Dwarves cringe away from the blow. Seeing this, Ilúvatar has compassion on the smith and on the Dwarves themselves, who have revealed some vital principle within them by flinching. Ilúvatar accepts Aulë’s repentance and permits the dwarves to have a place in Middle Earth, at which Aulë, delighted, cries, “May Eru bless my work and amend it!” Aulë’s creation of the dwarves is a significant moment in Tolkien’s cosmogony, but it also reveals his views concerning artistic production. For Tolkien, art is tied to the creative act of God insofar as we use created things in the production of new, if derivative, sub-creations, and the creative impulse itself is also tied to God’s original act of creation. Aulë is the archetypical artist — a maker. We, too, are made in the image of a maker, and the desire to create is stamped upon our hearts by the very fact of our creation. The child who wields her father’s hammer wields a dangerous tool. It is too heavy for her to use with precision. In her hands it may injure as easily as it may construct. But her desire to wield the hammer is no sin, and, indeed, she has some right to use it. As Aulë phrases it, his act of creation merits no ridicule simply because “he is the son of his father.” Tolkien’s Aulë story shows that he was sensitive to the perils of sub-creation, but he
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was also enticed by the possibilities of the sub-creative act. The strongest vision Tolkien has concerning this possibility was his theory of the fairy-story’s happy ending. In the happy ending Tolkien saw not immature wish fulfillment, but a striking glimpse of the very core of the gospel—the resurrection of Christ. He called this “eucatastrophe,” not a sudden turn for the worse, but “the sudden joyous ‘turn.’” In this sudden good turn, Tolkien sees not a denial of “sorrow and failure” but a denial of “universal final defeat.” At the heart of the gospel (and the heart of human artistic creation) is joy—“Joy beyond the walls of the world.” Tolkien believed that in this joy the subcreator and the Creator shared a common desire. As he concludes his treatise, Tolkien reveals one final hope for his own artistic creation when he suggests that the writer of fairy tales may dare to hope that he “may actually assist in the effoliation and multiple enrichment of creation. All tales may come true; and yet, at the last, redeemed, they may be as like and as unlike the forms that we give them as Man, finally redeemed, will be like and unlike the fallen that we know.” Tolkien’s answers to the questions I raised at first are insightful, but they do not absolve artists from error. What more could be expected from the product of a fallen creature? Perhaps Tolkien, like Aulë, held out hope that his creation, like himself, would one day be redeemed. It is easy to understand how artists might be dissatisfied with Tolkien’s answers. It is not pleasant to imagine that the best of your
work is only a derivation of God’s creation. But in this relationship there is also a hope. Human creativity, with all of its diverse aims and motivations, is ultimately but a piece of refracted light. In creating, we may go astray, but we can trust in the hope of God’s reconciliation. That reconciliation is not solely between ourselves and God, but between Him and all our aims and purposes. One day these too may be caught up in God’s creative purpose, and every part of the artist and the artists’ creation may, on that day, be redeemed.
1
J. R. R. Tolkien, “On Fairy-Stories,” The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays, ed. Christopher Tolkien (London: Harper Collins, 1997), 122.
2
J. R. R. Tolkien, Tree and Leaf (London: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2001), 87.
3
J. R. R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, ed. Christopher Tolkien (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2001), 336.
4
The Silmarillion 318.
5
T here are linguistic connections between medieval terms for ‘art’ and the work wrought by blacksmiths, painters, even sheep-shearers. Umberto Eco, Art and Beauty in the Middle Ages, trans. Hugh Bredin (New Haven: Yale UP, 1986), 93.
6 The Silmarillion 43. 7
Ibid.
8
Ibid.
9 “Eru” is another appellation for Ilúvatar The Silmarillion 44. 10 “On Fairy-Stories” 153. 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 “On Fairy-Stories” 156-7.
Where Are They Now? Jean Ann Hutchinson (Spurgeon)
will be attending Army Lake Camp for the women’s camp in East Troy, Wisconsin.
(B.A. in History and Behavioral Science ’75) Lives in Ozark, Missouri with her husband. She is a principal at InContext Consulting. Her favorite memory of mbu is history class with Dr. Dykstra.
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(B.S. in Elementary Education and B.S.E. in Early Childhood Education ’93) lives in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin with her husband Paul. Partin recently joined the Ladies League of the Salvation Army and
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lives in Farmington, Missouri with her husband, Steve. She has three children, three step-children and 16 grandchildren between both sides of the family. She has been a parole officer for over 20 years with the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Laurie Wallace (Gowen)
(B.S. in Psychology ’97, M.B.A. ’06) lives in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband, Brian, and two daughters. Wallace serves as mbu’s payroll and benefits administrator.
Vanessa Cochran (Kerley) (B.S. in Elementary Education ’96)
lives in Foristell, Missouri with her husband and children. Cochran worked in the public school system for over 11 years split between Wentzville R-IV school district and St. Louis Public Schools. She was an Associate Professor at Lindenwood University for over four years and is now
Jeanne Larkins
(B.S. in Behavioral Sciences ’96)
lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband, Greg (B.S. in Education ’92), and their son. Rhinehart works as a librarian for the Sturgeon R-V school district. Her favorite memory of mbu is meeting her husband during a weekly chapel service. They recently celebrated their one-year anniversary at Friendship Baptist Church, where he serves as pastor.
(B.S. in Business Administration ’87)
Christine Partin (Kimball)
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(B.S. in Elementary Education ’95)
Andrew Carter
lives in Minot, North Dakota with his wife, Rena. They have six children and seven grandchildren. Carter played baseball with mbu and his favorite memories are the friendships and relationships that were built while attending mbu. Carter was recently named director of athletics at Minot State University.
Marcia Rhinehart (Tiemann)
working as a collaborative work consultant for Education Plus.
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Debbie Anderson (Gill) (B.A. in Music Education ’99)
lives in Festus, Missouri with her husband, Dean, and their four children. Anderson is
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Dr. Kristin Hertweck (Terry) (B.S. in Biology and Biochemistry ’13) Dr. Kristin Hertweck is now seeing patients as a resident physician at the University of South Florida. Hertweck and her husband, Willis (’14), moved to Clearwater, Florida in May of 2017 after she finished her time at medical school. “mbu gave me the background in sciences that I needed to excel in medical school. My personal relationships with the professors was vital,” said Hertweck. “They gave me the encouragement, confidence and push to pursue medicine.” The education in biology and biochemistry received at mbu was vital in continuing
a vocal music teacher for grades K–12 in the Grandview R-II School District. She has been working for Grandview for the past 15 years. Her fondest memories of mbu include listening to music juries on Friday afternoons and all of the musical talent that developed at mbu.
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overwhelming, Hertweck kept in contact with her professors and continues to build on the relationships that would outlast her time at mbu. Through hard work, determination and strong relationships, Dr. Kristin Hertweck is poised to succeed in the medical field. A story of shining on.
Chris Sisk
children. In January 2017, the couple launched Harvest Bible Chapel St. Louis South, where Micah serves as lead pastor.
(B.A. in Communications ’01) lives in Potosi, Missouri with his wife Stacey and four children. While at mbu, he played basketball and was involved in SpiritWing, FCA, BSU and Student Council. He is the founder and co-owner of his family business, CS Design LLC. They are active with their church family at Meadow Heights, where Stacey is on the praise team and Chris is the connection director.
Adriane Muehleisen (Struckhoff) (B.S. in Sports Medicine ’00)
lives in Wildwood, Missouri with her husband, Tim, and their three children. She is currently working as an administrative assistant for mbu’s adult and online programs.
through medical school but it was the professors she met along the way who were essential in the process. “Dr. Mary Vedamuthu, Dr. Lydia Thebeau and Dr. Jerry Deese were my main sources of inspiration,” Hertweck said. “They supported and encouraged me to pursue what I wanted. They were there for me every step of the way.” Even when medical school seemed
(B.A. in Human Services ’02)
lives in Palatine, Illinois with her husband. She is a Portable Church Specialist with Amplio Systems, Inc.
Stephanie Owen (Simpson) 3
Micah and Courtney Mathis (Britton)
(B.S. in Psychology & Social Sciences ’03) (B.A. in Music Education ’02 and M.S. in Education ’07) live in St. Louis, Missouri with their three
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Jamie Turnbull (Rabaduex)
(B.S. in Communications ’03 and M.S. in Education ’07) lives in Ellisville, Missouri with her husband, Malachi, and their two children. Owen serves as the education director for the National Wood Flooring Association.
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Ruth Curtman (Bontrager)
Life in Progress Ministries. Rowe says that two events at mbu shaped her life, a chapel service where Dr. Holly Brand spoke and the Fall Speaker Series, “Cat and Dog Theology.”
(B.S. in Mathematics ’04)
lives in Washington, Missouri with her husband, Paul, and son. She is expecting a girl in October. Curtman teaches high school math in the Rockwood School District and her husband is serving his fourth term in the Missouri legislature. Her favorite memories include spending time in Joe’s Café and the library with the morning crowd.
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Kara Stone (Patterson) (B.A. in Psychology ’05)
lives in Winfield, Missouri with her husband, Tim, and their four children. Stone owns and operates the counseling practice, M.O.V.E Christian Counseling in Troy. On Sunday mornings, Stone serves on the worship team at her church. Stone’s favorite memory at mbu is singing with the ministry group Faithful at local churches and groups.
Erin Douglas (Bays)
(B.S. in Elementary Education ’04) lives in Desloge, Missouri with her husband, Kyle, and their two children. Douglas is a second grade teacher with Central R3 Schools.
Ann DeClue (Snudden)
Melissa Finkbeiner (Bishop)
lives in Bonne Terre, Missouri with her husband and son.
lives in Arnold, Missouri with her husband. She is the recruiting coordinator for CliftonLarsonAllen.
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Erin Lunsford (Lewis)
(B.S. in Business Administration ’06)
Jaclyn Rowe (Silvey)
(B.A. in Communications ’04) lives in Potosi, Missouri with her husband, Nathan, and their three children. Rowe works as a speaker and trainer. She and her husband are both entrepreneurs with businesses including JNR Pool Construction, Rowe Properties, Jaclyn Rowe Speaking and Development as well as a non-profit,
Ricky Todd
(B.S. in Kinesiology & Health Science ’06 and M.Ed. in Administration ’08) lives in Lake St. Louis, Missouri with his wife and three children, with their fourth child on the way. Todd is a teacher in the Wentzville school district.
Jennifer Bondurant (Broombaugh)
(B.S. in Psychology ’06)
(B.A. in English ’04)
lives in Ossining, New York with her husband and two children, their third child is expected in July. Staley was a cheerleader at mbu. Some of her favorite memories of mbu include living on campus, blueberry pancakes from Chef Joe and class with Dr. Chambers, Dr. Sykes and Dr. Beutler.
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Patrick, and their daughter. Lunsford is the director of operations at St. Louis Regional Health Commission.
Gina Lynn Stale (Reese)
(B.S. in Elementary Education ’06 and M.A.C. ’11)
(B.A. in Music ’08)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Isaac, and their two sons. Bondurant recently accepted a position with Canaan Baptist Church as the assistant to the lead pastor.
Keith Kozlowski
(B.A. in Religious Education ’08) lives in St. Charles, Missouri with his wife, Emma, and their son. Kozlowski is serving as the director of college ministry at Matthias’ Lot Church.
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Brandon Patek
Jason Gilliam
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife and newborn son. Patek is the warehouse supervisor for Fabick Cat.
lives in Farmington, Missouri with his wife and three children. Gilliam is the CEO of Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health.
(B.S. in Exercise Science ’15)
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John Barnes
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(Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre ’10)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Barnes is the Vendor Data and Quality Control Coordinator with Ascension Health. He volunteers as a service coordinator with The Journey Tower Grove. His favorite memory from mbu is playing late night sand volleyball where the Perk now stands.
lives in Ballwin, Missouri with her husband, Jordan (’10)—who serves as mbu director of choral activities—and their two children. Cox is an instructor of communications and theatre at mbu. Her favorite memory of mbu is being proposed to during the final dress rehearsal of “Bye Bye Birdie,” where her husband took the place of the other actor in the middle of a scene and proposed. Regularly involved in the St. Louis theatre community, Cox was nominated for a Theatre Mask Award for Outstanding Ensemble for “The Odd Couple,” which she directed. Cox was also nominated for an Arts for Life Award for Outstanding Costume Design of a Youth Production for her work on St. Louis Summer Player’s “Oliver.”
(B.S. in Business Administration ’09) lives in Affton, Missouri with his wife and their two children. Behrens is the operations manager at Sears.
Rick Brewer
(B.A. in Communications ’08 and M.B.A. ’09) lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, Kathryn. They adopted their daughter Emalyn in November 2016 and their son, Elam, was born in April 2017. He is the owner at S03 Creative.
Kelsey Mather (Kocher)
Kasey Cox (Bartley)
(B.A. in Worship Arts ’09)
Danny Behrens
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County Fair Board and recently accepted into Leadership Missouri. Keen is currently enrolled in the doctorate program at Webster University.
(M.B.A. ’09)
Jamie Keen (Rice) (MBA ’10)
lives in Saint Clair, Missouri with her husband, Robby, and their daughter. Keen is the owner of Dollar Plus in Saint Clair. She is the president of the Saint Clair Area Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Franklin
(B.A. in Worship Arts ’10)
lives in Altoona, Iowa with her husband, Dean, and their daughter. They are expecting their second child in October. Mather serves as the worship coordinator of Radiant Church. Mather was a member of Faithful and Shelter ministry groups while at mbu, which are some of her favorite memories of school.
Brian Parks (B.M.E. ’10)
Lives in Macon, Missouri. He is the assistant director of band and choirs with the Macon County R-I School District. His favorite event at mbu was thePerk: the event. Parks’ favorite memory is living the busy life of a music major in the basement of the CFA building.
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Alexandra Pieschel (Fox) (B.S. in Public Relations ’10)
lives in Eureka, Missouri with her husband, Bryan, and their two sons. Pieschel was recently promoted to senior customer relationship manager at Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.
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David Diehl (M.S. in Education – Classroom Teaching; M.A.T. ’09) David Diehl came to mbu with 25 years of experience in the technology industry and a goal to embark on a teaching career. Through courses at mbu, he learned theoretical and practical skills as well as the importance of understanding students’ needs and learning styles in order to plan effective instruction. Diehl credited professors such as Dr. Pam Stanfield and Dr. Tom Smith for instilling the importance of the single and universal impact upon students’ lives. He currently serves as the vice president for technology at Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, after spending seven years teaching. “I found that as I became more woven into the fabric of my institution, I longed to contribute in more strategic ways,” Diehl said. “Consequently, I spent two years as associate vice president of enrollment where I had
the honor of helping prospective students ‘Discover what Matters.’ I was then asked to combine my academic and technology experience in leading our technology department and participating in business improvement activities.” He has been married to Mary Kreppel, a retired special educator with Special School District of St. Louis County, for 35 years. In
addition to his M.S. in education from mbu, Diehl also holds an M.B.A from Loyola University Chicago and an Ed.S in Information Science and Learning Technology from the University of Missouri. He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Missouri and Illinois as well as a Certified Management Accountant. A story of shining on.
Bobby Upchurch
Jeff Fabbiano
Lori Woods
lives in Bonne Terre, Missouri with his wife, Melissa, and their three children. Upchurch is a teacher at Farmington High School, an adjunct professor at Mineral Area College and began teaching dual-enrollment courses for mbu this year.
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, Katie, and their three children. Fabbiano is serving as chaplain for Episcopal City Mission.
lives in Rolla, Missouri with her husband and two children. She serves as a quality assurance specialist for the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
(B.S. in Secondary Education – English ’10)
Jeremy Copeland (M.A.T. ’11)
lives in Kennett, Missouri. He is a business education teacher at Senath-Hornersville High School.
(M.A. in Counseling ’11)
Meredith Lewis (Hall) (B.S. in Public Relations ’11)
lives in Midlothian, Virginia with her husband. Lewis was just recently married in March 2017. She is the development manager at Crossings Ministries.
(M.A. in Counseling ’11)
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Abbie Chastain (Leslie)
(B.A. in Broadcast Media, B.A. in Public Relations ’12) lives in Ellisville, Missouri with her husband, Aaron (’11) and their two children. Her favorite mbu memory is meeting and falling in love with her husband.
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Laurie Zaleuke (Poepsel) (B.A. in Elementary Education ’02, M.A. in Educational Leadership ’09) Laurie Zaleuke is the principal at Assumption Elementary in O’Fallon, Missouri. Rising through the ranks of the education field, Zaleuke used the flexibility at mbu to help advance her career while still being able to work full-time and raise a family. Zaleuke lives in O’Fallon, Missouri with her husband, Ted, and their three children. A former employer inspired Zaleuke to take the steps to become an administrator but mbu helped her along the way. “mbu inspired me to be where I am today by helping me see that I have the ability to make a difference,” Zaleuke said. “mbu
Amanda Henderson (Gazall) (B.S. in Criminal Justice ’12)
lives in Columbia, Illinois with her husband. Henderson just began her position as Benefits Coordinator at Aflac.
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Amanda Njoku (Null)
(B.S. in Child Development ’06 and M.A.T. ’12) lives in DeSoto, Missouri with her husband, Solomon. Njoku is the foster care lead supervisor at Family Forward.
Jessica Schultz
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helped me to develop the leadership skills necessary to becoming an administrator.” In 2009, Zaleuke graduated with her master’s in educational leadership and became the assistant principal at Discovery Ridge. While at Discovery Ridge, which was the fastest growing school in the Midwest, the school received the Silver Award PBIS, became a National School of Character and a Trauma Informed School. After four years, she accepted the principal
position at Assumption Elementary. “I am blessed to be working with a great staff and school community,” she said. “It is my mission to create a student-centered learning environment where all students can achieve at high levels while they are building a stronger relationship with God.” Zaleuke will be graduating in December 2017 with her doctorate in educational leadership. A story of shining on.
Mary Kay. While at mbu, Schultz helped coordinate Welcome Weekend. A few of her favorite memories are mattress sledding and Hanging of the Green. Schultz and her husband are expecting their first child this year.
serves as a senior employee development specialist for the Missouri Department of Transportation. He was featured in the SHRM/HR Magazine’s “30 Under 30.”
Chelsea Young (Roggeman)
(B.S. in Biology ’12 and M.A.T. ’16)
lives in Winfield, Missouri with her husband, Jacob, and their two children. Young is a science teacher at Winfield High School.
(B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education ’12)
Kevin Arthaud
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband. She is an independent senior director with
lives in Hannibal, Missouri with his wife, Brittni, and their two daughters. Arthaud
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(M.B.A. ‘13)
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Gale Cleaves (Laubenthal) (B.A. in Human Services ’13)
lives in Alton, Illinois. She has three children and seven grandchildren. Cleaves is a broker associate with Re/MAX River Bend.
Sheilan Cornman (Cook) (M.A. in Counseling ‘13)
lives in Saint James, Missouri with her husband, Paul. Cornman has a private practice in Sullivan, Missouri. She is a licensed professional counselor specializing
in individual, couples and family counseling. She is also approved to provide parole and probation counseling in the state of Missouri.
lives in Valley Park, Missouri. He serves as the vice president of 314 Sports Management. Basler’s favorite memory of mbu is going to the 2013 World Series with the baseball team.
Latisha Pruitt
(B.S. in Accounting ’13)
Emily Edens
lives in Festus, Missouri with her husband and their two children. Pruitt was recently hired as an accounting specialist with Jefferson College.
lives in Valley Park, Missouri. She is a teacher and coach at Sullivan High School.
Victoria Scheibe (B.A. in English ’14)
(M.A.T. ’14)
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Jill Browder (Cunningham)
(B.S. in Behavioral Science ’13 and M. A.C. ’14) lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband. They have one daughter who is married with a two-year-old son. Browder has served on the mbu alumni board since 2014. She was recently promoted as a compliance specialist at Dominium, where she works directly with multiple state agencies regarding low-income housing requirements for multi-family housing projects.
(B.S. in Broadcast Media ’14)
lives in London, England where she is pursuing a master’s degree in publishing at University College London. This summer, Scheibe is working with Wiley, an international publishing company. While at mbu, she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta and worked on mbu Timeline.
lives in St. Charles, Missouri with his wife, Bryanna (’12). Hartmann is a media and technology specialist for The Muny.
Lorena Allen (Poe)
Joseph Hartmann
(M.A. in Counseling ’15)
lives in Florissant, Missouri with her two sons. She is an intake counselor with Personal Assistance Services.
Nicholas Martin
(B.A. in Christian Ministry ’14) lives in Highland, Illinois with his wife, Brittany. Martin serves as the connections pastor at Harvest Church of Southern Illinois.
Kevin Gluba
Angela Oberle (Gallina)
lives in Union, Missouri with his two sons. He is the manufacturing manager for LSC Communications.
lives in Pevely, Missouri with her husband, Brad, and their son. Oberle is a teacher at Notre Dame High School.
(B.S. in Management ’14)
Aaron Basler
lives in Madisonville, Tennessee. Price serves as the head women’s basketball coach and professor at Hiwassee College.
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(B.A. in Public Relations, B.A. in Journalism ’15) lives in St. Charles, Missouri. Her fondest mbu memory is serving at Welcome Weekend as a team leader alongside her sister, Brittany (’17), where she enjoyed meeting new students and making connections. She became the assistant to the associate vice president/ director of athletics in mbu Athletics Department in September 2016.
(M.B.A. ’14)
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(B.A. in Sports Management ’14)
Chelsea Gammon
Meagan Price
(B.A. in English ’11 and M.S. in Sport Management ’14)
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Matthew Harris
Nicole Mesplay
(M.A. in Counseling ’15)
lives in Monroe City, Missouri with his wife lives in Imperial, Missouri with her son. and their four children. Harris is a placement She is a teacher with Fox C-6. representative with Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch working with abused, 3 Tyler Oesch neglected and at-risk youth.
(B.A. in Theatre ’15)
(M.A.T. ’15)
lives in Troy, Missouri with his wife, Danielle. Oesch is a social studies teacher with the Van-Far R-1 School District.
lives in Long Beach, California with her husband, Darin. She is a teacher at Long Beach Unified School District.
Kristina Reynolds (Hernandez)
Christina Haudrich (Allen)
(B.P.S. in Child Development ’15)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and child. She is an infant teacher at Goddard School.
Lurnia Marie Ivory
(B.S. in Human Services ’15) lives in Bloomington, Illinois. She is a residential recovery specialist with Chestnut Health Systems. While at mbu, Lurnia enjoyed small class sizes where she was able to build lifetime friendships.
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lives in Barnhart, Missouri with his wife, Taylor. Brown was a science teacher at Hillsboro High School and will begin at Fox High School, where he is an alumni, for the 2017-2018 school year.
(B.S. in Elementary Education ’15)
Melissa Stufflebean (Hanheide) (M.A.T. ’15)
lives in Montgomery, Missouri with her husband and their daughter. Stufflebean is a teacher with the Montgomery County R2 School District. She teaches kindergarten and is the varsity basketball cheerleading coach.
Chelsey Klenke
(B.A. in Psychology and Human Services ’15) lives in Manchester, Missouri. Klenke is the group events lead with Easter Seals Midwest.
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Shawn Brown
(B.S. in Unified Science and B.P.S. in Secondary Education ’16)
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Caleb Nehring (M.B.A. ’16)
lives in Carbondale, Illinois. Nehring is the primary care systems manager for the American Cancer Society Central and Southern Illinois as well as Southern Indiana.
Laura Katherine Kaup (B.S. in Human Services and Psychology ’17)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Kaup says her favorite memory at mbu is participating in events with the Academic Success Center that helped her strive in her academics and her degree, specifically her research proposal.
Johnny Lay Jr.
(B.S. in Marketing ’17) lives in St. Charles, Missouri. He works in customer service at Plaza Lanes. Lay was a member of the bowling team during his four years at mbu.
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Ed.D. graduate Leigh Ann Cornman receives her hood from Dr. Susan Hladky during mbu’s commencement ceremony this May.
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the cru x o f the i ssu e
“We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.” – Hebrews 6:11 Amen. mbu magazine 43
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