MBU
MAGAZINE
a p u b l i c at i o n o f m i s s o u r i b a p t i s t u n i v e r s i t y
summer 2019
A Pillar of MBU
The legacy of Dr. Arlen Dykstra, MBU Provost
Dr. Dykstra:
A Pillar of MBU The legacy of MBU’s beloved provost pg. 14
President | Dr. Keith Ross ‘87 Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs | Dr. Andy Chambers Senior VP for Business Affairs | Ken Revenaugh VP for Enrollment, Marketing & University Communications Bryce Chapman VP for Student Development | Dr. Benjamin Lion Editor | Coral Christopher ‘14 Staff Writers | Katlyn Moncada, Sebastian Munoz Castellanos ‘17 Graphic Designers | Christine Kenney & Jenny Sinamon Photographers | Jenny Sinamon & Shelby Boos Contributors | Kelly Leavitt, Sandra Riutcel ‘19, Matthew Williams ‘18 www.mobap.edu
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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 2019. All rights reserved. Issues are published in summer and winter. Send change of address notification at least a month before effective date, including both old and new addresses. Postmaster send address changes to mbu Magazine, Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Articles and letters to the editor are welcome. Email submissions to editor@mobap.edu. All submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned. Free subscriptions are provided to University alumni, donors and friends. Contact 314.392.2304 or editor@mobap.edu for details. We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith. We will freely and responsibly search for truth. We strive for excellence. We believe in the importance and cultivation of character. We believe in social change through service and leadership.
News pg. 5
A New Era of Business pg. 22
Nice to Meet You pg. 10
Lessons from Calvin pg. 24
mbu’s latest happenings and updates.
How mbu’s School of Business is recalibrating to be as competitive and Christ-focused as ever.
Lauren Repp advises mbu students from more than 20 countries around the world.
Campus Minister Aaron Lumpkin shares how Christians are called to enter into relationship to further push one another toward Christ.
The Last Note pg. 12
Where Are They Now? pg. 26
mbu instructor Charles Glenn’s legacy as the voice of the St. Louis Blues.
Updates on the successes of mbu’s ever-growing alumni community.
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TH E P R ES ID E NT
Anchored in Christ MBU has grown and expanded over the past several years, and yet the University remains anchored in our unapologetically Christian mission and rooted in our Baptist heritage. Dear Friends, I am inspired each day by our faculty and students and the commitment they continually demonstrate to the mbu community, to the St. Louis region and beyond. To me, this is essential work for a university—to prepare our students to serve the greater good in Christ’s name. I am proud of our University community whose members never turn down the opportunity to excel academically and also live mbu’s mission. At mbu there is a dedicated group of people who daily offer a faithful presence, who pray, teach, administer, counsel and do all things necessary to fulfill the special purpose of a Christian University and for that I am grateful. mbu has grown and expanded over the past several years, and yet the University remains anchored in our unapologetically Christian mission and rooted in our Baptist heritage. Our academic culture provides students fertile soil to grow in an environment that is informed by a Christian worldview and also committed to the intellectual exploration of the world. Through this process students deepen their experience of what it means to Many Blessings,
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take faith seriously and live a life fully committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This past May at commencement, we celebrated nearly 800 graduates and as I shook the hand of each one I was encouraged by their overwhelming potential. My prayer on this momentous occasion was that they would be Great Commission graduates, sharing in both word and deed the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the profession for which God has prepared and called each of them to serve. As University leaders, it is our great responsibility to model for students and the broader community the love of Christ and to demonstrate our commitment to fostering a grace filled culture that enables human flourishing and fortifies the soul. Fredrick Buechner, theologian and author, wrote that “vocation is the place where our deepest gladness meets the world’s deepest need.” I pray this is true for our faculty, staff, students and alumni. Ginger and I are honored and grateful to be serving the Lord together for His kingdom work at mbu. ■
Dr. Keith Ross, mbu President
Vocation is the place where our deepest gladness meets the world’s deepest need. - FREDRICK BUECHNER
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MBU Celebrates 47th Commencement BY THE NUMBERS
Total Degrees: 780 Doctor of Education: 21 Educational Specialist: 30 Graduate degrees and certificates: 244 Undergraduate degrees: 485 The class of 2019 marked the 47th class of graduates of Missouri Baptist University.
Nearly 800 degrees were conferred to the class of 2019 at Missouri Baptist University’s 47th graduation ceremony on April 30 at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. Per mbu tradition, graduates, faculty and administrators were ushered into the arena by an ensemble of bagpipe players. The evening began with gratitude to the graduates’ families and faculty by President Keith Ross, along with a call for mbu graduates to follow their calling in Christ.
“Spartans, my prayer for you on this momentous occasion is that you would be graduates who pursue the great commission,” charged President Ross. “That you would share in both word and deed the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the profession in which God has prepared and called you to serve. This, too, will bring you great personal fulfillment along life’s journey.” Commencement speaker Dr. Holly Brand, professor of psychology, reminded students that adversity will be a part of life, but the story doesn’t end there. “During the tough circumstances and times in our lives we have the biggest impact,” said Brand. “Do not fear adversity.” To end the evening, Guy Danhoff, associate professor of health and sport sciences, was presented with the Distinguished Professor Award. ■
MBU welcomes new Board of Trustees Missouri Baptist University welcomed its new Board of Trustees to campus March 28. “It was a pleasure to welcome the new Board of Trustees,” said Keith Ross, mbu president. “I look forward to working with the new Board as together we support and promote the exceptional Christian education that is the hallmark of this University. mbu students are second to none; it is our great responsibility to inspire them to reflect the light of Christ and to lead purposeful and redemptive lives.” It was the first Board of Trustees meeting since the former Board voted to forego further appeals in the ongoing litigation related to the University’s governance. That
decision ended the 17-year-old civil case between mbu and the mbc, replacing mbu’s current board with mbc elected trustees. “Last Thursday was a great day in the life of Missouri Baptist University as the new Board met for the first time,” said Dr. Jim Plymale, chairman of the Board. “The Board is impressed with the variety and quality of the educational programs, the beautiful campus facilities and positive spirit of the students and staff and is excited to invest in the future of mbu as it carries out its important mission as St. Louis’ Christ-centered University.” In business, the Board affirmed the prior Board’s approval of financing related to the
construction of Phase II to Spartan Field. The expansion will include bleachers, a concession stand, restrooms, a women’s locker room, a track, field lights and improvements to the fitness trail connecting the main campus to Spartan field. The Trustees approved revisions to the University Bylaws and worked through updates to the Articles of Incorporation to align with Missouri Baptist Convention governing documents for Convention entities. In addition, the board members completed an orientation, met with faculty, staff and students and enjoyed lunch with mbu administrators. ■
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MBU names new Vice President for Student Development After a national search, Missouri Baptist University President Dr. Keith Ross has named Dr. Benjamin Lion as the new vice president for student development. As vice president, Lion will lead efforts to further advance the University as a leader of faith-based student services and wellness. “Dr. Lion will provide vision, leadership and spiritual formation as the University continues to strengthen and expand student development initiatives,” said Dr. Ross. Lion currently serves as the dean of students at Valencia College’s West Campus in Orlando, Florida. Lion received a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama, a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University, Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Calvin University. Throughout his career, Lion has equipped college students by focusing on the whole student through an integrated student life
MBU Athletics garner national attention DR. TOM SMITH | Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics 2018-19 Bob Burchard American Midwest Conference Athletics Director of the Year. VOLLEYBALL NAIA National Championship Play TRACK & FIELD Megan McCrary, Sydney Neiter, Becca Starrett, Tremaine Bobo, Kyle Christopher,Elijah McNairy, Adam Vincent, Jordan Crawford and Maegan Saleh qualified for nationals. WRESTLING Dymond Guilford, Bryce Bachowski and Sedrak Sheppard competed in national competition. Guilford won the WCWA National Championship.
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and academic experience. He brings a depth of understanding of Christian higher education, previously serving at Azusa Pacific University and Belmont University before working at Florida State College at Jacksonville and Valencia College. Lion is skilled and experienced in implementing innovative partnerships and programs which effectively equips students for success. “My family and I are beyond excited to join the Missouri Baptist University community and invest in the lives of students seeking to advance Kingdom work,” said Lion. “I am impressed by the University’s commitment to ensuring a vibrant Christian worldview is integrated at all levels of academic rigor and throughout the environment in order to enhance a student’s ability to grow intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” Ben and his wife, Lori, have three children Isabella (8), William (7) and Eleanor (3). ■
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Ingram named head Men’s Basketball coach Preston Ingram has joined Missouri Baptist University as the 14th head coach in mbu men’s basketball history. Ingram inherits a Spartan Men’s Basketball program that’s coming off its best year ever in 2018-19 after finishing 28-5 overall with an American Midwest Conference regular-season title and a trip to the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament for the first time since 2004-05. “This is a great day for Missouri Baptist Athletics,” Smith said. “Preston is held in the highest regard amongst his peers and will be an outstanding addition to the department and our community. We’re really looking forward to Coach Ingram coming in and contributing right away.” Ingram’s 14-year collegiate coaching career has
included successful stints as an assistant at NAIA’s Evangel University and Avila University as well as Pittsburg State University and Angelo State University, both NCAA Division II universities. In addition to his experience at the college level, Ingram is well-connected and has a proven track record as head coach of elite prep and AAU basketball programs. “My wife, Shanna, and I are excited and blessed for the opportunity to be a part of the Missouri Baptist University family,” Ingram said. “The opportunities that the university provides the students to build their faith, academics and athletics is second to none. I want to thank President Keith Ross, Smith, and the entire search committee for their trust in me to lead the Spartan basketball program.” ■
Top picks: MBU’s 2019 summer reads A curated list of favored books from some of MBU’s leaders DR. MELANIE BISHOP Associate Vice President for Graduate Affairs/ Dean of Education Strong and Weak Andy Crouch What are we meant to be? Why are we so far from what we’re meant to be? Andy Crouch explains the idea of flourishing, which means to be fully alive participating in the glory of God. The paradox of flourishing comes from the interplay of being both strong and weak. Flourishing requires us to embrace both authority and vulnerability. We see this in Jesus, who exercised marvelous power yet also experienced ridicule and death. This book is an empowering guide for those who use their influence to benefit others in the face of suffering.
AARON LUMPKIN Campus Minister & Director of Faith and Service
KAYLA KNAPP Assistant Director of Resident Life, Resident Director of North Hall
Being a Christian: How Jesus Redeems All of Life Jason K. Allen
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot
For believers, the good news of Jesus transforms not only our eternal destiny but also our present reality. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, offers an excellent resource for Christians to explore how the gospel shapes all of life, from marriage and family to finances and recreation. Read this book – it will be a blessing to you.
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can’t afford health insurance.
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Fox 2 feature reporter and pastor, Tim Ezell, speaks on media and faith Tim Ezell concluded the 2018-2019 mbu Media Talk series on Tuesday, March 26 at Missouri Baptist University. After working at Fox 2 News for 16 years where he served as the comic relief on News in the Morning, Ezell momentarily retired in 2014 to become a full-time pastor at the newest location of The Journey-St. Louis in South County. Ezell recently re-joined the Fox 2 team resuming his original role as a feature reporter as well as co-host of the Fox 2 show, “The Thread.” The Fox 2 show, which celebrates the people of St. Louis and all that they do in the community, airs Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Amanda Staggenborg, assistant professor of public relations and instructional coordinator of undergraduate communications, is the founder and coordinator of the mbu Media Talk series. For years, the talks have inspired communications students and offered a glimpse into the professional world by showcasing leaders in public relations, journalism, broadcast media and strategic communications. The talk highlighted how to communicate within the church and how to communicate as a Christian outside of the church’s walls. “Tim Ezell is inspirational, and as a former pastor, displays compassion and kindness in every story he tells while showing the best of St. Louis,” said Staggenborg.
mbu students (from left to right) Stacy Rohan and Dani Jo Stevenson interview Tim Ezell.
Each mbu Media Talk speaker is selected to represent various types of communication-related professions in St. Louis. Previous mbu Media Talk speakers include Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson, KSDK News Anchor Christina Coleman and St. Louis Post-Dispatch Columnist Bill McClellan. ■
2019-2020 MBU Theatre Line-up The Birds
The Music Man
A Doll’s House
September 5-8, 2019
November 21-24, 2019
March 26-29, 2020
The 39 Steps
Into the Woods
September 26-29, 2019
February 20-13, 2020
Dancing in the Light: Spring Dance Concert April 19, 2020
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Dr. Amanda Staggenborg presents at PRSA Northeast District Conference Dr. Amanda Staggenborg, mbu associate division chair for communications and assistant professor of public relations, presented a session to the annual Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Northeast District Conference in Providence, Rhode Island this past June. Staggenborg’s presentation was titled, “PR, HR and CSR: Know the Difference When Speaking Publicly,” and identified the difference between policy, transparency, and authenticity in communications. The annual conference attracts more than 200 communications professionals from across the Northeast District. PRSA represents a community of more than 21,000 public relations and communications professionals across the United States, with 100 local chapters organized into 10 districts. ■
Missouri Baptist University awarded Top Workplace by St. Louis Post-Dispatch For the seventh time in as many years, Missouri Baptist University has been named as a Top Workplace in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. mbu ranked 12th among all large organizations. The University was the only higher education institution to make the list. “We’re proud to have earned a spot for the seventh consecutive year on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch list of Top Workplaces,” said Dr. Keith Ross, president of Missouri Baptist University. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to our Christ-centered mission and to fostering a culture where employees feel engaged and flourish. Our talented employees are second to none and work enthusiastically to carry out the mission of mbu every day. We celebrate this special recognition because it’s based on the insights of our valued team members.” This year, mbu was one of only 150 organizations selected for the Top Workplaces out of the 1,286 St. Louis-area organizations that were invited to take part in the process. mbu provides full-time employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, and a voluntary vision plan is available. Life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care are also provided. mbu participates in a generous retirement program. Employees
mbu student Daniel Dilworth reviews camera angles with Alonzo Medcalf, mbu instructor of multimedia production and communication.
who have worked full time for one year, along with their dependents, receive tuition concession, and employees are eligible for a partial tuition concession for graduate courses. Full-time faculty and staff have substantial time off with vacation, sick days, nine paid holidays, along with spring break and a two-week Christmas break per department requirements. A multitude of professional development opportunities are available to employees. In addition, all
employees receive free membership to mbu’s Sports and Recreation Complex, offering access to an indoor track, a state-of the-art training and fitness center and free fitness classes. The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by Philadelphiabased Energage, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. ■ mbu magazine 9
Nice to Meet You 5
4 6 2 LAUREN REPP Lauren Repp joined the mbu student development staff in the fall of 2018 as director of international student services. In this role, she advises students from more than 20 countries around the world. She received her B.S. in Spanish from Missouri State University in 2013 and is pur-suing an mba in international business.
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WORLD TRAVELER In high school, Repp’s interest for learning Spanish sparked a desire to major in the language in college. Repp’s study abroad trips to Spain and Chile strengthened her conversational skills. Repp uses that love for travel to help students from around the world to arrive to mbu.
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DRUMMING ALONG Repp grew up playing the snare drum, contributing the sharp staccato sounds to her high school drumline and the band at Fort Zumwalt West. When auditioning for a group called Gateway Drumline, she met Peter, a percussionist who would end up being her husband after the two reacquainted in college at Missouri State University.
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FOODIE SINCE BIRTH Repp’s passion for food stems from the direct impact of having a chef for a father. She actually admits she doesn’t have the same skills in the kitchen thanks to being able to rely on the professional chef skills of her father. Her favorite comfort food dish, the Roman gnocco, can be found at her St. Louis eatery, Louie, in the ClaytonDemun neighborhood, where her brother serves as executive chef.
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PAWS UP Her charming South Hampton neighborhood in St. Louis City makes a perfect setting to walk her mutt, Stanley. Repp, her husband, Peter, and Stanley frequently walk the streets of the area, passing by iconic St. Louis boutique restaurants and shops.
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BOTANICAL DREAMING A college job at a grocery store florist sparked Repp’s hobby for creating beautiful floral arrangements. Not only did she arrange her own wedding party bouquets, she recently started a floral business. She’ll even be traveling to Minnesota this fall to arrange flowers for a wedding.
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IN ENERGETIC COMPANY Staying in shape comes pretty easy when teaching fitness classes multiple times per week. She can be found teaching Zumba or Strong 30 by Zumba classes at her local YMCA as well as mbu’s fitness center. ■ ■
My Moment to SHINE mbu students, faculty and staff joined forces for a campus-wide service day during the spring semester. Five hundred backpacks were packed with school supplies for local children as well as for mbu’s service trip to Ghana. Teddy bears were also prepared for Sharing Smiles, a non-profit which benefits children in the hospital. In addition, canned goods and new and gently used clothes were collected to go toward building mbu’s Sharing Shop. ■
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The Final Note The enduring spirit of St. Louis’ Charles Glenn
IT ’S GAME SIX AND ST. LOUIS IS ELECTRIFIED. The St. Louis Blues are one win away from breaking the curse and winning the coveted Stanley Cup. But for a moment, all eyes land on the treasured National Anthem singer and mbu adjunct instructor, Charles Glenn, as he steps up to gallantly perform the National Anthem for the St. Louis Blues one last time. He walks out to the ice with the strength and poise of a legend. His energy is exuberant and stands tall, as if the night’s magic freed him from a cane. While he sings, only the echo of his voice can be heard, but as he lands on “home of the brave,” the packed arena erupts in cheers, and Glenn’s gleam in his eye and grin upon his face light up. Clearly, Glenn will always be a St. Louis legend. Glenn’s 19 years of singing the National Anthem almost didn’t happen.
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He was tipped off from a friend with the scoop that the Blues were auditioning for a spot singing the National Anthem. After the judges thinned the crowd to those who could sing the United States and Canadian anthems, Glenn’s turn came. “I started with the Star Spangled Banner and after ‘Oh say can you see?’ the microphone went out,” recalled Glenn. “I thought this could be a trick, and continued on. They fixed the mic. I said, do you want me to sing ‘Oh, Canada?’ and they told me no, and that I could go home. Two days later they call me up and said, ‘Can you do the opening?’” At first Glenn thought his time with the team would consist of one or two gigs, but he quickly became the regular voice for the Blues games, and at first there was a belief that he was a lucky charm of sorts. But one thing was certain: Glenn had his own fan section.
Charles Glenn sings the national anthem for the Blues before game 3 of the Stanley Cup series. (AP Image)
During this time, Glenn would sing from random sections of the stadium to add an element of surprise and glee for the fans. Nine years ago, a fall from the stadium steps signaled that something was wrong. After being pressured from a friend to see a specialist, he underwent a CT, MRI and a spinal tap to receive his diagnosis—relapsingremitting MS. “When the doctor told me my diagnosis, I’m like, ‘Oh my wife, she is going to leave me out in the cold, you know?’ I asked her, ‘What are we going to do?’ She then replied, ‘We’re going to keep going.’ That gave me the strength to keep going. My wife and my daughter are my strength. My daughter always tells me, ‘Daddy we got this,’ never ‘You got this.’” Empowered by his faith and his family, Glenn has become a steadfast member of the MS community. Not only does he inspire others with the same condition, he works to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by producing a musical fundraiser he co-founded called, “Voices for a Cure.” He also was recognized this year by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Gateway Chapter for his contributions and received the Spirit Award. MS is not fatal. For many with this disease, the condition progresses over the years making everyday tasks increasingly difficult. For those who watch Glenn sing, it is clear that the soul of his music remains stronger than ever as he leans on the strength of Christ. And that is not only evident to those who know him, but those who watch him perform. “Every time I go on the ice I point up to the sky after I’ve finished,” said Glenn. “I’m not trying to show off or anything, I’m thanking God for bringing me this far and thinking of my family members in heaven.” As the MS progressed, walking around the stadium grew increasingly difficult. As he struggled to walk to his car after a game, it became clear that it was his time to retire. He announced his plans for retirement on Jan. 6, his 64th birthday. The St. Louis Blues were
last in the series. “When I put in my notice, I said that this will be my final season. We were in last place. Jason Pippy, the marketing manager said, ‘Well, what if they make it to the playoffs?’ I said, ‘If you need me, I’m there.’” And that’s how Glenn found himself on the ice for game six of the Stanley Cup playoffs. “Everyone is going absolutely crazy. It was indescribable and really intimidating because we’ve never been there. The whole city has never been there before. I know. Not even watching it on TV. And I’m trying not to have any emotions at all so I can focus. It was a beautiful atmosphere and everything was on pitch.” With his wife by his side, Glenn belted out the last notes for his last St. Louis Blues national anthem.
“Every time I go on the ice I point up to the sky after I’ve finished. I’m not trying to show off or anything, I’m thanking God for bringing me this far and thinking of my family members in heaven.”
“Something just came over me. The feeling of my time to be finished, after 19 years, and all this work I’ve put into it. You just can’t come out and sing the national anthem and leave. You’re a part of this energy. So to give everything you have is indescribable. When it was over with, I said, ‘It’s over and it feels good. I feel really good. God brought me here, God’s going to lead me out.’” Even before his final song with the Blues, Glenn was joined in the Zamboni pit by the mayor of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, who presented him with a proclamation announcing June 9 as “Charles Glenn Day.” This was just a small portion of the attention Glenn received for his storybook retirement. News stories from the New York Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and more all heralded his spirit. He even starred in a commercial for Missouri Baptist Medical Center in which he softly sung the Blues’ “Gloria” anthem as a lullaby. However, to many on mbu’s campus, Glenn is known for his work in the classroom. Glenn began teaching for mbu in 2018 as an adjunct instructor of music. “What I want to do is to give as much as I can give. It’s just a blessing to be here at Missouri Baptist University. And that’s the truth.” ■
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Dr. Dykstra: A Pillar of MBU 14   mbu magazine
COVER STORY
The legacy of MBU’s beloved provost, Dr. Arlen Dykstra
H
ow should one’s time at mbu be measured? Should it be by the number of lectures? Books lining the office walls? The number of lives inspired? It could be any of these things for Dr. Arlen Dykstra, mbu’s retiring provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. Even measuring the rippling wave of impact by more than 40 years of service seems monstrously insufficient when it comes to Dykstra’s tenure at mbu. “Dr. Dykstra is wise, a person of high character and one of the finest Christian men I’ve had the pleasure to know and work alongside,” said President Keith Ross. “He is a true statesmen and I am proud to call him my colleague and friend.” mbu has seen marked growth and change since he first walked through the doors of what was then Missouri Baptist College, which was just a decade old. From financial turmoil to financial strength. From College to University. From the new kid in town to a serious player in national higher education. Dykstra first moved to St. Louis to attend Covenant College, then located down the road of where mbu now stands. After graduation, Dykstra began teaching at private and public schools while working at a funeral home at nights—all while earning his Ph.D. in history from St. Louis University. “The headmaster at Sherwood Day School was a great
supporter of education,” said Dykstra. “So he helped me in my scheduling so that I could teach and start my master’s. While I was at Sherwood for five years, I was able to get my master’s degree and all of my doctoral classes taken care of except for my dissertation. It’s interesting to see the way the Lord provides. It was a very modest position. However, I loved what I did.” While teaching high school, Dykstra was asked to teach a summer course at Missouri Baptist College. In 1972, Dykstra was hired as the department chair of social sciences. This was the starting point of Dykstra’s legacy at mbu. He left the University twice, but couldn’t stay away for long. The first time was in 1974 when the University closed for 10 days. Dykstra and his family packed up their things and left for a new life in Florida, but returned from the beaches of Naples the next year after receiving a phone call from mbu President Robert S. Sutherland. “He said, ‘Arlen, I know they’re paying twice as much salary where you’re at, but I believe over time you would really rather work teaching college students than younger students,’” recalled Dykstra. “And that was like a stake in my heart because I knew he was right.” He left again to become the first headmaster at Westminster Christian High School, but would return to mbc again. The division chairs asked him repeatedly why he came back. His reply was succinct:
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“To Dr. Dykstra, you are somebody that matters, and he’s quick to offer support. And I think that’s the way Christians should care for one another.” — K AT H L E E N W E N D T
Dr. Arlen Dykstra volunteers to rake leaves alongside students.
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“The Lord was leading me back.” For the amount of love Dykstra has for mbu and its students, his students adored him equally. He was the professor who sparked an adoration for knowledge and invested into the lives of his students so each person felt cared for and known. His lectures came easily. He would bring in stacks of detailed handwritten notes, but barely glanced at them. While his knowledge seemed endless, he would admit his ignorance when a question was asked outside of his scope of expertise. And he would then go on a quest to find the answer. The deep adoration for history was contagious. Dykstra would often teach reluctant students completing the course
simply for graduation requirements, and inspire them to become history majors. Kathleen Wendt, who has worked for Dykstra in various capacities for more than 40 years, was one of those students. “History was my absolute least favorite subject coming into college,” remembered Wendt. “I was an English major and leaning towards doing an individualized major in Greek. I took a history class with Dr. Dykstra that I thoroughly enjoyed, which was unusual. He converted you to appreciating history. And that’s how I was drawn to changing my major to history education.” He began each course with something often unheard of: the questions to the final exam. Don’t be fooled, the final was not easy, but it was designed to highlight the knowledge the students learned throughout the semester. “Many tests highlight the facts a student does not know,” said Dykstra. “I wanted to highlight the analysis and vast amount of information a student did know.” The exam consisted of a question like: “Evaluate the origins of the American Revolution.” On the day
Dr. Arlen Dykstra possessed great pride in his efforts to read each name correctly during mbu’s commencement ceremonies. He would begin to practice the pronunciation of names in January.
of the final, the students were simply given lined paper and instructed to write. And write they did. When Dykstra was promoted to director of students, and then dean of students, he continued to be a beloved professor of mbu. He was willing to be the comedic relief in support of his students. He would volunteer for students to throw a pie in his face at the Harvest Festival, laugh side-by-side with his students and volunteer to be the subject of the infamous scholarship-raising roasts. The theme for Dykstra’s roast: “Great bald men in history.” This included Porky the pig, the Principal from Archie, and Dr. Dykstra, recalled Wendt. “Dr. Dykstra was just a good sport,” Wendt said. “As a reward for being in the roast, he got a ceramic pig and that was the start of his pig collection that grew out of control until he moved offices.” The gifted pig collection served as a double metaphor for his upbringing on a farm in Iowa. His parents adopted him at the beginning of his life, and his father passed away when he was young. He was raised by his mother, who also ran the family farm. “I don’t know who my birth parents are,” reflected Dykstra. “A farming couple could not have children and they badly wanted a child. A family doctor told them of an infant they were using to test baby formula. The couple adopted me. A year after that, my dad passed away, so my mother raised me on the farm by herself. She was such a strong woman.” Dykstra continues this legacy of strength. As he transitioned into the role of provost from dean of students, he became not only a beacon of strength for students, but for the professors who are strength for their students. “Dr. Dykstra is open and warm with talking to people,” Wendt said. “He’s just real and genuine. As a student, you knew that he cared about you as a person. We weren’t just students sitting in a seat in his classroom. To Dr. Dykstra, you are somebody that
matters, and he’s quick to offer support. And I think that’s the way Christians should care for one another.” Dykstra believes caring for mbu’s faculty and staff is vital to mbu’s success. “Faculty have come to my office to seek solace and wisdom in dealing with their burdens,” said Dykstra. “We have so many faculty that carry on with such strength, that you would never assume that anything was wrong. My office is a safe place for them to share Christian community and support. Like I say, ‘mbu is a great place when things are going good, but it is an even better place when things are going bad.’” The unwavering support of Dykstra has led to a team of faculty and deans who feel empowered to bring innovation to mbu. Even though he has brought significant progress to mbu, he won’t list these as a personal triumph, but as a triumph of the University and those he worked with to make these changes. “These aren’t my triumphs. A great joy of mine is recruiting outstanding faculty and observing the contributions that they’re now making in the classroom,” reflected Dykstra. “We have excellent faculty who our students respect and continue to put us on the map of a major player in higher education.” One of these faculty members is Dr. Amber Henry, associate vice president for extended learning and professor of education. “With the significant growth and demands of the job, Dr. Dykstra has always taken the time to mentor, guide, support, and direct with unending grace,” said Henry. Dykstra’s accomplishments throughout his tenure are numerous. A pivotal point was when Missouri Baptist College transformed into Missouri Baptist University. Catalyzed by the first offerings of mbu magazine 17
“These aren’t my triumphs. A great joy of mine is recruiting outstanding faculty and observing the contributions that they’re now making in the classroom.” — DR. ARLEN DYKSTRA
graduate programs at mbu, the University has grown to include 23 graduate offerings, including the University’s doctorate in education. Today, many of these offerings are now offered online. This, along with the creation of the new undergraduate degree programs with mbu Online, reduces the barriers for students to receive their degree and fulfill their mission. “For forty plus years, Arlen Dykstra has served as a faculty member and senior administrator at Missouri Baptist University,” said Dr. Clark Triplett, emeritus dean of graduate studies and professor of psychology. “During that time, he has been thoroughly invested in almost every important event, initiative, project, and/or celebration on campus including
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major accreditation visits, establishment of the dual credit program, development of the graduate program, and initiating new regional learning centers and online programs, to name a few. He has been a constant presence in the formation of the university, the constant dean.” His unequivocal steadfast faith has steered the University throughout his tenure. “Only heaven knows the full extent of Dr. Dykstra’s impact on Missouri Baptist University over his 43 year tenure here,” said Dr. Andy Chambers, the new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His steady leadership as Provost kept us focused, in his words, on ‘Jesus Christ as the touchstone of all true learning.’”
Dykstra presents awards on behalf of the Historical Society for St. Louis County during a mbu chapel.
Dr. Clark Triplett Emeritus Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Psychology
Long after the ‘dean’ retires and moves on to new projects in his life, the classrooms and hallways will continue to echo with his words and presence. – DR. CLARK TRIPLETT
The word constancy is a quaint and rather obscure word that is not used very often in contemporary discussions, but it has particular relevance for any discussion of the legacy and tenure of Dr. Arlen Dykstra, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost at Missouri Baptist University. When applied to Arlen Dykstra, however, constancy is more than an occasional activity;. it is a set of continuous activities that reflect his character, that describe a personal quality, trait, virtue, habit, or moral goal. Constancy is a word that not only conceptually defines who he is and what he does, but also conjures up a vivid and concrete picture of his relationships with people (faculty, staff, students), administrative leadership, and commitment to Christian education. For forty plus years, Arlen Dykstra has served as a faculty member and senior administrator at Missouri Baptist University. During that time, he has been thoroughly invested in almost every important event, initiative, project, and/or celebration on campus including major accreditation visits, establishment of the dual credit program, development of the graduate program, and initiating new regional learning centers and online programs, to name a few. He has been a constant presence in the formation of the university; the constant dean. This work has been the center around which the history and culture of mbu has flowed for the past forty years. His efforts have clearly defined the climate and identity of the University. During times of struggle and significant change, when the center has threatened to pull apart, Dr. Dykstra has provided the glue to bind the community together to weather the storms. He has been part of the blood stream of the institution, and his contributions have shaped the brand of Missouri Baptist University. For many faculty and staff members, he has always been known as “Dean” even though his title and responsibilities have changed and expanded during his tenure. The Dean will always be an essential character in the story of mbu. Long after the “Dean” retires and moves on to new projects in his life, the classrooms and hallways will continue to echo with his words and presence. Since all institutions are historically conditioned, it will continue to change and mature in the future as an institution of higher education, but it will do so on the foundation that Dr. Dykstra has helped build and that he has been dedicated to since the beginning. The institution is the product of what has gone before. Constancy is the mark or deposit that he leaves with the University upon his retirement, a legacy of perseverance and faithfulness that will help guarantee the academic quality and faith commitment of the faculty, staff, and students of the University that he has served. May this testimonial be a litany of remembrance in honor of his contributions.
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“He has guided me as a leader to look past the negative to find the good in people, to listen to those around me and show true compassion, to direct with patience but to be tough when needed, and to love my colleagues as family.” — DR. AMBER M. HENRY
Dr. Amber M. Henry Associate Vice President for Extended Learning and Professor of Education How does one find the words to describe a person who has left the most significant impact, of any one person, on an institution and its members? The word that comes to mind is legend. It has been my greatest pleasure to work for Dr. Arlen Dykstra for over 20 years. With the significant growth and demands of the job, Dr. Dykstra has always taken the time to mentor, guide, support, and direct with unending grace. I am humbled to call him my mentor. Through this time, he has guided me as a leader to look past the negative to find the good in people, to listen to those around me and show true compassion, to direct with patience but to be tough when needed, and to love my colleagues as family. As he says, “mbu is a great place when things are going good, but it is an even better place when things are going bad.” 2 0 mbu magazine
With humor, quick wit, and a deep love for Missouri Baptist University the legacy he leaves behind is too great to identify. Scores of students, parents, faculty and staff have darkened the doors of mbu and will never know the unending work and perseverance that has gone into the success of the institution under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Dykstra. As an era ends, I pray that those who have had the privilege of Dr. Dykstra’s mentorship can continue to uphold his legacy and the lessons he has bestowed. I hope we continue to work diligently with passion for Christian higher education, show compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters, and grow in our love for Missouri Baptist University. It has been a true honor to serve and learn from a true legend.
Dr. Keith L. Ross President, Missouri Baptist University Dr. Dykstra began his career in 1972 at what was then Missouri Baptist College. Spanning the last 43 years, he has served countless students first as a history professor and then later as an administrator. Over the years, numerous alumni have often remarked that they enjoyed having Dr. Dykstra as a teacher and how much they learned from him. He is remembered fondly for his academic rigor and high expectations in the classroom. By the mid 1980s when I was a student at the College, Dr. Dykstra had been promoted to the chief academic officer. I vividly recall sitting in what was then Bywater’s Lounge as Dr. Dykstra strolled out of his nearby office and flipped the lights in the lounge on and off, announcing to all of us that it was “chapel time.” It was as if God himself were commanding us to go to chapel. And for the record, we all went! During Dr. Dykstra’s storied tenure, his contributions to mbu are profound. He has helped lead the University to experience transformative growth in academic programs both in number of locations and students. Dr. Dykstra has shepherded mbu through numerous accreditation processes, which have greatly enhanced the University’s academic reputation regionally and nationally. He has assembled exceptional faculty members, who are today, the strongest in the institutions history. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Dykstra has been a faithful steward of the mission and vision of mbu, and his leadership has proven invaluable during these years of significant growth and expansion. His contributions in the lives of colleagues, students and alumni is notable; his influence is both deep and wide. First as a student and later as a colleague, I have admired his unwavering commitment to his family, his church and this University. He is a shining example of authentic Christian faith. Dr. Dykstra is wise, a person of high character and one of the finest Christian men I’ve had the pleasure to know and work to alongside. He is a true statesmen and I am proud to call him my colleague and friend. There is no question that Arlen Dykstra is an icon of mbu and it’s surreal to imagine this University without his presence. As Arlen and Nancy begin this next chapter of their lives, I wish them all the best and want them to know that mbu is a better place because they were here.
There is no question that Arlen Dykstra is an icon of MBU and it’s surreal to imagine this University without his presence. – DR. ROSS
Dr. Arlen and Nancy Dykstra alongside President Keith and Ginger Ross. mbu magazine 21
Dr. Karen Kannenberg, the new dean of the School of Business
A New Era of Business How MBU’s School of Business is recalibrating to be as competitive and Christ-focused as ever.
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DR. KAREN KANNENBERG, dean of the Missouri Baptist University School of Business, learned early lessons in faith as well as in business as a youth working in her family’s apparel business in rural Alabama. “I would watch my dad – he’s the one who would actually run the business day to day,” Kannenberg recalled. “He was a wonderful Christian and quick to witness to people – including shoplifters. “Rather than prosecute them, he would witness to them,” she said with a chuckle. “Some never came back.” Those lessons in how to live out one’s Christian faith in the business world prepared Kannenberg for an academic career that has led her to the dean’s office. After a quartercentury at Missouri Baptist, Kannenberg was named acting dean on April 1, 2018. After a nationwide search, her assignment was made permanent on Feb. 7 of this year. As dean, Kannenberg has launched an aggressive series of initiatives aimed at transforming the business school into a more professional, dynamic and student-focused
operation. They include plans for a student job and internship fair, a more rigorous adherence to academic standards, upgrades to the curriculum, a new convocation ceremony, and guest speakers and other special events. “There’s been a tremendous amount of work done in the last year that Dr. Kannenberg has largely done singlehandedly,” said Stephanie Kontrim-Baumann, assistant professor of marketing and business administration who has been teaching at Missouri Baptist since 2004. Perhaps the most important single initiative Kannenberg has launched, Kontrim-Baumann said, has
lasting relationships between businesses and the school of business,” he said. “Reaching out in our community and showing them the great students and workers that we have to offer is how we get our school’s name out there.” Another special event in the works is a set of speaking appearances by Michael Franzese, a former mob boss who converted to Christianity. “He has a great story to tell,” Kannenberg said. “The one that stuck out to me when I heard him speak was that, ‘You are the company you keep.’ And if my parents didn’t say that once, they said it a thousand times.”
As dean, Kannenberg has launched an aggressive series of initiatives aimed at transforming the business school into a more professional, dynamic and student-focused operation. been a multi-year effort to become accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or ACBSP, the nation’s only organization that accredits business schools at all degree levels. “We’re excited to be a part of this important process,” Kannenberg said. “Students should know that by being a part of this accrediting body, we are holding ourselves to best practices and high standards of business school programs nationwide.” Given the constant competition to attract top students, she adds, “It’s also a strategic, competitive move that, to me, really has to happen.” Steve Parscale, chief accreditation officer for ACBSP, said in announcing the school’s official candidacy last November: “The fact that mbu is pursuing ACBSP accreditation shows their commitment to providing the highest quality business education for their students.” Another School of Business initiative in the planning stages is a “hackathon,” in which students can learn and apply computer and information technology skills so necessary in today’s business world, Kannenberg said. And she is particularly excited about the planned job and internship fair, which is part of her effort to better prepare students for the post-graduate working world. “It’s to facilitate their ability to understand the job search process, to be an effective interviewee, to understand more about different industries’ expectations,” Kannenberg said. “We will be preparing them through our interviewing techniques course and other classes to know how to pitch themselves, to give a brief, succinct summary of the benefits they bring to a business.” The fair will be welcomed by students, said Joseph Link, 20, a senior studying business administration. “When you look at all of the other local schools who are excelling, they are all having job fairs in order to create
Franzese is expected to speak twice—to business school students and again to the public at a fundraising event sometime next spring, Kannenberg said. Taken together, the new initiatives mean a more professional environment for the School of Business, Kontrim-Baumann said. “We’re adding some standards to the School of Business in terms of what we expect of students. And that is going to be critical to moving us forward,” she said. “A lot of higher education is about not just what we’re doing now but preparing students for where they’re going to go.” Through it all, as with all schools at Missouri Baptist University, the School of Business continues to keep Christ at the center of the curriculum, Kannenberg said. One key to that mission is to prepare students to stay faithful in the largely secular business world – and to see that world as a mission field, just as Kannenberg’s father did. “I try to impart the fact that we play by different rules,” she said. “You need to live up to those rules.” And students are taking those lessons to heart, Link said. “I have been led through the example of my professors on how to be honest in every transaction with someone,” he said. “As Christians, we have a different standard to hold ourselves to in the business world. We cannot simply put others down in favor of lifting ourselves up. We should lift others up, which will, in turn, benefit us in the end -whether that be eternally or in our career.” That kind of commitment can come with a cost in the business world, Kannenberg concedes. But, she believes, Christians are called to make those sacrifices. “You just have to be strong and say, ‘I trust the Lord to carry me through these challenges, and I’m going to trust Him no matter what the case may be.’” ■ mbu magazine 23
L E S S O N S F R O M C A LV I N O N
CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP 24   mbu magazine
FACULTY EDI TORI AL
scrip ture | redemp tion | intim ac y | per sona l presence | lov e
IF YOU WERE TO ASK SOMEONE TODAY, “ WHAT IS A FRIEND?”, YOU WOULD RECEIVE A VARIET Y OF RESPONSES. Television shows have displayed twisted, humorous, and realistic friendships. From The Andy Griffith Show with Andy and Barney to The Office with Jim and Dwight, friendship created a sense of loyalty and comradery. Social media has transformed ideas of friendship. Friendships develop online and are maintained through posts, tweets, snaps and Instagram posts. Ideas of friendship will undoubtedly vary from person to person. Some may define friendship in terms of common interests, common enemies, or shared experiences. Movies, sports, video games, books and a plethora of other things bring people together. Friendships come in all shapes and sizes. This has been the case in my life and throughout history. Like many still do today, John Calvin (1509–1564) sent letters to his friends during the Protestant Reformation. His letters were marked by instruction, direction and concern, but his tone could be harsh, rude and arrogant. For many of us, friends like this don’t last long. Yet with a closer look, we find that Calvin deeply cared for his friends. In fact, he serves as a model for friendships today. Let me explain why. Calvin’s understanding of friendship had several key components. First, Calvin learned the nature of friendship from the Scripture. Anything not built on Scripture was futile in his mind. Because of this, friendship had to be understood through God and his Word. Second, Calvin understood friendship in terms of redemption. Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for many, called his disciples “friends.” Calvin wanted to see all people become friends of God through faith in Christ. Third, friendship was a relationship marked by intimacy that was ongoing and accustomed rather than intermittent and unfamiliar. Human relationships were to model God’s relationship with man. The incarnation of God the Son demonstrates the closeness man can have with God. Jesus’ coming, marked by humility and service, sets the trajectory for our relationships with one another. Fourth, friendships involved personal presence. Calvin’s commentary on The Gospel of John suggests that friendship involves personal interaction, much like a bridegroom bringing his friends to a wedding (John 3). Being present (in all its forms) is significant, as there can be little relationship if there is no engagement. Fifth, friendships should be marked by love. Central to this was Jesus’ command to love others as he had loved them. Jesus called his disciples friends (John 15); this friendship was marked by love, truth and grace. All this to say, Calvin found friendship to be rooted in love, understood through the gospel, and characterized by time, intentionality and intimacy.
Calvin had a wide variety of friendships. Some of Calvin’s closest friends included Martin Bucer, Guillaume Farel, Henry Bullinger and Philip Melanchthon. Bucer and Farel shared a particularly warm friendship with Calvin in comparison to his relationship with Bullinger and Melanchthon. Bucer and Farel served as mentors for Calvin, and he developed a love for them in light of this. Yet at one point, Calvin said he wanted to release all his “fury” on Farel. This comes as no surprise. Even the best of friends have moments of frustration and anger. Bullinger and Melanchthon, however, disagreed with Calvin often, which led to several annoyances in their friendship. Still, Calvin proved to be a friend that loved and cared for his companions. Their belief in the gospel served as the foundation of their friendship, and they valued faithfulness, truth, love and humility in their relationships. I fear that our culture, and particularly the church, has far too often been satisfied with Calvin found friendship shallow friendships often lived through screens. I believe much of this is because of our desire to be rooted in love, to protect ourselves rather than to love others. understood through the We control our image, and we become both star spectator. A key component to Christian gospel, and characterized and discipleship is friendship—a genuine love for by time, intentionality and another person that seeks his or her good. This approach requires a loss of stardom and intimacy. spectating and requires humility and service. I believe Calvin helps us in fostering and developing Christ-centered friendships, and I am confident we all can grow in cultivating deeper friendships. I am convinced that if Christians will see all their relationships in light of the gospel and act on those relationships through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will see a great movement of the gospel and the grand display of Christian friendship. ■ AUTHOR’S BIO Aaron Lumpkin, Campus Minister & Director of Faith and Service, graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. with his B.A. in Pastoral Leadership and Biblical Exposition. He attained his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to mbu, Lumpkin worked at Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C. as the pastor for student discipleship.
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Where Are They Now? 1
Aaron Kruse
(B.S. in Business, B.A. in Church Education ‘97) lives in Columbia, Missouri, with his wife and three children. He serves as associate pastor of ministry and education for Parkade Baptist Church.
Anna Shanks
lives in Wyatt, Missouri, with her husband, Tony, and four children. Her favorite mbu memories were attending the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) conferences. She is the director of developmental disability services at Heartland Supported Living.
(B.A. in Accounting ’03)
Katherine Hunn
lives in Florissant, Missouri. She works at Daughters of Charity Ministries and has begun working on her doctorate in gerontology, to be completed Spring 2022.
(M.S. in Counselor Education ‘05) lives in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri. She serves as a school counselor in the Fort Zumwalt School District.
Erin Lenihan-Chamness
Kara Stone (Patterson)
(B.A. in Religious Education and Religious Studies ’04) lives in Glendale, California, with her husband. She is the director of English language learning curriculum for the online education platform, ABCMouse, which provides content and curriculum aimed at teaching children English in China and Japan. She is also pursuing a master’s in instruction and curriculum (TESOL) through the University of Kansas.
Constance Ditto
(B.A. in Psychology ’05)
lives in Winfield, Missouri, with her husband and four children. Her most fond mbu memory was being able to spill her heart about the latest of whatever was happening in her life to professor Rob Cornwell. She is a licensed professional counselor and has her own private practice in Troy, Missouri.
Teressa Counterman
(B.A. Business Administration ‘95, M.S. in Education ’07) lives in Troy, Missouri, with her husband, Ron. They have two daughters and one son-in-law.
(B.S. in Psychology ’05)
Counterman teaches elementary music at Lincoln Elementary in the Troy RIII School District. She is also an adjunct professor to Missouri Baptist University’s Troy/Wentzville Regional Learning Center.
Megan (Yates) Parks
(B.A. in General Education ’08) lives in Belleview, Missouri, with her husband and two children. She works as a business analyst for Centene Corporation.
Dr. Kathryn Libby (M.A. in Teaching ‘09)
lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She recently received her doctorate in education leadership from Maryville University.
Rebekah McKinney (B.S. in Education ’09)
lives in Maryland Heights, Missouri, with her husband, Fred. She was recently promoted to director of library services to Missouri Baptist University’s Jung-Kellogg Library.
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Mary Grobe
(Ed.S. ’10)
lives in St. Louis and works as a teacher
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MBU Senior Stories 2019 These are some of the faces of MBU students seen across campus the past four years. From running track to taking the screen for the weekly MBU news before chapel, these new MBU alumni will be showing the world the knowledge and faith instilled to them by the University’s distinguished faculty and staff.
for Lindbergh Schools. Grobe received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013 while serving as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University. She is also a special instructor for Missouri First Steps.
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Michael Hodges
(B.S. in Religious Education ’10) lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife, Melissa, and newborn son. He is the owner of STL Sports Cards, LLC.
Kristin Johnson
(B.A. in Music and Worship Arts ’10) lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her daughter. She began working as a learning and development specialist at Hussmann Corporation in 2018.
Jamie Keen (Rice) (M.B.A. ’11)
lives in Saint Clair, Missouri, with her husband, daughter and newborn son. She serves as manager to Dollar Plus.
Kristianna Pirrie
Pablo Hernandez
“Being a Spartan means identifying the gifts the Lord has blessed me with and refining those gifts to shine His light and glory in the world.”
“After graduation, I am going to go back to Europe and pursue a professional basketball career. After my professional basketball career, I would like to become a college basketball coach.”
B.M.E. (Bachelor’s of Music Education) St. Louis, MO
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Meredith Lewis (Hall)
(B.S. in Public Relations ’11)
lives in Middletown, Ohio, with her husband, Andrew. Lewis recently moved to Ohio from Virginia and works as an accounting assistant for Choices, Inc. Foster Care Agency.
Jamie Patterson (McLean)
(B.S. in Business Management ’11, M.B.A. ‘12) lives in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with her husband and two children. She serves as an administrative assistant at Washington University in St. Louis.
Erica Pitchers (DeVilbiss)
(B.S. in Middle School Education ’11) lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she recently moved with her husband, two children, and one on the way. Her favorite mbu memory was traveling with Faithful on a spring break trip to Kentucky and getting snowed in at the church. Pitchers works as a self-employed financial coach.
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Heather Mahoney (Rynd)
(B.S. in Behavioral Science ’11)
B.S. in Physical Education and Education K-12 | Ames, Spain
Matt, and their three children. Mahoney enjoyed the memories she made on the women’s volleyball team while at mbu. She serves as executive director of Primrose School of O’Fallon at Winghaven.
Hayley Barnfield (Robinson) (B.S. in Elementary Education ‘12)
lives in Ringgold, Georgia. She works as the student development office coordinator at Covenant College.
Amanda Cernich
(B.S. in Elementary Education ’12) lives in St. Louis with her son. She works as a high school special education teacher at Life for Life Academy. Cernich was recently named special education teacher of the year.
Jason Crawford (M.B.A ’12)
lives in Wentzville, Missouri, with his wife and two sons. He serves as manager of healthcare technology management at Mercy and recently became vice president of the Gateway Biomedical Society in St. Louis.
lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with her husband, mbu magazine 27
Nathan Utt
(B.S. in Secondary Education ’13) lives in Tomball, Texas, with his wife, Lindsay (’12), and two sons. He works at Faith West Academy as a teacher and was recently named head varsity football coach.
Rachelle Frey
(M.A. in Counseling ’14) lives in Warrenton, Missouri, with her husband and two sons. Frey will become a fully licensed LPC in October. Her counseling practice counseling focuses on the healing of people who have experienced trauma and/or a history of sexual abuse.
Denita Henson (Arndt)
(B.A. in Elementary Education ’14) lives in Ironton, Missouri, with her husband, and has three children. She is in her fifth year of teaching and currently works as a kindergarten teacher in the Bismarck R-5 School District. She recently won the Froggy 98 teacher of the year award after being nominated by the family of one of her students.
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at Immaculata University. She served as communication chair to the Pennsylvania Psychological Association – Graduate Board this year. In addition to school, she serves as a therapist to a private practice, residential facility and conducts psychological evaluations. (photo credit PureSonic Films & Photography LLC)
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Molly Eime (Carver)
lives in Pacific, Missouri, wither her husband and daughter. Her favorite memory of mbu is the lifelong friendships that were made not just among fellow students, but with professors as well. She serves as public relations consultant to SSM Health.
Matthew Harris
(M.A. in Counseling ’15) lives in Monroe City, Missouri, with his family of six. He was recently promoted to director of admissions and therapeutic services at Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch.
Mary Kate Walton
lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She got married to her husband Christopher in May, which was officiated by an mbu professor. Burnett is currently in her fifth year of the doctor of psychology degree program
(B.S. in Accounting ’15) lives in Union, Missouri, with his wife and two children. He recently accepted the position of accounting manager to EyeCare Partners.
Dornisha Goodrich
(B.S. in Exercise Science ’16)
lives in St. Louis, where she works as a psychiatric technician for Hawthorne Children Psychiatric Hospital. She played for the mbu women’s track and field team and her favorite memory was working a service project for habitat for humanity with her teammates.
Shane Howell
(B.S. in Business Administration ’16) lives in Charleston, Missouri, with his wife and soon-to-be newborn son. He works as a teacher to the Charleston School District.
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lives in University City, Missouri, and serves as a senior admissions counselor at mbu. While at mbu, she sang in Spirit Wing, Chapel Band, and served as a resident assistant and community leader. Earlier this year, Walton released her first EP, “Self Portrait,” which consists entirely of original music. She
(M.A. in Counseling ’15)
Jason Whitworth
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(B.A. in Public Relations ’15)
(B.M. in Music Ministry ’15)
Leigh Anne Burnett
recorded the indie-folk album in Nashville.
Katelyn Klaus (Gerard)
(B.S. in Business Administration ’16) lives in House Springs, Missouri, with her husband. She works for BackStoppers, Inc. by producing fundraisers, creating social media and writing content. I am also in the Leadership Team of Ekho Entertainment led by fellow mbu graduate Trina Sindelar.
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seni o r sto r ies 2019
Dani Jo Stevenson
B.S. in Communication Studies O’Fallon, MO
Hailey Norwine
(B.A. in Biology ’16)
lives in Saint Peters, Missouri and works as an optometric technician at Regional Eyecare Associates. Her favorite mbu memory was winning homecoming king and queen with her now husband, Jordan.
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Haley Sandvoss
“mbu impacted my faith by being consistent for me. Being away from home made it easy for me fall out of faith, but being around a faith-based community helped me continue to be strong in my faith.”
“mbu’s courses have prepared me for my future by giving me real life experience. The upper level courses I took gave me the experience to not worry about what lies ahead. The communications department is full of teachers and professors that are willing and wanting to help you every step of the way.”
Stephanie, and three children. He currently serves as a senior manager to a R&D engineering department for a major defense contractor designing medium caliber ammunition for new weapon platforms and upgrades for existing systems.
basketball team and has great memories spending time with other students and athletes in the cafe and in the gym. After graduating, King began work at a juvenile detention center as a youth leader specialist.
B.S. in Sport Management | Chicago, IL
“To my freshman self: You are going to fail at times and that is okay‚ enjoy every failure along with every victory the next four years, because they go just as fast as everyone says they do.”
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Jonathan Nathaniel
Paul Reynolds
B.S. in Public Relations | St. Louis, MO
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(B.S. in Management ’17)
lives in St. Louis with his wife and three children. He played for the mbu men’s
lives in Imperial, Missouri. She serves as a patient access representative for SSM Health – St. Mary’s Hospital. She recently passed her
(B.A. in Professional Studies ’17)
(M.B.A. ’16)
lives in Herrin, Illinois, with his wife,
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Catherine Schwartz
James King
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mbu magazine 29
seni o r sto r ies 2019
Jordan Foster
Megan Chisholm
Chance Ludy
“mbu prepared me for my future by commanding me to learn how to effectively express myself beyond cultural boundaries.”
“After graduating mbu I continued to build upon my technical and mathematical skills by learning new coding languages. These skills and those I learned at mbu helped me get a job as a software engineer at MasterCard.”
“Being a Spartan means that you never stop pushing forward and always continue to move through the toughest of situations because God has our plan already mapped out.”
B.S. in Business Administration St. Louis, MO
first career ladder test and is on track to pass a second in August.
Jillian Cooper
(B.S. in Psychology, A.A.S. in Business ’18) lives in Troy, Missouri. She is engaged to her fiancée, Ian, and works as a bookkeeping specialist to Cooper Management Training & Consulting, Inc.
Nicole Hagan
(B.A. in Healthcare Management ’18) lives in Imperial, Missouri, with her three sons. She works as a practice manager for BJC and started pursuing her M.B.A. this year.
Karen Ulery
(M.A. in Counseling ’18) lives in Gillespie, Illinois, with her husband, Jonathan. They have one daughter and five grandchildren. Ulery is a licensed child welfare specialist-intact and works for Catholic Charities.
B.S. in Biology | St. Louis, MO
Shiloh Werkmeister (M.A.C. ’18)
lives in Troy, Missouri, with her husband, Steve. They have five children and one grandchild. In addition to becoming a counselor, Werkmeister serves as president of The Key Youth, Inc., an organization dedicated to serving homelessness or at-risk youth in Lincoln County. She is also pursuing a doctorate degree from Logan University.
Linda Brady
(B.M. in Worship Leadership ’19) lives in Ballwin, Missouri, with her husband, Todd, and her daughters and step-daughters. She participated in musical theatre, ministry groups and chapel band and received the mbu student award for Outstanding Student of Achievement in Worship Leadership. Brady began working as the worship and communications assistant at South County Baptist Church this year.
Dr. Angela Flick (Shanks)
(Ed.D. in Leadership in Teaching and Learning ‘19)
30 mbu magazine
B.S. in Business Management | Foristell, MO
lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with her husband and three children. She works as a teacher in the Francis Howell School District.
Dr. Suzanne Foshage (Ed.D. ’19)
lives in Fenton, Missouri, with her son, Kooper. Foshage works as the area coordinator for Special School District (SSD). She recently presented at the Missouri Professors of Educational Administration (MPEA) statewide conference.
Phoebe Manalang
(M.S. in Fitness Management ’19) lives in Hoffman Estates, Missouri. She is the owner of Daywaneti and recently presented at the at ACSM 2019 Conference in Orlando for Validation Study of InBody Band 2.
Caryn Patterson (M.A.T. ’19)
lives in Eureka, Missouri, with her husband and two children. Patterson works as an art teacher in the Meramec Valley R-III School District.
TH E C RUX OF T H E ISSUE
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” — NUMBERS 6:24-26 ESV
Dr. Arlen Dykstra concludes his last MBU commencement as provost. mbu magazine 3 1
Missouri Baptist University One College Park Drive Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698
Dr. Arlen Dykstra’s handwritten remarks for the University’s 50th anniversary gala in 2015
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