2013 -2014
ANNUA L REPORT
J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory
Joseph Mills Photography
Fulfilling Christ’s Mission at SNU
“We are committed to being part of the global corps of believers who are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in the world.”
As a Christian institution of higher learning, we are committed to being part of the global corps of believers who are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in the world. His three-fold ministry of ‘teaching, preaching and healing’ are very evident in our educational curriculum and overall mission. This annual report focuses on the aspect of our work that prepares our students for the healing and other science related occupations. Southern Nazarene University has long had strength academically in the sciences. Our alumni who are in the workplaces of research, education, hospitals, and clinics, carry out daily the evidence of the preparation received in our classrooms and laboratories. The 2014 year has been one of notable progress in the sciences on our campus. Consider the following: ∙ Opening of the J.D. and Mary West Science Laboratory Building ∙ NCLEX pass rate of 94% for graduating seniors in nursing ∙ 100% of graduating pre-med majors admitted to medical schools ∙ 100% of graduating pre-Physician Assistant seniors admitted to graduate programs ∙ 100% pass rate of athletic training seniors on qualifying exams ∙ 100% admittance of pre-veterinarian seniors to graduate programs These signal accomplishments are a representation of the quality of work being done by our faculty across the curricular areas we serve. In the pages that follow, you’ll read more details of our science programs and the standout achievements we receive from our graduates. I am proud of the quality of our institution across the board. The focus on science in this report could be expanded to the other areas of our institution. I hope you will read and also take pride in YOUR institution of Christian higher education in Bethany, Oklahoma! In His Service,
Loren Gresham, PhD President
Administrative Team
Dr. Loren P. Gresham President
Dr. Melany Kyzer
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Dr. Scott Strawn
Vice President, Business & Financial Affairs
Dr. Terry Toler
Vice President, University Advancement & Church Relations
Dr. Linda Cantwell
Vice President, Enrollment Management
Dr. Michael Redwine
Vice President, Student Development
I
t is with a deep sense of gratitude that I write to you,
have also been instituted to safeguard our most precious
the donors to Southern Nazarene University, about
resources: students and faculty. As a result, the lab
the completion of the Science Laboratory building.
rooms in the Beaver Science Building were becoming
This project, which has been in the works for well over a
prohibitively out-of-date. Higher education is also
decade, has been punctuated with a series of fund-raising
becoming increasingly competitive – especially for the
campaigns, evolving architectural plans, and varying
best and brightest science students. We can no longer
degrees of progress. Over the long course of this project,
assume that students will choose SNU simply because of
a strong sense existed that this endeavor was vital to the
its longstanding distinction for excellence and rigor in the
future of the University, and a conviction that God would
sciences, or for the reputation of its fine and dedicated
bring it to fruition. Thanks to God, your loyalty to SNU,
faculty. Today’s generation of incoming college students
and contributions to the Campaign for the Sciences, we
expects the best from science programs in providing
look forward to a fully completed Science Laboratory in
enriching lab experiences and research opportunities.
Spring 2015.
The new Science Laboratory fulfills this expectation
The W. Don Beaver Science Building was constructed in the 1960’s and has served many generations of science students. The building remains so structurally sound that it is a popular destination when the blaring of tornado sirens is occasionally heard in the spring and summer
and ensures the continuing legacy of excellence in the sciences for decades to come.
Today’s generation of Encompassing over 26,000 incoming college students square feet of space, the expects the best from science Science Laboratory services programs in providing the Biology and Chemistry enriching lab experiences Departments. The first floor and research opportunities. has four biology labs, a cadaver lab, a research lab,
months. Additionally, classrooms and faculty offices are
a large conference room, a variety of lab prep rooms,
still in full service throughout the year. While the building
and faculty offices. On the second floor are three
is still an active part of our campus, the lab rooms have
chemistry labs, a spacious stock room, an instrument
shown their age. Just as new regulations have made
room, research lab, workroom, and faculty offices. The
cars safer over the years, new guidelines for lab safety
building is a masterpiece of architectural distinction with
Joseph Mills Photography
its spacious atrium and a long, sloping curtain wall of glass. This glass allows for natural lighting to fill the main hallway and spill into the windowed lab rooms. Anyone strolling past in the hallways can see activity in the lab rooms, which also double as small classrooms. Students have already expressed amazement at the facility and in the potential this building achieves for their learning experiences in the sciences. Biology students in particular are already enjoying use of the first floor classrooms and labs, and the second floor chemistry space is nearing completion for the spring. Most gratifying are the expressions of admiration that have come from our science faculty emeriti after touring the building. They recognize that this facility ensures the quality of the sciences at SNU much in the same way the Beaver Science Building did when they were science faculty in the 1970’s.
Joseph Mills Photography
Thank you for your contributions to the University and toward the Campaign for the Sciences. Your generous gifts have helped this enduring dream for a modern Science Laboratory at SNU become a reality. While there are many other needs on campus, we in the sciences are sincerely grateful for this opportunity through the Science Laboratory to continue honoring God in mentoring students in the endless exploration of God’s great Creation. With gratitude,
Mark Winslow, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Natural, Social, & Health Sciences
The SNU Quetzal Education Research Center San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica
T
he SNU Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC) is a SNU-owned ďŹ eld station located in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, which is
a small community situated in the Savegre River valley and the Talamanca mountain range. The elevation at the station is 7,200 ft. and is surrounded by a tropical montane cloud forest. One of the more unique aspects to the QERC is the presence of the Resplendent Quetzal, which is a rare and exotic bird that attracts visitors from thousands of miles away. The station serves as a base for researchers from around the world to study this rare bird, as well as many other rare species unique to the area.
Heather Cox Senior, Biology Major
The QERC also serves as the site for a SNU semester study program where students interested in science and Latin culture come and learn about these things while gaining a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. As a part of the semester program, the students spend time traveling to the different biomes found within Costa Rica. They encounter many of the unique species endemic to the country and come away with some truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The students learn about environmentally sustainable practices and how to implement them in the context of their surroundings. They also immerse themselves into the Latin culture and learn about the Spanish language through their daily interactions in San
Students encounter species endemic t come away wi once-in-a-lifetim
many of the unique to the country and ith some truly me experiences.
Gerardo, as well as through trips to San Jose and other towns, and a two week trip to Nicaragua. SNU’s hope is that time spent in the midst of Latin America culture causes students to come away thankful for the blessings in their life and become motivated to live as better stewards for God and the environment. One primary aspect to the students’ experience is conducting their own independent research project. Through this experience, students gain valuable insight into the research process, work with Ph.D. faculty on important studies, and realize how their
Dr. Jeff Griffitts Asst. Prof., Biology
work can directly impact and benefit the local community. For instance, Heather Cox participated in the spring 2013 QERC program. While there, she worked with Dr. Jeff Griffitts on a project assessing the quality of the main body of water in San Gerardo. Heather had the opportunity to educate the local community about her findings and instilled within them a greater understanding about the impact humans can have on the environment, and in turn, human health. Through the QERC, researchers and students can learn more about the majesty that is God’s creation in a way that is practical and very real to them.
Learn more about The Quetzal Education Research Center at qerc.org.
J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory Features New Cadaver Lab
Dr. Joanne Peterson
Nick Peoples
Asst. Prof., Biology
Senior, Biology Major
T
he human body is an amazing creation. The
four cadavers and allows ample space for several
intricate processes a single fertilized egg
students around each table. The most common
undergoes to make such a complex organism
challenge associated with a cadaver lab is the smell
is simply mind-boggling. The formation of each piece
of formaldehyde. To address this, the lab’s air system
of tissue and each organ is designed for a precise
has been designed for 15 air changes per hour, which
function at a precise location. The fact that they are
keeps the level of formaldehyde at less than 0.5 PPM.
interconnected to other tissues and organs with the
Additionally, the tables, countertops, stools, and sinks
common purpose of maintaining homeostasis is a
are all made of stainless steel, which will allow for
design that could only be crafted by a loving God.
ease and efficiency in maintenance of the room. Above
Few people get to see how complex the human design is, but this is a key focus for our students who will soon enter into various health professions. Gaining a first-hand look into the structures of the human body enables a health
the tables additional lights have been installed that are
“This experience helped reinforce my convictions in the medical work I aim to pursue.”
used to focus light onto the specific area of work. The impact this lab experience has on the students is remarkable. Biology major Nick Peoples summed it up best when he said,
professional to understand how all internal organ
“Perhaps one of the most profound experiences of
systems are intertwined together. This allows them
my undergraduate career was removing the brain
to effectively diagnose and treat their patients. SNU
and spinal cord intact, together. While in chemistry,
provides students with two opportunities to explore
physics, and molecular biology we often have to be
the human design using cadavers in the Human
content with the shadows that nature casts on our
Anatomy course and the Advanced Human Anatomy:
instruments, anatomy and dissection is tangible –
Cadaver Dissection course. The students in both
you’re working with a scalpel, a bone saw, a real
classes, which are unique to SNU, are responsible
human body, and eventually you’re doing something
for making these discoveries on their own through
really incredible like holding a human brain in
dissection of the bodies. What makes this even
your hands. This experience helped reinforce my
more unique is this type of work is usually done only
convictions in the medical work I aim to pursue. I
in advanced courses at other schools. Now, these
learned so much from the course and lab experience,
classes will be even more effective, thanks to the new
but even more, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to return
science building with its state-of-the-art cadaver lab.
to the lab as a teaching assistant and share some of
The cadaver lab was designed with both learning and safety in mind. The room can house up to
my love and excitement for the subject with the other students.”
Exceptional Career Preparation at SNU
W
hen students attend a university, their
involvement in clubs and social events. Finally, we provide
primary goal is to gain the skills and
a unique learning experience through SNU’s field station
knowledge necessary to find a job;
in Costa Rica where students can take both science and
however in the Biology Department, those aspirations are
general education coursework, as well as work on a
focused on working in the medical or research fields. So
research project in a semester abroad experience. For
why should Biology students choose SNU? The answer
these reasons, we are confident the SNU Pre-Health
is simple: we offer a rigorous program that features a
program offers the curriculum and opportunities that
variety of experiences that sets SNU apart from other
distinctively prepares students for successful careers in
Christian institutions of higher education. These experiences include one-on-one preparedness for medical and graduate school, faculty-student mentorship, a challenging curriculum, and the opportunity to engage in a cross-
The preparation our the health care industry. students receive The preparation our students receive goes far beyond the goes far beyond the classroom, as classroom, as there are there are numerous opportunities numerous opportunities to participate in hands-on research. to participate in hands- These include an on-campus NASAon research.
cultural experience.
funded research program designed
for freshmen and sophomores, off-campus opportunities
SNU is known for its high level of acceptance into medical
at local universities such as the University of Oklahoma,
and graduate schools. This starts freshman year where
and at private research facilities such as the Oklahoma
we begin individually advising students to ensure they
Medical Research Foundation. These opportunities are
are preparing to be the best candidate possible by the
designed for students to have paid internships where they
time they apply to medical and graduate programs.
can perform their own research project, which can then
Through this advisement, we help them find volunteer,
be presented at conferences and/or be published in a
job shadow, and paid opportunities to expand their
scientific journal. In fact, we take a group of students each
clinical experiences. We also foster an intimate learning
year to present their research at the regional Beta Beta
environment allowing us to know each student by name.
Beta biology honors society meeting, and our students win
We accomplish this through small class sizes, students
awards at this conference each year. Research experiences
serving alongside us as teaching assistants, and our
are a critical part of their Pre-Health training so they can
engage first-hand in the scientific method. Furthermore, most Pre-Health students choose to take the advanced cadaver dissection course at the end of their undergraduate coursework. We repeatedly hear from graduates, who are at the top of their anatomy course in medical or graduate PA programs, that this course helped prepare them above and beyond the level of their colleagues. SNU also participates in a consortium with other Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) schools in Oklahoma, which affords one student a summer clinical internship from each of the five schools. This dialogue among the CCCU Pre-Health directors has helped us improve our program as we work together to train the next generation of health care providers. In our program, we impart the command Jesus gave all of us to go and help others meet their greatest needs. We encourage our students to carry that compassion into their future workplace. Students come first at SNU, and we cherish the opportunity to help them at this critical time in their lives where they stand at the crossroads of taking their next steps in career training.
Dr. Caroline Bentley Chair of the SNU Biology Department & Biology Professor
Student Life at SNU
“Transforming lives through higher education in Christcentered community.�
Financial Overview The University’s revenues totaled $49.5 million and exceeded expenses by $6 million. The largest category of revenue is Tuition and Fees of $38.7 million, less Scholarships of $12 million, for a Net Tuition and Fees of $26.7 million - which represents 54% of our total revenues. The second largest revenue category is Auxiliary/Sales and Service/Other revenues of $12.5 million, or 25.5% of total revenues, and includes housing, bookstore, food service, Southern Plaza Retirement Center and School for Children revenues.
Gifts and grants totaled $6 million or 12% of total revenues. Included in this category is the Funding the Mission Allocation from Churches of the Nazarene on the South Central Region, which totaled $1.5 million. Our investment income represented $4.2 million, or 8.5% of total revenues.
The University’s expenses totaled $43.6 million and were 3.9% higher than the previous year. Our largest category of expenses is Instruction and Academic Support, which represents 47.3% of our total expenses. Auxiliary expenses represent 22.3% and is the second largest category. Student Services and Institutional Support expenses represent 19% and 11.4% respectively.
Revenues by Source
Expenses by Program
Investments
Institutional Support
8.5%
Gifts & Grants
12%
Auxiliary, Sales & Services, Other
Student Services
25.5%
$108.3m
total assets of SNU as of June 30, 2014 an increase of $5.9m from previous fiscal year
11.4%
Instruction & Academic 19% Support 47.3% Auxilliary 22.3%
Net Tuition & Fees 54%
12.6%
approximate annual return on endowment fund investments which is the primary cause for the change in total assets
$75.6m
net assets of SNU as of June 30, 2014
Enrollment 2013-14 Total Enrollment: 2168 Total Enrollment by Programs
76% 24%
undergraduate graduate
Residential
699
34 32
states countries
Gender - Total Enrollment campus residents
Minority Representation
34% 34.3% 33%
Geographic Representation
total enrollment new freshmen traditional students
46% 54%
female male
Religion
22 49% 44.6%
denominations Nazarene - Freshmen & Transfers Nazarene - all Traditional Students
Top Majors - Traditional Students 167 Kinesiology
147 Business
125 Nursing
85 Biology
81 Theology
77 Music
67 Education*
50 Psychology
*142 when all majors within Teacher Education are included.
Office of University Advancement
6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008 - 405.491.6311 - www.snu.edu