Missouri Baptist University
Fifty-Second Commencement
MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Fifty-Second Commencement
Keith L. Ross, Ed.D., President of the University
Presiding
Prelude Hymns and Marches .....................................................................
John Ford Highland Pipe Band
Mrs. Clare Kujath, Pipe Major
Processional ............................................ “Highland Cathedral” .................................................... Traditional John Ford Highland Pipe Band Graduates and faculty will please stand.
*National Anthem ........................... “The Star-Spangled Banner” ................................Francis Scott Key Led by Nikkirra Loyd, B.M., Class of 2024
*Invocation ...................................................................................................................................................... Dan Burns Chairman, Board of Trustees
Welcome and Recognitions ............................................................................................................................ Dr. Ross
Scripture Reading ........................................... Psalm 121 (ESV) .............................................. Jake Broyles, B.S. Class of 2024
Introduction of Speaker .................................................................................................................................. Dr. Ross
Commencement Address .............................................................................................
David Wright, Ph.D. President Emeritus, Indiana Wesleyan University
Presentation of Candidates for Certificates & Undergraduate Degrees Andy Chambers, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor of Bible
Conferring of Certificates & Undergraduate Degrees Dr. Ross
Presentation of Candidates for Master’s Degrees Dr. Chambers
Lydia Thebeau, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor of Biology
Conferring of Master’s Degrees ................................................................................................................... Dr. Ross
Presentation of Candidates for Educational Specialist Degrees ................................. Dr. Chambers
Melanie Bishop, Ed.D. Vice President for Graduate Affairs and Professional Studies Associate Professor of Education
Conferring of Educational Specialist Degrees Dr. Ross
Presentation of Candidates for Doctor of Education Degrees Dr. Chambers Dr. Bishop
Conferring of Doctor of Education Degrees ........................................................................................ Dr. Ross
Presentation of the MBU Distinguished Professor Award Dr. Ross
*Alma Mater “The Home of White and Blue” Ladd Faszold Led by Jordan Cox, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the School of Performing Arts, Assistant Professor of Music Accompanied by Melissa Bishop, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Music
*The audience will please stand.
Musical Benediction ..................................... “Amazing Grace” ................................................................Newton
John Ford Highland Pipe Band
The audience will please be seated during the Recessional until the platform party, faculty, and graduates have exited the arena.
If you find it necessary to leave the arena before the Recessional concludes, gates 1, 2 and 3 will be open. Please meet your graduate outside.
Thank you for your cooperation! Recessional ...................................................................................................................................................... Traditional
*The audience will please stand.
DECORUM
Commencement is a special event to honor all students who have earned diplomas and certificates. The dignity of the university degree and of the academic community should be recognized.
1. Persons attending commencement are requested to remain at their seats during the entire commencement ceremony. Both still photographs of individual graduates and videotapes of the commencement ceremony are available for purchase. Please respect the rights of others to view the ceremony in its entirety without being distracted or having their view blocked by others.
2. Everyone is also asked to refrain from applauding except when invited to do so. Loud applause, cheers, etc. often drown out the names of the graduates as they are being read.
3. No reserved seating is allowed, except for graduates and commencement personnel.
The awarding of a university degree comes at the end of many years of hard work and dedication. Each person who achieves this goal may view it in a slightly different manner. Each student must respect the rights of the other graduates and not celebrate in a way which infringes on the rights of others. We request that family members stand to honor their graduate as the diploma is awarded.
HISTORY
Missouri Baptist College was founded during the 1950’s, through the desire of local pastors and laymen for an evangelical Christian institution in the St. Louis area. The idea of the founders was first expressed in the form of a seminary extension program teaching Bible classes followed later by an extension center offering liberal arts courses from Hannibal-LaGrange College. The written record shows that student influence and organizational work of St. Louis Baptist leaders, pastors, and laymen led the 1959 Missouri Baptist Convention to recommend the establishment of a college in greater St. Louis.
In 1964, Missouri Baptist College was chartered as an evangelical Christian four-year liberal arts college. Classes continued to meet at Tower Grove Baptist Church until the West County campus could be constructed. Four years later, the Missouri Baptist Convention approved the consolidation of Missouri Baptist College with Hannibal-LaGrange College. It was operated as two campuses: Missouri Baptist College, St. Louis and Missouri Baptist College, Hannibal-LaGrange. Classes began in the fall of 1968 on the new campus, with 189 students enrolled. In 1973, Missouri Baptist College was re-established as a separate institution and granted its first baccalaureate degrees on the thirteenth day of May.
In 1980, Missouri Baptist College moved to resident college status with the opening of Pillsbury-Huff Hall and in 1995 opened North Hall, doubling the housing capacity on campus.
Jessica Bay
Sarah Bradshaw
Kimberly Coe
Walter Ferguson
Chelsea Gammon
Natalie Grimm
Missouri Baptist College was first accredited by the North Central Association (now the Higher Learning Commission) in 1978. The University received reaffirmation of its ten-year accreditation in the 2016-2017 academic year, with no additional monitoring or conditions. In April 2000, the college received NCA approval to offer the Master of Science in Education in Counselor Education and Classroom Teaching. In April 2002, approval was given to add Educational Administration to the Master of Science in Education offerings beginning with the fall 2002 semester. On August 29, 2002, Missouri Baptist College formally became Missouri Baptist University. In April 2004 Missouri Baptist University received approval for the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Master of Business Administration. In December 2005 approval was received to begin offering the Educational Specialist degree for the spring 2006 semester and in 2009 the University received approval to offer the Doctor of Education degree.
Through the years Missouri Baptist University has expanded its course offerings at its regional learning centers in both Missouri and Southern Illinois. Today, locations in Missouri include Moscow Mills and Arnold, as well as Plus-Two degree programs in cooperation with Jefferson College in Hillsboro. A number of distance learning courses, in addition to online degree programs, are offered and the University maintains an active high school dual-credit program called the MBU Early College Partnerships.
Missouri Baptist University has been served by seven presidents: Dr. L.A. Foster (1964-1970); Dr. Frank B. Kellogg (1970-1974); Dr. Robert S. Sutherland (1974-1982); Dr. Patrick O. Copley (1982-1990); Dr. J. Edwin Hewlett (1990-1991); Dr. R. Alton Lacey (1995-2018); and Dr. Keith L. Ross (2018-present). Dr. Thomas S. Field served as Interim President (1991-1995).
THE SYMBOLS AND ACADEMIC REGALIA
The history of academic dress dates back to the Medieval European universities of the fourteenth century. European universities continue to follow varied patterns in cut and color of gown and type of headdress. In the United States, colleges and universities have standardized the academic dress so that its features are common and uniform throughout the country. The standard dress in the United States is as follows:
The Gown: The color is usually black; however, in keeping with MBU school colors all gowns except doctoral are navy. The pattern varies with the degree held: pointed sleeves for the baccalaureate degree; oblong sleeve open at the wrist for the master’s degree; and a bell-shaped sleeve for the doctoral degree. Educational Specialist candidates wear a master’s gown and hood with a silver medallion on a navy and white ribbon. The doctoral gown is faced down the front with velvet and has three bars of velvet across the sleeves. The velvet edging signifies whether the degree is J.D., M.D., Ed.D., Th.D., or Ph.D. – purple for law, green for medicine, light blue for education, scarlet for theology, and dark blue for philosophy, which may be earned in a number of subjects.
The Hood: The hood is usually made of the same material as the gown, the length varying according to degree. All hoods are lined with silk in colors signifying the institution granting the degree, while the border of the hood, in velvet, indicates the academic discipline in which the degree was earned. MBU hoods are lined in blue and white. The standard colors, which represent the disciplines, are:
Associate Degrees
Nursing
Behavioral Science, Human Services, Social Sciences, Social Work
Communication Studies, Broadcast Media, Journalism, Public Relations
Philosophy
Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Healthcare Management
Speech/Theatre, Theatre, Worship Arts, Worship Arts Technology Fine Arts Brown Mathematics, Psychology, Forensic Psychology Gold
Library Science
Lemon
Business Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, K-12 Education, Middle Childhood Education, Religious Education, Secondary Education, Special Education: Crosscategorical Disabilities Mild/Moderate, Studies in Teaching and Learning, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Educational Administration, Master of Educational Technology, Master of Science in Education, Educational Specialist, Doctor of Education ................ Light Blue
Criminal Justice, Corporate Security Leadership Midnight Blue
Public Administration Peacock Blue
Music, Music Education, Music Ministry, Music Performance, Musical Theatre, Worship Leadership ................... Pink Jurisprudence, Law Purple
Exercise Science, Fitness Management, Physical Education, Sport Management Sage Green
Public Health.......................................................................................................................................................................................... Salmon Pink
Christian Ministry, Religion, Ministry and Leadership, Theology Scarlet
Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Health Education, Health Sciences, Information Technology Science Gold
Speech Silver
Child Development, English, General Studies, History, Liberal Arts ....................................................................................... White
The Cap: The standard cap is the mortarboard, usually black, except that the doctoral cap has a gold tassel; however, in keeping with MBU school colors all except doctoral caps are navy. The cap is an essential part of the academic dress and is retained on the head throughout all academic exercises, except that men remove theirs during prayer. Undergraduate students are wearing tassels in the color of their academic discipline (major).
Stoles: Junior Class Marshals are wearing white stoles.
The Mace: The Faculty Marshal carries the ceremonial mace, an ancient sign of authority. It is displayed as the symbol of the University’s authority to confer degrees. The mace precedes the academic procession and its placement and removal from a position of honor indicates the opening and closing of academic ceremonies. The Missouri Baptist University mace was crafted of walnut by Mr. Sam Moon of Pacific, Missouri. It is adorned by the University seal.
Faculty Marshal Medallion: The Faculty Marshal wears a medallion in antique silver on a ribbon in the Missouri Baptist University tartan that depicts the University seal.
Presidential Chain of Office: The Missouri Baptist University Presidential Chain of Office represents the president’s authority as head of the University. The medal and the links of the chain are made of bronze. The medal depicts the University seal. The chain links embody two repeated motifs from the seal: a lamp symbolizing the illumination of the world through knowledge and wisdom, and an open book symbolizing the Bible.
Gonfalons are ceremonial flags or banners that are markers of honor and prestige. The gonfalon is characterized by its distinct shape and design, typically consisting of a long, narrow flag suspended from a crossbar or pole. The design and display of the gonfalons remain rooted in tradition, embodying the rich history and symbolism associate with its origin. The Missouri Baptist University Gonfalons represent the College of Arts & Humanities, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, College of Education, and College of Science & Health as the four areas of the academic structure.
THE UNIVERSITY SEAL
The Missouri Baptist University Seal consists of three symbols–an arch, a lamp, and a Bible–surrounded by two concentric circles and a fluted edge.
The arch identifies the University with St. Louis’ best-known landmark. The St. Louis Arch commemorates the westward expansion that earned the city its nickname, “the Gateway City.” The University moved to its present location the same year that the arch was completed. However, the arch is also a symbol of learning and identifies the University as a gateway to knowledge.
The lamp represents the illumination of the world through knowledge and wisdom. It embodies the highest and most inspired purpose of education in replacing the darkness of ignorance and fear with the vision of truth and beauty.
The Bible symbolizes the Christian dimension of the University. It is the adherence to its supreme standard that gives the University its distinctiveness.
The wavy line depicts the rolling hills of the campus and also brings to mind the proximity of the University to the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
The area between the circles contains the University’s motto, “Gateway to Knowledge for Service.”
MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY TARTAN
In 1964, St. Louis Baptist leaders founded Missouri Baptist University—then Missouri Baptist College—to be a light to our communities and beyond. Since then, the evangelical Christian university in St. Louis, Missouri has grown in students, programs and facilities, and remains true to its founding mission. By interweaving rigorous academics and Christian values, Missouri Baptist University continues to inspire graduates to become Christ-like influencers in their communities and careers.
To commemorate the inauguration of Missouri Baptist University’s seventh president, Dr. Keith Ross, the University released a traditional tartan in the fall of 2018. The pattern, selected by a group of MBU faculty and staff, is a visual representation of MBU’s timeless values and the optimism of what is yet to come.
Each color woven into the Tartan pattern represents one of the University’s Core Values: The crimson represents the blood of Christ, as we are serious and intentional about our Christian faith.
The light blue resembles the sky and reminds us to look heavenward as we commit ourselves to freely and responsibly search for truth.
The bold richness of the dark blue inspires us to strive for excellence as it symbolizes trust, loyalty and wisdom.
The purity of the white represents integrity and honesty, as we believe in the importance and cultivation of character.
The sterling gray represents social change, which is achieved through alumni whose lives are distinguished by service and leadership.
These colors interlaced together form the Missouri Baptist University traditional tartan. When this pattern is displayed, let it be a symbol of our commitment to be faithfully present to each other, our tasks and our chosen career so we may always be a light for Christ, and let His light shine brightly.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. … In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14 & 16
MISSION STATEMENT
Missouri Baptist University is an evangelical Christian, liberal arts institution of higher learning whose purpose is to offer programs of study leading to professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees in an environment of academic excellence from a Biblically-based, Christian perspective. The University is committed to enriching students’ lives spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, and to preparing students to serve in a global and culturally diverse society.
CORE VALUES
• We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith.
• We 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.
PINS
Graduates of the School of Teacher Education who have completed requirements for initial teacher certification receive a pin at the Commissioning Service held the Sunday prior to commencement. The pin signifies that graduates are commissioned to be reflective, problem-solving, professional educators of excellence who will work to enhance the lives of their students intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially and to influence their students so that they may become positive change agents in their world.
Graduates of the Master of Arts–Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master of Arts–School Counseling degree programs receive a pin at a commissioning ceremony held the day of commencement. The pin signifies the graduate counselor’s entry into and commitment to the helping profession. The pin is symbolically worn over the graduate’s heart to remind them of their calling to facilitate the personal growth, development, and empowerment of the diverse individuals they serve.
Graduates of the School of Nursing receive a nursing pin in a ceremony that marks the first time a nursing student finally becomes in name and title “graduate nurse.” As faculty award the School of Nursing pin to each graduate, the placement of the pin symbolically conveys the transfer of the faculty’s nursing knowledge, skill, attitude, and professionalism. The placement of the pin also represents the time-honored tradition of welcoming the new nurse into the profession of nursing.
MBU HONORS
MBU Honors engages a diverse population of highly motivated students with scholarly and creative challenges that empower and equip them to be expansive, innovative thinkers, conscious global citizens, and curious, committed followers of Christ. We ask that students take intellectual risks; that they hold themselves to high standards; that they act as servant leaders on campus and off; and that they engage the big questions of today and yesterday with rigor and charity. The program not only prepares students for careers and graduate school, but also trains them to become compassionate leaders, both in the Christian community and in the world. MBU Honors graduates wear navy blue and gold medallions. Dr. Larry Smith is the Director of MBU Honors.
Dylan George Rebekah Haas
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
The Missouri Baptist University Student Government Association (SGA) exists to provide reasonable and coherent policies, leadership and unity for the MBU student body and to act as a medium between the students, faculty, and administration of the campus. To be eligible for executive officer positions, individuals must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above and show exemplary character. The MBU SGA works to better the University in many areas while doing so in a way that is professional and consistent with University values. Graduating SGA officers wear red and blue cords.
Daniel Creighton
NATIONAL HONORS
Alpha Chi
Alpha Chi is a national, coeducational honor society with the purpose of promoting academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honoring those who achieve such distinction. As a general honor society, Alpha Chi admits to membership students from all academic disciplines who are in the top ten percent of the junior and the senior classes. As a phrase from its constitution suggests, Alpha Chi seeks to find ways to assist members in “making scholarship effective for good.” The faculty and student members of the Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Chi wear blue and green cords with a medallion. The sponsor is Dr. Julie Ooms.
Maya Abraham
Molly Callihan
Arika Cantrell
Brandon Carter
Jacie Coleman
Sarah Elders
Connor Hickman
Kelley Hiner
Kappa Delta Pi
Caleb Little
Natalie Patrick
Alexa Tippett
Tommy Zeigler
Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in education, with a national membership of undergraduate and graduate students, university faculty and administrators, classroom teachers, school administrators, retired educators, Laureate members, and honorary members. Its purposes are to promote excellence, recognize honor students, and acknowledge outstanding contributions to education. The Missouri Baptist University chapter is open to high achieving students planning careers in the field of education. The faculty and student members of the Chi Pi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi wear jade and violet honors cords. Mrs. Kendra Ray is the Chapter Counselor.
Erin Byars
Arika Cantrell
Sarah Elders
Trinity Fexer
NATIONAL HONORS (CONTINUED)
Kappa Omicron Nu
Kappa Omicron Nu (KON), the National Honor Society for the Human Sciences, promotes empowered leaders who use an integrative approach to enhance quality of living through excellence in scholarship, leadership, and research. The Collegiate category of membership includes undergraduate and graduate students duly enrolled in an institution represented by an active chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu. Undergraduate students shall have declared a major in family and consumer sciences or one of the specializations in the human sciences, have completed 45 semester hours or equivalent, and rank in the top 25% of their class in the unit. Graduate students shall be enrolled in a graduate program in family and consumer sciences or one of the specializations in the human sciences, have completed 12 semester hours of graduate work or equivalent, and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Any chapter, at its discretion, may establish higher collegiate eligibility criteria. The Human Sciences are those fields committed to improving social justice and developing more desirable relations in communities, organizations, and the wider society for the benefit of all. Fields include (but are not limited to) athletic training, exercise science, family and consumer sciences, food science and human nutrition, health sciences, kinesiology, and wellness. The faculty and student members of the Nu Alpha Iota chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu wear medallions with a burgundy ribbon for graduation recognition. The faculty sponsor is Dr. Megan Cotet.
Molly Callihan
Brandon Carter
Daniel Heinrich
Rasmus Svensson
Phi Alpha
Kayleigh Winch
Phi Alpha is the National Honor Society for Social Work. The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of Social Work and promote humanitarian goals and ideas. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for Social Workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in Social Work. To be eligible for membership, students must have a major in Social Work, have completed at least nine credit hours, and rank in the top 35% of their class. The faculty and student members of the Delta Iota Psi Chapter of Phi Alpha wear royal blue and yellow honor cords. The faculty sponsor is Dr. Tamlyn M. Ashford.
Brittany Axelson
Mary Budenholzer
Lindsey Doughty
Ashley England
Amelia Kolthoff
Alicia Mills
Sigma Zeta
Lila Ozley
Jennifer Ruckman
Alyssa Stuppy
Sigma Zeta is a national, undergraduate honor society with the purpose to encourage and foster scholarly activity and recognize academic scholarship in the natural and computer sciences and mathematics. To be eligible for membership, students must have a major in the natural sciences or mathematics, have junior/ senior standing, with an overall GPA of 3.5. The faculty and student members of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of the Sigma Zeta National Honor Society wear medallions with a gold ribbon. The sponsors are Dr. Dawn Huber and Dr. Jason Vermette.
Mikenzie Burt
Hannah Duro
Melody Francis
Dylan George
Kelley Hiner
Grant Karlas
Allyson McClung
Will McQuade
Lindsay Mills
Matthew Printy
Tia Reed
Summer Scherder
Jacob Simmons
Jairva Stroud
Brady Ulrich
Katelyn Wilber
