4 The Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex, a state-of-the-art 47,000-square-foot facility opened in the fall of 2011. 5 Dr. Lacey stands in front of the rotunda of the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center. The building has become an iconic symbol for the University.
2011
The University’s next chapter of residential living is unveiled with Spartan Village. Situated on the northern end of campus, the first phase of Spartan Village included the opening of The Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex and modern apartment style living. mbu opens the 47,000-squarefoot Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex, which includes a 1,000-seat gymnasium, a suspended indoor track, locker rooms, a concession area in Spartan Hall, state-ofthe-art training and fitness center, new classrooms, offices for faculty and coaching staff and facilities for the Health and Sports Sciences division.
4 5
dent support services and build additional on-campus housing. Those additions will help serve a growing student body. mbu plans to continue to aggressively explore new academic and athletic programs. In particular, Dr. Lacey said the University is exploring the additions of allied health programs, including nursing and occupational therapy. The University will continue to explore the prospect of adding athletic programs that fit within the mission of the University. Dr. Lacey said the University is currently considering the addition of some women’s programs, including swimming, diving, archery, sand volleyball and field hockey. No matter the future plans — and there are many — they are likely to be spelled out in the University’s strategic plan, two working documents that include objectives for every department on campus. Since Lacey took the reins, strategic planning has become a signature of his administration. It is a University-wide effort that has allowed mbu to embrace a culture of continual assessment while developing a vision for the future. It’s that type of bold vision-casting that will allow this institution to continue to grow into what its early leaders knew it could one day become. It’s the same potential Dr. Lacey saw nearly two decades ago in that small Midwest college, and one that he’s been working to realize ever since. •
2013
Phase II of Spartan Village is completed with the construction of a 4,500-square-foot bookstore, an expanded and revamped dining hall and a community-focused resident living facility for more than 100 students. More than 5,200 students — the most ever — were enrolled at mbu. mbu announces the addition of Spartan football.
2014
mbu confers more than 900 degrees. Missouri Baptist University celebrates 50 years.
our story continues: Read more at www.mbu50.com.
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