MBU Magazine-Winter 2024

MBU

NURSING BY THE NUMBERS

SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

NEW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

NOT

FAITH & LEARNING IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Dear friends,

A word from the President

Dr. Keith Ross | MBU President

Greetings from Missouri Baptist University. I am honored to write to you on behalf of MBU’s administration, faculty, staff and students. The 2023-2024 academic year has been filled with energy and activity, whether in the classroom, in athletic competitions or in chapel services. We continue to see evidence of God’s love for the University and the movement of the Holy Spirit among us, for which we are deeply thankful.

God’s abiding presence is familiar to us at MBU. In that way, his guiding hand is nothing new. Something that is new on our campus—and the subject of the feature article in this issue of MBU Magazine—is the rise of artificial intelligence (A.I.) tools like ChatGPT.

As A.I. tools become more prevalent across all academic disciplines and the broader culture, I believe Christian institutions of higher learning are uniquely positioned to help provide a moral compass that guides deployment of A.I. in a just and responsible manner. Missouri Baptist University has always stood as a beacon of Christ-centered values, so as we chart a path forward in an increasingly digital age, we believe it is imperative to think critically, reason wisely and act justly in our interaction with artificial intelligence.

As Christian educators, we have the freedom to use and interact with these tools. We do not have to fear A.I., for the things of earth, including artificially intelligent technologies, will eventually pass away. We believe and agree with what the psalmist declared in Psalm 102:25-27:

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your ways have no end.

At the same time, we who plant ourselves firmly at the intersection of faith and learning have the great responsibility to help our students understand how to use these tools in ways that honor God and promote human flourishing. With God’s guidance, we will do just that at MBU, filled with hope in Jesus and eager to follow him into the bright future he has secured for those who believe.

Blessings,

MBU MAGAZINE

Dr. Keith Ross (‘87) PRESIDENT

Bryce Chapman SENIOR VP FOR ENROLLMENT, MARKETING & UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

Joel Lindsey EDITOR

Jenna Gulick ASSISTANT EDITOR

Evan Brandt, Jake Cannon GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Madisyn House (’23), Ryan Stanley PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joel Lindsey, Jenna Gulick WRITERS

Jessica Kunkel (’23), Adam Samson CONTRIBUTORS

www.mobap.edu

MBU Magazine is published by the University Communications Office of Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63141-8698. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. 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.

A word from the Editor

My friend Joe is a second generation Korean American. He grew up in St. Louis, but his homelife was, as he describes, “very Korean.” His parents were immigrants, after all. One example of his Korean-influenced upbringing is the food that his family prepared and ate every day.

“There are a lot of soups in Korean meals,” Joe tells me. “There is a seaweed soup, called miyeokguk, that is so flavorful. It’s delicious,” he says. Then he tells me about the radish soup—mooguk—that he also enjoys.

“What’s interesting,” Joe says, “is that just talking about those soups takes me back to my parents’ home. I can taste those soups in my mind. And not only that, but I see the old farm table that we ate at, with the stain worn down. I see the green wallpaper with the white sunflowers. I see the mustard-colored refrigerator. I see all the faces of my family members around the table, and I hear their voices. I smell not just the food but also the home itself.”

Then Joe says, “Food is like that. It takes you places. Just talking about these soups has me remembering not just the food; I’m remembering home.”

This issue of MBU Magazine sports a new design and size. Though the look and feel is a little different, my hope is that the magazine is like Joe’s soups. As you journey through these pages, taking in the photos from our campus, reading the voices of MBU students, faculty and leaders, seeing the faces of alumni sharing life updates, I hope you experience something that feels familiar. I hope you are reminded of the value of being a part of the Missouri Baptist University family. I hope you experience something that feels like home.

Joel Lindsey Editor

FEATURES

Setting the stage for success

From “Mary Poppins” to a hysterical take on a Shakespearean tragedy, MBU Theatre cultivates creativity on the stage.

New Director of Athletics

Jeff Fore brings more than 30 years of experience to MBU Athletics.

MBU’s campus minister serves students through gospel-centered discipleship

MBU launches $12 million capital and endowment campaign

Hannah Prakash prepares to serve patients and their families

Students practice on a simulation patient while Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing and Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Robin Murray instructs.

Perfect NCLEX-RN pass rate for MBU School of Nursing

Every graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) passed the 2023 National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the national licensure exam for registered nurses.

MBU’s first-time pass rate of 100% surpassed last year’s 95%, which was the highest rate among nursing schools in the St. Louis area. Dr. Amber Heimberger, dean of the College of Science and Health and founding dean of Nursing, applauded all 43 graduates from both the traditional and accelerated BSN programs:

“I’m beyond proud of this achievement,” said Heimberger. “It showcases the quality of our nursing program and the dedication of our entire team.”

Earlier this year, the NCLEX-RN was revised to better evaluate candidates’ critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. According to Heimberger, nursing faculty worked tirelessly to prepare students for the test revision, and their perfect pass rate was a direct result.

“We have always been confident that our graduates were well-prepared upon graduation. However, our 100% pass rate reaffirms that MBU School of Nursing graduates have the critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enter the nursing profession,” said Heimberger. “Providing patients with exceptional care and Christ-like compassion are hallmarks of MBU’s nursing curriculum.”

School of Nursing:

By

the numbers

100% 100%

COMMON WORKPLACES FOR BSN GRADUATES

• Mercy Hospital St. Louis

• SSM Health

• St. Luke’s Hospital

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital

• Missouri Baptist Medical Center

• St. Louis Children’s Hospital

• Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

MBU School of Nursing receives significant grant

Missouri Baptist University’s School of Nursing has received $441,000 from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The award is part of $5 million in grant funding for 20 colleges and universities in Missouri to advance nursing programs throughout the state.

This grant comes on the heels of MBU’s 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, which was recently confirmed to be tops in the St. Louis area. To continue this legacy of quality nursing training, the School of Nursing has designated these funds to purchase high-fidelity simulators and other equipment, allowing undergraduate nursing students to train in state-of-the-art facilities.

“We see simulation as the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice in a safe, controlled environment that allows students to take on the role of the nurse in patient care decision-making and planning,” said Dr. Amber Heimberger, dean of the College of Science and Health and founding dean of Nursing.

Dr. Keith Ross, president of MBU, commended Heimberger and the School of Nursing for this achievement. “This significant grant is an acknowledgement of MBU’s growing academic reputation in the region and also a reflection of the excellent, collaborative work all those involved have accomplished,” he said.

Nursing students train in MBU’s nursing lab, which will receive new high-fidelity simulators funded by the Missouri State Board of Nursing grant.

Nursing students train in MBU’s state-of-the-art nursing lab.

Shining on as nurse practitioners

Celebrating the first class of graduates from the MSN program

As the medical field continues to experience a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs), nurse practitioners (NPs) can help address the growing need for primary care, according to a survey from Rockhurst University.

Dr. Tara Hommelson, MBU’s associate dean of Graduate Nursing and associate professor of Nursing, pointed out, “Nurses [and other medical professionals] are leaving the bedside in droves, and burnout is such a big problem.” As PCPs leave the field, the NP profession is one of the fastest growing occupations.

In response to the shortage, MBU began a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in 2021. The fully online program was created specifically for the working nurse to complete in as little as two years. In May of 2023, the program celebrated its first class of graduating students with pinning and commencement ceremonies, and the students officially received their degrees in August 2023.

A GROWING PROGRAM

The MSN program offers three study tracks for students to specialize in, choosing among Executive Leadership, Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). In the Executive Leadership track, students learn administrative skills to use alongside their medical knowledge to serve as a nurse leader. Alternatively, in the Nurse Educator track, students develop skills aimed at training the next generation of nurses, serving as faculty members or clinical educators. Students in the FNP track are equipped to serve patients and their families in out-patient practices.

for a family feel in the program—despite its online medium. “We have a great relationship with our students; I was just texting with one of my students earlier,” Hommelson said. “They never feel intimidated to reach out, and they know we’re here for them.”

Lexis Garner, a recent graduate of the program, agreed. “Never have I feared judgment when asking a question, no matter how big or small the question may seem.”

Hommelson and the other instructors set up the program to show students their empathy and support. “We understand that they have lives outside of these online courses, and we try to be accommodating and flexible,” she said. Drawing on their own graduate school experiences, the MSN faculty tailored courses for the full-time nurse. Professors follow the Quality Matters (QM) rubric, a pedagogy system emphasizing a consistent design across every course. Hommelson said, “We know it’s already a rigorous program, so we want students to log in and know exactly how it’s going to be set up each time.”

“NEVER HAVE I FEARED JUDGMENT WHEN ASKING A QUESTION, NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL THE QUESTION MAY SEEM.”

Lexis Garner (MSN—Nurse Educator ‘23)

As the nursing shortage continues to affect the St. Louis community, Hommelson and Dr. Amber Heimberger, dean of the College of Science and Health and associate professor of Nursing, plan to add two new NP tracks to the program. The future Adult Geriatric NP track will prepare nurses to specialize in care for elderly patients. Also, the future Psychiatric NP track will address the shortage of nurses in the mental health field. “There’s such a big need for psychiatric NPs, not only in St. Louis, but nationwide. We really want to be able to offer that to the community,” Hommelson said.

AN EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY

This year’s class of MSN candidates officially graduated in August following their completion of clinicals, working with a nursing preceptor to gain experience in out-patient settings. The class has ten students, contributing to the uniqueness of the MSN program. With the small class size, faculty strive

The program’s faith integration also brings a unique element to the program. Hommelson said that students complete case studies to discuss how to shine the light of Christ for their patients and coworkers. For example, FNP students learn how to rely on their Christian values in scenarios, and Nurse Educator students explore how to spiritually care for students in the classroom. Every course in the MSN program considers biblical principles for the medical field.

These elements—and the caring instructors—earn high praise from students. “The course work was manageable while [I was] still working, but was challenging and engaging,” said Garner. “Every professor is devoted to their work and wonderful at communicating with their students from a personal perspective that never felt condescending or entitled.”

A NEW GENERATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS

Missouri Baptist University’s first class of MSN students graduate at a time when our community— and entire nation—are experiencing a widespread demand for nurses. This highlights the significance of MBU’s Master of Science in Nursing program: it trains the next generation of nurse executives, nurse educators, and nurse practitioners to enter the field and care for their patients while shining on.

Dr. Karen Swallow Prior addresses MBU students at the Spartan Speaker Series, February 5, 2024.

Spring Spartan Speaker Series

This spring, MBU is hosting three renowned Christian speakers for the 2024 Spartan Speaker Series. Sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Life, the series brings authors, leaders, artists and thinkers from a variety of backgrounds to speak on culturally relevant issues impacting the lives of students.

DR. KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR

A reader, writer and professor, Dr. Karen Swallow Prior came to MBU’s Pillsbury Chapel & Dale Williams Fine Arts Center stage on Feb. 6, 2024. She spoke about the importance of imagination, aesthetic experience and language, especially in the life of an evangelical Christian. “We who are made in God’s image—from his imagination—reflect our Creator’s image through our acts of imagination, and I think this truth is the starting point of a right understanding of imagination.”

CHRIS SINGLETON

Former baseball player for the Chicago Cubs, Chris Singleton is an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur who speaks on topics such as unity and race reconciliation, faith and forgiveness and overcoming adversity. Singleton is an award-winning author whose first book, “Different: A Story About Loving Your Neighbor” is available in over 20 countries. Singleton will join MBU on March 5 for the second event in the Spartan Speaker Series.

ANNA BERTELS-DAVEY (’18)

Anna Bertels-Davey (’18) is the Executive Director of African Vision of Hope, a nonprofit organization working to release children and families in Zambia from extreme poverty. Bertels-Davey graduated from MBU in 2018, and she is returning to speak on April 2.

Homecoming 2023

Spartans from the past, present and future gathered this past fall to celebrate Homecoming 2023. MBU alumni and their families flooded campus to celebrate their alma mater with tailgating, a festival and, of course, football. The day capped off with thePerk [26], a beloved tradition featuring live music, coffee and limited-edition mugs from thePerk.

MBU alumni honored during homecoming awards ceremony

Missouri Baptist University presented prestigious alumni awards to six alumni and one student during the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony held as a part of the University’s Homecoming Week festivities on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award recognizes alumni who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service qualities and who show

promise for further distinction. This year, two alumni received this award.

Dr. Nika Furey (’16), the first recipient, majored in biotechnology at MBU and went on to complete a Ph.D. in molecular biology, where she conducted two years of gene therapy research. Now, Dr. Furey is a medical science liaison for a pharmaceutical company, where she works on clinical trials and medical education for patients with chronic autoimmune diseases.

Chez Barbosa (‘07) addresses students during MBU’s Homecoming Celebration in Chapel on September 21, 2023.

Ansley Little (’20, ’23), who also received the award, works at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis in oncology and in the medical surgical ICU. While at Mercy, Little has developed quality improvement projects for both the oncology unit and the medical surgical service line. She also teaches as adjunct faculty in MBU’s own School of Nursing.

VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Vocational Excellence Award commends alumni who demonstrate outstanding work and achievements in their field. This year, two alumni received this award.

Tamra Barbosa (’98) received this year’s Vocational Excellence Award for her lifetime of ministry in the counseling field. She is a licensed professional counselor with specialized training in Christian mediation, and she co-founded True Vine Christian Services with her son, Chez Barbosa, where she serves as president. Barbosa also teaches at MBU as an adjunct faculty member.

Chez Barbosa (’07) also received this award for his work in counseling. Barbosa is a licensed professional counselor, and he also serves as the CEO and co-founder of True Vine Christian Services. In addition to his counseling role, he is vice president of operations at Cosmos Corporation, where he established a coaching initiative fostering employee development.

SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY AWARD

The Service to the University Award applauds alumni who work to further the mission of the University through their time, talent or resources.

Robert “Bud” Waite (’98), this year’s recipient, worked at Boeing for several decades, where he helped develop the F-15. After Waite retired, he returned to school to study the Bible at MBU. Twenty years later, in 2019, his daughter Kim suddenly passed away from a brain aneurysm, and Waite established an endowed

scholarship for MBU special education students in her memory. The scholarship is now close to $100,000. Both Waite and his wife have also served MBU as board trustees.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes the alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding academic and professional achievement. This individual is dedicated to community service and has shown personal excellence as well.

Dr. Gregory Buschman (’92) received this year’s award for his expertise in the business industry. He spent 35 years as an entrepreneur and corporate leader, gaining a reputation for resurrecting under-performing teams. Dr. Buschmann has received several national and global awards, and his book, “I Think, You Think, We All Think Differently: Leadership Skills for Millennials and Gen Z,” is an Amazon #1 new release in business management. Dr. Buschman and his wife, Debbie, also serve as missionaries in the Dominican Republic.

MISSION IN ACTION AWARD

The Mission in Action Award is presented to a current student who reflects the mission and core values of MBU in his life. The Alumni Council created this award to honor exemplary future alumni and to encourage MBU students.

Brent Seyer (’24), the recipient of this year’s award, is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education with an emphasis in science.

While at MBU, Seyer worked in the Admissions Office and with Residence Life, demonstrating a passion for welcoming guests and students on MBU’s campus. Seyer recently began teaching full-time at Francis Howell Middle School.

From left to right, Tamra Barbosa (’98), Chez Barbosa (’07), Dr. Gregory Buschman (’92), Brent Seyer (’24), Robert “Bud” Waite (’98) and Ansley Little (’20, ’23) stand with their MBU Alumni Awards. Not pictured is Dr. Nika Furey (’16).

MBU “Fiddler on the Roof” production raises support for Israel relief

Missouri Baptist University’s Theatre Department joined with the Baptist ministry SEND Relief to provide resources to those impacted by the conflict in Israel.

MBU students raised over $2,000 for SEND Relief through their stage production of the classic musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” on November 9-12.

“‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a beloved musical for many, many people,” Kasey Cox, assistant professor of Theatre and director of Theatre and Dance, told The Pathway, a news publication of the Missouri Baptist Convention. The play depicts the joys and sorrows of a small community of Jews living in Imperial Russia.

“At its core,” Cox said, “‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a musical about a community of people who, through their traditions, stay connected, grounded and joyful in the face of antisemitism and persecution.”

When the MBU Theatre group saw antisemitism displayed in the Hamas attacks on Israel, they were eager to support SEND Relief’s efforts to respond to the crisis. The non-profit organization is working in Tel Aviv to provide refuge to those displaced by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“The best thing we can do right now,” Cox said, “is to support the people who have already been [in Israel] and who are doing the work, being the hands and feet of Jesus.”

The cast of MBU students perform “Fiddler on the Roof” on November 9, 2023. Photo credit: David Ayres.

Mark Kimzey receives 2023 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

Mark Kimzey, assistant professor of Health and Sport Sciences, is a 2023 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.

Emerson, headquartered in St. Louis, recognizes area educators who exemplify excellence in their field. Now in its 33rd year, the program is one of the St. Louis region’s most recognized teacher appreciation platforms.

“Mr. Kimzey really cares about his students. It takes all of 10 seconds in his class to realize that,” said one of Kimzey’s students.

A kind, thoughtful educator, Kimzey displays a passion for learning and a heart to help students. He inspires students to learn course material and think critically about what they’ve learned to make real-world applications. Another student commented, “Mr. Kimzey

has relationships with a lot of people in and around the sports medicine world, and he brings those people into class as guest speakers. We get to interact with people… who are thriving in the careers we will have some day.”

Dr. Andy Chambers, MBU provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, applauded Kimzey for this achievement. “I have known Professor Kimzey for many years and have watched him faithfully teach and mentor students toward success in the classroom and in life. He is known throughout our university as a great teacher and an encourager of others. I am proud to see him receive this award.”

Kimzey holds a bachelor of arts degree from Missouri Baptist University, a master of divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and a master of science education in Exercise Physiology from the University of Southern Illinois—Edwardsville. He has also served as president of the American Tang Shou Tao Association.

MBA program becomes one of fastest to complete and most affordable in St. Louis

Students who began Missouri Baptist University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program this fall qualify for a 35 percent reduction in tuition.

The University has allocated up to $1 million for the 2023-2024 Scholarship Initiative. Students who receive the tuition discount now pay only $475 per credit hour instead of the standard 2023–2024 tuition rate of $745 per credit hour.

In addition to the scholarship program, University leaders have reduced the number of credit hours needed to graduate from the MBA program from 36 to 30 credit hours. This curriculum change makes the program one of the fastest and most affordable MBA programs in St. Louis.

“Our MBA program offers faith-focused curriculum to guide students in fulfilling their calling to reflect their Christian identity in the workplace,” said Dr. Karen Kannenberg, dean of MBU’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “Our faculty approach their work from a Christian worldview, are academically curious and have years of industry leadership experience.”

Master of Social Work program receives full accreditation

Missouri Baptist University’s online Master of Social Work program (MSW) has received full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Council applied the accreditation retroactively to the program when it launched in 2020 and granted it through February of 2031.

In order to seek state licensure, all MSW students in the U.S. must graduate from a CSWE-accredited program. To become accredited, MSW programs must meet the standards of CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation in a rigorous process that spans several years.

“I am excited for our students,” said Dr. Nikki Johnson, director of the MSW program and assistant professor of Human Services and Psychology.

“Graduates from our MSW program can now say they graduated from a CSWE-accredited program. It helps them in their career pursuits and, by extension, helps the individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities they will positively impact through their work,” Johnson said.

The MSW degree at MBU prepares students to engage in service and leadership in a variety of professional settings while teaching social work theories, values and practices from a Christian worldview. The program offers a variety of completion options with the flexibility of fully online courses.

MBU President Dr. Keith Ross applauded the MSW program’s achievement. “This accomplishment elevates our social work program and further validates that Missouri Baptist University offers a rigorous, highquality program that serves our students well and expands MBU’s distinctively Christian mission.”

Dr. Tamlyn Ashford, assistant professor of Social Work and director of Field Education, teaches students in MBU’s Master of Social Work program.

Dr.

MBU offers new Church Revitalization program in partnership with the MBC Resound Network

This fall, Missouri Baptist University collaborated with the Resound Network of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) to launch a new academic program in Church Revitalization. The program offers options for students to receive an undergraduate minor or a graduate certificate.

The Church Revitalization program introduces students to the needs of churches who are struggling or have plateaued in their ministry. Students explore approaches to bringing new life into these congregations.

Dr. Matthew Easter, associate professor of Biblical Studies and director of Biblical Studies at MBU, said: “[We] desire to assist churches in developing

Christ-like leaders with a curriculum that is applicable to life, oriented toward the church and faithful to the biblical revelation.”

In addition to relying on the expertise of MBU faculty, the program builds on the work of pastors and leaders in the Resound Network. The program also partners with the Resound Network to offer an internship to any student interested in gaining real-life experience working with struggling churches.

Brandon Moore, revitalization network specialist for the MBC, highlighted the importance of church revitalization. “Whether intentional or not, most ministry students will likely begin ministry in a church that needs revitalization to one degree or another,” he said. “Students have the opportunity to be part of a generation that sparks a movement of renewal throughout hundreds or even thousands of churches.”

Aaron Lumpkin, associate vice president of Spiritual Formation and associate professor of Theology at MBU, teaches on the book of Philippians.

MBU enrollment tops 5,600 students

Missouri Baptist University’s fall 2023 enrollment has surpassed 5,600 students—marking the largest MBU student body since fall 2016, according to the University’s October 15th census.

This past fall’s total enrollment headcount represents a 7 percent increase compared to fall 2022.

“This positive report is a testament to the growing number of students who are seeking to pursue their studies at a hope-filled, distinctively Christcentered University that prepares students to live out their vocational calling,” said Dr. Keith Ross, MBU president. “Our pursuit to offer academically excellent, in-demand programs, coupled with increased awareness, is helping MBU emerge at the forefront of Christian higher education in the Midwest.”

In particular, the University saw significant growth in both graduate and online enrollment since last year. New student graduate enrollment increased by nearly 35 percent, and new undergraduate online enrollment saw a 28 percent increase—contributing to a record number of MBU online undergraduate students.

The University’s main campus enrollment also saw year-over-year growth. Transfer enrollment grew from 122 a year ago to 157 students this past fall, a more than 28 percent increase. The number of returning students on main campus increased by about 3 percent.

MBU’s Early College Partnerships (ECP) program, which provides dual credit courses in local public and private high schools, saw its sixth consecutive year of growth. This year’s record-breaking ECP enrollment exceeded 3,300 students in 45 schools throughout Missouri.

MBU partners with Chick-fil-A to offer tuition-free bachelor’s degrees to employees

Welcoming three new Chick-fil-A restaurants in Ellisville, Edwardsville and Creve Coeur, MBU continues to expand the University’s mutually beneficial partnership, which began in the fall of 2022. The partnership offers tuition-free bachelor’s degrees to Chick-fil-A employees.

In addition to online bachelor’s degrees, team members may have the opportunity to pursue online dual enrollment courses or MBU’s online MBA program, depending on each location’s agreement. Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants pay a tuition subscription fee to the University, allowing eligible restaurant employees to pursue a fully online degree.

MBU signed agreements with 12 Chick-fil-A franchises in the St. Louis area, including restaurants in Arnold, Bridgeton, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Edwardsville, Ellisville, Fairview Heights, Lake St. Louis, South St. Louis County, South City, St. Peters and Wentzville.

MBU’s Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and University Communications Bryce Chapman emphasized that students working at Chick-fil-A while attending MBU receive more than a typical college education. “Because they are employed with Chick-fil-A, we know the students that enroll with us are already receiving excellent leadership training at work. MBU becomes not just another educational institution, but a

real part of the ongoing development of leaders in our community,” Chapman said.

Participants can choose among 16 areas of study in MBU’s online undergraduate programs, including business administration, cybersecurity, marketing and criminal justice. With additional approval from their supervisor, team members may also pursue MBU’s online MBA program. The restaurant fully covers tuition, while the student only pays for fees and course materials. Both full- and part-time employees are eligible for this benefit on their first day of employment at a participating location.

David Bruce, operator of the Chick-fil-A in Des Peres, Mo., sees this opportunity as a boon to both his restaurant and the University. “As an operator, I want to recruit the most talented team members and create an environment where they can grow not just as employees, but as people. Offering an outstanding, tuition-free education helps me do that,” Bruce said. “This agreement helps strengthen our teams to better serve our customers. Plus, I know the quality of the students we’re sending over helps MBU as well.”

In addition to Chick-fil-A, MBU partners with several other organizations to foster lifelong learning in the St. Louis community. A similar arrangement with BJC Healthcare allows employees the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management. MBU also joined with several high school districts and private schools to provide affordable education opportunities to high school graduates.

Chick-fil-A employees at participating restaurants are eligible to receive free tuition at Missouri Baptist University.

End of an era: Dr. Tom Smith announces retirement

After spending the past 20 years at the helm and leading the athletics department to new heights, MBU’s Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Smith retired on June 30, 2023.

Smith leaves a legacy at MBU far beyond his time as the Spartans’ athletics director (AD). The Missouri Baptist College alum was first employed at MBU as a housekeeper, and he worked in several other positions before joining the athletics department as head men’s wrestling coach in 2000, then promoted to AD in 2003. Smith also taught in education and health and sport sciences for over 20 years, and he became an Associate Vice President in 2015.

During his tenure, Dr. Smith created 18 new athletic programs at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. Under Smith’s leadership, MBU advanced significantly on the national stage of collegiate sports, earning four national championships and two national invitational titles. Smith himself was honored as AD of the Year a total of seven times, including his final year as AD.

Smith’s influence does not stop at MBU. Through the years, Smith devoted extra time to serve on several committees and task force groups at the campus, conference and national levels. He also helped other schools start men’s and women’s wrestling programs, relying on his own background as a wrestling coach.

Missouri Baptist University thanks Dr. Tom Smith for his decades of service to the Athletics Department and student body. Smith passed the helm of AD to Jeff Fore, former AD at Park University in Arizona.

3, 2022.

Dr. Tom Smith addresses MBU students at chapel on March

Sixth Annual Faith and Research Conference to explore artificial intelligence and education

Missouri Baptist University hosted the sixth annual Faith and Research Conference Feb. 15 and 16 at the University’s main campus in West St. Louis County. The conference, organized by the MBU’s Scholarship and Research Committee, celebrated the intersection of Christian faith and rigorous academic research and includes presenters from the MBU community, as well as academics and education professionals from around the country.

“This year’s conference was titled, ‘Keeping it Real: Genuine Christian Pedagogy in an Artificial (Intelligence) World,’” said Associate Dean of the School of Communications and Professor of Journalism and Communications Dr. Allin Means.

“Artificial intelligence is a game changer in pretty much every academic discipline, and as a Christian institution, we are charged to faithfully navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with this kind of technology,” added Means, who also serves as director of the Faith and Research Conference.

The annual conference brings scholars and higher education professionals from around the country to the MBU campus each spring. Speakers present peerreviewed papers to attendees, while discussion panels, roundtables and breakout sessions address topics related to the integration of faith and learning.

“The conference has grown each year, and while the past few years have seen more research-centered presentations, my goal this year is to build more focus groups, roundtables and panel discussions around topics related to our teaching strategies with A.I.,” said Means.

“We had several MBU faculty and staff members, as well as leaders from elsewhere in the world of higher education, leading these vital conversations. Expanding these intentionally interactive components of the conference will hopefully promote an even higher degree of collaboration among faculty members, conference attendees and students than we’ve had in the past,” Means added.

Dr. Amy Harrison presents on ability inclusion in higher education at the 2023 Faith and Research Conference.

Dr. Ashley Bell teaches about practice readiness in nurses for the 2023 Faith and Research Conference.

Dr. John Han lectures on twentiethcentury Christianity in the Ozarks at the 2023 Faith and Research Conference.

SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

Missouri Baptist University promotes a wide variety of fine arts on campus, encouraging students to develop their God-given creativity during their time at the University. One opportunity to grow in creative expression and storytelling resides in the Theatre Department.

In the late 2022 and 2023 seasons, MBU’s Theatre Department put on a musical and two plays. Students and faculty worked together to bring the Dale Williams Fine Arts Center to life with colorful sets, toe-tapping melodies and vibrant characters.

“MARY POPPINS”

The MBU Theatre Department produced the musical “Mary Poppins” in November of 2022. Kasey Cox, assistant professor of Theatre and director of Theatre and Dance at MBU, said, “‘Mary Poppins’ really gave us the opportunity to bring pure joy to our audiences, which was definitely a highlight of the season.”

Many of the student cast and crew loved bringing “Mary Poppins” to life. William Launsby, who served as a dance captain for “Mary Poppins,” was one of those students. “‘Mary Poppins’ was the most fun I have had in a show,” he said. “I had a smile on my face the entire time, [whether] running backstage for costume changes, tapping in ‘Step In Time’ or singing harmonies from the wings.”

“Mary Poppins” was wildly popular with the community as well, with a total turnout of almost 2,200 audience members. Sarah Dickey, MBU’s Fine Arts administrative assistant, said, “So many people were able to discover our school through that show, and hopefully they will continue to visit and support MBU for many years to come.”

“‘MARY POPPINS’ REALLY GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING PURE JOY TO OUR AUDIENCES.”

Kasey Cox

From left, Bradley Bliven (Bert) and Maddie Cook (Mary Poppins) perform “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” in the musical “Mary Poppins” on November 13, 2022.

“I HOPE YOU, WITH ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN…, FIND DELIGHT IN THE BENIGN, LOVE IN THE VOID, AND WILD LAUGHTER IN SHAKESPEARE’S GREATEST TRAGEDY.”

Director

Rebekah Side (‘19)

Andrea Reed (Guildenstern, left) and Gia Danhoff (Rosencrantz, right) bring the stage to life in the play “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” on September 1, 2023.

“THE CRUCIBLE”

For the first play in the 2023 season, the MBU Theatre Department produced “The Crucible.” A passion project of Cox, the production addressed important cultural issues America faces today. It also pushed the cast and crew to strengthen their creativity in storytelling on the stage.

“‘The Crucible’ was most rewarding for me both as an artist and as an educator,” Cox said. “I had the privilege of walking alongside our incredibly talented students and designers as we really created this piece together.”

Launsby also enjoyed working on “The Crucible.” “It was a story that needed to be told, and it was so much fun delivering that emotional arc,” he said.

brought “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” to life, designing and rehearsing the play in only three weeks.

“This show is one of the most silly, ridiculous, verbose, meta and bizarre roller coasters I’ve ever gotten to go on,” wrote Side in the Director’s Note. “I hope you, with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern…, find delight in the benign, love in the void and wild laughter in Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.”

“I CAME INTO THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT HERE AT MBU THINKING THAT I COULD DO ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY. BUT SINCE THEN I HAVE DONE SO MUCH.”

Gregory Carr II (B.A. in Theatre ‘23)

In producing “The Crucible,” the MBU Theatre Department provided a thoughtprovoking cultural experience for audience members, inviting them to ponder themes of prejudice, societal hysteria and justice. Cox said, “I am always drawn to stories with a compelling redemption storyline and with a message that speaks to our current moment, and I believe this show had both.”

ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

On the first weekend of September, a hysterical twist on the tragedy of Hamlet adorned the MBU stage. Directed by Rebekah Side (’19), students and alumni

UNVEILING STUDENTS’ CREATIVITY

As the MBU Theatre Department expands, it has become a greenhouse for students to bloom in their performance and creative skills. “I believe what makes MBU unique is the speed with which students grow in our program…. Each year I watch students dare to push themselves to places they never would have reached the year before,” said Cox. “It is a testament to their love of the craft and their work ethic.”

Gregory Carr II, a 2023 spring graduate in Theatre with a minor in dance, reflected on his experiences as a student in the MBU Theatre Department. “I came into the Theatre Department here at MBU thinking that I could do one thing and one thing only. But since then I have done so much. I’ve learned how to sing, dance, and even walk on stilts,” he said. Carr’s time at MBU prepared him to graduate with a wide variety of skills—and those skills enabled him to land a job that he loves.

FEAR NOT: FAITH & LEARNING IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT present both challenges and opportunities in higher education. Missouri Baptist University is navigating the A.I. future with a strategy grounded in faith.

Groundbreaking, society-disrupting inventions always attract champions and critics. Consider the printing press, invented in 1436 by Johannes Gutenberg. Champions hailed the new technology as a triumph for common people. Critics, on the other hand, feared that the new technology would eliminate the jobs of monks and scribes who created books and other written materials by hand. Moreover, religious and political leaders, critical of the burgeoning technological advancement, warned that making books like the Bible affordable and accessible to common folk would lead to bad theology and the collapse of civilized society.

Nearly 600 years later, we can say that while many monks and scribes did lose their jobs to the printing press, the world as a whole benefited from Gutenberg’s invention. The printing press revolutionized literacy and learning around the globe. It also radically transformed faith communities. Without the printing press, would there have been a Protestant Reformation? Without a Protestant Reformation, would there be Christian denominations, including Baptists? And without Baptists, Missouri Baptist University would not exist.

Today, another disruptive technology is stirring up its share of champions and critics in workplaces and on college campuses around the world. Artificially intelligent super chatbots like ChatGPT are the latest examples of the incredible power of human innovation. Like the printing press, ChatGPT is transforming communities of faith and learning, presenting both the promises and pitfalls of leading-edge technology.

2022, ChatGPT is, for lack of a better term, an artificially intelligent conversation partner. Imagine your cell phone’s auto-complete feature on digital steroids, and you’ll understand the function of this new technology. Ask ChatGPT to write a five paragraph essay on the pros and cons of putting pineapple on pizza, and it returns the essay within a matter of seconds. Are you propineapple? Let ChatGPT know, and the generated essay will laud the virtues of eating tropical fruit on your pizza. Are you anti-pineapple? ChatGPT will write an essay concluding that anyone putting pineapple on pizza is a bumbling fool who hates Italian food.

ChatGPT is not limited to writing about culinary controversies. Now in its fourth iteration, ChatGPT can produce paragraphs of moderately well-written English (or Spanish, Mandarin or whatever language you like) on any subject you can think of, though the sophistication—and factual accuracy—varies. It can also create blocks of computer code and synthesize data sets in a matter of seconds, tasks that might take hours for humans to complete.

LIKE THE PRINTING PRESS, CHATGPT IS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES OF FAITH AND LEARNING, PRESENTING BOTH THE PROMISES AND PITFALLS OF LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

Artificial intelligence, or A.I., is an umbrella term for several technologies with wide ranging abilities. A.I. divides into two main categories: narrow and general. Narrow A.I. is essentially a learning algorithm designed to solve a single problem or complete a single task. It is the artificial intelligence behind image recognition applications and chatbots. General A.I. exists only in concept—at least for now. General A.I. is a hypothetical artificial intelligence that, if developed, could learn to accomplish any task that human beings can perform.

Both narrow and general A.I. seek to mimic human thinking in order to replicate, and even improve, human problem solving. Currently, the most popular real-world example of this technology is ChatGPT.

WHAT IS CHATGPT?

ChatGPT, which stands for “Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer,” is an artificial intelligence large language model. Stated more simply, ChatGPT is a well-trained chatbot—a chatbot that gets smarter with every bit of data entered into it. Launched by OpenAI in November

With its ability to quickly write essays and synthesize research data, ChatGPT brings new challenges and opportunities to the higher education landscape. So, how does Missouri Baptist University navigate this disruptive technology? MBU begins with God’s word.

THINKING THEOLOGICALLY ABOUT A.I.

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of Biblical Studies Dr. Matthew Easter grounds his thinking about artificial intelligence in Scripture. “Obviously, the Bible doesn’t directly mention anything about artificial intelligence,” says Dr. Easter. “What Scripture provides is wisdom about how people of faith can interact with the tools available to them.”

Dr. Easter draws wisdom for dealing with ChatGPT from passages like the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13) and Paul’s willingness to preach the gospel using any means necessary (1 Corinthians 9:22).

“In both of these passages,” says Dr. Easter, “I see followers of Jesus being free to use the tools available to us, for the glory of God and for the good of people.” He continues, “We don’t use tools like computers or smartphones or ChatGPT uncritically, but we are free to use these tools in ways that honor God and benefit our neighbors. In that way, it’s like anything else in the Christian life,” says Dr. Easter.

Christians are free to use tools like ChatGPT, but Dr. Easter points out that wise use of the technology means recognizing its limitations while upholding human uniqueness and responsibility.

“Wise, ethical and godly use of something like ChatGPT begins with seeing it as just one tool of many that can help us refine our thinking,” says Dr. Easter. “ChatGPT has limitations. It is a language model that does not have the ability to think on its own. People who try to let ChatGPT do the thinking for them are asking for something that it cannot do. More concerning, they are also abrogating a key responsibility of what it means to be human.”

Dr. Easter suggests that MBU can aid students in navigating the ethical complexities of using ChatGPT through honest conversation and instruction.

“WISE, ETHICAL AND GODLY USE OF SOMETHING LIKE CHATGPT BEGINS WITH SEEING IT AS JUST ONE TOOL OF MANY THAT CAN HELP US REFINE OUR THINKING.”

Dr. Matthew Easter

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of Biblical Studies

“Instructors in our classrooms should be modeling the best uses for a tool like ChatGPT. We should talk openly about when it’s wise to use it and where the tool is limited. The more we talk and think about it in the classroom, the better off we’ll be,” says Dr. Easter. “This is part of the future of education.” That future has already begun on the MBU campus, and it will only become a more robust part of classroom life.

LEADING STUDENTS INTO THE FUTURE

Dr. Diana Dell, director of the Master of Educational Technology program, designed a new course for MBU’s College of Education addressing effective uses of A.I. in education settings.

The new course, which will be offered each semester beginning this summer, offers K-12 educators an immersive opportunity to delve into educational technology with an emphasis on artificial intelligence.

Regarding the development of the new course, Dell says, “I am an early adopter by nature, so when ChatGPT was

“EDUCATORS MUST SET AN EXAMPLE BY MODELING RESPONSIBLE A.I. USE IN OUR ACTIONS AND DECISIONMAKING.”

Dr. Diana Dell MBU Director of the Master of Educational Technology program

released last fall, I quickly became a fan. I immediately saw the huge potential that A.I. holds for transforming education.”

Dell says the new course will empower educators to integrate tools like ChatGPT into their planning, assignments and assessments while exploring the ethical considerations of bringing such technology into the classroom.

“The key, at least from an educator’s perspective, is to make sure that our use of any technology, including artificial intelligence, prioritizes a student-centric approach,” says Dell. “So, the educators who take this course will learn to seamlessly integrate A.I. technologies into their teaching methods, thereby enhancing student learning experiences.”

Students will also work directly with tools like ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, Claude and Perplexity to hone their prompt engineering skills. They will use tools such as Midjourney, DALL-E and Curipod to create A.I.-generated multimedia. Dell adds that students will even design their own artificially intelligent applications. “They’ll develop their own A.I. tools through an educational technology nonprofit organization called PlayLab, which will allow our students to develop custom A.I. solutions built on existing models like ChatGPT,” Dell says.

Ultimately, Dell says, the heartbeat behind this new course is curiosity about these emerging technologies and an openness to harnessing their effectiveness for the sake of students.

“The initial reaction to new technologies is often to ban it, which is an exercise in futility,” Dell says. “Teachers in K-12 classrooms can’t effectively educate their students if they don’t have experience with these tools. Educators must set an example by modeling responsible A.I. use in our actions and decisionmaking. Our behavior can be

Dr. Matthew Easter

Dr. Diana Dell

a powerful influence on students.” Of course, designing a curriculum that expects students to use A.I. tools is one thing. What about students using ChatGPT to do their homework?

CHATGPT IN MBU CLASSROOMS

“I have suspected a few students of using ChatGPT to write their assignments for them,” says MBU’s Director of English Composition and Instructor of English Julie Steinbeck. “My hunch is that students tend to use something like ChatGPT for assignments they’re not confident about,” says Steinbeck.

Asked about whether or not a student using ChatGPT to complete assignments is clever or cheating, Steinbeck says it depends on the way students use the tool.

“Obviously, since I teach almost exclusively writing classes, using artificial intelligence to generate a whole essay is considered plagiarism, just as much as a student copying too much outside material without giving credit or having someone else write the essay for them,” says Steinbeck.

“GOD HAS GIVEN PEOPLE THE ABILITY TO REASON, TO CREATE, TO SYNTHESIZE AND EVALUATE INFORMATION. I, FOR ONE, AM NOT READY TO HAND THAT PART OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE OVER TO A GLORIFIED GOOGLE SEARCH.”

Julie Steinbeck MBU Director of English Composition and instructor of English

However, she notes that suspecting a student of using ChatGPT and proving they’ve used it are not the same things. “There are plagiarism-detection programs like ZeroGPT, but they are not 100% accurate, so it can be difficult to confirm that an assignment was written by A.I.,” Steinbeck says. She adds, though, that being clear with students about how to use ChatGPT effectively and ethically is something every educator should incorporate into their classrooms.

“I don’t think instructors have to automatically associate A.I. programs with cheating. I have suggested A.I.-based programs to help students manage time or write with a more professional tone and vocabulary,” Steinbeck says. “I could also see using ChatGPT to suggest edits to essay drafts or to generate ideas for a particular essay.”

Steinbeck adds that ChatGPT’s tendency to write overly generic material can serve as an example of what not

to do when writing academic pieces. “I can see using a ChatGPT-generated essay as a negative example for students to examine and discuss. What’s good about the essay? What’s missing? What’s strange or factually incorrect?” Steinbeck says.

In the end, Steinbeck thinks academics should not fear ChatGPT, at least in its current form.

“I suppose we can always go back to in-class essays, Scantrons and blue book exams,” says Steinbeck. “However, I don’t think those measures will always be necessary. The trick, I think, is to let students see the quality of work that ChatGPT puts out and emphasize that it simply is not as good as what earnest effort on their part can produce.”

She continues, “Usually, an A.I.-written essay wouldn’t pass a writing prompt anyway because, inevitably, some aspects of the prompt would not be addressed.

“A.I. also does not properly research or synthesize the information that it comes across. ChatGPT can’t access the databases that would be necessary for serious academic research. The language it uses is also pretty standard: it all sounds robotic and stilted, with little sentence variety that one would expect of a human writer,” Steinbeck says.

Echoing her colleagues Dr. Easter and Dr. Dell, Steinbeck adds, “There’s a place in the creation process for A.I. tools, but we need to show sound judgment and ethics as we use those tools.”

LEARNING BY FAITH

Steinbeck brings it all back to where the conversation about wise use of artificial intelligence begins: faith.

“The advantage faculty and students have at MBU is our faith perspective,” Steinbeck says. “Something faithbased institutions can do that other institutions can’t is to continuously emphasize the uniqueness of human beings in God’s design,” she says.

In the end, a Christian approach to higher education must uphold the dignity, worth and responsibilities of creatures formed in the image of God.

Steinbeck says, “God has given people the ability to reason, to create, to synthesize and evaluate information. I, for one, am not ready to hand that part of the human experience over to a glorified Google search. Thinking and creating add to the beauty of being human and are things we need to preserve.”

Julie Steinbeck

Together shine we

MBU launches $12 million capital and endowment campaign to build new welcome center and academic building and provide increased scholarship opportunities.

Coinciding with MBU’s upcoming 60th anniversary, the University has announced a $12 million capital and endowment campaign called “Together We Shine” to light the way for Spartans past, present and future.

“This campaign is not only about the incredibly bright future of Missouri Baptist University but is also about the richness of our past and the excitement of the present moment,” said MBU President Dr. Keith Ross.

“Faithful, generous alumni and friends of MBU are committed to making sure that this University continues to shine like the city on a hill so vividly described in Scripture. I’m excited that this campaign is a catalyst for momentum and growth as we attract, train, equip and send out students to bring light into the communities they will serve in St. Louis, the Midwest and around the world,” added Ross.

Through this initiative, MBU will meet the needs of today’s students while ensuring the University has the capacity to meet students’ needs long into the future.

The campaign will include a welcome center, providing an exceptional front door to MBU’s 65 acre West

County campus. The new $10 million, 20,000-square-foot building will also house the College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the School of Nursing, providing students in both Colleges opportunities to learn in innovative and state-of-the-art learning environments.

The campaign will also empower the University to continue to provide affordable and faith-focused education through increased scholarships and endowments. The campaign also seeks to raise $1 million to enhance athletic facilities and expand MBU’s influence both on and off the field.

In January, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Oklahoma, awarded MBU a $1.6 million challenge grant designated toward the “Together We Shine” campaign. The Mabee Foundation grant is contingent upon MBU raising $2 million by January 2025.

Your gift of any amount opens doors of opportunity for tomorrow’s students, advances faith and learning integration and ensures a bright financial future for our University. Please visit our website at mobap.edu/ campaign for more information.

“I FEEL SO CONNECTED HERE, LIKE I BELONG. FAITH IS A BIG PART OF MY LIFE, AND EVERYONE I’VE MET AT MBU IS LIKE A GUIDE HELPING ME PURSUE MY PURPOSE HERE AND IN LIFE.”

Morgan Corbitt Class of 2025

“I BENEFITED GREATLY, IN MY LIFE AND CAREER, FROM THE FAITH AND MISSION-BASED INSTRUCTION I RECEIVED AS A GRADUATE STUDENT AT MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY. THE TOGETHER WE SHINE CAMPAIGN WILL ENABLE MBU TO PROVIDE FIRST RATE RESOURCES THAT WILL ATTRACT AND AID IN EDUCATING A GROWING NUMBER OF DILIGENT, ABLE AND FAITHFUL STUDENTS FOR DECADES TO COME.”

David L. Diehl (’09) CPA and retired COO at Aurora University

Missouri Baptist University’s $12 million “Together We Shine” campaign will fund a new 20,000-square-foot welcome center and academic building.

A NEW ERA

Jeff Fore takes the helm of athletic director, bringing more than 30 years of experience to MBU Athletics.

Following a nationwide search, MBU has hired Jeff Fore as the University’s director of athletics. He succeeds Dr. Tom Smith, who retired in the spring following 20 years of service in the AD role. Fore comes to MBU after serving as director of athletics and head women’s basketball coach at Park University Gilbert (Ariz.) since 2019.

“My family and I are extremely excited to be a part of the MBU family and the St. Louis community,” Fore said. “Knowing that the search committee, Vice President for Student Development Jon Hessel and President Ross have confidence in me to lead this outstanding athletic program is humbling and encouraging. I look forward

to building on the amazing legacy created over the last 20 years under Dr. Smith. MBU is a special place, and I look forward to working together with so many talented people as we help our student-athletes on their path to graduation and winning championships.”

Fore brings more than 30 years of coaching, athletics administration and entrepreneurial business experience. Moreover, he brings a unique perspective to collegiate athletics at a faith-based institution. The Rolla, Mo., native, who is the son and grandson of Baptist preachers, has witnessed firsthand the role that strong Christian faith plays in strengthening student-athletes.

Director of Athletics Jeff Fore talks with MBU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Preston Ingram in Lacey Gym.

“One of my grandfathers was a college head basketball coach. When I was a kid, he let me be the team ballboy and participate in practice and drills. Pair that experience with the strong spiritual influence from both sets of grandparents, and I began to see that coaching was a great opportunity to serve and pour into others,” Fore said.

Fore plans to emphasize building champions for Christ in the classroom and on the playing field. “Winning games is great, and we plan to continue winning a lot of contests here at MBU,” Fore said. “But my primary job is to make sure our athletic teams are helping our student-athletes become better men and women, better husbands, wives, moms and dads,” he added.

Fore spent the past two decades in Arizona in various athletics roles. As athletic director at Park University Gilbert, he was tasked with starting an athletics program from scratch on a brand-new campus, including developing policy, compliance processes, facilities, fundraising, marketing and community relations for 15 sports. Fore led recruitment and retention initiatives that saw the student-athlete enrollment go from zero to 374 in just four years.

Prior to that, Fore spent three years as director of team recruiting solutions and senior recruiting specialist at Next College Student Athlete (NCSA). There, he was a key executive team member and oversaw international athletic recruiting partnerships with NCSA’s Team Edition product.

Fore has also served as director of athletics at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz., and was instrumental in bringing the Arizona Special Olympics Summer Games to Mesa Community College and, later, to Grand Canyon University.

Fore’s resume also features more than 20 years of coaching experience, which began at his alma mater Arkansas State University. Other notable stops included Central Missouri State (now University of Central Missouri), Kuwait Sporting Club, Kuwait Basketball Association, Arizona Rhinos Professional Basketball Club, Sandra Day O’Connor High School, and Park University Gilbert.

Fore has over 300 coaching wins, two high school state championships, six international gold medals, two silvers, and four bronze medals on the hardwood.

He was an NCAA basketball student-athlete at the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science & Technology) and graduated with his bachelor of science in physical education from Arkansas State University in 1991. Fore also received a post-baccalaureate certificate in secondary education from Rio Salado College and a master of arts in biblical studies with an emphasis in Christian leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Fore is married to his wife, Shannon, and they have five children: Cameron, Justin, Zachary, Preston and Addison.

“MBU IS A SPECIAL PLACE, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER WITH SO MANY TALENTED PEOPLE AS WE HELP OUR STUDENTATHLETES ON THEIR PATH TO GRADUATION AND WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS.”

Jeff Fore

NICE TO MEET YOU

SCHUYLER VOWELL

Schuyler Vowell joined MBU as campus minister in October of 2022. He is often seen speaking in chapel, meeting with students in thePerk or even playing spikeball. Before coming to MBU, Vowell served as the pastor of youth and young adults in a St. Louis church while he pursued his Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Covenant Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Chandler, have a one-year-old daughter named Gwenivere, or “Baby Gwen.”

AVID FOODIE

A sous chef in college, Vowell now brings his culinary skills to his own kitchen, where he experiments with a variety of dishes. He and his wife also love to try out new restaurants in St. Louis. Their go-to? Russell’s on Macklind.

A PEANUT BUTTER DISCOVERY

When Vowell was a toddler, his 4-year-old sister wanted to paint, but she lacked paints, brushes or canvas. So she used the next best thing—her little brother. They climbed onto the counter, and she covered him with peanut butter. Unfortunately, no one knew that Vowell had a peanut allergy, and his mom came home to her toddler son covered in peanut butter and swollen with hives. She rushed him to the hospital, where they confirmed his allergy to peanuts.

LIFELONG LEARNER

Vowell loves studying and learning. He is currently pursuing his second master’s degree in Christian apologetics, and he wants to eventually seek his Ph.D. as well.

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

Vowell met his wife, Chandler, in elementary school. They grew up together attending the same school, and they dated on and off during high school. When the two graduated, they lost touch. They eventually reconnected in college—and everything clicked into place.

CONFUSING COUPLE NAMES

Because both Schuyler and Chandler have unisex names, people often mix them up. When the couple were shopping for their wedding registry, the salesperson gushed over “Schuyler’s” beautiful wedding dress, not realizing that Schuyler was the groom.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION

Vowell became a Christian at the age of 19 while in college. Full of his new joy in Christ, Vowell started a Bible study with his friends. Eventually, over 200 students attended each session, and many of them gave their lives to Christ.

FAVORITE MEMORY AS CAMPUS MINISTER

One of Vowell’s friends, a student-athlete, came up after chapel one day and gave his life to Christ. Vowell started discipling the student, walking with him as he wrestled with Jesus. “[I got] to see his growth from not following Christ, to desiring to follow Christ, to following Christ and then growing in his knowledge of Jesus.”

SPIRITUAL LIFE SNEAK PEEK

Vowell is helping to develop a discipleship curriculum called “The Way” that will help students better understand God, the story of the Bible and Christian practices. He is excited to watch students discover the answers to many of their theological questions as they see Jesus for who he really is and discover who they were designed to be.

Schuyler Vowell and his wife, Chandler, with their daughter, Gwenivere.

MY MOMENT TO SHINE

Hannah Prakash labels the muscles and nerves of an arm anatomy model in the Jung-Kellogg Learning Center. The sophomore nursing student is studying for an upcoming lab practical for her class, Anatomy and Physiology I.

Hannah hopes to become a pediatric nurse when she graduates from MBU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2026. In the meantime, she pores over anatomy models and class notes, preparing to serve future patients and their families.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

GARY HOELZER

(B.S. Administration of Justice ’01)

Lives in Eureka, Missouri, with his wife, Shari. He currently works as a security leader in Edward Jones.

MARIAH SMITH

(B.S. in Human Services ’14, M.S.W. ’23)

Lives in Florissant, Missouri, and works as a family development specialist at the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition.

BROOKLYNN BUEDEL (HAMMAN)

(B.S. in Nursing ’20, M.S. in Nursing ’23)

Lives in Edinburg, Indiana, with her husband, Nathan. She works as a registered nurse at IU Health.

DR. AMBER HEIMBERGER (PYATT)

(M.S. in Higher Education Leadership ’20)

Lives in Wentzville, Missouri. Amber is the dean of the College of Science and Health, founding dean of Nursing and associate professor of Nursing at MBU.

CHRISTINE BRANDER

(B.S. in Special Education ’23)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She works at Special School District as a special education teacher after going back to school to become a classroom teacher.

JENNIFER MILLER

(B.S. in Psychology ’17, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling ’20)

Lives in Bowling Green, Missouri, with her husband, Josh. She is working as a CPRC supervisor at Compass Health Network.

DR. BRIE NELSON (WUSTROW)

(B.S. in Education ’02, M.S. in Education ’05)

Lives in Xenia, Ohio, with her husband, Jeremy. She works as chief innovation officer at eLearningDoc.

RICKY TODD

(B.S. in Kinesiology ’06, M.E.A. ’08)

Lives in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Jessica. He works as a PE teacher at Wentzville School District.

MICHAEL MAASEN

(B.A. in Worship Arts Technology ’17)

Lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with his wife, Valerie. He works as a technology specialist in the IT department at Maryville University.

LIBBY RYAN (BAKER)

(B.A. in Human Services ’13, M.A. in Counseling ’16)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Jon. Libby started her own counseling private practice, Midstory Counseling. She specializes in counseling stress, life transitions and adult children of emotionally immature parents.

ANNA DAVEY (BERTELS)

(B.S. in Business Management ’18)

Lives in Edwardsville, Illinois, with her husband, Caleb (’17). Anna is the executive director for African Vision of Hope.

SHERRY JONES (LEWIS)

(B.M. in Music Education ’08, M.S. in Education ’10)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Sherry just completed her 10th year as a music teacher in Jennings School District, where she created the early childhood piano program. She retired from teaching in 2023.

SHANNON MCANDREW

(B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology ’19)

Lives in St. Peters, Missouri. This year, Shannon began teaching earth science, physical science and chemistry to high schoolers at Liberty Christian Academy. She also teaches summer camps at the St. Louis Zoo.

LORI WOODS

(M.A. in Counseling ’11)

Lives in Rolla, Missouri, with her husband, Bradley. She works as a quality improvement specialist at the Department of Mental Health for the State of Missouri.

ANGELA TIERNEY

(M.A. in Teaching ’18)

Lives in Sullivan, Missouri, with her husband, Conor. She teaches kindergarten at Sullivan Primary School, where she was selected for the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021.

RYAN WILSON

(B.A. in Criminal Justice ’20)

Lives in St. Peters, Missouri, with his wife. Ryan serves as a police officer in the St. Louis County Police Department.

ZACH PYLES

(B.S. in Business Administration ’10)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Loranna (’12), and one-year-old son, Ezra. Zach is employed as a project manager at Marsh McLennan Agency.

MEGAN JONES

(B.S. in Business Management ’23)

Lives in Columbia, Illinois, and works as the financial services coordinator at MBU.

MAEVE COULTER

(B.A. in Sport Management ’23)

Lives in Fenton, Missouri. She works as a freelance photographer with MLC Photography while pursuing her M.A. in Sport Management at MBU.

THERESA BAUERSACHS (MCCRARY)

(B.A. in Sociology ’86)

Lives in Pinckneyville, Illinois, with her husband, Douglas, on their family farm. She works as a certified ambulance coder for MedStar Ambulance, Inc.

DR. SHARON JACKSON

(Ed.S. ’06, Ed.D. ’12)

Lives in Catawissa, Missouri, with her husband, Lloyd. She is a retired principal and now works as an adjunct instructor for MBU, where she teaches classes and supervises student teachers.

Mariah Smith

Michael Maasan

Brooklynn Buedel (Hamman)

Zach Pyles Shannon McAndrew (right)

ALLYSON TRASK

(B.S. in Human Services ’22)

Lives in Imperial, Missouri. She works as a social services specialist for the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

DR. JANICE SPECK

(Ed.S. ’11, Ed.D. ’13)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, James. Janice works at MBU as an associate professor of counselor education.

KIRENDA BROWN

(B.S. in Nursing ’23)

Lives in St. Peters, Missouri. She works as a staff nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.

SONDRA DETERS (OGLE)

(B.S. in Physical Education ’88)

Lives in Pevely, Missouri, with her husband, Martin. Sondra is a paraprofessional for Taylor Early Childhood in the Dunklin R5 district. She also taught PE for 24 years and coached JV volleyball for 23 years. She and her husband just celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Marissa.

COLLEEN TAYLOR (MILLIGAN)

(B.A. in Religion ’09, M.A. in Teaching ’12)

Lives in Arnold, Missouri, with her husband, Josh (’08). Colleen teaches virtually at Central Christian School and at their sister school in China. Josh serves as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Oakville.

Allyson Trask

MIKAYLA WARE (WILLIAMS)

(B.S. in Nursing ’23)

Lives in High Ridge, Missouri, with her husband, Gabriel. She currently works as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.

LYNN HOFF

(B.S. in Applied Management ’09)

Lives in Festus, Missouri. Lynn is happily retired and spends her time making quilts to give away to loved ones and ministries.

DAVID SPEARS

(B.A. in Religious Education ’97)

Lives in Imperial, Missouri, with his wife, Rachel. David serves as a chaplain in the Army National Guard, and he recently finished his 35th year of service with the Guard. He and his wife have been married for 30 years.

LINDA BRADY

(B.M. in Worship Leadership ’19)

Lives in Ballwin, Missouri, with her husband, Todd. She serves as an office administrator with the Pregnancy Help Center and is planning to release her first music single this year.

TIFFANI SIEKMANN

(B.S. in Nursing ’23)

Lives in Collinsville, Illinois, and works as an ER nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

RYAN TRUDZINSKI

(B.P.S. General Studies ’22)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He is working as a supervisory control specialist at Wells Fargo Advisors.

BRITTANY WILLIAMS

(B.S. in Education ’20)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Brittany just finished her second year teaching preschool at Riverview Gardens School District. She completed her masters in December 2023.

ERNEST DOWNS

(B.A. in Church Music ’83)

Lives in Imperial, Missouri, with his wife, Linda. Ernest is currently the temporary worship leader at Windsor Baptist Church. He and his wife have been married for 44 years, and they have six grandchildren.

CAITLYN WARREN

(B.S. in Nursing ’19)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She works as a staff nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where she trains new nurses and nursing students. Caitlyn is a STAT nurse and works in every unit of the hospital.

JOSEPH LINK

(B.S. in Business Administration ’20)

Lives in Boonville, Missouri, and works as a summer associate at the law firm Lewis Rice. Joseph is attending law school on a fulltuition scholarship.

SHEILA DANHOFF (MORROW)

(B.A. in Music ’90)

Lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, with her husband, Guy. Sheila works as an account manager at L&E Research, and their daughter is an MBU freshman this year.

KOLBY MATSUSHIMA

(B.A. in Psychology ’21)

Lives in Warrenton, Missouri, and works at MBU as the assistant director of student life.

Lynn Hoff

David Spears

Ryan Trudzinski

JAMES TSAPELAS

(B.A. Social Science ’78)

Lives in Boonville, Missouri, and serves as a chaplain with Hometown Homecare and Hospice.

ALEX PETTI

(B.A. in English and Secondary Education ’22)

Lives in Catawissa, Missouri, with his wife, Claudia (’23). He currently works as a substitute teacher in the Rockwood R-VI School District while he is seeking employment as a full-time English/Language Arts educator.

CAROL BENNETT (CORNISH)

(B.S. in Mathematics ’89)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Jeffrey. Carol recently retired after over 33 years as a software engineer.

DAVID LEE

(B.S. in Biology ’15)

Lives in Webster Groves, Missouri, with his wife, Samantha. David is the head coach for track and field at MBU.

PAMELA WEAVER

(M.A. in Counseling ’17)

Lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband, John (’97). She works as a licensed professional counselor at her private counseling practice, Living Hope Christian Services in Arnold, Missouri. Pamela specializes in grief and thanatology, anxiety disorders and relationship counseling.

GEORGIA MORELAND

(B.P.S. in Applied Management ’07)

Lives in Union, Missouri, with her husband, Kirby, and is blissfully retired.

BRADLEY PERRY

(B.S. in Worship Arts ’10)

Lives in Sullivan, Missouri, with his wife, Briana. Bradley serves as associate pastor of worship, students and mission and outreach at Temple Baptist Church.

GRACIE BOECKMAN

(B.A. in Psychology ’22)

Lives in Chesterfield, Missouri, and is working as a ministry intern at Pour It Out Ministries in Arizona.

SADIE GARCIA-ALLEN

(B.S. in Biology ’12)

Lives in Webster Groves, Missouri, with her husband. Sadie is working as a neurophysiologist and chiropractic physician at Barnes Jewish Hospital.

TAYLOR FISHER (WALSH)

(B.S. in Health Sciences ’13, B.S. in Nursing ’19)

Lives in Union, Missouri, with her husband, Arin, and their son. She works as a registered nurse in the emergency room at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

LAURA RIBEIRO (YOUNG)

(B.A. in Human Services and Psychology ’08)

Lives in Affton, Missouri, with her husband, Paulo (’08). Laura teaches at MBU as an Instructor of Social Work.

PROLEINE PIERRE

(B.S. in Physical Education ’21)

Lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and serves as a resident director at MBU.

David Lee

Pamela Weaver

Taylor Fisher (Walsh)

THE CRUX OF THE ISSUE

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10