BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University is proud to announce a significant expansion and curriculum enhancements for its Associate of Science in Radiography (ASR) program. Designed to address the increasing need for skilled medical imaging professionals, the program is increasing its total student capacity and streamlining the path to graduation, all while maintaining its core mission of preparing servant leaders in healthcare. To better serve the community and aspiring healthcare … [Read more...]
SBU announces first Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree
BOLIVAR (SBU) – To better prepare students aspiring to work within the data science field, Southwest Baptist University is excited to announce that its Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree has become the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Degree. “This program focuses on real-world skills that are highly relevant today, empowering students to solve industry challenges with AI and data-driven solutions. Through internships and real-life case studies, … [Read more...]
SBU expanding eSports, adding competitive pickleball
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University is growing its collection of competitive club sports, offering new opportunities in eSports and pickleball for students to vie for accolades and championships against students from other colleges and universities. Beginning in Fall 2026, SBU will introduce the following: eSports – The roster of the current team will be expanded to more than 20 students, with scholarships available and more game entries added. Pickleball – This … [Read more...]
SBU welcomes more than 1,000 new students this fall
Southwest Baptist University’s enrollment momentum has continued with the Fall 2025 semester. For the second consecutive year, SBU has an increase in total fall enrollment, thanks in part to the fourth straight year of growth in the incoming freshman class on the Bolivar campus. The university also saw gains in its Springfield-based Mercy College of Health Professions programs, as well as an increase in the incoming class for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In total, SBU … [Read more...]
Woodyard to lead SBU’s Center for Worldview and Culture
As part of its ongoing efforts to equip students to be Christ-centered servant leaders in a global society, Southwest Baptist University is relaunching its Center for Worldview and Culture under new leadership. Dr. Jonathon Woodyard, who serves as SBU’s Vice President for Student Life, has taken over as director of the Center for Worldview beginning with the Fall 2025 semester. Dr. Woodyard has been part of SBU’s leadership team since 2023 and has previously served as a pastor, church … [Read more...]
SBU to host higher ed panel at 2025 SBC annual meeting
DALLAS (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University will be hosting an expert panel of higher education leaders at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Dallas to discuss the value of and challenges facing Christian colleges and universities. SBU’s Dr. Jonathon Woodyard will moderate a panel, titled “Christian Higher Ed and Southern Baptists,” that includes the following speakers: • Dr. David Dockery, President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary • Dr. Jonathon Akin, Vice … [Read more...]
SBU trustees approve new campus master plan
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – At its spring meeting on April 8, Southwest Baptist University’s Board of Trustees approved a transformative campus master plan to direct the future growth and development of the university. The master plan, which has been in development for nine months, calls for new residence halls and apartment-style living, new academic and athletics buildings, and many other changes to SBU’s main campus in Bolivar. Planning and architecture partner PGAV spent many weeks … [Read more...]
John Ashcroft to Deliver SBU Commencement Address on May 9
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is honored to welcome former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft as the keynote speaker for its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9. Ashcroft will address graduates at both ceremonies, which recognize the accomplishments of students across a variety of academic disciplines. The first ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., and the second ceremony at 4 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place at the Jane and Ken Meyer … [Read more...]
Stufflebam Campus sold to Polk County Cares
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University has completed the sale of its Stufflebam Campus to Polk County Cares, effective March 19, 2025. The 8.05-acre campus is located on Pike Avenue just a few blocks north of SBU’s main footprint in Bolivar, the Shoffner Campus. Three buildings are currently on the campus – the Casebolt Apartments, Memorial Hall, and the former health center. The Stufflebam Campus was SBU’s original location when the university relocated to Bolivar from … [Read more...]
SBU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program relocating to Springfield
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University’s storied Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program will have a new home starting with the Fall 2025 academic semester. SBU plans to move the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from its current location in Bolivar to be based out of the university’s Springfield campus beginning with the Fall 2025 semester. The move is pending final approvals that are expected to be resolved by February. This move comes after months of evaluating the DPT … [Read more...]
SBU’s annual festival of Christmas set for Dec. 8
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – The 44th annual Festival of Christmas, presented by Southwest Baptist University and Community Outreach Ministries, will take place at 6 p.m., Sunday, December 8, in Pike Auditorium on SBU’s Bolivar campus. Bolivar area residents are invited to celebrate the Christmas season at this free holiday program, which brings together area churches of Bolivar for a spectacular Christmas celebration each year. "The Festival of Christmas is a highlight of the Advent season,” … [Read more...]
SBU trustees approve new programs, indicators for strategic plan
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University’s (SBU) board of trustees held their semiannual meeting, Oct. 22, on SBU’s campus. The trustees made several key decisions during the afternoon business sessions, including: • Approved two new master’s degrees – Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Master of Science in Management • Approved 12 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide the 2023-2028 strategic plan • Accepted the audited financial statements from fiscal year … [Read more...]