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...]
Heritage Foundation ranks SBU among top colleges
BOLIVAR (SBU) – One of the leading conservative public policy and research institutions has listed Southwest Baptist University among the top college choices for families. The Heritage Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that is committed to “building an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity, and civil society flourish,” has published a research site titled, “Choose College with Confidence.” Hundreds of colleges have been evaluated and sorted into three categories: … [Read more...]
Southwest Baptist University welcomes more than 800 new students
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – SBU kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with its largest freshman class since 2020, among more than 800 new students across its five campuses who began classes on August 19. “We are so excited to welcome hundreds of new Bearcats to SBU this fall,” said SBU President Dr. Rick Melson. “These students will gain life-changing knowledge from our caring, expert faculty whether they are studying to earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. It’s an exciting … [Read more...]
Thacker to Help Launch SBU’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative
BOLIVAR (SBU) – On Monday, Aug. 12, Dr. Jason Thacker, Director of the Research Institute at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, will address SBU’s faculty and staff on the challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Thacker serves as assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY) and was project leader and principal drafter of Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical … [Read more...]
New agreement with SBU offers discounted programs for Missouri Highway Patrol
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University (SBU) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol have announced a sweeping agreement to give expanded educational opportunities to troopers and others serving in the department. Beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, all employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be eligible for discounted tuition of $250 per credit hour on any of the 20 online degree programs offered through SBU Worldwide. The university will also accept up to 45 … [Read more...]
SBU partners with Mission University on health education
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University and Mission University have announced a new partnership that will expand nursing and health sciences opportunities for Mission students through SBU’s Mercy College of Health Professions. Beginning in the Fall 2024 semester, Mission students will have the opportunity to earn Associate’s of Science (ASN) or Bachelor’s of Science (BSN) degrees in Nursing from SBU, in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Business from Mission University. Students … [Read more...]
SBU Worldwide launching eight programs online
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University has announced a significant expansion of degree programs available fully online through the SBU Worldwide Campus. Eight degrees are launching over the summer and fall semesters. These will combine with the existing associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Sciences to give SBU Worldwide 17 different programs for students seeking quality, affordable, and flexible faith-based online education. The following degrees … [Read more...]
SBU adding NCAA swimming, Men’s volleyball
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University will be adding three new NCAA Division II sports – men’s and women’s swimming and men’s volleyball – to its athletics department beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. The additions will give SBU, a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), 21 varsity sports. The university will begin searching for coaches immediately in order to recruit student-athletes throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. “We are thrilled to be adding … [Read more...]
State grant delivers new simulators to SBU nursing program
BOLIVAR, Mo. (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University recently held a very special baby shower in its Department of Nursing to celebrate the arrival of exciting new training technology. Thanks to a $142,158 grant through Missouri’s Nursing Education Incentive Program, SBU purchased birthing simulators and related tools to enhance instruction in maternal, newborn, and post-partum care. Students will gain hands-on knowledge and experience in the vital discipline of labor and delivery health … [Read more...]
SBU, Kanakuk Institute forge partnership
BOLIVAR (SBU) – Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Kanakuk Institute, which is aimed at providing students with unique opportunities for academic and professional growth. Through this innovative partnership, Kanakuk Institute students will be able to earn six free credit hours towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Christian Ministry, or Educational Leadership at Southwest Baptist University. This initiative reflects the … [Read more...]