MBU Board Report, August 26, 2010
Missouri Baptist University's Board of Trustees met Thursday, August 26, 2010, and received news that this year's freshman class is the largest in the University's history and heard reports of strong enrollment in nearly all other areas of the University. Campus housing is currently at capacity and faculty and staff have witnessed an increase in housing interest among returning students, as well as, new students.
Trustees also learned construction on MBU's new Sports and Recreation Complex and Spartan Village is progressing as scheduled to meet the Fall 2011 deadline. The new 47,000-square-foot Sports and Recreation Complex will provide new opportunities in academics, student development and intercollegiate athletics and will include a 1,000-seat gymnasium, a suspended indoor track, and an expanded training and fitness center, among other amenities. The Spartan Village, which will house an additional 40 students, will take on an urban apartment-style feel, complete with private bedrooms, full-kitchens, green space and pedestrian walkways. Trustees were also informed of the University's "Pave the Way" fundraising effort, which presents a unique opportunity for donors to purchase personalized pavers on the entrance plaza of the Complex. This initiative will provide constituents with an opportunity to become a part of the University's rich history.
Additionally, the Board was apprised of an upcoming visit from the Higher Learning Commission, in September, to review additional online degree offerings. Programs include the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Business Administration and an online completion program.
Trustees were updated on MBU's new branding campaign, "Strong In Spirit. Steadfast In Truth." The new branding statement and enhanced logo have already been incorporated into all letterhead, business cards, admissions materials, advertisements, billboards, campus banners and signage around campus. The new and improved mobap.edu is targeted to launch September 1, 2010.
Finally, the Board was informed of MBU's 5K Run For Ronald that will take place on September 25, 2010 at MBU. All proceeds of the run/walk will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis' 300th house, on the campus of St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital.
In other news:
- The Board re-elected seven trustees for the 2010-2013 term and elected two new trustees, Mr. Mark Comley and Mr. Charles Cantrell for the 2010-2013 term. Comley is an Attorney/Shareholder at Newman, Comley & Ruth, P.C. and resides in Jefferson City, Missouri. Cantrell is also an Attorney, at Cantrell & Oberzalek Law Office in Mountain View, Missouri. Furthermore, the Board acknowledged John Hessel and Ed Plants for their devoted service as exceptional Missouri Baptist University trustees, 2001-2010.
- The Board approved three new faculty appointments-Mr. Jim Kellogg to Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Program Coordinator; Dr. Barcus Jackson to Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Business Administration; and Mrs. Stephanie Kontrim-Baumann to Assistant Professor of Marketing and Business Administration.
- The Board extended resolutions of appreciation to President's Club members, which is comprised of donors who have given the University at least $1,000 in the last year. The Board also extended a resolution of appreciation to MBU benefactors Tom and Faith Smith, who qualify as Lifetime Members of the President's Club. Finally, a resolution was adopted recognizing Robert Cornwell, Jr. for his seventeen years of service to Missouri Baptist University. Cornwell passed away in July of this year.
The West County campus of Missouri Baptist University will spring to life this week, as the annual Welcome Weekend for new students and their families kicks off on Thursday afternoon when new resident students begin moving into the dorms. The four-day event, themed "Ignite," is a time for new students to meet each other, meet faculty and staff, and begin to integrate into the MBU community, as well as the St. Louis area.
