Trustees approve minor in Nursing Across Cultures, Strategic Plan and Financial Audit

Missouri Baptist University trustees took several important steps toward the University’s future at their regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 19.

Trustees approved a new academic minor in Nursing Across Cultures. The new minor allows students to take courses in various disciplines in preparation for working with a diverse patient population. In particular, the new minor will equip nursing students with the unique skills needed for medical missions endeavors.

In addition, Trustees adopted MBU’s five-year, University-wide strategic plan and the Board Policy Manual. The Strategic Plan is a living document and assesses the University’s current state while providing a comprehensive plan to accomplish the University’s vision and goals for the future.

Included in the Strategic Plan is the fall 2021 launch of the University’s new Master of Science in Nursing (pending HLC approval), the expansion of the University’s online programs and a continued emphasis on the integration of faith and learning University wide. In addition, the Strategic Plan includes a fundraising initiative to renovate the University’s baseball and softball fields. The renovations will include field enhancements, restrooms, a press box and concessions.

In other business, trustees approved:

· The University’s audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The audit, conducted by BKD Accounting, found the University to be in exceptional financial standing.

· The appointment of Dr. Paul Gilliam to Assistant Professor of Information Technology and Dr. Philip J. Ragusky to Assistant Professor of Education.

· The Nominating Committee for 2020-2021. The following Trustees were elected to the Committee:

Allan Lane (Chair), Ending Term 2021
Fran Austin, Ending Term 2022
Ryan Kunce, Ending Term 2022
Jason Fleenor, Ending Term 2023
Tom Keller, Ending Term 2023

· Resolutions of appreciation recognizing Dr. James Plymale for his dedicated service as Chairman of the Board; Members of the President’s Club, which is comprised of donors who have given $1,000 or more to MBU in the last year; and David Diehl for the establishment of the Clara Vareen Diehl Endowed Scholarship.

Missouri Baptist University is a Christ-centered university located in Saint Louis. MBU offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees in education, business and religion and its new terminal degree, the Doctor of Education. In addition to its 66-acre West St. Louis County campus, MBU offers degree programs at 10 regional learning centers throughout Saint Louis, in Southern Illinois and online. For more information, go to www.mobap.edu or call 1-877-434-1115.