As the longest tenured president in the history of this institution, Dr. R. Alton Lacey’s influence at MBU will forever be ingrained here. After 23 years in office, the college Dr. Lacey came to lead in February of 1995 is no more. In its place is a University where this year alone more than 5,200 students study at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.  It’s a place that has bolstered its goal of the pursuit of truth through integrated faith and learning. It’s a place that has made a mark in St. Louis and beyond through, among other things, academic excellence, unmatched fine arts and athletic programs and regional learning centers that are fully embedded in communities that have long been underserved when it comes to higher education.