Dear MBU Community,

As you know, Missouri Baptist University has made a number of challenging decisions over the past week in response to COVID-19 including moving all classes to remote delivery from March 16-April 3 and canceling athletic competitions, fine arts events and other gatherings. Unfortunately, many students, especially our seniors, will not have the kind of spring semester they were anticipating. We share in the disappointment for those students who have worked so hard and are set to graduate at the end of April.

After very careful thought and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to postpone Commencement scheduled for April 28 at the St. Charles Family Arena. Our decision reflects the restrictions from both St. Charles and St. Louis counties, as well as guidance from the CDC that no mass gatherings with 50 people or more be held for the next eight weeks.

MBU will still confer degrees in April for those who satisfy their academic requirements. We also know how meaningful it is for graduates to walk across the stage at Commencement and for their families to be able to celebrate such a milestone, and we will work diligently to develop alternative plans to extend that opportunity to our graduates at a future time. Updates will be shared on the MBU Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage as new information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we navigate this terrain together. May we continue to put our hope and faith in Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. We deeply appreciate your prayers and support during this time.

Be healthy and well,

Dr. Keith Ross

President