The number of undergraduate students who started school this week at Missouri Baptist University’s main campus is among the largest in the University’s history, MBU Board of Trustees learned at their regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 23.

Specifically, the number is about five percent more than just a year ago. Notably, the number of returning undergraduate students has increased by more than six percent since last fall. As of the first week of class, the number of first time freshman who returned to MBU for their sophomore year has increased by nearly 12 percent.

The University’s online programs too have continued to experience significant growth. MBU Online, which offers nine undergraduate programs and thirteen graduate programs completely online, has seen a 30 percent increase in enrollment since last year.

The official census for the fall 2018 semester will be released Oct. 15.

The Board also received updates on both Phase II of Spartan Field and the transformation of the Jung-Kellogg Library. Both are slated for the summer of 2019.

Phase II of Spartan Field will include a track, bleachers, concession stands and restrooms. The first phase of Spartan Field, which is located on the west side of campus, was completed in the fall of 2015 and features an artificial turf field with a football complex, which houses coaches’ offices and locker rooms.

The transformation to the Jung-Kellogg Library is aimed at empowering the 21st century student to engage in innovative learning.  As part of the project, the University is working to develop a modern approach in creating more functional open space areas, address technology needs and to identify innovative furniture concepts that support today’s student learners. The project will likely result in collaborative workstations, small group meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and smart classroom spaces that can be easily and quickly adapted to various group sizes and purposes. The first phase of the renovation is underway and involves the significant downsizing of the Jung-Kellogg Library’s print collection. Donations to the University will fund the project.

In other news, the Board:

• Acknowledged outgoing trustees Mrs. Amanda Carney, Dr. Wilbert H. Goatley, Jr., and Mr. John E. Roland, Jr., for their service to the University.
• Appointed Mr. Robert Angle, Dr. Bob Einertson, Dr. Bob Johnston and Mr. Gerald Rogers as trustees.
• Approved the appointment of Steven Gustafson as Special Lecturer in Accounting.
• Approved a resolution of appreciation for members of the President’s Club, which is comprised of donors who have given $1,000 or more to MBU in the last year.