Missouri Baptist University’s Trustees approved two new academic concentrations at their regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 21.

The approval allows MBU students seeking a Bachelor of Music to receive commercial voice and instrumental concentrations. The commercial voice concentration will help train students for careers and best practices of the music industry. The instrumental concentration will provide students intensive training for their chosen instrument while nurturing overall artistic growth through performance opportunities and academic preparation within the Fine Arts Division. The offering of both programs is pending approval from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

In other business:

· The University’s audit firm, BKD Accounting, reported that MBU continues to be in exceptional financial standing. The University’s increase in net assets was $3.5 million from last year.

· Trustees approved the new faculty appointment of Dr. Mark Sherman, associate professor of biology/biotechnology.

· Trustees approved resolutions of appreciation for the late Marvin and Bonnie Schmidt and the late Lois Waltrip for the significant contributions they have made in the life of MBU. Members of the President’s Club, which is comprised of donors who have given $1,000 or more to MBU in the last year, were also recognized.