Missouri Baptist University’s Board of Trustees received news of record-breaking enrollment at its regularly-scheduled meeting Nov. 17.

According to the University’s official census, 5,732 students enrolled this semester at MBU system wide. That all-time high is an increase of nearly 8 percent from just last year. Of particular significance, the number of freshmen studying on the University’s main campus increased by 10 percent from last year.

In addition, trustees adopted MBU’s five-year University-wide strategic plan. The living document, which outlines a plan to advance MBU from 2016-2021, assesses the University’s current state while providing a distinctive way to carry out visions and goals.

As a result of that strategic plan, the trustees unanimously approved a motion to offer a minor in public health. The new minor will replace the current health science major and will educate students in the basics of the diverse field of public health, including disease, disparities, etch and environmental effects.

In other business, trustees approved:

• The election of the nominating committee for 2016-2017. That committee is comprised of Chairman Ed Plants, Randall Bunch, Amanda Carney, Mark Comley and Mike Cowan.
• Resolutions of appreciation to former MBU first lady Elizabeth Copley and her daughter Charlene Slates for their establishment of the Patrick and Elizabeth Copley Endowment, which will provide scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Patrick Copley served as MBU president from 1983-1990.
• Resolutions of appreciation to members of the President’s Club, a group of University friends who have given $1,000 or more during the last quarter.
• The 2015-2016 audit and variance report. Representatives from the auditing firm Clifton Larsen Allen reported that the University’s internal auditing controls were in good operating order and are in full accordance with all governmental accounting standards.