Missouri Baptist University’s trustees took several important steps aimed at ushering in a new chapter in the life of the University at their regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 15.

Perhaps most notable, the trustees unanimously adopted an administrative proposal that, pending budgetary approval, will bring football to the University in conjunction with its 50^th anniversary, which is set for the 2014-2015 academic year.

The plan calls for a two-year phase in with a complete launch of the MBU football program, which will compete at the NAIA level, in time for the fall 2014 season.

Also coinciding with the 50^th anniversary, trustees approved a proposal to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign. Appropriately called the 50^th Anniversary Campaign, the five-year initiative will raise support for, among other things, capital projects including a new welcome center and classrooms, scholarship opportunities and student support services and endowment.

Preparations for the University’s 50^th anniversary and beyond come as MBU is experiencing persistent growth system wide. According to the official Oct. 15 census report, the University’s total enrollment for the fall 2012 semester set an all-time high with 5,212 students. First time freshman on the University’s main campus increased by nearly 7 percent from just a year ago.

In other business, trustees approved:

• The appointment of Dr. Erica Bumpers to the position of Director of Field Experiences and Associate Professor of Education. Bumpers holds a PhD from Illinois State University and, most recently, taught at California University of Pennsylvania.
• Resolutions of appreciation to donors Brian and Wanetta Henry, the late Charles MacFall and members of the President’s Club, a group of University friends who have given $1,000 or more during the last quarter.
• The 2011-2012 audit and variance report. Representatives from the auditing firm Clifton Larsen Allen reported that the University’s change in net assets for the 2011-2012 year exceeded $2.4 million. In addition, the firm found that the University’s internal auditing controls were in good operating order and are in full accordance with all governmental accounting standards.