MBU Board of Trustees approve new programs, set budget
Missouri Baptist University Trustees approved new academic programs and partnerships, the 2021-2022 annual budget and faculty appointments and promotions at their regularly-scheduled meeting Feb. 26.
The Board approved graduate certificates in Apologetics, Biblical Counseling, Biblical Languages, Church Planting, and Pastoral Ministries. In addition, the Board approved a 4+1 Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry/Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program. Following this model, students can complete both programs in a total of five years. In addition, MBU has completed articulation agreements with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The agreements allow MBU graduates who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry to receive advanced standing at the seminaries, resulting in about 30 percent few hours needs for completion of the graduate program.
In other news, the Board:
- Approved the appointment of Dr. Tamlyn Ashford as Assistant Professor of Social Work.
- Approved the following faculty promotions: Dr. Matthew Bardowell was promoted to Associate Professor of English; Mrs. Iris Dixon was promoted to Assistant Professor of Health and Sports Sciences; Dr. Clint Limoges was promoted to Associate Professor of Counselor Education; Dr. Janice Speck was promoted to Associate Professor of Counselor Education; Dr. Christine Ward was promoted to Associate Professor of Counselor Education.
- Adopted an updated Human Sexuality Statement.
- Approved the University’s 2021-2022 operating budget. The budget includes a 4 percent tuition increase, which is among the lowest tuition increase in the last 20 years.
- Adopted resolutions of appreciation to benefactors Brian and Kathleen Merrick, Nathan and Catherine Merrick and Edward McCabe. 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.
