By Hailey Trimmer and Caleb Rutledge
April 27, 2018
On April 23 and 24, 2018, the Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees had their bi-annual meeting with Dr. C. Pat Taylor, SBU president, to conduct business and plan for the future of the university. The agenda included an open meeting, held in the morning on Tuesday, April 24, during which the trustees heard from various representatives from campus about the state of the university.
Rebekah Wright, assistant director of digital marketing at SBU, introduced the meeting and called to stand firm in the truth. She stated that we must remember to stick to the truth no matter the cost, including here at Southwest Baptist University. Wright’s important reminder set an encouraging tone for the following presentations regarding the activities of the university throughout this semester and academic year.
Enactus presented their accomplishments this year. Led by one of their advisors and MBA director at SBU, Levi Bridge, the team has created a new “Project Evaluator” position to measure and empower business effectiveness. A chapter of the international non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring students to improve the world through entrepreneurship, the Enactus team has worked with Community Outreach Ministries, B-Town Custom Apparel, Sentrepact (a high school-level program like the collegiate-level Enactus), and Jumpstart (an SBU student sharktank to offer opportunities for SBU entrepreneurs; this year’s winner was Mikaya Wallis for Shepard’s Trading Post).
Jessica Tankersley, Student Association president and SBU senior, represented the SBU student body. As a liaison between the student body and administration, the Student Association aims to inform, impact, and involve. Tankersley presented statistical results stating that 95% of students who completed the Student Association survey wanted a study day during finals week. She also described future projects to plant more trees on the SBU ground so that students can freely hammock around campus.
Todd Earl, associate director of graduate studies admissions and staff council president, presented the results of the Staff Morale Survey. Earl wrapped up his presentation by sharing his favorite memory of President Taylor, keeping his presentation both formal and fun.
President Taylor presented his final President’s Report on the state of the university. He stated that the main goal of his presidency was to improve student enrollment and retention. With this goal in consideration, President Taylor outlined the demands of prospective students and parents: high academic quality to prepare students for future jobs.
President Taylor took a moment to reflect on his presidency before his retirement. He stated that he has not dreaded a single board meeting at the university. As a self-proclaimed “numbers man,” President Taylor also noted his various accomplishments, including the addition of two doctoral programs, five masters programs, and raising $124 million during his 22 year tenure. He encouraged those attending to always remember the SBU mission statement and paid respect to his late wife, Judy Taylor, whom he described as the best partner and First Lady he could ever have asked for. President Taylor concluded with the successful completion of five tasks on his bucket list.
He concluded the meeting with the statement that Southwest Baptist University is strong, healthy, and truly blessed. However, the university continues to face challenges. The meeting was closed with the reading of Micah 6:6-8 and Romans 12:9-18. These verses describe the need to humble ourselves before the Lord and walk in love to those around us. These reminders are especially important as the university prepares to transition into a new school year with a new acting president.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Infuse Student Media or Southwest Baptist University.
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