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executive cabinet

darren crowder, M.A.

Vice President For enrollment management

Darren Crowder, Dean of Enrollment Management

Darren Crowder has led the enrollment management area since August 2014. His areas of responsibility include undergraduate and graduate admissions for all SBU campuses, student retention, financial aid, and marketing and communications.

Education:

  • B.A. in religious education, SBU, 1998
  • M.A. in higher education, University of Louisville, 2015

Previous work experience:

  • Director of admissions, SBU, 2005-2014
  • Associate director of admissions, SBU, 2002-2005
  • Assistant director of admissions, SBU, 2000-2002
  • Admissions counselor, SBU, 1998-2000

Family: Darren and his wife, Lisa, live in Bolivar and have two children, Lily and Lauren.

Brad johnson, Ed.D.

vice president for Institutional Advancement

Dr. Brad Johnson, Vice President for University Relations

Brad Johnson, Ed.D., has SBU in this role since August 2012. His areas of responsibility include fundraising, alumni engagement and the conference center.

Education:

  • B.S. in education, Baylor University, 1993
  • M.A. in religious education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1996
  • M.S. in marriage and family counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1996
  • Ed.D. in educational administration with a higher education concentration, Baylor University, 2005

Previous work experience:

  • Senior vice president of institutional advancement, Howard Payne University, 2010-2012
  • Vice president for enrollment and student services, Howard Payne University, 2003-2010
  • Financial aid and admissions at Howard Payne University, McMurry University, Hardin Simmons University

Family: He is married to Laura, and they have two children, Evan and Elle. They are members of Second Baptist Church, Springfield.

allison langford, Ed.D.

Vice President for Strategic Planning and Initiatives

Dr. Allison Langford, Associate Provost

Allison Langford, Ed.D., became the vice president for strategic planning and initiatives in November 2018. She previously served as associate provost for teaching and learning. Her areas of responsibility include overseeing accreditation and outcomes assessment, facilitating the strategic planning process, and developing structure and procedures to ensure that University efforts are deliberate and data-informed. Dr. Langford also oversees campus facilities and human resources.

Education:

  • B.S. in applied mathematical sciences from Texas A&M University, 1992
  • M.S. in mathematics from Missouri State University, 2002
  • Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Arkansas, 2010. She was named Outstanding Doctoral Student in Higher Education.

Previous work experience:

  • Associate provost for teaching and learning, SBU, October 2012-present
  • Assistant provost, March 2011-October 2012
  • Director of the Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors Program, 2005-2014
  • Instructor of university studies in the University Success Center, 2003-2010

She is married to Joe, a 1992 SBU graduate with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. They are founding members of Alliance Christian Fellowship, where Joe serves as pastor.

tara parson, CPA

Chief financial officer and vice president for administration

Tara Parson, Vice President for Administration

Tara Parson was named vice president for administration at SBU in 2015. She also serves as the chief financial officer for the University. Her areas of responsibility include accounting services, bookstore, and food services.

Education:

  • B.S. in accounting with a minor in general music, SBU, 2003

Previous work experience:

  • Controller, SBU, March 2012-July 2015
  • Financial reporting manager, Great Southern Bank in Springfield, 2010-2012
  • Accounting manager at O’Reilly Automotive in Springfield, 2009-2010
  • Supervising auditor at BKD LLP in Springfield, 2003-2009

Family: Tara and her husband, Kelly, live in Bolivar. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and First Baptist Church, Bolivar, MO.

lee skinkle, Ph.D.

provost

Lee Skinkle, Provost

Lee Skinkle, Ph.D., became SBU's provost June 1, 2016. He is the University's chief academic officer and is responsible for all academic areas of the university. He also oversees athletics and student development areas.

Education:

  • Bachelor of business administration in general business, University of Georgia, 2001
  • Master of divinity, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005
  • Ph.D. in education administration, minor in higher education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2010

Previous Work Experience:

  • Associate provost, Belhaven University, 2014-2016
  • Associate professor, Belhaven University, 2014-2016
  • Assistant vice president for academics, Belhaven University, 2012-2014
  • Dean of academic enhancement, Belhaven University, 2009-2012
  • Assistant professor of business, Belhaven University, 2009-2014
  • Director of Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research, Belhaven University, 2008-2009
  • Associate director of Financial Aid Office, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005-2008

Family: Lee and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Johnathan and Tori.