Administration
executive cabinet
darren crowder, M.A.
dean of enrollment management
Darren Crowder has been the dean of enrollment management 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.
rob harris, ed.D.
vice president for student development
Rob Harris, Ed.D., has been vice president for student development since 2012. His areas of responsibility include Student Activities, Residence Life, Student Health Center, Wellness Center and University Ministries (including the Center for Global Connections).
Education:
- B.S. in business administration, Southwest Baptist University, 1988 (member of SBU’s football, baseball and Students In Free Enterprise [Enactus] teams)
- M.S. in education, Southwest Baptist University, 1996
- Ed.D. in higher education leadership, Northcentral University, 2012
Previous work experience:
- Dean of students, SBU, 2004-2012
- Director of admissions, SBU, 1996-2004
- Assistant director of admissions, SBU, 1988-1996
Family: Rob and his wife, Lorie, met during their first week of classes of their freshman year and married three years later. Rob and Lorie have three children and are active members of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO.
Brad johnson, Ed.D.
vice president for university relations
Brad Johnson, Ed.D., has been the vice president for university relations at SBU since August 2012. His areas of responsibility include fundraising and alumni engagement.
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 First Baptist Church, Bolivar.
allison langford, Ed.D.
Vice President for Strategic Planning and Initiatives
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 beginning in October 2012 and served as interim provost during the 2015-16 academic year. 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. She also is an associate professor.
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 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, human resources, physical plant, safety and security, bookstore, food services and conference center.
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.
mike pitts
director of athletics
Mike Pitts has served as Director of Athletics since May 2010, overseeing the University’s 18 sports in the NCAA Division II, MIAA conference.
Education:
- B.S. in economics, SBU, 1985
- M.B.A., SBU, 2010
Previous Work Experience:
- Interim co-director of athletics, SBU, 2009-2010
- Sports information director, SBU, 2006-2009
- Founding pastor of Princeton Bible Church, Princeton, N.J., 1994-2006
- Trading floor manager, Kansas City Board of Trade, 1985-1994
Family: Mike and his wife, Rhonda, have two sons, Jack and Brock, who are avid sports fans.
lee skinkle, Ph.D.
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.
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
- Assistant vice president for academics, Belhaven University, 2012-2014
- Dean of academic enhancement, Belhaven University, 2010-2012
- Assistant professor of business, Belhaven University, 2010-2016
- Director of Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research, Belhaven University, 2008-2010
- Associate director of Financial Aid Office, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005-2008
Family: Lee and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Johnathan and Tori.