Executive Cabinet
Darren Crowder, M.A.
Vice President for 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, and financial aid.
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.
Todd Earl, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Marketing Communications and Graduate Studies
Todd Earl was named Interim Vice President for Marketing Communications and Graduate
Studies in January 2022. His areas of responsibility include graduate studies, and
marketing and communications.
Education:
- B.S. in Political Science, Colorado State University
- M.S.E. in Athletic Administration, Southwest Baptist University
- Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: Higher Education Leadership, Grand Canyon University
Previous work experience:
- Director of Graduate Admissions, SBU, 2015-present
- Adjunct faculty member, SBU, 2016-present
- Resident Director, SBU
- Assistant Basketball Coach, Southwest Baptist University and Harvard University
Family: Todd and his wife, Brittany, live in Bolivar with their son, Peyton.
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, 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.
Mike Pitts, M.B.A.
Director of Athletics
Mike Pitts has served as Director of Athletics since May 2010, overseeing the University’s 17 sports in the NCAA Division II and Great Lakes Valley 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 and oversees student development.
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.