Executive Cabinet
Tracy Manly, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Administration
Dr. Tracy Manly began her role as Provost and Vice President for Academic Administration
in January 2023. In addition to serving as Provost, Dr. Manly has also been appointed
to the faculty rank of Professor of Accounting.
Education:
- B.B.A. Business Administration, Hardin-Simmons University
- MAcc, University of Arkansas
- Ph.D. in Business Administration (Accounting), University of Arkansas
Previous work experience:
- University of Tulsa faculty member, 2001-2022
- Acting Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Initiatives, 2019-2021
- Program Director, Master of Accountancy, 2012-2019
Darren Crowder, M.A.
Vice President for Regional Campuses and Church Engagement
Darren Crowder began his role as Vice President for Regional Campuses and Church Engagement in the fall of 2022. He has served at SBU since 1998.
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.
Brandt Merritt, MBA
Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing
Brandt Merritt began his role as Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing in April
2023. His areas of responsibility include enrollment management, marketing and communications.
Education:
- B.A. in Journalism, University of Missouri
- MBA, Southeastern University
Previous work experience:
- Director of Marketing and Communications, Summit Consulting
- Executive Director of Enrollment Marketing, Southeastern University
- Staff Writer/Social Media Coordinator, Southeastern University
- Sports writer/editor, The Ledger, Lakeland, Fla.
Family: Brandt and his wife, Kristy, live in Bolivar with their two daughters
Ron Miller, M.S.
Vice President for Online Learning
Ron Miller was named SBU's first Vice President for Online Learning in September 2022.
He serves as the executive leader for all SBU online programs and is responsible for
the growth of online learning to increase SBU's global reach and impact.
Education:
- B.A. in Political Science, Texas Tech University
- M.S. in International Relations, Troy State University
Previous work experience:
- Online Dean, Liberty University, 2019-2022
- Interim Dean, Liberty University, 2018-2019
- Associate Dean, Liberty University, 2011-2018
- Assistant Professor of Government, Liberty University, 2011-2022
- Senior Director, IT Strategy Management Office, American Red Cross National Headquarters, 2007
- Presidential Appointee, President George W. Bush Administration, 2001-2004
- Chief Information Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Senior Advisor, Homeland Security Transition Planning Office
- Senior Director, Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Program Executive Officer for E-Government, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Corporate information technology executive, 1992-2001, 2004-2010
- Air Intelligence Officer, U.S. Air Force, 1983-1992
Family: Ron and his wife, Annik, live in Forest, Va., and have three children — Amanda, Briana and Colin — and daughter-in-law, Aurora ("Rory").
Leon C. Wirth, M.A.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Leon C. Wirth began as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at SBU in February
2023.
Education:
- B.A. in Communication and Public Relations, Southwest Baptist University
- M.A. in Communications, Wheaton College Graduate School
- 1993 Southwest Baptist University Life Beautiful Award Recipient
Previous work experience:
- Campaign Director and Regional Director of Development, Wheaton College
- Vice President of Education and Outreach, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
- Executive Director of Family Ministries, Focus on the Family
- Director of Communications and Marketing, Christian Booksellers Association
- Director of Member Services and Development, Christian Booksellers Association.
Jonathon Woodyard, Ph.D. & Th.M.
Vice President for Student Life
Jonathon Woodyard began as Vice President for Student Life at SBU in February 2023.
He currently serves as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve.
Education:
- B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies, Boyce College
- M.Div. Bethlehem College and Seminary
- Th.M. and Ph.D. in Historical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Previous work experience:
- Dean of Admissions and Assistant Professor of Theology and History, Bethlehem College and Seminary
- Adjunct Professor, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Founding Pastor of Northfield Community Church, a North American Mission Board church plant in Northfield, Minnesota
- U.S. Army veteran whose overseas services included a tour in Iraq.
Clark Sheehy, M.S.
Director of Athletics
Clark Sheehy has served as SBU's Director of Athletics since July 2022.
Education:
- B.S. in Health and Physical Education, John Brown University
- M.S. in Health and Physical Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Previous work experience:
- Head men's basketball coach, SBU, 2014-2023
- Head men's basketball coach, John Brown University, 2007-2014
- Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations, John Brown University, 2009-2014
- Head men's basketball coach, Fresno Pacific University, 2005-2007
- Assistant men's basketball coach, Texas State University, 2000-2005
Family: Clark and his wife, Elisa, live in Bolivar with their two sons, Cameron and Caden John (CJ).