We are here to help!
Your admissions counselor is here to help you learn what SBU has to offer, navigate the admissions and financial aid processes, and answer any questions you might have. Use the map below to meet your SBU admissions counselor!
Natalie Goatley
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Call: (417) 328-1817
Email: nokeefe@SBUniv.edu
Tips for success in your first year at SBU: Get plugged in! The options for campus and community involvement are endless. Try new things and explore your options. Plug in to activities and groups on campus, but also be engaged in the Bolivar community. Finding a local church will powerfully enrich your college experience!
What sets SBU apart from other universities? Southwest Baptist University is unique in that the focus is preparing students to be successful in every area of their lives. Students receive an excellent education, while also being nurtured spiritually, emotionally and socially. I'm so thankful that God led me to a place that fostered growth in every facet of my life!
Denise Emert M.Ed
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
States: IL, MO
Missouri Counties: Adair, Audrain, Bollinger, Boone, Butler, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cedar,
Chariton, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Howard,
Iron, Jefferson, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Madison, Marion, Mississippi,
Monroe, Montgomery, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph,
Reynolds, Ripley, Schuyler, Scotland, Scott, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Francois, St.
Genevieve, St. Louis, St. Louis City, Stoddard, Sullivan, Warren, Washington, Wayne
Cell: (417) 327-5554 | Office: (417) 328-5281 Ext: 3796
Email: denise.emert@SBUniv.edu
What sets SBU apart? At Southwest Baptist University, we are unapologetically Christian. From mandatory
Chapel attendance to the expectations we have for students and faculty, we strive
to let Jesus shine through everything that we do.
What does SBU mean to you? Southwest Baptist University feels like home. When I came here as a first-generation
college student from rural Missouri, I fell in love with Bolivar. The community felt
safe, and it was just the right distance from my parents. The staff and faculty at
SBU care about each student and are ready to welcome them to be part of the community.
SBU helped me learn how to be an adult and grow in my Christian faith in ways that
I never could have expected.
Katelyn Middleton
Admissions Counselor
States: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Cell: (417) 298-3375 | Office: (417) 328-5281 Ext: 1825
Email: katelyn.middleton@SBUniv.edu
What does SBU mean to you? SBU has been a place of so much growth for me. As a student, I learned how to thrive spiritually, academically, and relationally. I have made lifelong friends, fostered relationships that helped me grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and earned my degree with the help of faculty who cared about more than just my academic success.
Tips for success in your first year at SBU: I am learning that much of your experience is self-determined. You will have so many choices to make at SBU, especially in your first year! Find something that means something to you and pursue it. When it comes to the path you take or the activities you choose to participate in, don't be afraid to change your mind. Work hard and seek chances to grow, but be gracious with yourself when you fall short! Most importantly, remember to lean on the Lord and the people he places in your life to help guide you.
Ashton Rogers
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Recruiting Territory: Transfer Students and Missouri
Cell: (417) 327-5556 | Office: (417) 328-5281 Ext: 1824
Email: arogers@SBUniv.edu
Tips for success in your first year at SBU: Trust God's plan. Follow your heart in your decision making and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Be yourself and take advantage of all the amazing resources on campus.
What sets SBU apart from other universities? SBU prepares you to step into the job market with Christ as the center of your life, which is emphasized through your skills, practice, and development. The faculty will go above and beyond to help you learn to be a Christian in your professional journey.
Christy Robertson
Admissions Counselor
Recruiting Territory: Missouri
States: MO
Missouri Counties: Benton, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Hickory, Howell, Laclede, Maries,
Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pettis, Phelps, Pulaski, Shannon,
Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, Wright
Cell: (417) 399-1508 | Office: (417) 328-5281 Ext: 1814
Email: christine.robertson@SBUniv.edu
What does SBU mean to me? When I think about SBU I can't help but smile, as an alumni I think about being a student here at SBU and the wonderful memories. My time as a student was filled with wonderful friendships, professors that truly care about me, lots of fun activities on campus, musical theater and many other music performances, mission trips, and so many opportunities to grow spiritually.
What sets SBU apart from other universities? Definitely the small caring community and the professors that invest in their students are part of what sets SBU apart from other Universities. But I think what really sets SBU apart from other universities is that were are unapologetically a Christ Centered University.
Tips for success in your first year at SBU? Get involved!! Obviously keep up with your schoolwork and do your best to stay ahead. Ask for help if you need it , there are plenty of people around that are more than willing to help. But allow yourself time to get involved in some of the great things at SBU. Get involved in a local church. Most importantly trust God and seek His will for your life. Jeremiah 29:11
Aaron Hayes
Senior Admissions Counselor
States: KS, MO, NE
Missouri Counties: Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton,
Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson,
Lafayette, Lawrence, Livingston, McDonald, Mercer, Newton, Nodaway, Platte, Ray, Saline,
St. Clair, Vernon, Worth
Cell: (417) 327-9429 | Office: (417) 328-5281 Ext: 1800
Email: ahayes@SBUniv.edu
What sets SBU apart from other universities? SBU's community is unlike any other! There are so many different ways to get connected, while being true to yourself. God has a place for you here, a mission to do, and people to help you do it!
Tips for success in your first year at SBU: Surround yourself with people who will push you to do your best and be there to speak truth into you, especially at times when you can't do it yourself. Whether that be other students, professors, pastors, families in the community - surround yourself with them and always tell them how much they mean to you! Be that light of Christ to others and make a difference in their lives as well. You will be amazed how much God uses you and works in you when you love others well.