NOTICE: Classes canceled today due to weather conditions. Check Blackboard for communication from your instructors.

Admissions Counselors

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!

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

International Students

Transfer Students


Natalie O'Keefe

Interim Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Natalie O'Keefe, Admissions Counselor

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!


Reece Tabor

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Reece Tabor, Admissions CounselorRecruiting Territory: Transfer Students and International Students

Call: (417) 328-1816 | Text: (417) 327-5556
Email: rtabor@SBUniv.edu

How has SBU been influential in your life?: SBU has immeasurably influenced my faith, direction, and relationships. I learned more about the incredible love of God during my time as a student than I had at any other point in my life. I was instructed on how to understand and appreciate His works in new and incredible ways. Additionally, SBU refashioned and reinforced the direction of my life through the speech and debate team, theatre program, and campus life. Many of my closest, lifelong friendships were formed while I was an SBU student. Ultimately, SBU continues to impact and shape my faith and future.

Tips for success in your first year at SBU: Since there are so many fun and exciting opportunities outside the classroom, like Bible studies, theatre, or intramural sports, the temptation to jump into everything all at once is very strong. Find a few things that excite and inspire you and run with them without becoming too overwhelmed.


Ian Martin

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Ian Martin, Admissions Counselor

States: IL, MO
Missouri Counties: Adair, Audrain, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Dade, Dallas, Franklin, Greene, Hickory, Jefferson, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Louis City, Sullivan, Warren

Call: (417) 328-1814 | Text: (417) 399-1508
Email: imartin@SBUniv.edu

What does SBU mean to you? SBU is a place where anyone can come to be encouraged and not put down. It is a place that offers many opportunities for future endeavors. The Bearcat community is one of the best and is a place that the staff and faculty push you to be the best that you can be in every part of your life. SBU is a place that helps you grow in your walk with Christ. Finally, it is a place where once you get involved it is going to be hard to leave it.

Tips for success in your first year at SBU: Make yourself at home here. The first tip is to get involved and be outgoing. Do not just stay in your room all day and night. Make friends and then make some memories. Participate outside of the classroom and you will have the best time here. The second tip is to stay caught up with classes. No procrastination! Work hard and find a fun way to do it. Creating study groups, making games of it, and asking questions are a great way to do this. This is your college experience and it is whatever you make of it.


Ashton Rogers

Senior Admissions Counselor

Ashton Rogers, Admissions Counselor

States: AL, AK, 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, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Missouri Counties: Benton, Bollinger, Boone, Butler, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dent, Douglass, Dunklin, Gasconade, Henry, Howard, Howell, Iron, Johnson, Laclede, Madison, Maries, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Pettis, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Saline, Scott, Shannon, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, Stoddard, Texas, Wayne, Webster, Wright

Call: (417) 328-1824 | Text: (417) 327-5553
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.


Aaron Hayes

Admissions Counselor

Aaron HayesStates: AR, IA, KS, MO, NE, OK
Missouri Counties:
Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Jackson, Jasper, Lafayette, Lawrence, Livingston, McDonald, Mercer, Newton, Nodaway, Platte, Ray, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Vernon, Worth

Call or Text: (417) 327-9429
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.


Erin Epperson

Campus Visit and Event Coordinator

Erin EppersonCall: (417) 328-1819
Email: eepperson@SBUniv.edu 

 

ApplyVisitRequest Info