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BOLIVAR, Mo. — Southwest Baptist University is well-positioned to withstand the global
disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, SBU President Dr. Eric A. Turner told
the SBU Board of Trustees.
“While the higher education industry is experiencing a systemic collapse, I think
there is a hope and a promise for SBU,” he told the Board during its May 19 meeting. ”Regardless of
what anyone says, this University has not strayed from its mission of being a Christ-centered, caring
academic community. I will put us up against anyone.”
Another strength, he said, is the University’s diverse academic programming, ranging
from the associate level to the doctoral level with market-sensitive academic programs
appealing to a broad constituency.
The University’s Strategic Planning process that began in Fall 2018 continues to move
forward, though Turner said priorities and timelines have changed.
“With the punctuated uncertainty related to COVID-19, the focus of the University
efforts for all of us — trustees, administration, faculty and staff — are focused
on strategic goal number 10: Utilize thoughtful planning and processes that support
institutional sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness, for today and in the
future,” he said. “Goal number 10, ensuring institutional sustainability, is the business
at hand.”
Dr. Turner praised the University’s faculty, staff and students for a quick pivot
to a remote-learning environment.
“The life-transforming Kingdom work of SBU has continued,” he said. “To be sure, we
firmly believe there is no substitute for a first-class, biblical worldview education,
and we are committed to its importance, circumstances notwithstanding. This transition
occurred because of our commitment to Kingdom work that is embodied in our mission
and out of a love for students and this University.
“I have never been prouder of the resilience of our faculty, staff and students in
making these extremely difficult and Herculean transitions.”
Dr. Turner said the University is looking at ways to innovate to create value. Part
of this approach includes developing a “long overdue” strategic budget process in
which the budget accomplishes the University’s mission, rather than the budget determining
the scope of the mission.
“For the long-term health and sustainability of this University, this paradigm shift
must be made,” he said. “As we look toward the fall and beyond, the University will
look differently. In fact, the University is already looking differently, but we don't approach
it with fear and trepidation. Rather, we approach it with the confidence in our Lord
and a charted plan to get there.”
Business session
After considering information from all sources, the Board took no action against Dr.
Mike Roy. He remains a member of the SBU Board of Trustees in good standing.
The board set a schedule for finalizing changes to the University’s governing documents. The
Board submitted a draft to the MBC Executive Board in February. SBU trustees who are
part of the governing documents work group and MBC leadership are meeting June 1 to review
the revisions requested by the MBC. The full board will meet in a special session
on July 9 to finalize the governing documents submission.
Trustee actions taken during the meeting include:
