Newcomer of the Year
In 1995 the Newcomer of the Year awards were initiated to recognize one full-time faculty member and one non-teaching staff member, who, in their first months of employment at Southwest Baptist University, demonstrate exceptional commitment to the University’s mission and make a positive impact as part of the SBU family. Faculty and staff members who have been employed full-time for no more than 18 months prior to the selection process are eligible. The winners are selected by committees of their peers.
This year we have two wonderful newcomers who have gone above and beyond in their areas.
Faculty Newcomer of the Year: Bethany Barylski earned her undergraduate degree from Southwest Baptist University and then went on the obtain her Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Bethany arrived at SBU and hit the ground running as Assistant Professor of Art and Director of our Art programs. Thanks to her years of experience in the field in both photography and graphic design, Bethany gives our students “real world” understandings of the field they are preparing to enter. Bethany has provided the program with an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious that makes students excited to find a home in our art programs. She is always available and eager to support her students as they move through their journey at SBU.
Bethany has, more importantly, been a servant leader for the program. She is always ready to lend a helping hand physically or spiritually through prayer when needed and understands that her first calling is to her Lord and Savior. Bethany is invaluable to the program, to the College of Arts & Sciences, and to all whose lives she touches.
Staff Newcomer of the Year: At just 22 years old, Bolivar-native Hannah Burchett has already made a remarkable impact at Southwest Baptist University. She joined the Office of Admissions on July 22, 2025, as an Admissions Data Processor and has quickly become an invaluable member of the team. Serving as Slate Co-Captain (or Slate First Mate, as she likes to call it), she is known for her reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to jump in wherever she is needed.
An SBU graduate with bachelor's degrees in mathematics and music, she is currently pursuing her master's degree in data science at SBU while continuing to invest in her professional growth. During her time as a student, she sang in the SBU Choir. Today, she continues to joyfully participate in every choir opportunity she can.
Her SBU roots run deep. Both of her parents, Brian and Christy Burchett, are proud SBU alumni. Her brother, Caleb, is currently studying Computer Science, and she hopes that one day her youngest brother, Luke, will also join the SBU family.
Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, spending time with friends and family, and, if you know her well, you also know she loves the color pink.
Those who work alongside her describe her as delightful, enthusiastic, exceptionally responsive, and incredibly task-oriented. She is always willing to help, approaches every task with excellence, and consistently reflects a servant's heart in everything she does.
Service Awards
Faculty and staff service awards were also presented to those who have worked at SBU for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years.
5-year Service Award Recipients:
Kole Foster, Dave Quackenbos, Paula Palmer, Jacob Banks, Jason Young, Jordan Edwards, Rebekah Crites, and Rick Melson
10-year Service Award Recipients:
Duane Widhalm, Amber Lewright, and Nicki Harmon
15-year Service Award Recipient:
Jena Whetstine
20-year Service Award Recipient:
Mike Wolhoy
25-year Service Award Recipients
Dr. Steve Bowling has faithfully and passionately served as a mathematics professor for Southwest Baptist University. His Christ-centered service has had a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and the broader SBU community.
Dr. Bowling has a genuine commitment to student success which extends far beyond the classroom. He actively supports undergraduate research and career development by leading students to conferences, including the MAKO Undergraduate Mathematics Research Conference and the Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Research Conference. In addition, Steve invests hours guiding, advising, and challenging students involved in SBU’s Honors Capstone. Finally, as SBU’s coordinator for Goldwater Scholarship nominations, he has helped students pursue highly competitive opportunities while fostering a culture of academic excellence.
Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Bowling is known throughout SBU for his deep Christian faith and servant-hearted leadership. Affectionately referred in the Division of Computing and Mathematics as the division “Chaplain,” he faithfully prays for students, staff, and faculty whenever opportunities arise and consistently points others toward Christ through both his words and actions. Dr. Troy Bethards stated, “The College of Professional Programs promotes 10 values found in Psalm 15. These are character traits that God desires to see in those who seek Him. While displayed on the columns alongside the Taylor Free Enterprise Center, each of these values come to life in the way Steve lives, works, and encourages others to be like Christ. Steve lives and promotes these values with excellence.”
Professor TJ John has faithfully served Southwest Baptist University for 25 years, investing in students both in and beyond the classroom. As Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, he has helped prepare generations of students for careers in athletic training, exercise science, and allied health professions through his commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and professional preparation. He holds professional certifications as a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has been recognized for his integration of faith in education.
Throughout his career at SBU, TJ has demonstrated a passion for developing students academically, professionally, and spiritually. His love for Christ shapes the way he teaches and mentors, and he has consistently encouraged students to pursue their calling with perseverance, integrity, and a firm foundation in their faith. His influence reaches far beyond course content, helping students understand how their faith can inform their future professions and daily lives.
TJ’s service has also extended to the university’s athletic programs. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the care, development, and success of SBU student-athletes through leadership in athletic training and sports medicine. His commitment to student well-being, combined with his servant-hearted approach to leadership, has earned him the respect of colleagues, students, and athletes alike.
His Division Head, Dr. Jena Whetstine had this to say about TJ. “TJ John is a dedicated and highly valued member of the Division of Natural Sciences. Throughout his years of service to the division of Kinesiology and now with Natural Science, he has consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and an unwavering commitment to student success. His genuine kindness, humility, and enthusiasm make him not only an outstanding educator but also a cherished colleague and friend. TJ's positive spirit, infectious sense of humor, and willingness to support others have touched the lives of countless students and coworkers. Whether offering encouragement, sharing a laugh, or leading by example, he embodies the very best of servant leadership. His lasting impact on our division and campus community is a testament to his dedication, compassion, and selfless service.”
Congratulations to this year's Newcomer and Service Award Recipients! We are grateful for your investment in SBU and look forward to the continued influence you will have on students, colleagues, and alumni.
Published August 18th, 2026