Dr. Rick Melson, President of Southwest Baptist University, has announced two promotions
for cabinet members of the university. 
Dr. Jonathon Woodyard has been promoted to Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Chapel. Dr. Woodyard joined SBU in 2023 as Vice President for Student Life. Since then, his oversight has expanded to include the Center for Worldview and Culture, the Center for Global Connections, SBU’s campus dining transition, safety and security, and event management for camps and conferences.
The title Dean of Chapel reflects the work that Dr. Woodyard has done in coordinating a quality and robust schedule of chapel speakers that includes individuals from both within SBU and leaders around the country. He has also developed a new leadership structure for discipleship groups and fully integrated the university’s discipleship model with residence life.
“Dr. Woodyard is a gifted and passionate leader who has worked hard with his team to establish an intentional, unapologetically Christ-centered culture on campus,” Dr. Melson said. “I am excited to see him continue to make a difference in the lives of students.”
Clark Sheehy has been promoted to Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Under Sheehy’s leadership, SBU has expanded its portfolio of NCAA Division II sports to 22 total programs and more than 450 student-athletes. Sports added in recent years include men’s and women’s swimming, men’s volleyball, and men’s golf.
Sheehy was head coach of the Bearcats’ men’s basketball team from 2014-2023 before taking over as Director of Athletics in 2023. He compiled a 138-115 record at SBU, with eight postseason appearances and 56 players earning Academic All-Conference.
In addition to the expansion of sports, the athletics department under Sheehy’s leadership has won the GLVC Sportsmanship Award for three consecutive years. He has also increased sponsorships and secured donations to help renovate multiple facilities.
“Clark Sheehy has taken our athletics department to new heights while continuing to emphasize the importance of character and Christlikeness in the lives of our student-athletes,” Dr. Melson said. “He and his coaches are developing Bearcats who are champions for Christ on and off the field.”