Southwest Baptist University President Dr. C. Pat Taylor informed the SBU community
today of his plans to retire Aug. 31, 2018, after nearly 22 years as the University’s
president.
“It has been a great 22 years,” Taylor said. “I've loved being president of SBU. From
the time Judy and I first visited Bolivar in 1996, we fell in love with SBU and the
Bolivar community. SBU has many accomplishments during the past 22 years, thanks to
the efforts of the hard-working faculty and staff who have made my job easier.
“I will miss the students and the great people with whom I have had the honor to work.
I have said often, and I still believe it today, that SBU has the best faculty, staff
and students anywhere. The University is on a good trajectory, making this a great
time for a transition to a bigger and greater future.”
Taylor assumed his duties as the University’s 24th president on Oct. 21, 1996, and
is the longest-serving president in the University’s 139-year history.
"When Dr. Taylor told me he was retiring, it was bitter-sweet for me," said Don Fahrni,
chairman of the SBU Board of Trustees. "I was so happy for him to be moving on with
his life. Now, he will be able to spend more time with his family and any personal
endeavors that he may choose. But, for me, I am really going to miss him. After working
with him all these years I know where his heart is. And it has always been with the
university."
21+ years of service to SBU
Since his arrival in 1996, Taylor has conferred 16,963 diplomas. He always says that
commencement is his favorite event because it is the University’s No. 1 objective
— to graduate students who are prepared to be servant leaders in a global society.
Taylor has been instrumental in fundraising, expanding academic offerings and obtaining
record student enrollment numbers. He also led the adoption of a new mission statement
that continues to guide the institution today: “Southwest Baptist University is a
Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders
in a global society.”
Fundraising proceeds during his tenure total more than $122 million. Under his leadership,
endowment funds have increased from $4.6 million to more than $32 million. He also
was instrumental in the success of the Partners in Excellence campaign, which surpassed
its $50 million goal by raising more than $62.5 million when the campaign ended in
June 2006. That campaign funded 13 major building projects, including the addition
of the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness & Sports Center. Other fundraising projects include
the recent expansion and renovation of the Gene Taylor Center, artificial turf for
Plaster Stadium, completion of the Jester Center, renovation of the Jim Mellers Center,
renovation of the Burnidge Memorial Forum, a new front entrance, renovation of the
Sells Administrative Center lobby and an upcoming renovation within the Jester Center
for space to be used as a simulation lab for a new pre-licensure bachelor’s degree
in nursing.
New academic offerings during Taylor’s tenure include the University’s first doctoral
program, the doctor of physical therapy. Multiple graduate degrees in education, including
the doctor of education in educational leadership, were launched under his leadership.
Other new master’s degree programs include the master of science in nursing, master
of business administration and master of arts in Christian ministry. Undergraduate
degree offerings have changed as needed to stay relevant with an ever-changing global
society.
Other academic enhancements started under Taylor’s leadership include the Ed and Theo
Clark University Success Center, a transition program for incoming freshmen; the updated
Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors Program that integrates intercultural, spiritual and
servant leadership components; and the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration
of Science and Christian Faith, an interdisciplinary program that integrates appropriate
scientific and biblical principles.
In the broader education community, Taylor has served on the boards for the Council
for Christian Colleges & Universities, the Consortium for Global Education, the International
Association of Baptist Colleges & Universities, and the CEO Council for the Mid-America
Intercollegiate Athletics Association. He served as chairman of the Missouri Colleges
Fund and president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri association.
He also is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, the University’s regional
accrediting body.
Taylor was recognized by the Springfield Business Journal as a 2016 Men of the Year
Honoree and has been recognized by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Prior to becoming president of SBU, Taylor served as chief academic officer at Oklahoma
Baptist University for 10 years. He previously served as associate vice president
for academic affairs at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., from 1979-86. From 1975-79,
he was an assistant professor of education at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.
While at Belmont, he served as head resident of Pembroke Hall, a men’s dormitory housing
150 men. His experiences also have included community college and high school teaching
and coaching.
A native of Salem, Ky., Taylor received his doctor of education degree with emphasis
in history and philosophy of education from then Memphis State University. He received
a master’s degree in history from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor’s degree
in history and secondary education from the University of Tennessee-Martin.
Taylor and his wife, Judy, were married for 47 years before she passed away on March
26, 2016, after courageously battling a neurological disease for several years. He
has two daughters and two grandchildren.
Fahrni has appointed a 12-person presidential search committee that is meeting today
to start the search process. The committee includes six trustees, a faculty member,
an academic dean, a member of the executive cabinet, a staff member, a student and
an alumna.
“The search committee begins its work today, with the goal of having a new president
in place by Aug. 1,” Fahrni said. “But if that doesn't happen, we do have a succession
plan for an interim president. We are so thankful for Dr. Taylor’s willingness to
continue to serve while the search committee does its work to find the person God
has called to lead SBU going forward. Please join me in praying for the committee
members as they undertake this important work for the future of the University.”