Success Stories

Joao Almeida '19

Major: Exercise Science
Graduate student in Health and Human Performance at Fort Hays State University

As Joao Almeida ’19 pursues his master’s degree in Health and Human Performance, he is confident that the faculty at Southwest Baptist University prepared him academically for the task. “I feel equipped for all the challenges that graduate school gives me,” Joao said. “They were very personal and easy to relate to, and they were open to questions, which allowed greater opportunities for learning. Read Joao's story

Serena Baird '11

Major: Chemistry & Criminal Justice
Group Lead Forensic Scientist at Quest Diagnostics

For Serena Baird, an SBU education was a valuable investment because she not only received the academic training needed for her career but she also was encouraged to grow in her faith... Read Serena's story

Alex Barcus '15

Major: Web Systems and Design
Software Developer at Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

For Alex Barcus, the relationships and connections made during her time at Southwest Baptist University have made all the difference for her as she pursues God’s calling for her life... Read Alex's story

Katelyn Bartlett '12

Major: Biology
Research Scientist at Viacor-Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics

For Katelyn Bartlett ’12, her SBU experience is about more than just knowledge gained or the degree earned – it’s about the growth experienced. “SBU is serious about its mission statement – to prepare servant leaders,” Katelyn declared... Read Katelyn's story

Annika Bergen '11

Major: Writing
Giver Services and Communication Specialist at National Christian Foundation, Heartland

Annika Bergen ’11 credits the well-rounded, interdisciplinary education she received at Southwest Baptist University for launching her into a rewarding career with unique and exciting opportunities.... Read Annika's story

Deborah Breon '15

Major: Music Education
Middle School and High School Choir Teacher in Monett, Mo.

From classroom projects and faculty relationships to ensemble performances and mission trips, the well-rounded and varied experiences at SBU prepared Deborah Breon for her career... Read Deborah's story

Tyne Burns '13

Major: Psychology, minor in Counseling
Elementary School Counselor at Springfield Public Schools

The personal connections Tyne Burns made while a student at SBU not only made a difference while she was in school, but also in her career. “I didn't realize at the time, but the personal relationships that professors build with their students at SBU is not the norm,” Tyne said. Read Tyne's story

Elizabeth Coleman '15

Major: Computer Science and Mathematics
Software Developer at O'Reilly Auto Parts

For Elizabeth Coleman, a 2015 computer science and math graduate, Southwest Baptist University represents where she learned the depths of God’s faithfulness and provision... Read Elizabeth's story

Jacey Collins '18

Major: Psychology, with minors in Counseling and Intercultural Studies
Mental Health Counselor at Lakeland Behavioral Health System

When Jacey Collins ’18 entered graduate school, she understood how the faculty and academics at Southwest Baptist University had prepared her as she pursued her master’s degree at Wheaton College, as well as her career as a Mental Health Counselor at Lakeland Behavioral Health System. “I felt way ahead of my peers because I was exposed to clinical counseling theories and practices in my undergraduate studies,” Jacey said. Read Jacey's story

Scott Conover '15

Major: Christian Ministry
Student Minister and current seminary student

Caring faculty, challenging coursework, extracurricular activities, and a supportive community at Southwest Baptist University provided the framework needed to help Scott Conover succeed... Read Scott's story

Andon Crisp '16

Major: Chemistry & Physics
Sustaining Engineer Technician at Positronic Industries

Andon Crisp ’16 entered college with a wide variety of interests and found that SBU provided a place where he could explore multiple pursuits. It’s not too often a double major in chemistry and physics is also an actor in the school theatre... Read Andon's story

Rachel Culbertson '19

Major: Elementary Education
English Teacher at MeySen Academy in Sendai, Japan

The support Rachel Culbertson ’19 received from the faculty at Southwest Baptist University both prepared her for her career as an English teacher in Japan as well as provided her with that personal relationship to help guide her throughout her time as a student. Read Rachel's story

Brooke Dudley '12

Major: Computer and Information Science
Technical Business Analyst at Jack Henry & Associates

For Brooke Dudley, the Christian environment and nurturing community at SBU made all the difference as she prepared for a successful career in the business world... Read Brooke's story

Maggie Evans '19

Major: Elementary Education
Women's Director of Nashville KLIFE / KLIFE Ministries

During her time at Southwest Baptist University, Maggie Evans was reminded that her life “is meant to be on mission,” and that spiritual and academic experience at SBU prepared her for her career... Read Maggie's story

Landon Fisher '21

Major: Nursing
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) Nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. 

As a member of the first Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort on Southwest Baptist University’s Bolivar campus, Landon Fisher ’21 said the preparation he received served him well as he began his nursing career. “I was able to confidently perform skills and use my knowledge of diseases, medications, etc., to provide care for my patients. This foundation also helped me build rapport with my coworkers as they saw I was competent and they could rely on me.” Read Landon's story

Matt Gaskin '18

Major: Christian Ministries
Worship Arts Associate at The Mount Church

Preparing for full-time ministry not only requires hard work in the classroom, but it also takes the support of faculty and a curriculum to set up students for success. Matt Gaskin found that at Southwest Baptist University. Read Matt's story

Meg Goodman '14

Major: Accounting
Associate at BKD CPAs & Advisors

For Meg Goodman, Southwest Baptist University provided the ideal environment for her to refine her abilities and learn from excellent professors who took the time to get to know her personally and support her throughout her education.. Read Meg's story

Dr. Brandon J. Griffin '11

Major: Psychology, Religion and Philosophy
Research Health Science Specialist at San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center

For Brandon J. Griffin, Ph.D., the value of an SBU education is found in the relationships formed, particularly with SBU faculty members who helped shape and guide his academic and career goals... Read Brandon's story

Kyle Hollmann '15

Major: Biology
Medical Student

Kyle Hollmann credits Southwest Baptist University for the academic and social preparation that has helped him succeed in medical school. “Medical school has been extremely challenging, but it is reassuring to know that my education at SBU has prepared me for the rigors it holds,” said Kyle... Read Kyle's story

Philip Holmes '18

Major: Political Science
2nd Lt. in United States Marine Corps

With a military career on his horizon, Philip Holmes felt well-prepared academically by SBU as he prepared for a career serving in the United States Marine Corps. “Various history knowledge, the inner workings of the government and information regarding Excel have prepared me and allowed me to complete various assignments,” Philip said. Read Philip's story

Alex Huff '14

Major: Economics/Finance
Financial Advisor at Edward Jones

For Alex Huff, the combination of Southwest Baptist University’s commitment to a Christ-centered and caring environment, the connections he made, and the generous financial aid offered made SBU a great value that is already paying off for him... Read Alex's story

Kathryn Jespersen '18

Major: Biology
Ph.D. student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

For Kathryn Jespersen, her SBU experience was filled with growth and discovery. And, the support that Kathryn received from SBU faculty helped her discover her passions. “SBU faculty challenged me to pursue what I love, not what is easy. They helped me learn so much about myself – where my passions lie, and how to pursue them both in, and apart, from a career," Kathryn said. Read Kathryn's story

Evan Johnson '11

Major: Political Science
Corporate Attorney

One word that could be used to sum up Evan Johnson’s experience at Southwest Baptist University is “growth” – as a student and scholar, as a leader, as a friend, and as a Christian. “The professors I had at SBU fostered an environment where it was easy for students to be actively engaged in the learning process,” said Evan... Read Evan's story

Abigail Jones '16

Major: Middle School Education-Mathematics, Language Arts, and Social Studies
Sixth Grade Math Teacher at Woodland R-IV Middle School

Looking back, Abigail Jones ’16 can see how pivotal and influential her college years were and she is grateful for how SBU helped mold her. “I love SBU because of the positive ways in which it has shaped me life,” Abigail said.... Read Abigail's story

Taylor Morrow '19, '20

Major: Physical Education
Sixth-grade girls’ physical education teacher, Seymour Rogers Middle School in Liberal, Kan.

For Taylor Morrow '19, '20, there are not enough words for her to express how the faculty at Southwest Baptist University helped guide her through both her undergraduate and graduate education. “I could go on and on about how SBU faculty has helped me academically and personally." Read Taylor's story

Emily Munsell '18

Major: Computer Information Science
Platform Engineer with ServiceNow for Chick-fil-A

Learning the importance of asking questions – and how to ask questions – was one of the most-important skills Emily Munsell obtained while a student at SBU, which helped her in both the classroom and her career. "Oftentimes, starting a new job is so overwhelming because of all the information coming in during the first week or month. It’s the same way in a classroom: asking questions made my assignments so much easier to comprehend. Read Emily's story

Stephan Munsell '18, '19

Major: Computer Information Science
Implementation Engineer at Noble Systems

The foundation that Southwest Baptist University provided Stephan Munsell – academically, personally and spiritually – set him on a successful path as he entered into his career as an implementation engineer. “Since graduating from SBU, I’ve had the chance to serve clients across the globe. The foundation that SBU provided has given me the necessary skills to do my best in my career every day.” Read Stephan's story

Nathan Murfin '19

Major: Church Music
Pastor of Worship and Students at Boulevard Baptist Church

As he began his career as a pastor of worship and students, Nathan Murfin recognized how Southwest Baptist University’s academics, combined with the support of the SBU faculty, set him up for success right out of college. “SBU academically prepared me by providing opportunities both in and out of the classroom to utilize the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences I’ve needed to perform many of the duties I have to fulfill at my current job.” Read Nathan's story 

Sylvia Ofori-Yeboah '19

Major: Social Work
Outpatient Clinician, LMSW at Burrell Behavioral Health

In her pursuit of a career in social work, Sylvia Ofori-Yeboah gained the knowledge and felt the support she needed from her professors and campus community at Southwest Baptist University. “SBU faculty believed in my abilities as a student, but they also believed in my ability to impact my environment for good.” Read Sylvia's story

Sami Oghide '18

Major: Web Systems & Design
Software Developer at The App Pros

For Sami Oghide, the transition from college to the “real world” was a smooth one because of the education she received at SBU. “Coming up onto graduation, you always feel a little (actually a lot, if we’re being honest) unprepared for the real world. But, going from SBU straight into industry has been a smoother transition than I would have ever guessed.” Read Sami's story

Daniel Ogunyemi '15

Major: Psychology
Volunteer Coordinator for CASA of Southwest Missouri

For Daniel Ogunyemi, Southwest Baptist University prepared him for his career – academically, personally and spiritually – and, being from a small town in Louisiana, he especially enjoyed the smaller campus and class sizes SBU offers. “The support here, learning the things that I learned by being a college athlete and all of that, really helped prepare me for what the mission says, 'to be a servant leader in a global society.'" Read Daniel's story 

Tarah O'Neal '17

Major: Biology
Optometrist at Eyecare of Muskogee (Okla.)

The academic rigor that Tarah O’Neal experienced at Southwest Baptist University prepared her for both graduate school and her career as an optometrist. “The academics were challenging enough that I was very well-prepared for my Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and the rigorous optometry program. SBU faculty are top-notch.” Read Tarah's story 

Taylor Parrish '18

Major: Management / Marketing
Implementation Leader at Data Systems International

Taylor Parrish wishes everyone could “experience what it’s like to attend SBU,” and says he would love to do it “all over again!” The support Taylor received from the faculty and staff of Southwest Baptist University helped prepare him academically, socially and spiritually, as well as for his career as an implementation leader at Data Systems International. Read Taylor's story

Kendrick Payne '18

Major: Social Work
Oncology Social Services at Citizens Memorial Hospital

Having the support of the faculty at Southwest Baptist University not only helped Kendrick Payne build his character, but also helped him grow in his faith as he pursued his degree in social work. “SBU faculty genuinely stood beside me during every step of my undergraduate career.” Read Kendrick's story

Lissette Plasencia '15

Major: International Business
Account Manager with Nestlé Nutrition

A part of Southwest Baptist University’s mission is to “prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society,” and Lissette Plasencia truly represents SBU’s global mission. Lissette ’15 came to SBU from Lima, Peru, to pursue a degree in international business – and to play basketball. Read Lissette's story

Dustin Preston '16

Major: Christian Ministry, with a concentration in Youth Ministry
Behavioral Interventionist and Special Education Teacher at Bolivar (Mo.) Primary School

The skills that Dustin Preston ’16 learned in the classroom at Southwest Baptist University equipped him for his career in the public schools system, while the financial aid he received made his education possible. “The discipleship and equipping strategies I learned from the professors of the Redford college are used just as much in education and everyday life as they are in the church.” Read Dustin's story

Emily Raines '18, '19

Major: Management
International Travel Coordinator with Children's Heart Project at Samaritan's Purse

From the time she stepped onto campus at Southwest Baptist University, Emily Raines '18, '19 knew she wanted to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. And, with the academic and spiritual support of the SBU faculty, Emily is living her dream. Read Emily's story

Zachariah Rippee '15

Major: Physical Education
Teacher at Willard High School SUCCESS Program

If you ask Zachariah Rippee, a 2015 SBU graduate, what makes an SBU education valuable, he will instantly tell you that it’s all about the people you meet there, especially the faculty and staff who intentionally invest in the lives of their students... Read Zachariah's story

Aaron Sloan '16, '17

Major: Economics/Finance and International Business; MBA
Financial Planner/Owner at Strategic Financial Concepts

Being challenged by the academics and faculty at Southwest Baptist University was important in Aaron Sloan finding his calling as a financial planner. “The faculty push you to work hard and be better; to look at things and begin to make more informed decisions." Read Aaron's story

Blaise Torrence '20

Major: Accounting
Audit Associate at Grant Thornton, LLC

Blaise Torrence credits the faculty at Southwest Baptist University with encouraging him to develop his talents as he pursued his degree. “SBU faculty also were intentional to recognize the particular gifts I had and encouraged me to explore them. I can remember several one-on-one conversations and written notes that were vital in directing me toward the path I lead now.” Read Blaise's story

Amy Vitt '18

Major: English
Editor at Hallmark Cards

For Amy Vitt, an internship she completed while a student at SBU helped lead her to her new career. “I definitely learned the linguistic and editorial skills that I need for my job. But, more importantly, I developed my ability to communicate and my confidence,” Amy said. Read Amy's story

Valerie Waddell '15

Major: Exercise Science
Current SBU Doctor of Physical Therapy student

Rebecca Weber '12

Major: Psychology
Volunteer Coordinator for CASA of Southwest Missouri

Once she entered the workforce, Rebecca Weber felt she had been well-prepared by SBU for her career “by introducing me to the diversity within our communities that I would be serving. SBU cared about my success and my development as a person outside of academics,” Rebecca said. Read Rebecca's story

H'Enrie Williams '14

Major: Biblical Studies
Worship and Outreach Minister at Westside Baptist Church (Waynesville, Mo.)

H’Enrie Williams ’14 credits Southwest Baptist University for helping him develop into the person he is today, both academically and spiritually... Read H'Enrie's story

Marissa Wilson '13

Major: Social Work
Foster Care and Adoption Specialist at the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home

Marissa Wilson graduated from SBU in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She now works as a foster care and adoption specialist with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Marissa credits SBU for helping her become who she is today... Read Marissa's story