Meet the SBU Class of 2023

We are so excited to welcome ALL of our new Bearcats into the SBU family this fall!

Learn more about just a few of the members of SBU's Class of 2023. We want to hear from you, too! Share your SBU story on social media and tag us — @SBUniv and #SBUniv.

Student Spotlights

Alexis Royal Hometown: Harrisonville, Missouri Major: Elementary Education What do you like best about SBU? "I love that I am able to attend a school that will guide me, not only in my studies, but in my faith. "

Miguel Arroyo Hometown: Freeport, Texas Major: Exercise Science Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because it is the best fit for me, both academically and athletically. Its small class sizes and course variety will prepare me for a future in exercise science. My admissions counselor and soccer coach were incredibly helpful, and I know they will continue to play a role in my college experience. Ultimately, I chose SBU because it is the best place for me to become successful."

Regan Resz Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas Major: Biology (pre-physical therapy track) How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "Before my first visit to SBU, I was very unsure of what my college decision was going to be. However, the entire time I was on campus, I was able to picture myself attending SBU in the fall. During my visit, students not even involved in the tour were quick to come up and introduce themselves to me. I felt so welcomed and included. I can say with confidence that visiting the campus helped me decide that SBU was the school for me."

Bethany McCullough Hometown: Ravenna, Michigan Major: Communication Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because it was the perfect fit for me. I wanted an affordable Christian school, and SBU is just that. Not only that, but everyone at this school is on fire for God. I loved every staff member I met, and the communication that this school gives is unlike any other."

Ryan Carmack Hometown: Springfield, Missouri Major: Economics/Finance Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because it provides a tight-knit culture to grow as a leader, study under faculty that love their students, and develop my walk with Christ."

Hope Shumake Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois Major: Biology How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "I visited SBU prior to making my decision and immediately fell in love with the campus, town and people. The college visit confirmed all the amazing things I heard and read about SBU!"

Theresa Shepherd Hometown: Raymore, Missouri Major: Nursing How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "I first visited with my grandparents and loved how beautiful the campus was. I liked how nice my tour guide was, and how the admissions counselor answered all of my and my grandparents’ questions in a timely manner. I loved how close it was to my hometown."

Owen Luscombe Hometown: Thornton, Colorado Major: Nursing, Sports Medicine or Youth Ministry Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU for many reasons – I needed a Christian school for both of my potential majors and the support in my faith through my college experience. Also, of many of the Christian schools I looked at, SBU was more affordable, which really helped with support from my parents. Finally, is that I will get to play with the SBU men’s soccer team in the fall and may have the opportunity to compete on the esports team."

Caylee Keith Hometown: Clever, Missouri Major: Theater What do you like best about SBU? "I like the Christian community and how helpful everyone has been in making me feel welcome."

Grace Keen Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska Major: Exercise Science How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "Seeing the campus helped me envision daily life, whether it’s studying at Kaldi’s, working out in the Wellness Center, or being involved in my dorm’s Bible study. You just can’t experience that from a website."

Jeremy Long Hometown: Willard, Missouri Major: Pre-Engineering/Mathematics How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "Getting to see the environment I will be studying in was very important. Not only getting to see the environment, but getting to meet the professor. Dr. Perry Tompkins’ passion for learning is genuine and is rare to see."

Piper Talley Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Major: Elementary Education Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because of the encouraging, Christian atmosphere where I can grow closer to God."

Ryleigh Tucker Hometown: Lebanon, Missouri Major: Psychology Why did you choose SBU? "When I visited the campus, I felt so at home. Everyone was so nice and friendly! When I got to meet with a psychology professor, he was so helpful and encouraging. I know SBU is right where God wants me to be."

Tyler Zustiak Hometown: Riverton, Kansas Major: Music Education How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "My brother chose the school first, and always had great things to say about it. When I went for my first visit, I loved everything about it. His stories were true. The people were so friendly and any questions I had were answered. The feeling was just fantastic."

Taylor Brown Hometown: Springdale, Arkansas Major: English Education What do you like best about SBU? "I like how close the community of SBU feels. I really think that the small size of the school will help me grow, along with the Christian-based education I will be receiving. I am really looking forward to building intentional relationships with people who have my best interests at heart."

Madison Hicks Hometown: Crane, Missouri Major: Biology Why did you choose SBU? "SBU is a wonderful campus, which encompasses a Christ-centered and community culture. SBU is tailored to students' needs, values and goals in order to help students reach their full potential."