Meet the SBU Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 has an amazing story to tell, and 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 2025. We want to hear from you, too! Share your SBU story on social media and tag us — @SBUniv and #SBUniv.

Student Spotlights

Matthew Ballard Hometown: Rolla, Missouri Major: Biology (Pre-Health) Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because of how like-minded everyone is and it feels like everyone has the same overall goal of pleasing God in their professions. It also feels like I become a part of a whole new family when I walk on campus."

Hannah Barnes Hometown: Pontoon Beach, Illinois Major: Nursing What do you like best about SBU? "SBU is a place where I can grow in my faith and continue to further my education in a Christian environment, which is what I love about SBU."

Rudy Benton Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas Major: Biology How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "I did visit SBU prior to making my final decision. I had a pretty good idea that SBU was where I wanted to be, but seeing how the staff interacted with all of their students and the people around them made it really apparent that SBU was where I wanted to be. They were also really kind and willing to talk with me about all of my concerns throughout the entire process."

Ashley LeaAnn Brawner Hometown: Springfield, Missouri Major: General Business Why did you choose SBU? "I chose to go to SBU because I felt like I could grow and learn the most there both academically and spiritually. I love that SBU will equip me with a great education along with getting to be in a Christian environment. I have heard so many great things from current students there and I cannot wait to get to experience it all for myself this fall."

Kayla Crisp Hometown: Tecumseh, Oklahoma Major: Nursing How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "Getting to see the whole picture definitely helped me decide where I thought I would be the happiest and have the best placement for my future. "

Connor Griffin Dougherty Hometown: Springfield, Missouri Major: Biblical Studies Why did you choose SBU? "I want to be equipped for the ministry and SBU is the best option!"

Brooklyn Duncan Hometown: Westville, Oklahoma Major: English Education Why did you choose SBU? "From the moment I stepped onto campus, it felt like home. The presence of the Holy Spirit, along with the welcoming atmosphere, brought me comfort and assurance that SBU is where God is calling me to be."

Lauren Elliott Hometown: Republic, Missouri Major: Exercise Science (Pre-Occupational Therapy) What do you like best about SBU? "I like that SBU is so overly welcoming and kind to new students and incoming freshmen along with their religious values and faith-based learning! "

Kellen Hendrix Hometown: Powersite, Missouri Major: Psychology and Exercise Science What do you like best about SBU? "I like the mission. I want my life to be Christ-centered, and SBU’s mission creating servant leaders piques my interest. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life – a ransom for the many.” – Jesus in Mark 10:45 HCSB."

Keegan Kirkpatrick Hometown: Hartville, Missouri Major: Mathematics Education How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "I did visit campus before choosing SBU, and that visit made the most impact on my decision. When the tour and visit finished, I knew SBU was perfect for me. The guides and admissions counselors made the process easy and comfortable, and that first impression was very meaningful to me. "

Brice Knoll Hometown: El Dorado Springs, Missouri Major: Art Education How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "I did visit SBU prior to making my decision, which definitely drew me all the way in. The people were very kind and the community was very inviting. "

Paike Marie McNiel Hometown: Bristow, Oklahoma Major: Elementary Education with a minor in Youth Ministry How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "It influenced my decision majorly because I had a sense of peace while there and I left with a good feeling."

Rebecca Grace Miller Hometown: West Plains, Missouri Major: Psychology or English What do you like best about SBU? "I love how friendly and open everyone is. Everyone I have talked to seems to have my best interest at heart and is giving me honest answers to my questions. My admissions counselor has been the most helpful resource I've had and I know I can come to her with any questions I have! It has been the nicest, most encouraging college I have talked to. "

Selah Norman Hometown: Harrisonville, Missouri Major: Nursing How did your SBU campus visit influence your college choice? "The campus visit gave me a good feel for the culture at SBU. It’s the perfect size in my opinion and I’m very excited about the nursing program. One thing that stood out to me was when I got to take a look at the very life-like medical dummies used for teaching."

Aleena Peterson Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri Major: Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) Why did you choose SBU? "I was excited to be recruited to play volleyball at SBU, a faith-based university. In addition, SBU is considered one of the top 10 physical therapy programs in the nation."

Andre Rodriguez Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma Major: Management, Marketing or Sports Medicine Why did you choose SBU? "I want to play football where there is great competition. Plus, I have some friends who go to SBU, and I want to grow in my relationship with God."

Ezekiel Skinner Hometown: Murphy, Texas Major: International Business What do you like best about SBU? "I like the community feeling that everyone gave me when I visited along with the great culture that SBU has."

Reagan Yeubanks Hometown: Tecumseh, Oklahoma Major: Nursing Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because of the great programs and community filled with kind-hearted and welcoming people."