Meet the SBU Class of 2026

The Class of 2026 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 2026. We want to hear from you, too! Share your SBU story on social media and tag us — @SBUniv and #SBUniv.

Student Spotlights

Alisabeth Lanois Hometown: Springfield, MO Major: Vocal Music Education with Piano Pedagogy How did the campus visit influence your college choice? "I visited five times! Each time, I fell more in love with the campus and the people there."

Ben Hines Hometown: Ash Grove, MO Major: Political Science with a minor in Agriculture What do you like best about SBU? "The people at SBU are very down-to-earth and friendly, and make me feel welcome."

Caleb Long Hometown: Hartville, MO Major: Cybersecurity Why did you choose SBU? "I loved the college, the people, and the teachers who made me feel at home."

Darby Coffman Hometown: Bolivar, MO Major: Nursing Why did you choose SBU? "I chose SBU because the nursing program is really good, as well as the opportunities to go on mission trips."

Deacon Mitchell Hometown: Clarksville, MO Major: Business with a minor in Agriculture What do you like best about SBU? "The most important thing that I like about SBU is the Christian atmosphere and its priority to teach a Biblical worldview to its students."

Emelia Miller Hometown: Eldon, MO Major: Instrumental Music Education What do you like best about SBU? "I like that SBU is the combination of top-notch academics with a close-knit, family-like Christian community of students and faculty."

Erica Carney Hometown: Weaubleau, MO Major: Biology Education Why did you choose SBU? "It has been my dream school for as long as I can remember. I love the faith-built community and the small, hometown feel of being on campus."

Hailey Coleman Hometown: Clinton, MO Major: Art Education How did the campus visit influence your college choice? "When I visited, I was welcomed and everyone was so polite. I met the staff and even ate with them – something I hadn’t experienced on other college visits. I learned how God is important to so many who were proud to be a Bearcat. It seemed perfect for me!"

Hannah Bowe Hometown: Laredo, Mo. Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Counseling Why did you choose SBU? "I wanted a Christian environment, and I like the way the program is set up to easily double-major, if you want."

Jacqueline Gurley Hometown: St. Charles, MO Major: Exercise Science and Intercultural Studies How did the campus visit influence your decision? "Seeing and experiencing the campus, town, and community really helped me decide SBU is where I want to be for the next four years!"

Jalonie Moses Hometown: Norman, OK Major: Exercise Science How did the campus visit influence your decision? "Everyone was super-nice and wanted to get to know me, and some of the students were really funny and fun to be around."

Kaya Coleman Hometown: Cobden, IL Major: Criminal Justice and Psychology Why did you choose SBU? "Within 10 minutes on campus, I knew it was my new home! I committed to play volleyball that day."

Lukas Burzynski Hometown: St. Charles, MO Major: Computer Science and Mathematics What do you like best about SBU? "The community. With it being a smaller school, I feel that I'll get to create bonds that will last a lifetime."

Natalie Johnson Hometown: Cassville, MO Major: Exercise Science Why did you choose SBU? "After much prayer and consideration, the Lord made it clear that SBU had both the degree program I was seeking and the environment that would equip and grow me into becoming a servant leader in physical therapy."

Seth Cooper Hometown: Kearney, MO Major: Psychology Why did you choose SBU? "I really love the environment that SBU has. I love that everyone is so friendly and makes you feel wanted. I love that you feel like you're not just a number and that it truly matters that you're there. I love that SBU focuses on your mental health so much, because I've struggled with that in the past."