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.
Kendrick, who graduated in 2018, now works in oncology social services at Citizens Memorial Hospital and is pursuing his master of social work degree through Missouri State University.
“SBU faculty genuinely stood beside me during every step of my undergraduate career,” Kendrick says. “I had amazing professors who not only did their job, but exceeded expectations as professors. To this day, I can still ask those same professors for advice and they will always have a place in my heart and life.”
Kendrick also was a student-athlete and credits head football coach Robert Clardy for playing a role in his development as a player and a person.
“SBU Football helped prepare me for the many challenges I would face in the real world,” Kendrick recalls. “Coach Clardy has been an amazing role model in my life and challenged me every day to be the man I am today, both on and off the field.”
Growing in his faith was equally important to Kendrick, and SBU’s academics were key to that growth.
“My relationship with God has been the most fulfilling element of my first post-graduation job and graduate degree,” Kendrick says. “SBU’s social work program was outstanding in encouraging me to build character and grow in areas that are uncomfortable. Understanding who I am has allowed me to better advocate for others.
“My faith grew tremendously at SBU because of courses like Spiritual Formation and Old and New Testament. I was able to ask and answer questions I had never had the opportunity to, which allowed me to build my trust in God. Studying social work has allowed me to spread the word of God with my actions by being a part of the change I want to see in the world, even if that means affecting one life at a time.”