The foundation that Southwest Baptist University provided Stephan Munsell ’18, ’19 – academically, personally and spiritually – set him on a successful path as he entered into his career as an implementation engineer.
Stephan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer information science and then with a master’s in business administration. He now works for Noble Systems in Atlanta, Ga.
“Since graduating from SBU, I’ve had the chance to serve clients across the globe,” Stephan said. “Noble has given me the opportunity to work with diverse individuals and enhance my education from SBU. The foundation that SBU provided has given me the necessary skills to do my best in my career every day.”
Academically, SBU’s well-rounded curriculum challenged Stephan’s business and technical skills.
“The academics at SBU were challenging, but during that time I realized what it means to learn and discovered the way I learn best,” Stephan said. “This was a key success factor in my transition to my first full-time career. Now, after a year, I am able to mentor new hires at Noble and impact others around me.”
And, Stephan says that the faculty at SBU are one of the most important pieces of the University.
“Every day, I had the ability to visit Computer Information Science professors in their offices without making an appointment,” Stephan said. “Additionally, the professors at SBU genuinely invest in students’ lives inside and outside the classroom. Some of my favorite memories include talking about Marvel with Dr. James Kimball or helping our PBL chapter surprise Mrs. Meilani Conley with the Missouri Advisor of the Year Award.”
Connections made while at SBU also were a key to helping Stephan transition from college to the workforce.
“Connections are what make any place feel like home,” Stephan said. “My time at SBU not only taught me how to make connections, but how to also be intentional about growing those connections. In the classroom, SBU would have a career fair every semester to establish connections with potential employers. Personally, the friends I made while at SBU made the transition to Atlanta a lot easier after college.”
Stephan discovered that getting involved in SBU campus life was a benefit to other areas of his life. He went on missions, played intramural soccer and was a member of Phi Beta Lambda, Association for Computing Machinery and Student Association.
Going on the mission field taught Stephan how to serve and share God’s love with others, while allowing him to combine his love for soccer with mission work.
“Being given this opportunity in college was life-changing and now I always strive to serve those around me,” Stephan said. “My other involvement helped me to build community and feel connected at SBU. Having this community was a great blessing, especially during the times of struggle. I’m thankful for how intentional SBU is at making sure there is a space for all students on campus.
“My faith was radically changed on my first mission trip where I developed a love for using soccer on the mission field. While at the Door of Faith Orphanage, I had the chance to connect with older kids who would most likely not be adopted and share Christ’s love for them through soccer.”
These components are what Stephan says makes SBU unique in developing the overall person, and what makes him thankful for his SBU experience.
“SBU is unique in many ways, but I was most impacted by the professors, academics and spiritual growth,” Stephan said. “I feel that because of professors caring for me, academics challenging me and experiencing great spiritual growth, I’ve become a better leader in my field of study. Being able to show Christ in every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally, is something that SBU gave me the opportunity to learn.
“SBU is a great value because of how students grow into Christ-centered and global-minded leaders. Being challenged in the classroom and in the pages of my Bible is a value that cannot be experienced in many places. I’m thankful for how SBU has provided me with so many opportunities due to my education and skills learned.”