Taylor Parrish wishes everyone could “experience what it’s like to attend SBU,” and says he would love to do it “all over again!”
The support Taylor received from the faculty and staff of Southwest Baptist University helped prepare him academically, socially and spiritually, as well as for his career as an implementation leader at Data Systems International.
“Through academically challenging coursework, SBU prepared me to balance multiple deadlines and handle stress while striving for excellence both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Taylor ’18, who earned his bachelor of science degrees in management and marketing. “This has helped me transition to the workplace as there are always multiple projects needing my attention and deadlines I have to meet for my customers.
“The SBU faculty and staff helped me better handle any circumstance by relying on God through all things. The faculty did an excellent job at pushing me academically, socially, and specifically, spiritually by explaining the importance of seeking and serving God first. (Colossians 3:23)”
And that spiritual support allowed Taylor to grow in his Christian faith “exponentially.”
“Each of my classes had a focus on biblical integration that helped me apply biblical practices into real-world situations,” Taylor said. “Many of my professors and even activity sponsors/advisors took the time to help discipline and encourage my spiritual growth. Through Chapel, Bible studies, faith-based learning, and other countless opportunities SBU provided, I grew in my faith more in this four-year period than any other time in my life.”
Getting plugged-in on campus also gave Taylor the opportunity to connect with the SBU community. He was involved in Enactus, Welcome Week, Chorale, choir, intramural sports and various on-campus Bible studies.
“These activities helped me learn how to handle multiple responsibilities at once,” Taylor said. “Each of them also had an important focus on leadership and biblical integration, allowing me to take what I was learning in the classroom and apply it/display my faith.”
Those experiences and connections are what made SBU unique for Taylor.
“Anytime I have discussed my college experience with any of my friends, none of them have been able to say they actually made friendships with any of their professors,” Taylor said. “The SBU faculty are willing to open up their homes and lives to their students which is something that is not found anywhere else.
“SBU provides top-of-the-line education with a faith-based foundation. Being able to be challenged academically while having the ability to openly address and express your faith is extremely valuable.”