The Board of Trustees of Southwest Baptist University met on Tuesday, April 17, for their semiannual gathering to receive updates on campus initiatives, discuss progress on strategic goals and vote on items requiring board approval.
Among the resolutions adopted by the board were a Compact for Shared Governance and a Statement on Academic Freedom, both designed to show support for the university’s faculty, staff, and administration as well as to provide additional clarity around their respective responsibilities and privileges. The board also adopted the proposed budget for 2023–2024.
“Southwest Baptist University, under the leadership of President Melson and his team, continues to take positive steps toward a secure near and long-term future,” said Board Chairman Dr. Eddie Bumpers. “The Board is excited about what lies ahead and how God will use SBU to prepare students to be Christ-centered servant leaders for a global society.”
SBU President Rick Melson shared updates on projects such as residence hall renovations, positive enrollment trends, the launch of the SBU worldwide campus and personnel changes, including completion of hiring the president’s cabinet. Dr. Melson also outlined strategic initiatives for the 2023–2024 academic year and presented a preliminary draft of the next five-year strategic plan for the university. The board will approve a complete strategic plan for 2023–2028 at its October meeting.
“The market for higher education remains challenging across the country, but I am confident that we are positioned to see SBU’s impact and enrollment grow in the years ahead,” Dr. Melson said. “Our university is blessed to have such an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees partnering with us in this great work.”
The next board meeting is scheduled for October 16–17, 2023.
*Published: 4/19/2023