History of Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Baptist College was founded during the 1950’s, through the desire of local pastors and laymen for an evangelical Christian institution in the St. Louis area. The idea of the founders was first expressed in the form of a seminary extension program teaching Bible classes followed later by an extension center offering liberal arts courses from Hannibal-LaGrange College. The written record shows that student influence and organizational work of St. Louis Baptist leaders, pastors, and laymen led the 1959 Missouri Baptist Convention to recommend the establishment of a college in greater St. Louis.
In 1964, Missouri Baptist College was chartered as an evangelical Christian four-year liberal arts college. Classes continued to meet at Tower Grove Baptist Church until the West County campus could be constructed. Four years later, the Missouri Baptist Convention approved the consolidation of Missouri Baptist College with Hannibal-LaGrange College. It was operated as two campuses: Missouri Baptist College, St. Louis and Missouri Baptist College, Hannibal-LaGrange. Classes began in the fall of 1968 on the new campus with 189 students enrolled. In 1973, Missouri Baptist College was re-established as a separate institution and granted its first baccalaureate degrees on the thirteenth day of May.
In 1980, Missouri Baptist College moved to resident college status with the opening of Pillsbury-Huff Hall and in 1995 opened North Hall, doubling the housing capacity on campus. Spartan Village, the on-campus apartment complex, opened in 2011. Missouri Baptist College was first accredited by the North Central Association (NCA) in 1978. The University received ongoing ten year re-accreditation in 2007. In April 2000, the college received NCA approval to offer the Master of Science in Education in Counselor Education and Classroom Teaching. In April 2002, approval was given to add Educational Administration to the Master of Science in Education offerings beginning with the Fall 2002 semester. On August 29, 2002, Missouri Baptist College formally became Missouri Baptist University. In April 2004, Missouri Baptist University received approval for the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Master of Business Administration. In December 2005, approval was received to begin offering the Educational Specialist degree for the Spring 2006 semester. In July 2008, MBU received approval to offer its first online degree program: the Master of Science in Education degree with concentrations in Sport Management and Curriculum and Instruction and in April 2009, the University received approval to offer the Doctor of Education degree.
Through the years Missouri Baptist University has expanded its course offerings at its regional learning centers in both Missouri and Southern Illinois. Today, locations in Missouri include Moscow Mills, Pacific, Union, Farmington, and Arnold, as well as Plus-Two degree programs in cooperation with Jefferson College in Hillsboro. In Illinois, the University has centers at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Williamson Baptist Association in Marion, and Rend Lake College in Ina, which also are Plus Two programs. A number of distance learning courses, in addition to online degree programs, are offered and the University maintains an active high school dual-credit program called EXCEL.
Missouri Baptist University has been served by seven presidents: Dr. L.A. Foster (1964-1970); Dr. Frank B. Kellogg (1970-1974); Dr. Robert S. Sutherland (1974-1982); Dr. Patrick O. Copley (1982- 1990); Dr. J. Edwin Hewlett (1990-1991); Dr. R. Alton Lacey (1995-2017); and Dr. Keith Ross (2018-present). Dr. Thomas S. Field served as Interim President (1991-1995).
Locations
Missouri Baptist University is located at One College Park Drive, St. Louis, Missouri, 63141-8698, in the heart of West St. Louis County, adjacent to Interstate 64 (Highway 40), one mile west of Interstate 270. A full range of degree and certificate programs is offered at the undergraduate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
The MBU School of Nursing, which will begin offering classes in January 2018, is located in the Walker Medical Building, 12855 N. Forty Dr., Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141, adjacent to the Main campus. This facility will include offices for faculty and staff, classrooms, laboratories, and a student lounge.
MBU-Troy/Wentzville opened in 1986 and maintains administrative offices and educational facilities at 75 College Campus Drive, Moscow Mills, Missouri, 63362, and offers complete undergraduate degree programs in a wide range of majors as well as graduate degrees at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
MBU at Jefferson College began in 1993 and utilizes administrative offices and educational facilities through Jefferson College in Hillsboro at 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, Missouri, 63050, as well as in Arnold at 1687 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri, 63010. The undergraduate Plus-Two degree completion program offers a wide variety of majors. Graduate degrees at the master’s and specialist levels are also available.
The MBU in Franklin County Regional Learning Center opened in 2000 and maintains administrative offices and educational facilities at 39 Silo Plaza Drive in Union, Missouri, 63084, across from East Central College on Highway 50. A baccalaureate degree-completion program with a number of majors is offered as well as graduate degrees at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. A satellite office is located at 720 West Osage, Pacific, Missouri, 63069-1219. Graduate degrees at the master’s and specialist levels can also be earned at this location.
MBU at Lewis and Clark Community College began in 2007 and utilizes administrative offices and educational facilities through Lewis and Clark Community College at 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, Illinois, 62035. The undergraduate Plus-Two degree completion program offers select majors. The Master of Business Administration degree can also be earned at this site.
MBU-Farmington Regional Learning Center opened in 2009 and maintains administrative offices and educational facilities at 507 East Woodlawn Drive, Leadington, Missouri, 63601, located off Hwy 67 south of the Leadington exit. A baccalaureate degree completion program with a number of majors is offered as well as graduate degrees at the master’s and specialist levels.
MBU in Arnold opened in 2012 and maintains administrative offices and educational facilities at 140 Richardson Crossing, Arnold, Missouri, 63010. A baccalaureate degree-completion program with a number of majors is offered as well as graduate degrees at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
MBU at Rend Lake College will begin offering classes for the 2013-2014 academic year and utilizes administrative offices and educational facilities through Rend Lake College, 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, Illinois, 62846.
MBU at Williamson Baptist Association began offering courses in 2017 and utilizes administrative offices and educational facilities through the Williamson Baptist Association, 10093 Old Bainbridge Trail, Marion, Illinois, 62959. The undergraduate degree completion program offers select majors. The Master of Business Administration degree can also be earned at this site.
MBU at Southeastern Illinois College began offering classes during the 2017-2018 academic year and utilizes administrative offices and educational facilities through Southeastern Illinois College, 3575 College Rd., Harrisburg, IL 62946.
Graduate courses in select programs are also offered at the following locations: Saint James, Missouri (St. James High School) and Town and Country, Missouri (St. Louis County Special School District).
Graduate Degrees in Counselor Education are not offered at any RLC location.
Mission Statement
Missouri Baptist University is an evangelical Christian, liberal arts institution of higher learning whose purpose is to offer programs of study leading to professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees in an environment of academic excellence from a Biblically-based Christian perspective. The University is committed to enriching students’ lives spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, and to preparing students to serve in a global and culturally diverse society.
Missouri Baptist University’s Commitment To Diversity
Missouri Baptist University is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Missouri Baptist University affirms that an important part of the integration of faith and learning is the recognition that all people are created in the image of God and worthy of respect and dignity. We seek to ensure that all students have full access to the educational, social, and spiritual growth opportunities that the University provides to ensure that students understand and appreciate one of the University’s core values which is “social change through service and leadership.”
Through its curricula and classroom experiences, the university seeks to develop and nurture diversity because it strengthens the organization, promotes creative problem solving, and enriches us all.
The goal is to present materials and activities that are respectful of diverse groups including, but not limited to, race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, qualified disability, military service, learning differences, socioeconomic status, or genetic information.
Vision Framework
Core Purpose
To teach, empower, and inspire students for service and lifelong learning.
Core Values
- We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith.
- We freely and responsibly search for truth.
- We strive for excellence.
- We believe in the importance and cultivation of character.
- We believe in social change through service and leadership.
20-year Goal
- Become widely known as a model Christian university and the best at integrating faith and learning
Accreditation and Approvals
Missouri Baptist University is accredited by:
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
(312) 263-0456
1-800-621-7440
Fax: (312) 263-7462
Internet: www.ncacihe.org
Email: info@hlcommission.org
Missouri Baptist University is an institutional participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is a voluntary agreement among member states and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of distance-education courses and programs. As of July 2019, 49 states (all but California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA. For further information please visit the NC-SARA site. SARA states and institutions can be found by visiting nc-sara.org.
EXCEL, the dual credit (concurrent enrollment) program at Missouri Baptist University, is fully accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
The music degrees of Missouri Baptist University are approved by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The exercise science program has completed the accreditation requirements suggested by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES) and is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the national nursing accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The autonomous accrediting agency ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. The University received the maximum accreditation for an initial program, and also has initial approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
The Health and Sports Sciences Division has completed the accreditation requirements suggested by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES).
The School of Business programs at Missouri Baptist University are in candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business programs offered by Missouri Baptist University meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.
All certification programs are accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Missouri Baptist University is currently in Pre-Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. Pre-Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has submitted an application to be reviewed for Candidacy. A program that has attained Pre-Candidacy has not yet been reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation or been verified to be in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. The Council on Social Work Education does not publicly disclose whether programs have currently attained Pre-Candidacy Status until they are granted Candidacy. Students who enter the program while it is still in Pre-Candidacy will not be recognized as attending a program in Candidacy unless the program attains Candidacy in the academic year in which those students enter. The Candidacy Process is typically a three-year process and there is no guarantee that a program in Pre-Candidacy will eventually attain Candidacy or Initial Accreditation. Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation. Candidacy by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
The University is approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jefferson City, Missouri, for requirements in general education and certification for elementary and secondary teachers; the training of veterans under Public Law 550 and 894, 82nd Congress; and for the training of sons and daughters of deceased veterans under the War Orphan’s Educational Assistance Act.
In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Missouri Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, qualified disability, or military service in admission or in the administration of its education policies, programs, and activities. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Institutional Memberships
Missouri Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University holds memberships in the following organizations: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, American Association of Independent Colleges and University Presidents, American College Personnel Association (ACPA), American Library Association, American Society for Church History, Ameristudy, Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD), Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges, Association of Christian Librarians (ACL), Association of Fundraising Professionals, Association of International Educators (NAFSA), Association of Veterans Education Certifying Officials, Association of Higher Education and Disability, Baptist History and Heritage Society, Central Association of College and University Business Officers, CharacterPlus, CollegeSource Online, Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES), Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA), Conference for Faith and History, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Consortium for Global Education, Council of Independent Colleges, Evangelical Theological Society, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri, International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, International Education Council of Missouri and Illinois (IECMI), Mid-American Association for Institutional Research, Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Missouri Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling, Missouri Association of Academic Deans, Missouri Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, Missouri Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel, Missouri Association of Higher Education and Disability, Missouri Baptist Historical Society, Missouri Historical Society, Missouri Library Association, National Academic Advising Association, National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE), National Association of Baptist Enrollment Professionals (NABEP), National Association of College and University Business Officers, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), National Collegiate Honors Council, National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Math, National Geography Society, North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, Society of Biblical Literature, St. Louis Regional Library Network, State Historical Society of Missouri.
Notice of Educational and Privacy Rights
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the University receives a request for access. A student should submit a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect to the Office of Records (for academic records), the Office of Student Development (for disciplinary records), the Office of Student Financial Services (for financial records), the Office of Career Development (for placement records), or the Office of Special Needs (for special needs/individual education program records). A University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write the University Office responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The University discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to University officials with legitimate educational interests. A University official is typically includes a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A University official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the University who performs an institutional service or function for which the University would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the University with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another University official in performing his or her tasks. A University official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to University officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student —
- To other University officials, including teachers, within the University whom the University has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the University has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met.
- To officials of another educational institution where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34.
- To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.
- In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
- To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the University, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction.
- To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
- To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes.
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
- To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36.
- Information the University has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37.
- To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding.
- To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the University determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the University’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her.
- To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the University, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the University determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21.
Directory Information Notice
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the University, with certain exceptions, obtain students’ written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from their education records. However, the University may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless a student has advised the University to the contrary in accordance with University procedures.
Students who do not want the University to disclose any or all of the types of information designated below as directory information from their education records without their prior written consent must notify the University’s Director of Records in writing. Those who choose to block the University from releasing directory information should note that this will restrict financial records, degree conferral, and dates of attendance from being released to any agencies that may require this information for employment or loan deferment. Once directory information has been blocked, the student must submit a formal written request to remove the block.
The University has designated the following information as directory information:
- Student’s name, address and telephone number
- Date and place of birth
- Email address
- Photograph
- Program of Study (including degree, major, minor, and/or educator certification area)
- Dates of attendance and enrollment status/grade level
- Degrees, honors, and awards received
- Credit hours in progress or already completed
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- The most recent educational agency or institution attended
Retention of Records
Missouri Baptist University has adopted the recommendations of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers as its policy concerning retention of student records. The majority of a student’s record is maintained in the permanent file and will be retained until five (5) years after graduation or the date of last attendance, whichever is later. Exceptions include audit authorizations, schedule adjustment forms, registration forms, and transcript requests which are maintained one (1) year from date submitted. In addition, official transcripts from high schools and other colleges or universities will be maintained for five (5) years after graduation or last date of attendance.
Records of academic performance, including individual student records (transcripts, narrative evaluations, competency assessments, etc.) change of grade forms, original graded rosters, and graduation lists are maintained permanently in the Records Office.
The admission materials of those who apply but do not enroll are retained by the Admissions Office for one year after the term for which application was made.
Student Right-To-Know Act
In accordance with Public Law 101-542, Missouri Baptist University reports 69% of first-time freshmen students return the second year.
Campus Security Act
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, the Missouri Baptist University Public Safety Office publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report on personal safety and crime statistics. The report is available on request from the Public Safety Office and is posted on the University’s web site at the following link: https://www.mobap.edu/student-life/safety/clery-reports-andtitle-ix-policy/
Board of Trustees
Missouri Baptist University is a private, coeducational, liberal arts university, operated in affiliation with the Missouri Baptist Convention and governed by a Board of Trustees chosen by the Convention.
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