News
SBU Named a 2025-2026 College of Distinction
For the 2025-2026 academic year, SBU has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.
Vandegrift to Lead Social Work Program
SBU is pleased to announce the hiring of Sydney Vandegrift, LCSW, as the new Social Work Program Director. An SBU alumna and licensed clinical social worker, Vandegrift brings both academic expertise and real-world experience to lead and elevate the university's Social Work program.
Longtime SBU Professor, Supporter Joe Shelton Passes Away
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Joe Shelton, a cherished professor, mentor, and Bearcat Hall of Fame inductee, who died on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Read: "Longtime SBU Professor, Supporter Joe Shelton Passes Away"
SBU Conferred 290 Undergraduate Degrees and 156 Graduate Degrees during Commencement Friday, May 9
Southwest Baptist University conferred 290 undergraduate degrees and 156 graduate degrees during two ceremonies Friday, May 9 in the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness and Sports Center on the Bolivar campus.
SBU Spring 2025 Honor Roll
SBU announces the students named to the university's honor rolls, a distinction given to those who achieve the institution's highest academic standards
Alum Clint Wooderson Joining SBU Faculty, Will Coach Speech & Debate
An experienced and familiar voice will be leading SBU's storied speech & debate team this fall. Dr. Clint Wooderson, having recently announced his retirement as an administrator with Bolivar R-1 Schools, has accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Communication beginning with the Fall 2025 semester.
Read: "Alum Clint Wooderson Joining SBU Faculty, Will Coach Speech & Debate"
SBU Completes Salem Campus Sale to Compass Health, Will Still Offer Programs in Salem
Southwest Baptist University has reached an agreement to sell the SBU Salem Campus to Compass Health. The sale follows a vote by the Salem Board of Aldermen to institute a zoning change to allow Compass Health to occupy and expand its Salem operations out of the facility.
Read: "SBU Completes Salem Campus Sale to Compass Health, Will Still Offer Programs in Salem"
Dr. Terry Cox Named DPT Program Director
The SBU Doctor of Physical Therapy program is excited to announce Dr. Terry Cox as its new Division Head and Program Director.