Unapologetic from SBU

Ep. 31 - SBC Recap, Big Beautiful Bill, Middle East Perspective

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard talk about the impact of recent legislation on higher education, particularly focusing on the implications for student debt and financial aid. They reflect on the Southern Baptist Convention, networking opportunities, and insights from a higher education panel. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by students in secular universities, the role of universities in student outcomes, and the future of state programs. Additionally, it touches on international conflicts in the Middle East and theological perspectives on these issues. Finally, they share updates on campus activities and future plans.
Chapters
02:13 Reflections on the Southern Baptist Convention04:54 Networking and Alumni Connections08:11 Insights from the Higher Education Panel10:54 Challenges of Secular Universities14:14 Federal Legislation and Its Implications17:01 The Big Beautiful Bill: Understanding the Changes20:20 Financial Aid and Student Debt23:12 The Role of Universities in Student Outcomes25:58 State Programs and Their Future29:13 International Conflicts and Their Implications32:02 Theological Perspectives on Conflict35:11 Campus Updates and Future Plans
 

Ep. 30 - SBC and Higher Ed Panel Discussion from Dallas

Our live panel discussion from the Southern Baptist Convention - The SBC and Higher Education, featuring SBU’s Dr. Rick Melson, Dr. David Dockery of Southwestern Seminary, Dr. Jason Duesing of Midwestern Seminary, and Dr. Jonathan Akin of Carson-Newman. Moderated by Dr. Jonathon Woodyard of SBU. The panel covers the importance of maintaining a Christian worldview in education, and the role of Baptist institutions in shaping higher education in America. They emphasize the need for strong connections between educational institutions and local churches, as well as the challenges posed by demographic shifts and institutional drift from faith-based commitments.
Chapters
01:53 The Importance of Christian Higher Education05:00 Defining Christian Higher Education07:14 Historical Context of Christian Higher Education in America13:59 Baptist Contributions to Higher Education16:53 The Role of Christian Higher Education in the Great Commission20:14 Connecting Students to Local Churches24:06 Reaffirming Institutional Commitments26:58 Challenges Facing Christian Higher Education29:19 The Importance of Worldview in Education30:41 Demographic Changes and Their Impact on Education32:28 Cultural and Legal Challenges Facing Christian Education34:22 The Value of Christian Higher Education36:25 The Evolving Perception of Higher Education39:11 Equipping the Next Generation for a Global Society41:05 Navigating Secular Institutions for Christian Students44:49 Opportunities Amidst Challenges in Christian Education48:38 Supporting Christian Higher Education53:04 The Future of Christian Institutions and Their Mission
 

Ep. 29 - Previewing SBC, Camps, Orientation, and Comer

In this live-recorded podcast episode, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt preview the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, particularly the higher education panel that SBU will be hosting. They also discuss the upcoming summer camps happening on the Bolivar campus, as well as orientation for incoming students. They wrap up by delving into a critical review of John Mark Comer's book 'Practicing the Way', exploring themes of discipleship and the importance of repentance in the Christian faith.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Live Podcast Experiment01:25 Previewing the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting05:37 The Importance of Christian Higher Education10:36 Summer Camps and Student Engagement15:15 Reviewing John Mark Comer's 'Practicing the Way'
 

Ep. 28 - Training Teachers from a Christian Worldview

Brandt Merritt welcomes Dr. Julie Bryant and Dr. Kevin Patterson to the podcast to talk about the education programs at SBU, from the bachelor's all the way up to the doctoral level. This conversation explores the intersection of faith and education, focusing on the unique approach of Southwest Baptist University in preparing future educators. The discussion highlights the importance of Christian values in teaching, the distinctives of SBU's education programs, and the challenges faced by educators today. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to encourage and support future teachers in their calling, emphasizing the need for community and faith in the classroom.
 
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Landscape of Swimming and Education02:49 The Christian Approach to Teacher Preparation06:03 The Role of Faith in Education08:57 Distinctives of SBU's Education Programs12:10 Preparing Educators for Challenges in the Classroom14:58 Global Education and Opportunities Abroad17:48 Encouragement for Future Educators20:53 The Importance of Community in Teaching24:10 Conclusion and Future Directions
 

Ep. 27 - Starting an NCAA Swimming Program from Scratch

In this episode, Gavin Hagar, the new SBU men's and women's swim coach, joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to share his journey of building the swim program from scratch. He discusses his background, faith, and the importance of creating a strong team culture centered around Christian values. Gavin emphasizes the significance of personal growth and the joy he finds in coaching and community.
Chapters
00:00 Building a New Swim Program14:45 Gavin Hagar's Journey and Faith29:49 Creating a Team Culture at SBU
 

Ep. 26 - The Future of Discipleship and Residence Life

Jacob Banks joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about the vision for discipleship on the Bolivar campus heading into the 2025-2026 academic year. They spend time describing the importance of discipleship in residence life, and the structural changes being implemented to enhance student engagement and spiritual growth. The discussion also highlights upcoming mission trips and the Bearcat Cup, a competition fostering community and service among students.
Chapters
00:00 Mission Trips and Their Impact03:14 Discipleship in Residence Life08.56 Changes in Discipleship Structure15:11 The Bearcat Cup and Community Engagement
 

Ep. 25 - Updates on Enrollment, Chapel, Events, and More

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt give updates on enrollment and student life at SBU, the focus on chapel and missions for the upcoming year, and the significance of Christian higher education within the Southern Baptist Convention. Undergraduate deposits continue to show a trend toward a large incoming class for Fall 2025, and the chapel speaker lineup for next year is coming into focus with some prominent names from across the country. They also spend a little time on their favorite Easter traditions and the importance of the resurrection.
Chapters
00:00 Easter Traditions and Reflections10:05 Enrollment and Student Life Updates19:49 Chapel and Missions Focus for Next Year30:08 Christian Higher Education and Southern Baptist Convention

Ep. 24 - An Inside Look at SBU's New Campus Master Plan

In this conversation, Dr. Rick Melson joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discusses the new campus master plan for Southwest Baptist University, highlighting the historical vision that led to its inception and the collaborative process that engaged students, faculty, and community stakeholders. The plan aims to enhance the university's infrastructure, create a welcoming environment, and foster community among students. Key developments include new academic facilities, residential options, and a welcome center, all designed to support the university's mission and prepare for the next 150 years. Funding will rely on community and alumni support, with a focus on implementing the plan over the next decade.
Chapters
00:00 Vision for the Future: A Historical Perspective03:13 The Campus Master Plan: Overview and Highlights06:04 Community Engagement: The Process Behind the Plan08:47 Strategic Developments: Facilities and Infrastructure11:54 Creating a Welcoming Environment: The Welcome Center15:10 Academic and Residential Innovations: Enhancing Student Life17:56 Funding the Future: The Role of Community and Alumni21:08 Next Steps: Implementation and Future Vision

Ep. 23 - The Higher Ed Landscape with Dr. Scott Moats

Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome SBU's executive VP and chief business officer, Dr. Scott Moats, to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in Christian institutions. They reflects on personal experiences, the challenges faced by students today, and the importance of family involvement in education. The discussion also highlights the need for diversity in Christian higher education and the integration of faith into the learning process, emphasizing the unique opportunities that arise from these challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of Higher Education Challenges06:02 Reflections on Personal Experience and Transition12:09 Changes in Society's View of Education18:02 Student Preparedness and Its Implications24:06 The Role of Family and Community in Education29:47 Opportunities for Diversity in Christian Higher Education36:04 The Integration of Faith and Learning in Education

Ep. 22 - Denominations: Why Do They Matter?

In this conversation, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discuss various themes surrounding denominationalism, church history, and the role of Southern Baptist institutions. They first talk about recent campus events and transition into a deeper exploration of why denominations exist, the significance of church choices for college students, and the accountability structures within Southern Baptist institutions like SBU. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding denominational differences while also recognizing the potential for collaboration among various Christian groups.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Campus Events10:40 Understanding Denominationalism24:55 Navigating Church Choices33:55 SBU's Denominational Identity and Accountability