Unapologetic from SBU

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

Ep. 21 - Strengthening Ties in the Bolivar Community

In this episode, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discuss the relationship between Southwest Baptist University and the community of Bolivar, Missouri. They reflect on their personal experiences moving to Bolivar, the historical context of SBU's establishment, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities facing both the university and the town, emphasizing the need for collaboration and strategic planning for future growth.
 

Ep. 20 - SBUnited Giving Day and Alumni Update

Tomorrow is the big day! SBUnited Giving Day is Tuesday, March 18, and Vice President of Advancement Leon Wirth joins Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about this important day for SBU, its impact on our students, and the importance of alumni engagement and support. The hosts share personal experiences from mission trips, emphasizing how these experiences shape students' lives and their understanding of generosity. They outline the goals for the giving day, including financial targets and matching donations, and explain the difference between restricted and unrestricted giving. The conversation concludes with a call for prayer and support for the university's mission.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SBUnited Giving Day06:08 Memorable Mission Trip Experiences11:50 The Role of Alumni in Giving18:02 Goals and Matching Donations24:05 Understanding Restricted vs. Unrestricted Giving30:12 Alumni Engagement and Future Events

Ep. 19 - An Inside Look at Nursing and Healthcare Programs

Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard travel to SBU's Springfield Campus to meet with Dr. Cindy Todd and Dr. Renee McCarley, leaders within the university's healthcare education programs. They discuss the evolution of nursing and radiography programs at SBU, the integration of faith in healthcare education, and the importance of holistic care. They explore student experiences, partnerships with local healthcare institutions, and the impressive outcomes of the nursing programs, including high pass rates on licensure exams. The conversation also touches on future developments in interprofessional education and the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers02:46 The Evolution of Nursing Programs at SBU05:47 Integrating Faith and Healthcare Education12:10 Student Experiences and Holistic Care18:06 Partnerships and Community Engagement23:49 Outcomes and Success Rates in Nursing Programs29:54 Future Developments and Interprofessional Education
 

Ep. 18 - Church Planting & Leadership with Nathan Millican

In this conversation, Dr. Nathan Millican joins hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss leadership in the church and church planting through his role with the SEND Network.  They explore the challenges facing modern churches, the importance of leadership, and the role of friendship in ministry. The conversation also delves into spiritual growth during college years, the significance of trust in relationships, and God's loving perspective on individuals. Finally, they touch on transitioning to new ministry opportunities and the beauty of the local church. This is a wide-ranging episode about the church at large.
NOTE - There were audio issues in this episode, and we apologize if some sections are difficult to hear.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers02:21 Challenges Facing Modern Churches05:07 The Importance of Leadership in Churches10:38 Friendship and Community in Ministry13:58 The Role of Spiritual Growth in College18:28 Trust as the Currency of Relationships22:41 God's Perspective on Us24:58 Transitioning to New Ministry Opportunities27:22 Navigating Succession Planning in Leadership32:05 The SEND Network and Church Planting Strategies39:29 Challenges in Church Leadership and Pastoral Gaps44:57 Understanding Co-vocational Leadership and Its Impact50:39 The Holiness of God and Its Relevance to the Church