Unapologetic from SBU

Ep. 39 - What Makes SBU Academic Programs Exceptional?

SBU Provost Dr. Tracy Manly joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt in a detailed conversation about SBU academic programs and the things about them that set them apart from other universities. Listen to learn more about the General Education curriculum at SBU, including its A rating and the integration of faith within education. They explore the Discover Core Curriculum, which aims to provide students with a holistic education, and the innovative academic programs, including the 4+1 programs and online learning opportunities, designed to meet the needs of modern students.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the General Education Curriculum07:55 Integrating Faith in Education17:50 The Role of Faculty in Student Development27:39 Innovations in Academic Programs37:41 Conclusion and Future Directions
 

Ep. 38 - Introducing "What the Meal Plan?"

Freshmen Maysie Snider and Joy Partin join Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard to talk about their social media account they launched this semester, "What the Meal Plan?", through which they talk about all things food and in particular food on SBU's campus. Maysie and Joy also share some of their favorite memories from their first few weeks as Bearcats, and we discuss their journey that brought them to Bolivar. Enjoy this fun episode with a first-person look at the student experience!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker05:39 First Month Experience as Students07:16 Choosing SBU: The Journey to College09:48 The Importance of Food in College Life23:33 Community and Belonging at SBU

Ep. 37 - Missions in Africa and Answering God's Call

Chandler Snyder of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss Chandler's experiences in the mission field and their shared backgrounds in higher education. They delve into Chandler's journey of faith, his missionary calling, and the challenges faced while serving in Madagascar and South Africa. The discussion transitions to Chandler's current role in higher education leadership, emphasizing the ongoing need for missionaries and the importance of preparing the next generation to engage in the mission of God.
Chapters
05:58 Passion for Kentucky Basketball10:11 Journey of Faith and Mission Calling21:09 Understanding Unreached and Unengaged Peoples23:33 Pioneering Church Planting in Madagascar27:52 Challenges of Missionary Life31:05 Transitioning to Leadership in South Africa38:24 Preparing the Next Generation for Mission40:08 The Urgent Need for Gospel Workers

Ep. 36 - Charlie Kirk, Political Violence, and How Christians Can Respond

SBU leaders Dr. Rick Melson, Dr. Jonathon Woodyard, Brandt Merritt, and Taylor Wehrle have a panel discussion in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death and other recent political violence. The panel talks about the importance of processing emotions like anger and sadness, while also emphasizing the hope that Christians have in the resurrection. They encourage a proactive approach to engaging with the world, advocating for truth and love in discourse, and the need for courage in the face of adversity.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Praise03:08 Navigating Current Events05:22 Processing Tragedy and Violence11:11 Understanding the Roots of Evil17:13 Righteous Anger and Response20:50 Grieving with Hope24:57 The Legacy of Charlie Kirk30:43 Courage and Truth in Action

Ep. 35 - Dean Inserra on Reaching College Students

Pastor, author, and Miami Hurricanes superfan Dean Inserra from City Church in Tallahassee join Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss the journey of City Church, the importance of local church involvement, and the vibrant college ministry that has developed there. They explore the challenges and successes of church planting, the significance of community, and the encouragements found within the broader Southern Baptist community. Dean emphasizes the need for a strong local church presence in the lives of college students and the mission opportunities that arise from being part of a church family.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and football talk07:05 The Journey of City Church, Tallahassee17:49 The Importance of the Local Church22:38 Encouragements from the Broader Church Community
 

Ep. 34 - Talking Church with SBC President Clint Pressley

In this conversation, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome Dr. Clint Pressley, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, to discuss the journey of church leadership within the SBC. They explore the importance of local churches, the role of higher education in shaping future leaders, and the significance of succession planning in ministry. Clint shares his personal experiences and insights on navigating SBC politics, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and a focus on the mission of the church.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey05:55 The Role of the Local Church11:42 Path to SBC Leadership17:47 Navigating SBC Politics23:52 Higher Education and SBC29:57 Succession Planning in Ministry

Ep. 33 - Casting Vision for 2025-2026 with President Melson

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome Dr. Rick Melson, the president of SBU, to discuss the excitement surrounding the new academic year. They reflect on the energy brought by returning students, the importance of faculty engagement, and the various activities planned for Welcome Weekend. Dr. Melson shares insights from the biblical story of Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of prayer, planning, and community service as SBU moves forward in its mission to prepare servant leaders.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to a New Academic Year06:23 Reflecting on Faculty and Staff Engagement10:46 Exciting Welcome Weekend Activities20:15 Nehemiah's Leadership Lessons for SBU27:13 Setting the Course for the Future

Ep. 32 - Recapping Summer, Previewing Welcome Week, and the Future of the ERLC

In this conversation, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt look forward to the 2025-2026 academic year and the upcoming Welcome Week. They recap the final weeks of summer activities and preparations for the upcoming academic year, particularly focusing on Welcome Week and its significance for new students. The conversation also highlights the growth in enrollment at the university amidst challenges in higher education, and addresses recent leadership changes within the Southern Baptist Convention, particularly regarding the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). The episode concludes with a look ahead to future podcast topics and guests.
Chapters
00:00 Summer Reflections and Preparations09:31 Welcome Week Planning and Activities17:05 Enrollment Growth and Challenges in Higher Education24:43 Leadership Changes in the Southern Baptist Convention34:42 Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and Topics
 

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