Unapologetic from SBU

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 loc...

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...

Brandt Merritt welcomes SBU faculty Dr. Tim DeClue to the Unapologetic podcast to talk about his journey teaching computer science at the university, particularly his approach to the integration of a Christian worldview in computer science. They explore the ethical implications of technology, the role of AI in education, and the importance of building relationships with prospective students. They...

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard, along with SBU President Dr. Rick Melson, discuss various pressing issues in higher education, including the challenges of financial aid, the impact of weather on campus operations, advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and the importance of partnerships and mergers in the evolving landscape of education. They...

In this conversation, Dr. Wesley Vance joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss the Missouri Baptist Convention and related topics as he helps lead the MBC in his first year as president. He shares his journey from being a business owner to answering a call to ministry, detailing his experiences in church planting and his current role at Crossway Baptist Church. They also dive into th...

In this episode, Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discuss a range of topics related to SBU. They share personal updates, including playing basketball and engaging in campus events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, understanding church history, and the role of Christian higher education in shaping future leaders. They also touch on upcoming events and the signif...

In this conversation, Taylor Wehrle joins Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt to discuss the student experience at SBU's Bolivar Campus. They explore the importance of building a supportive campus culture, the role of faith in education, and the impact of recent political events on the community. The discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful experiences in student life and the significance of...

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome SBU Campus Pastor Stedman Valentine to talk about various aspects of student life at Southwest Baptist University. They explore the significance of chapel services, the growth and impact of discipleship groups, and the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus. For a little fun, they also talk abo...

In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt give insight into plans for the upcoming spring semester, including changes in the spiritual formation curriculum to help students understand the importance of their identity and purpose in Christianity. The conversation also covers upcoming events, admissions strategies, and the future of the physical therapy...

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt reflect on the Fall 2024 semester. They discuss significant moments, including the addition of new staff, creative team-building activities, and the importance of student engagement through events like Welcome Week. The conversation highlights the spiritual growth of students through worship gatherings and the...

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathan Woodyard welcome Dr. Sarah Howes to discuss her journey in music education, her path to SBU, and the role of music in faith and community. They explore the importance of gospel conversations in a Christian educational setting, and the various musical opportunities available at SBU. The conversation also highlights the r...

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathan Woodyard discuss the importance of missions at SBU and how it connects to the heritage of Baptists and Christians throughout history. They highlight the role of the Center for Global Connections at Southwest Baptist University, which facilitates student mission trips around the world, emphasizing the university's commit...

In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard discuss Jonathon's upcoming presentation at the Evangelical Theological Society, the nature of saving faith, and the pervasive issue of anxiety among college students. They explore how faith can provide joy and strength to combat anxiety, and the initiatives taken at Southwest Baptist University to support students i...

In this conversation, hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt welcome Athletics Director Clark Sheehy to discuss Bearcat athletics and changes in the NCAA landscape. They explore the importance of establishing a strong athletic culture, the challenges and successes of fall sports, and the expectations for winter sports. The discussion also delves into the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NI...

In this conversation, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard welcome SBU President Dr. Rick Melson to discuss the current state of Christian higher education, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by demographic changes, the enrollment cliff, and the importance of trust and value in education. They explore the unique position of Southwest Baptist University in maintaining its...

Summary In this episode of the Unapologetic podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard engage with guest Dean Inserra on the topic of Christian engagement in politics ahead of the 2024 election. They discuss the importance of participating in the political process, especially for college students, and how to navigate the complexities of political identity and moral issues. The conversatio...

Summary In this episode of the Unapologetic Podcast, hosts Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard are joined by special guest Leon Wirth to discuss the rich history of Southwest Baptist University (SBU). They explore the founding of SBU in 1878, the challenges faced in its early years, including a significant fire in 1910, and the resilience of the community that supported the university through adv...

Hosts Jonathon Woodyard and Brandt Merritt discuss the latest developments at Southwest Baptist University, including a significant increase in enrollment, exciting new programs, and a vibrant campus culture. They reflect on the recent homecoming events that showcased the strong ties between SBU and the local community, as well as partnerships in health sciences and education. The conversation als...

Summary The Unapologetic podcast, hosted by Brandt Merritt and Jonathon Woodyard, explores the mission and values of Southwest Baptist University (SBU) as an unapologetically Christ-centered institution. The conversation delves into the significance of Christian higher education, the importance of holistic formation of students, and the impact of SBU on the local community. The hosts discuss vario...