Unapologetic from SBU

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 wo...

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 wit...

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 insig...

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 o...

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 challenge...

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...

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 Bapt...

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 Come...

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...

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 communit...

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 Bea...

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 s...

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 fos...

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 Chris...

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 Bapti...

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...

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...

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...