鈥淎s always, we enjoyed a very productive and helpful trustee meeting,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e have a number of very talented Missouri Baptists who provide leadership and oversight to the institution. Our group is engaged and very involved in promoting our mission as a University.鈥�

Tyler Foster serves as the chairman of the board of trustees and expressed his appreciation of the group, saying, 鈥淲e have a wonderful group of people that care deeply about Christian higher education. They care about the direction of our Missouri Baptist Convention and how HLGU plays their role with the convention and equipping students to not only receive and take their education into their workplace with excellence, but to then be able to share the gospel of Christ with those that come across their paths.鈥�

Highlights from the board meeting included the welcoming of new board members and new HLGU employees, as well as approval for entering into a silent phase of a multi-million-dollar capital campaign for the University.

Other items of business discussed included the following:

• Currently, there are no COVID-19 cases on campus or students in quarantine
• Despite many institutions seeing a decline in enrollment, admissions reported an increase in enrollment deposits for the fall 2021 semester. Increases have also been seen in athletic visits and commitments.
• Despite COVID restrictions, students have been able to meet safely and have an active and engaging campus life experience.
• Donations to the institution have increased, putting the University $300,000 ahead of where donations were last year.
• An HLGU Day of Giving has been planned for the 24-hour period from noon on April 15 to noon on April 16. The event will take place on social media and has a goal of 240 individual gifts to the University in 24 hours.
• A new business degree in agribusiness has started and is projected to be a very popular program for the University. A number of other programs at various different degree levels are also being explored.
• A large cycle of an accreditation report with the Higher Learning Commission has been completed, and HLGU has met all guidelines.
• A partnership with the Missouri Baptist Children’s home was approved, allowing the University to use those facilities for an LPN program site in Chillicothe, MO.
• An education specialist degree was approved at the master’s level.

Dr. Allen commented, 鈥淚n these and many other accomplishments, we鈥檙e celebrating God鈥檚 work at the University and look forward to finishing the semester strong.鈥�

The next trustees meeting is scheduled for聽October 7-8, 2021. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573.629.3252.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning commission. The University prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

鈥淚 was very pleased with today鈥檚 meeting,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e have a very capable and engaged board here at the University, and they have done yeoman鈥檚 service this year during COVID-19. We鈥檙e able to see many of our projects we鈥檝e worked diligently over the last year come to fruition.

The meeting began with a reaffirmed commitment of partnership between HLGU and the Missouri Baptist Convention. MBC Executive Director Dr. John Yeats presented the University with a check for $5,000.

The board heard reports from each of the vice presidents on university activities, specifically identifying challenges overcome due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Allen reported on how the University did hold graduation over the summer and that fall intercollegiate athletics have continued.

Trustees heard about the Jefferson City Correctional Center ministry that kicked off with a full class in its inaugural year. The ministry will be undergoing an accreditation process in the spring.

Additional reports included the following information:

• The institution did receive full reaccreditation this fall.
• 82 new webcams have been commissioned and installed across campus for virtual learning as a result of COVID-19.
• Despite COVID-19, HLGU has only eight fewer students this fall semester than the previous spring semester.
• The University completed several items in the first year of its 5-year strategic plan, including hiring to fill several new positions, appointing a director of community engagement and church relations, and comprehensively reviewing the financial aid program.
• The Founders Scholarship has been implemented, which will give a full-ride scholarship to two incoming students.

Following reports, the trustees voted to approve a feasibility study into a potential $6.5 million Strength for the Future capital campaign that would help go toward endowments, capital campaigns, program/faculty development, and Knowledge for Service programming and projects, which includes supporting the Jefferson City Correctional Center ministry.

鈥淲e talked about the Strength for the Future capital campaign that will support and undergird the strategic plan of the University,鈥� Allen said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about this silent phase where the institution will be presenting our case to our donor base and our friends. I鈥檓 looking forward to coming back with a finalized capital campaign that we can begin to execute beginning next March.鈥�

The board additionally voted to approve the creation of the 2021-22 budget. They also voted to allow HLGU administration to make potential changes to the employee health insurance coverage.

The board ended Friday鈥檚 meeting with the honoring of four members of the board of trustees who are rotating off the board this year: Phil Bray, Tim Smith, Joel Russell, and Tom Rains.

鈥淚t is always a pleasure working with people who not only care about the institution, but participate financially and creatively with their time, talent, and energy,鈥� said Tyler Foster, chairman of the board of trustees. 鈥淲e are in a unique time with COVID-19, and we need everyone to be actively participating together, and we have that here. What a legacy these men have left.鈥�

The next board of trustees meeting will be held on March 11 and 12, 2021. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning commission. The University prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

鈥淲e had some really encouraging information to share with our board,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e had a strong financial year. We need to work hard in enrollment and recruiting, but we鈥檙e pleased to welcome Will Brantley to our staff as our new vice president for enrollment management and marketing.鈥�

While on campus, the board heard reports on the activities of the University over the last year. HLGU is now fundraising to begin a prison ministry program that will train long-term inmates to be chaplain assistants who will minister to and disciple other inmates.

Missouri State Representative Louis Riggs, who serves as the director of community engagement at HLGU, reported that the University has been invited to send five interns to the capitol in January 2020, and that there are many other community engagement opportunities coming for HLGU.

Additional reports included the following information:

• Restructuring in residential life and dorm room assignments has led to a more community-minded campus.
• Just under 50 students participated in HLGU-sponsored mission trips last year.
• An initiative has begun to raise money for an elevator in the student center.
• Following a wind storm, $225,000 of campus repairs were covered by insurance.
• HLGU鈥檚 Freshman Seminar class has been restructured to use a curriculum that embraces a strong Christian worldview.
• A memorandum of understanding was signed with Moberly Area Community College to allow students to more seamlessly transfer to HLGU, particularly in the education department where elementary education is suffering a severe shortage of teachers.
• HLGU received NAIA Champions of Character Gold Status for the third year, and Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach Jason Durst received the AMC Coach of Character Award.

Following reports and committee meetings, the trustees voted to approve and affirm HLGU鈥檚 strategic five-year plan, which will enable the University to function from an intentional and active place, and streamline decision-making. Trustees also voted to align the increase of tuition with the increase of scholarships.

鈥淚鈥檓 really pleased that our board was able to approve and affirm our strategic long-range plan for the institution and we鈥檙e excited about what that will mean as we move forward,鈥� commented Allen.

鈥淚 thought the meeting was very productive and that our trustees were engaged to the needs of the 番茄社区 family,鈥� said Dr. Dwight Blankenship, chairman of the board of trustees. 鈥淚 believe with the reports we have received that the future of 番茄社区 is bright, and I ask that everyone in the 番茄社区 family just pray for the institution.鈥�

At the end of the meetings, new officers were nominated and approved. Tyler Foster will serve as chairman of the board, Mark Anderson will serve as vice chairman, Bobbie Crain as secretary, and Glenn Miller as treasurer.

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited that I鈥檝e been honored with this great assignment,鈥� said Tyler Foster. 鈥淚t was bathed in prayer and was something that I did not take lightly. It鈥檚 a very humbling experience to even be asked because it鈥檚 such a unique opportunity and such a wonderful institution. It鈥檚 going to be very exciting because we have many great days ahead.鈥�

Thursday night, trustees and administration gathered for an appreciation banquet organized by the president’s office. Special music was provided by piano students Naro Longchar and Sarah Song. Additionally, trustees Sonia Vicars and Doug Hamilton were recognized for their excellent service to the University as they rotate off the board. Vicars served two five-year terms, and Hamilton served one five-year term.   

The next trustees meeting will be held in March 2020. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

鈥淲e had a very fruitful meeting this time with our board of trustees,鈥� stated Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淚鈥檓 very pleased with the level of engagement and involvement everyone has in understanding our mission and helping us accomplish that mission. It was a very productive time full of energy and enthusiasm.鈥�

Highlights from the board meetings include the welcoming of three new board members, Nate Adams, Chris Williams, and Richard Clouse.

Items of business discussed included the promotion of two faculty members, Dr. Chris Brennemann and Mrs. Michelle Todd, to the rank of associate professor. Two nursing faculty members were also approved for hire, and a positive report regarding recent accreditation site visits from the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education was made.

Academic administration also reported that a new graphic design program is being added to HLGU鈥檚 list of majors and an entrepreneurial emphasis will be added to the list of tracks available under a business major for fall 2019. Additional tracks are being prepared for future implementation in the education division.

On Thursday, the trustees held an appreciation luncheon for the HLGU faculty and staff, thanking them for the good work and service that they provide to the Lord and the University.

The Trustees heard from two of the 38 students who went to Israel over Christmas break through a partnership HLGU has with an organization called Passages that allows Christian college students to travel to Israel at a fraction of the normal cost. Gabrielle Wood and David Ballew shared the impact on their life that their time in Israel had made and how they will never read the Bible the same way again now that they have visited the Holy Land

The next trustees meeting will be held in October 2019. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.

While on campus, the board heard reports on the activities of the University over the last year. It was reported that 254 graduates were presented diplomas in May, 40 students are traveling to Israel over Christmas break with a scholarship from Passages Israel, HLGU received a military friendly award, the athletic department has joined the National Christian College Athletic Association, and more.

Additionally, the board voted to adopt, support, and participate in HLGU鈥檚 Student Success Initiative, a campaign aimed at raising funds for scholarships, missions, faculty development, and various campus and department enhancements.

鈥淲e had a great meeting of our board of trustees,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e have a very capable and engaged board to not only provide leadership but also vision as we think about the future of 番茄社区 University.鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 great love and concern for students for this institution, and the board has committed sacrificially to complete the task given to us,鈥� said Dr. Dwight Blankenship, chairman of the board of trustees. 鈥淲e are positive about the future. We know we鈥檝e got challenges, but we鈥檙e positive about the direction we鈥檙e going in.鈥�

Thursday night, trustees and administration gathered for an appreciation banquet organized by the president’s office. During the evening, trustees heard from two students on how HLGU has impacted their lives. Special music was provided by Steven Hodge, a senior music worship major, and the a cappella ensemble La Sua Voce.

Additionally, Trustee Mitch Jackson was recognized at the banquet as he rotates off the board after ten years of excellent service to the University.

HLGU’s board of trustees is slated to get four new members following the Missouri Baptist Convention Annual Meeting October 22-23.

The next trustees meeting will be held in March 2018. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

Highlights from the board meetings include the welcoming of six聽new board members, Ilda Kennon, Bobbie Crane, Bryan Gruber ’58, Leo Endel, Adam Mallette, and Michael Atherton ’02,聽approval of the 2018-2019 budget, the promotion of two deserving faculty members, work on HLGU鈥檚 long-term strategic plan, and more.

The trustees also held an appreciation luncheon for the HLGU faculty and staff, thanking them for the good work and service that they provide to the Lord and the University.

Also on the trustees’ agenda was the promotion of Drs. Bob and Martha Bergen to the status of professor emeritus, as they will be retiring at the end of the summer 2018 semester. The Bergens have been teaching in HLGU’s Christian studies division for a combined 60 years and聽are pillars of the department and the University.聽

The title of emeritus is bestowed upon someone as a recognition for special contribution to the institution and typically carries a continued relationship with HLGU. The Bergens will be given the use of two offices in the Carroll Missions Center for their personal use and continued work in the Christian studies field.

The Trustees heard from communication studies students from the Trojan News Network who competed in a 24-hour news challenge at the intercollegiate National Religious Broadcasting Convention. Their task was to create a 2-4 minute news package covering events from the first day of the convention. The HLGU students were the only team to receive a press pass to cover Vice President Mike Pence, the headlining speaker of the day. They placed fourth in the competition.

鈥淎s always, it鈥檚 very encouraging and fruitful to meet with our board of trustees,鈥� stated Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very grateful for the leadership of our board, including our chairman who has provided exemplary leadership of our board and our officers. It鈥檚 always a great opportunity to showcase the many things that the Lord is doing on our campus as we provide high-quality Christian education in an environment that is conducive for their personal spiritual growth as we integrate faith and learning in every discipline.鈥�

Dr. Dwight Blankenship, HLGU Board of Trustees Chairman stated, 鈥淭he HLGU Board of Trustees acted in unity to present a balanced budget that will match our expenses and provide a way for continued success to the institution.鈥�

The next trustees meeting will be held in October 2018. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

One of the highlights of the two-day meeting was a special dedication of the newly remodeled L.A. Foster Student Center and Kleckner Hall. Renovations for the two buildings were approved during the spring 2017 trustees meeting and were completed over the summer. The project was funded by recent land sales and a six-month campaign led by the trustees.

“As a board, one of our goals is always to seek to align the institution with mission and vision, how can we better do what we’re doing as an educational institution,” said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. “I’m very grateful for a board that is engaged and seeks to help us accomplish our mission.”

Additional highlights from the board meetings include the election of new officers. Dr. Dwight Blankenship will serve as chairman, Sonia Vicars as vice chairman, Glenn Miller as treasurer, and Tom Rains as secretary.

“I am supremely confident that our newly elected officers will continue to build upon our forward progress,” said Glenn Miller, chairman. “I am pleased with the level of engagement, interaction, and actions of the board at our fall meeting. Our interaction with students, faculty, and staff provide an excellent base from which to make decisions.”

Thursday night, trustees and administration gathered for an appreciation banquet thrown by the president’s office. During the evening, trustees got to hear from HLGU student Nathan Rose about how the University empowered him to participate in a prestigious internship with the Acton Institute this summer. They also heard about a unique opportunity that HLGU has to partner with Passages in sponsoring a trip to Israel over Christmas break for 20 students.

Trustees with expiring terms were also recognized that night. Vinita Henry, Jerry Sheridan, Mark Boley, and Milton Baumgardner have served HLGU well during their tenure.

HLGU’s board of trustees is slated to get six new members following the Missouri Baptist Convention Annual Meeting October 23-25.

The next trustees meeting will be held in March 2017. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

One of the highlights of the two-day meeting was a special dedication of the new Sam Lomax Commons in the Lewis and Brown dorm. The ceremony honored Mr. Lomax鈥檚 legacy, a long-time friend and supporter of the University.聽The board recognized Mrs. Judy Harding, a former trustee, for her generous gift to renovate the dorm lobby in his name.聽Judy鈥檚 daughter, Paula, was also on hand for the dedication event.

Friday afternoon, the trustees addressed an important issue for students and voted to renovate Kleckner, a women鈥檚 dorm that was built in 1962. Renovations will be funded by proceeds from a recent land sale and a six-month capital campaign led by the trustees was launched to finance the project.

The trustees also held an appreciation luncheon for the HLGU faculty and staff thanking them for the good work and service that they provide to the Lord and the University.

Additional highlights from the board meetings include the welcoming of six new board members, James (Jim) Arico, Bob Caldwell, Carey Casey, Tyler Foster, Randy Klocke, and Randy Sharpe, the promotion of eight deserving faculty members, work on HLGU鈥檚 long term strategic plan, and more.

鈥淚 am very pleased with what the board accomplished for the University during the spring meeting. We have some wonderful opportunities before us, and I鈥檓 grateful for the vision that the Lord has given us. Together we are strengthening every area of the University鈥檚 work and providing high-quality Christian education that integrates faith and learning,鈥� said Dr. Allen. 鈥淲e have some exciting opportunities before us.聽 Together with the wonderful staff, faculty, and supportive trustees we continue to advance the mission of HLGU.鈥�

Glenn Miller, HLGU Board of Trustees Chairman stated, 鈥淎s a board, I am pleased with our progress of becoming more and more engaged with the students, faculty, and staff. The appreciation luncheon was a wonderful event and the board鈥檚 courageous decision to raise enough money to remodel Kleckner is a great step in the right direction. We will continue to engage the campus community to obtain more ‘Knowledge’ for better ‘Service’ to our University!鈥�

The next trustees meeting will be held in October 2017. For more information, contact the president鈥檚 office at 573-629-3252.