An Affirming Evaluation

This summer we celebrated the conclusion of a multi-year comprehensive evaluation of Missouri Baptist University by a team of highly qualified evaluators from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This process, which takes place every 10 years, is an excellent gauge of the health of the University.  There is much discussion in the larger higher education community about accountability, and while universities need to continue to work on ways to measure productivity and outcomes, the fact is that one key objective is to communicate better the reams of information that are already available through processes such as accreditation.
In addition to determining the degree to which criteria are met, the Higher Learning Commission also provides helpful overall observations about each organization it evaluates. Here are the general observations about Missouri Baptist University:

•    A good knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of Missouri Baptist University on the part of faculty, staff, administration, trustees, students and alumni.
•    A “culture of assessment,” including evidence in several areas of assessment results driving changes in curriculum and strategic planning.
•    A pervasive and clear connection between planning and mission.
•    A robust computer network with good control and security.
•    The Board of Trustees has provided appropriate independence from outside influences and has protected the mission and integrity of Missouri Baptist University as an institution of higher education.
•    Strong support for faculty and staff development activities.
•    An attractive, functional and well-maintained physical plant.
•    Student satisfaction with the institution, particularly with their professors, whom they view as having made a difference in their lives.
•    A faculty that feels affirmed and supported by the administration and the Board of Trustees.
•    Progress toward campus diversity, especially in the student body.
•    A healthy and productive relationship with the greater St. Louis community.
•    The two-plus-two agreements with area community colleges help Missouri Baptist University address the higher education needs of students within their own locale.
•    The integration of the adjunct faculty at the extension sites with the regular faculty in the departments in which they teach.
•    An institutional commitment to excellence and quality.

Other comments that were contained in the report include:
“MBU is clearly mission driven.” “...a remarkably unified effort to engage in thoughtful planning at all levels.” “...MBU values and is committed to a life of learning for students, faculty, staff, and administrators.” “MBU enjoys a positive and productive inter-relationship with Baptist churches in the St. Louis area.” “Community service seems to be a way of life at MBU.”
The team also offered suggestions on areas for improvement. Some are already being addressed, such as the lack of space for athletic and recreation programs for students. The new sports and recreation complex will help to address those needs. The Perk and the library renovation are already helping to address the need for space for students to study and just hang out. The team correctly pointed out that our science laboratory space was limited and presented a “significant challenge to effective hands-on instruction.” Another area for work is “increased attention to the needs of both low-achieving and high-ability students.”
On page 13 of this issue you can see a report on the formal actions of the commission including full accreditation, becoming a master’s-level institution, freedom to offer master’s and bachelor’s programs at extension sites and freedom to offer programs throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois. This progress is very important to the future of MBU. However, the encouragement and suggestions for improvement that are the result of intense examination are equally as important.
All of the friends of MBU can take heart from what is going on at the University. As we move ahead, affirmed by this latest study, we can do so confidently. We are determined to be good stewards of that which has been entrusted to us by our friends and supporters.