by Mark Milioni
We are excited to welcome back our returning as well as a whole crop of new students. This is our third year in a row to have an increase in enrollment. The campus looks better than ever, and we have been able to accomplish a lot of very needed projects — a new roof over much of the classroom building, a new learning center filled with new computers, the stairs and balcony fixed on the W. E. Dowell Fieldhouse, some new HVAC units, new landscaping, banners that feature students all over campus, and lots of work in dorms and buildings.
This fall we are pleased to welcome some new faces to the staff and faculty as well. Please pray for these special people as they are giving their lives and ability to serve your students and help prepare them for a lifetime of ministry.
Our new dean of women is Tina Ebert. Tina and her husband, Paul, are re-locating to Springfield from the Houston, TX, area. Paul, Tina, and their family have served as BBFI missionaries to the Philippines and in the local church. Tina brings to us years of ministry leadership and an excitement about BBC.
Our new campus chaplain is A. J. York. One of the major things that makes BBC unique is the spiritual environment in which our students live and learn. A key component of this is the person serving as our campus chaplain. We are excited to welcome A. J. and Brooke York to BBC. A. J. has served for several years in the local church working with youth, music, and technology. A. J. understands BBC and our desire to see students grow spiritually and academically. Our students should love living here which is a key component to retention. A. J. will serve alongside all leadership in the Student Life Department, will facilitate student life activities, chapels, and be actively involved in recruiting.
Our new director of security is Glenn Cozzens. Glenn comes to BBC from a very qualified law enforcement background. Since graduating from BBC in 2000 Glen has served in local law enforcement as well as being certified in many areas of security, terrorism, and protective services. Glenn is also a certified personal trainer and boxing coach recently working at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Given the climate of our society and even the north side of Springfield, we looked for someone with the ability to make our campus as secure and safe as possible. Glenn’s experience in law enforcement, living in our area, and his own experience as a student makes us excited to welcome him to our team.
We are also pleased to welcome some new and some familiar faces to teach. Each person is well qualified and understands the heart of BBC. Please pray for these servants: James Adams, David Botts, Jason Cross, Diana Rauch, Elizabeth Williams, and one of my personal favorite professors, Hunter Sherman.