Ep. 62 - Kicking Off New Year with New Interim President

The Unapologetic Podcast is back for Year 3 of insights and interviews and important updates about Southwest Baptist University. And big news - Jonathon Woodyard is stepping into the interim president seat after Dr. Rick Melson's selection as the next president of Moody Bible Institute. Jonathon and Brandt Merritt discuss this major transition in the life of SBU, as well as recap their summers that included trips to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention and a study abroad trip to England that they co-led for a group of students and alumni.

There's a lot to catch up on, so enjoy this episode as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year in a new studio and with some new intro music!

Key Topics

Leadership transition at SBU due to Dr. Melson's move to Moody Bible Institute

Summer activities including camps, SBC, and alumni events

The England study trip focusing on history, culture, and faith

Strategic planning and future vision for SBU

The importance of being rooted in Christ and prepared for what's next

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of SBU Transition01:17 New Studio and Summer Reflections03:09 Dr. Melson's Departure and Interim Leadership04:06 Summer Activities and SBC Highlights09:46 England Study Trip Purpose and Experience13:35 Historical and Cultural Insights from England19:38 Leadership Vision and Future Planning24:45 Focus Areas: Numbers, Names, and Next Steps33:31 Being Rooted and Ready for What's Next

Keywords: Higher Education, Christian University, Leadership Transition, Campus Development, Student Engagement, Global Study Trip, England Trip, Strategic Planning, University Future, Faith and Culture