Southern Nazarene University Annual Report - 2013 to 2014

2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory Joseph Mills Photography

Fulfi lling Christ’s Mission at SNU

“We are committed to being

part of the global corps of

believers who are the hands,

feet, and voice of Christ in

the world.”

As a Christian institution of higher learning, we are committed to being part of the global corps of believers who

are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in the world. His three-fold ministry of ‘teaching, preaching and healing’ are

very evident in our educational curriculum and overall mission.

This annual report focuses on the aspect of our work that prepares our students for the healing and other science

related occupations. Southern Nazarene University has long had strength academically in the sciences. Our

alumni who are in the workplaces of research, education, hospitals, and clinics, carry out daily the evidence of the

preparation received in our classrooms and laboratories.

The 2014 year has been one of notable progress in the sciences on our campus. Consider the following:

∙ Opening of the J.D. and Mary West Science Laboratory Building

∙ NCLEX pass rate of 94% for graduating seniors in nursing

∙ 100% of graduating pre-med majors admitted to medical schools

∙ 100% of graduating pre-Physician Assistant seniors admitted to graduate programs

∙ 100% pass rate of athletic training seniors on qualifying exams

∙ 100% admittance of pre-veterinarian seniors to graduate programs

These signal accomplishments are a representation of the quality of work being done by our faculty across the

curricular areas we serve. In the pages that follow, you’ll read more details of our science programs and the

standout achievements we receive from our graduates. I am proud of the quality of our institution across the board.

The focus on science in this report could be expanded to the other areas of our institution. I hope you will read and

also take pride in YOUR institution of Christian higher education in Bethany, Oklahoma!

In His Service,

Loren Gresham, PhDPresident

Dr. Loren P. GreshamPresident

Dr. Melany KyzerVice President, Academic Affairs

Dr. Scott StrawnVice President, Business & Financial Affairs

Dr. Terry TolerVice President, University Advancement& Church Relations

Dr. Linda CantwellVice President, Enrollment Management

Dr. Michael RedwineVice President, Student Development

Administrative Team

It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I write to you,

the donors to Southern Nazarene University, about

the completion of the Science Laboratory building.

This project, which has been in the works for well over a

decade, has been punctuated with a series of fund-raising

campaigns, evolving architectural plans, and varying

degrees of progress. Over the long course of this project,

a strong sense existed that this endeavor was vital to the

future of the University, and a conviction that God would

bring it to fruition. Thanks to God, your loyalty to SNU,

and contributions to the Campaign for the Sciences, we

look forward to a fully completed Science Laboratory in

Spring 2015.

The W. Don Beaver Science Building was constructed in

the 1960’s and has served

many generations of science

students. The building

remains so structurally sound

that it is a popular destination

when the blaring of tornado

sirens is occasionally heard

in the spring and summer

months. Additionally, classrooms and faculty offi ces are

still in full service throughout the year. While the building

is still an active part of our campus, the lab rooms have

shown their age. Just as new regulations have made

cars safer over the years, new guidelines for lab safety

have also been instituted to safeguard our most precious

resources: students and faculty. As a result, the lab

rooms in the Beaver Science Building were becoming

prohibitively out-of-date. Higher education is also

becoming increasingly competitive – especially for the

best and brightest science students. We can no longer

assume that students will choose SNU simply because of

its longstanding distinction for excellence and rigor in the

sciences, or for the reputation of its fi ne and dedicated

faculty. Today’s generation of incoming college students

expects the best from science programs in providing

enriching lab experiences and research opportunities.

The new Science Laboratory fulfi lls this expectation

and ensures the continuing legacy of excellence in the

sciences for decades to come.

Encompassing over 26,000

square feet of space, the

Science Laboratory services

the Biology and Chemistry

Departments. The fi rst fl oor

has four biology labs, a

cadaver lab, a research lab,

a large conference room, a variety of lab prep rooms,

and faculty offi ces. On the second fl oor are three

chemistry labs, a spacious stock room, an instrument

room, research lab, workroom, and faculty offi ces. The

building is a masterpiece of architectural distinction with

Today’s generation of incoming college students

expects the best from science programs in providing

enriching lab experiences and research opportunities.

Joseph Mills Photography

its spacious atrium and a long, sloping curtain wall of

glass. This glass allows for natural lighting to fi ll the

main hallway and spill into the windowed lab rooms.

Anyone strolling past in the hallways can see activity in

the lab rooms, which also double as small classrooms.

Students have already expressed amazement at the

facility and in the potential this building achieves for

their learning experiences in the sciences. Biology

students in particular are already enjoying use of the

fi rst fl oor classrooms and labs, and the second fl oor

chemistry space is nearing completion for the spring.

Most gratifying are the expressions of admiration that

have come from our science faculty emeriti after touring

the building. They recognize that this facility ensures the

quality of the sciences at SNU much in the same way

the Beaver Science Building did when they were science

faculty in the 1970’s.

Thank you for your contributions to the University and

toward the Campaign for the Sciences. Your generous

gifts have helped this enduring dream for a modern

Science Laboratory at SNU become a reality. While there

are many other needs on campus, we in the sciences

are sincerely grateful for this opportunity through

the Science Laboratory to continue honoring God in

mentoring students in the endless exploration of God’s

great Creation.

With gratitude,

Mark Winslow, Ph.D.Dean of the College of Natural, Social, & Health Sciences

Joseph Mills Photography

The SNU Quetzal Education Research Center

(QERC) is a SNU-owned fi eld station located

in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, which is

a small community situated in the Savegre River valley

and the Talamanca mountain range. The elevation at

the station is 7,200 ft. and is surrounded by a tropical

montane cloud forest. One of the more unique aspects

to the QERC is the presence of the Resplendent

Quetzal, which is a rare and exotic bird that attracts

visitors from thousands of miles away. The station

serves as a base for researchers from around the

world to study this rare bird, as well as many other

rare species unique to the area.

The QERC also serves as the site for a SNU semester

study program where students interested in science

and Latin culture come and learn about these things

while gaining a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.

As a part of the semester program, the students

spend time traveling to the different biomes found

within Costa Rica. They encounter many of the unique

species endemic to the country and come away

with some truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The

students learn about environmentally sustainable

practices and how to implement them in the context

of their surroundings. They also immerse themselves

into the Latin culture and learn about the Spanish

language through their daily interactions in San

The SNU Quetzal Education Research CenterSan Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

Students encounter many of the unique species endemic to the country and

come away with some trulyonce-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Heather CoxSenior, Biology Major

Gerardo, as well as through trips to San Jose and

other towns, and a two week trip to Nicaragua.

SNU’s hope is that time spent in the midst of Latin

America culture causes students to come away thankful

for the blessings in their life and become motivated to

live as better stewards for God and the environment.

One primary aspect to the students’ experience is

conducting their own independent research project.

Through this experience, students gain valuable

insight into the research process, work with Ph.D.

faculty on important studies, and realize how their

work can directly impact and benefi t the local

community. For instance, Heather Cox participated

in the spring 2013 QERC program. While there, she

worked with Dr. Jeff Griffi tts on a project assessing

the quality of the main body of water in San Gerardo.

Heather had the opportunity to educate the local

community about her fi ndings and instilled within

them a greater understanding about the impact

humans can have on the environment, and in turn,

human health.

Through the QERC, researchers and students can learn

more about the majesty that is God’s creation in a way

that is practical and very real to them.

Learn more about The Quetzal Education

Research Center at qerc.org.

The SNU Quetzal Education Research CenterSan Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

Students encounter many of the unique species endemic to the country and

come away with some trulyonce-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Heather CoxSenior, Biology Major

Dr. Jeff Griffitts Asst. Prof., Biology

J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory Features New Cadaver Lab

Dr. Joanne Peterson Asst. Prof., Biology

Nick Peoples Senior, Biology Major

The human body is an amazing creation. The

intricate processes a single fertilized egg

undergoes to make such a complex organism

is simply mind-boggling. The formation of each piece

of tissue and each organ is designed for a precise

function at a precise location. The fact that they are

interconnected to other tissues and organs with the

common purpose of maintaining homeostasis is a

design that could only be crafted by a loving God.

Few people get to see how complex the human

design is, but this is a key

focus for our students who will

soon enter into various health

professions. Gaining a fi rst-hand

look into the structures of the

human body enables a health

professional to understand how all internal organ

systems are intertwined together. This allows them

to effectively diagnose and treat their patients. SNU

provides students with two opportunities to explore

the human design using cadavers in the Human

Anatomy course and the Advanced Human Anatomy:

Cadaver Dissection course. The students in both

classes, which are unique to SNU, are responsible

for making these discoveries on their own through

dissection of the bodies. What makes this even

more unique is this type of work is usually done only

in advanced courses at other schools. Now, these

classes will be even more effective, thanks to the new

science building with its state-of-the-art cadaver lab.

The cadaver lab was designed with both learning

and safety in mind. The room can house up to

four cadavers and allows ample space for several

students around each table. The most common

challenge associated with a cadaver lab is the smell

of formaldehyde. To address this, the lab’s air system

has been designed for 15 air changes per hour, which

keeps the level of formaldehyde at less than 0.5 PPM.

Additionally, the tables, countertops, stools, and sinks

are all made of stainless steel, which will allow for

ease and effi ciency in maintenance of the room. Above

the tables additional lights have been installed that are

used to focus light onto the specifi c

area of work.

The impact this lab experience

has on the students is remarkable.

Biology major Nick Peoples

summed it up best when he said,

“Perhaps one of the most profound experiences of

my undergraduate career was removing the brain

and spinal cord intact, together. While in chemistry,

physics, and molecular biology we often have to be

content with the shadows that nature casts on our

instruments, anatomy and dissection is tangible –

you’re working with a scalpel, a bone saw, a real

human body, and eventually you’re doing something

really incredible like holding a human brain in

your hands. This experience helped reinforce my

convictions in the medical work I aim to pursue. I

learned so much from the course and lab experience,

but even more, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to return

to the lab as a teaching assistant and share some of

my love and excitement for the subject with the other

students.”

“This experience helped reinforce my convictions in the

medical work I aim to pursue.”

Nick PeoplesSenior, Biology Major

Exceptional Career Preparation at SNU

When students attend a university, their

primary goal is to gain the skills and

knowledge necessary to fi nd a job;

however in the Biology Department, those aspirations are

focused on working in the medical or research fi elds. So

why should Biology students choose SNU? The answer

is simple: we offer a rigorous program that features a

variety of experiences that sets SNU apart from other

Christian institutions of higher

education. These experiences

include one-on-one preparedness

for medical and graduate school,

faculty-student mentorship, a

challenging curriculum, and the

opportunity to engage in a cross-

cultural experience.

SNU is known for its high level of acceptance into medical

and graduate schools. This starts freshman year where

we begin individually advising students to ensure they

are preparing to be the best candidate possible by the

time they apply to medical and graduate programs.

Through this advisement, we help them fi nd volunteer,

job shadow, and paid opportunities to expand their

clinical experiences. We also foster an intimate learning

environment allowing us to know each student by name.

We accomplish this through small class sizes, students

serving alongside us as teaching assistants, and our

involvement in clubs and social events. Finally, we provide

a unique learning experience through SNU’s fi eld station

in Costa Rica where students can take both science and

general education coursework, as well as work on a

research project in a semester abroad experience. For

these reasons, we are confi dent the SNU Pre-Health

program offers the curriculum and opportunities that

distinctively prepares students for successful careers in

the health care industry.

The preparation our students receive

goes far beyond the classroom, as

there are numerous opportunities

to participate in hands-on research.

These include an on-campus NASA-

funded research program designed

for freshmen and sophomores, off-campus opportunities

at local universities such as the University of Oklahoma,

and at private research facilities such as the Oklahoma

Medical Research Foundation. These opportunities are

designed for students to have paid internships where they

can perform their own research project, which can then

be presented at conferences and/or be published in a

scientifi c journal. In fact, we take a group of students each

year to present their research at the regional Beta Beta

Beta biology honors society meeting, and our students win

awards at this conference each year. Research experiences

are a critical part of their Pre-Health training so they can

The preparation our students receive

goes far beyond the classroom, as there are numerous opportunities to participate in hands-

on research.

Exceptional Career Preparation at SNU

engage fi rst-hand in the scientifi c method.

Furthermore, most Pre-Health students choose

to take the advanced cadaver dissection course

at the end of their undergraduate coursework.

We repeatedly hear from graduates, who are at

the top of their anatomy course in medical or

graduate PA programs, that this course helped

prepare them above and beyond the level of

their colleagues.

SNU also participates in a consortium with other

Council for Christian Colleges and Universities

(CCCU) schools in Oklahoma, which affords one

student a summer clinical internship from each

of the fi ve schools. This dialogue among the

CCCU Pre-Health directors has helped us improve

our program as we work together to train the

next generation of health care providers. In our

program, we impart the command Jesus gave

all of us to go and help others meet their greatest

needs. We encourage our students to carry that

compassion into their future workplace. Students

come fi rst at SNU, and we cherish the opportunity

to help them at this critical time in their lives

where they stand at the crossroads of taking their

next steps in career training.

Dr. Caroline BentleyChair of the SNU Biology Department & Biology Professor

Student Life at SNU

“Transforming lives through higher education in Christ-

centered community.”

“Transforming lives through

Student Life at SNU

$108.3m total assets of SNU as of

June 30, 2014 - an increase of $5.9m from

previous fiscal year

12.6% approximate annual return on endowment fund investments

which is the primary cause for the change in total assets

The University’s revenues totaled $49.5 million and exceeded expenses by $6 million.

Gifts and grants totaled $6 million or 12% of total revenues.

The University’s expenses totaled $43.6 million and were 3.9%higher than the previous year.

$75.6m net assets of SNU as

of June 30, 2014

The largest category of revenue is Tuition and Fees of $38.7 million, less Scholarships of $12 million, for a Net Tuition

and Fees of $26.7 million - which represents 54% of our total revenues. The second largest revenue category is Auxil-

iary/Sales and Service/Other revenues of $12.5 million, or 25.5% of total revenues, and includes housing, bookstore,

food service, Southern Plaza Retirement Center and School for Children revenues.

Included in this category is the Funding the Mission Allocation from Churches of the Nazarene on the South Central

Region, which totaled $1.5 million. Our investment income represented $4.2 million, or 8.5% of total revenues.

Our largest category of expenses is Instruction and Academic Support, which represents 47.3% of our total expenses.

Auxiliary expenses represent 22.3% and is the second largest category. Student Services and Institutional Support

expenses represent 19% and 11.4% respectively.

Revenues by Source

Net Tuition& FeesAuxiliary,

Sales & Services,Other

Gifts & Grants

Investments

Expenses by Program

Instruction& Academic

Support

Auxilliary

StudentServices

InstitutionalSupport

Financial Overview

54%47.3%

22.3%

19%

11.4%

25.5%

12%

8.5%

Enrollment

2013-14 Total Enrollment: 2168

Minority Representation

34% 34.3%

33%

total enrollment

new freshmen

traditional students

Religion

2249%

44.6%

denominations

Nazarene - Freshmen & Transfers

Nazarene - all Traditional Students

Geographic Representation

34 32

states

countries

Gender - Total Enrollment

46% 54%

female

male

Total Enrollment by Programs

76% 24%

undergraduate

graduate

Residential

699 campus residents

Top Majors - Traditional Students

167 Kinesiology

81 Theology

147 Business

77 Music

125 Nursing

67 Education*

85 Biology

50 Psychology

*142 when all majors within Teacher Education are included.

Office of University Advancement 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008 - 405.491.6311 - www.snu.edu