SEPTEMBER 2026
VOLUME 2
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
A Message from the Dean of the College of Education: A Beautiful Beginning: Trusting God With the Year Ahead There is something special about the beginning of a new academic year. The hallways are once again filled with conversation and laughter, classrooms are alive with learning, and there is a renewed sense of anticipation about what God has planned for the year ahead. As I have watched our College of Education come to life over these first few weeks, my heart has been filled with gratitude. God is doing something special in the College of Education at Missouri Baptist University. This year, we are celebrating record enrollment in the COE and a healthy enrollment in our Online Certification Program (OCP). Behind every number is a student with a story, a dream, and a calling. These students are preparing to become teachers, counselors, and educational leaders who will have the opportunity to influence countless lives. What an incredible responsibility—and what an incredible privilege—we have been given to walk alongside them. The beginning of the semester has already brought many meaningful moments. Our Student Teaching and Field Experience Orientation prepared students for the important opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead in their classrooms.
Our MBU Matriculation Ceremony gave us the opportunity to pause and celebrate those freshmen and transfer students who are new to MBU and are taking significant steps toward their professional calling. Also, the President’s Picnic provided a joyful time for students, faculty, and staff to simply be together and celebrate the MBU community. Each of these events reminds me that education is about so much more than coursework and requirements. It is about people, relationships, purpose, and answering God's call to serve. Perhaps what has encouraged me most are the words of our students as they reflected on their first week of classes. They talked about being blessed by professors who care about them, classmates who welcomed them, meaningful conversations, encouragement, and the sense that they are exactly where God wants them to be. Those comments are powerful reminders that our influence often happens in ways we may never see. A professor's encouragement, a conversation in the hallway, a prayer offered for a student, or simply taking the time to know someone's name can become a lasting part of that student's story. As we move forward into this academic year, I pray that we will never lose sight of why we are here. We are not simply preparing students for a career; we are helping prepare men and women who will have the opportunity to influence generations of children, families, and communities. We may never fully know the lives that will be changed because of the investment we make today. I am deeply grateful for our faculty, staff, Associate Deans and students and for the opportunity to begin another year together. May we continue to seek God's direction, celebrate His blessings, and faithfully follow wherever He leads us. I truly believe the best is yet to come! “Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser still. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more” — Proverbs 9:9
Dr. Tammy Cox
Student Teaching Orientation
Matriculation Ceremony & President’s Picnic
Dr. Tammy Cox, Dean of the College of Education Dr. Andrea Cox, Associate Dean of the School of Counseling Dr. Kendra Ray, Associate Dean of the School of Teacher Education Dr. Jane Brown, Associate Dean of the School of Educational Leadership
College of Education freshman students were asked: “What was one welcomed surprise after your first week on campus?”
“A welcomed surprise my first week would be knowing that I was right where God had called me. Sitting in my education classes I felt this rush of emotions because I finally felt as though this is exactly where I was meant to be.”
“Something that came as a "welcome surprise" was just how much the professors care about me as their student. Within just the first week, they've shown me that I can always come to them with whatever I'm going through, and they will do everything they can to help me.”
“Something that came as a "welcomed surprise" during my first week of classes was the way my professors openly discussed God and integrated Christianity into their class. Although I knew faith was going to be a part of my college experience at MBU, I did not know how much encouragement from the faculty and staff there would be along each of our faith journeys.”
“ Something that came as a welcomed surprise was how supportive and caring my professors are such as them praying over us before class and how they want to be there for us each step of the way through our education.”
“All of the professors and people who work on campus are so friendly and welcoming. It seems everyone truly cares about us and wants to see us grow and succeed. I love how everyone is so rooted in their faith and brings that into the classroom. I really don't think I would feel as comfortable at any other college.”
“Something that came as a welcome surprise to me was how open and understanding our professors are; they all genuinely have the same strive to want you to succeed. I also really loved how friendly everyone was; it made the first week feel easy.” “ My "welcomed surprise" is how kind and understanding all of my professors are with their students. So far, all of them have been very engaging with the students, not only in our lessons but also by asking about our personal lives.” “Something that came as a welcomed surprise during my first week of of classes was how nice and helpful all of my professors are. I think I expected to feel more intimidated by them, but I truly feel like they care about helping me grow.”
“One thing that has been a welcome surprise in the first week of classes is the friendliness of everyone in my classes. I was nervous to start and meet all the new people, but everyone is so kind and open to conversation.”
“My "welcome surprise" during my first week of classes is how kind all of my professors are. They all have expressed how much they love and care for their students.”
The Ministry of Multiplication: 55,882 that is the number of K–12 students whose lives have been touched by the collective experience and service represented by the people in this picture. The 55,882 students we have already touched are the end our our influence. They are the beginning!
College of Education students have been taking full advantage of our updated Skills Lab. Enjoying a cup of coffee and collaborating together on assignments!
COE Birthdays: AUGUST 23- Steve Williams
September 4- Amanda Britain October 11- Kimberly Davis 1- Andy Chambers 2-Janna Ramsey 8-Felicia Boyd 18-Andrea Cox 20-Michelle Einig 24-Keith Ross
UPCOMING DATES: Sept. 14: MBU Faculty Meeting Sept. 21-25: Homecoming Week Sept 25: SOTE Alumni & Student Teacher Event, formerly known as the “Bonfire” Oct. 5: MBU Faculty Meeting Oct. 13: Teacher Education Advisory Council Oct. 21: COE Facutly & Staff Meeting