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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