Cultivating the Light
How MBU’s new president aims to lead with vision and strategy while staying true to the University’s Christ-centered mission
In 1983, Keith Ross pulled his 1973 Ford Maverick into the entrance of Missouri Baptist College to begin his freshman year. The older car sported new tires — a gift of support from his grandparents so he could commute from his home just a few miles away from the College. The campus was limited back then, but that didn’t hold back Ross’ dreams or optimism. In fact, it was the potential of that small, sleepy college that excited Ross, an eager religion major, the most.
More than thirty years later Dr. Keith Ross, ’87, is still making the commute to MBU — granted not in the same vehicle. These days, he parks his sports utility vehicle a few paces from his office nestled inside the University’s flagship building — the Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center. It’s a building that Ross, as the longtime senior vice president for University Advancement, played a critical role in making become a reality.
This past November, the Missouri Baptist University Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Ross as the University’s seventh president. While the school has experienced a complete transformation since Ross began his college career in the early ’80s, Ross still believes MBU’s potential is great.
“I believe with all of my heart that MBU’s best days are ahead,” Ross said. “Our unique position at the crossroads of faith and academic excellence position us to be a leader in higher education.”
The University’s Board of Trustees are confident Dr. Ross is just the person to lead MBU in that direction.
“The trustees believe there is no one more uniquely qualified to now lead MBU as president than Dr. Keith Ross,” said Dr. William Miller, chairman of MBU’s Board of Trustees. “His 25 years of Christian higher education leadership, along with his Christian commitment, academic pedigree and collaborative spirit, will serve the University well as it embraces its bright future.”
Ross’ experience makes him not only a qualified university president, but uniquely equipped to serve as the president of MBU. His vision for the University is inspired by experiences that began during his time as a student of Missouri Baptist College.
Ross, along with David Blazer (’87) and Lisa Blazer (‘87), was recruited to attend Missouri Baptist College to start a Contemporary Christian music group. The three became charter members of what would become the MBU music ensemble SpiritWing.
“SpiritWing provided a wonderful opportunity for ministry and for building relationships,” Ross said.
Together, the ensemble traveled both regionally and nationally promoting MBU. The members formed strong bonds that remain today. The Blazers continue to admire Ross’ love for people and MBU.
“Keith is very caring and sincere when it comes to others and his faith,” said Lisa, who now serves as senior associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio. “The education we received
at MBU and the experiences we shared as students provided the foundation for the careers we enjoy today.”
Also influential during Ross’ time at MBU were the professors who invested in his life.
“The religion faculty challenged me to think critically and to expand my horizon, all the while advocating a Christian worldview,” Ross said.
While religion professors were perhaps expected connections, he found inspiration in an unexpected source as well.
“Fran Street was an English teacher who I keep in touch with, and she made literature interesting,” Ross said. “She fostered in me a desire to explore new and diverse literature — a practice that has enriched my life immensely.”
The investment those faculty members made in students set an example for Ross. Throughout his years at MBU, those experiences have been a guidepost while he has mentored numerous students. One of
those is Kris Cook, ’15.
Kris Cook is the political director for U.S. Representative Ann Wagner. During his time at MBU, Cook was the president of the Student Government Association, received high honors, interned for a senator and played basketball while at MBU. But he was hungry for a strong Christian leader to mentor him. Ross and Cook met once a week for 8 weeks for the leadership — but kept on meeting.
“When I first met Dr. Ross, he was completely open and got to know me,” said Cook. “He also shared with me, and we found common ground. He is very humble and kind.”
When Cook graduated from Missouri Baptist University in 2015, he worked in the House of Representatives as a legislative assistant.
“I worked in government right out of college. In politics, you need to have a solid foundation — President Ross helped prepare me,” said Cook. “As a young professional, many people were giving me advice on how to get ahead. Dr. Ross was not just an example on how to advance in a career but how to be solid and persevere in my faith.”
Ross’ first job after graduating from MBU was working with adolescents as a counselor at a local healthcare facility. When the facility merged with another hospital, Ross had a decision to make — relocate to Houston, Texas or stay in St. Louis and pursue other career opportunities. As it would be, Ross was encouraged to apply for an opening in MBU’s Admissions Department.
After returning to MBU, Ross would meet future spouse, Virginia (Ginger) Montgomery, who was also the granddaughter of Interim President Thomas S. Field.
“Having just graduated from William Jewell College, I came to MBU to complete my student teaching. My grandmother, Virginia Field, urged me to make the move to St. Louis, assuring me she had someone in mind for me to meet,” Ginger recalled. “As it turns out, Keith and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in August.”
The couple have one daughter, Madaline, who will be a senior at the University of Tulsa this fall.
“Dr. Ross and Ginger have been an important part of the MBU story for many years,” said Dr. Arlen Dykstra, MBU provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “They are well suited to carry out MBU’s next
chapter.”
“I came back to MBU, and within six months I realized that my passion was Christian higher education, and I knew this is what I really what I wanted to do,” Ross said. “I worked hard and, in turn, was presented with wonderful opportunities to flourish professionally. One of the hallmarks of this school is its entrepreneurial spirit, so there are always new things to do and try, and I’ve been blessed and fortunate enough to be able to be part of that.”
As Ross furthered his career at MBU, he continued to expand his education. He earned a master of arts in organizational leadership in 2008 from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. And in 2014, he earned his
doctorate of education in higher education leadership from Maryville University in St. Louis. In addition, Ross has completed postgraduate work at Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. In his role as senior vice president for University Advancement, he oversaw enrollment, financial aid, marketing, special events and development.
With his work in development, Ross forged a deep friendship with Carl and Deloris Petty. The late Carl Petty was a trustee of Missouri Baptist University, and Deloris Petty continues to support the University today. But what stands out remarkably to Deloris is the support she received from Ross after her husband’s passing.
“He is a great encourager, and that was really what I needed after Carl’s passing,” said Petty. “When I talk with Dr. Ross, there is a real passion for the university that is contagious. But most of all, I admire that he is a very godly man who cares deeply about others.”
As the chief enrollment officer, Dr. Ross has led the enrollment management team to execute a student recruitment plan that enrolls a balanced and diverse student body. Undergraduate enrollment on MBU’s main campus has increased 30 percent over the past decade culminating in the largest freshman class in University history in 2017.
Recently, Dr. Ross was instrumental in launching both the undergraduate and online programs and the University’s new School of Nursing.
MBU’s School of Nursing will begin its second cohort of pre-licensure students pursuing their BSN this fall. The RN-BSN is among the programs offered completely online. Additionally, MBU now offers 9 undergraduate degrees and 13 graduate degrees online.
The U.S. Department of Education reports a rising trend in the growth of online education — and higher education needs leaders to navigate these changing times. Colleagues believe that Ross is such a president to navigate the changing landscape of higher education.
One of these colleagues is Dr. Brad Johnson, vice president for university relations at Southwest Baptist University.
“Dr. Ross belongs in this next generation of higher education presidents,” said Johnson. “He will not just be a leader in all of Christian higher education, but all of higher education. He is insightful, an astute administrator and knows the ins and outs of higher education. Dr. Ross has the insight and vision Baptist institutions like ours need.”
Another colleague, Jon Duncan, vice president, enforcement for the National Collegiate, agrees.
“In my position at the NCAA, I spend considerable time with college and university presidents from all types of institutions,” he said. “I also have the opportunity to observe what makes some of them especially effective. I can say with confidence that Keith has the rare qualities of an exceptional and effective leader in higher education.”
Ross realizes that as an MBU alum, he benefited from the vision of the faithful founders of the University. He looks forward to building upon the unapologetically Christian liberal arts mission of MBU and to expanding its reputation regionally and nationally.”
“The school has come so far for being a young institution of 54 years,” Ross said. “The success the University enjoys is in large part due to the outstanding faculty and staff who fulfill their calling at MBU. It is important to maintain a culture where individuals feel valued, connected and inspired professionally.”
Ross will cultivate the light of the University with purposeful vision and strategy while staying true to the guiding principles the University was founded upon. In Ross’ vision for MBU, the community of students, staff and faculty together will foster an environment that promotes new ideas, innovation and embraces excellence.
“In turn, these students will leave as confident alumni. As they go about their careers, their liberal arts education will equip them to contribute to every facet of society,” Ross said.
MBU will be intentional with integrating faith and learning throughout the University.
“The Christ-centered mission, devotion to the gospel and to Kingdom work sets MBU apart from other regional higher education institutions, and MBU will boldly carry out its mission,” said Ross.
MBU should be a model to the world how to engage with one another, demonstrating respectful dialogue, understanding and civility.
“Devoted people work here,” explained Ross. “They invest their lives at MBU because they are called to it and they want to make a difference in students’ lives and for the kingdom of God.”
Because of this, Missouri Baptist University is poised to provide students a chance to succeed in their own careers and strengthen their faith.
“Our students must have the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, as well as generate and advance big ideas,” Ross said. “In today’s world, it is common for individuals to change careers several times, and many students will fill jobs that haven’t even been created yet. So, we have to be committed to developing generative and innovative learning spaces that optimize a student’s potential and prepares them for the jobs of today and in the future. We have to be aware of what’s required in the marketplace, and think about how we can best equip students to live out their Christian faith and inspire them to be lifelong learners.”
Ultimately, MBU has the ability to be a powerful catalyst for change by combining higher education and faith, Ross believes.
“The two most powerful forces on earth for positive change are Christian faith and education,” Ross said. “When there’s a place like MBU that brings together the gospel and the expanse of education, it’s a life-changing experience. This institution is a place where spiritual formation and intellectual inquiry provide the foundation for living purposeful lives.”
