ºÚÁÏ´óʼÇ

BOLIVAR, Mo. — ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç President Dr. C. Pat Taylor issues the following statement:

ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç is a Christ-centered, caring academic institution. We desire for all students to uphold the moral values and ethical standards of the University as outlined in the university’s Principles and Expectations. Within that, we expect students to have respect for all people, as all individuals are of worth in the eyes of God.

As a father and grandfather, I am especially grieved about recent allegations against two ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç students of alleged abuse at a local residential care facility for youth. I am saddened any time that we learn of conduct that does not align with our mission and values. On behalf of the ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç family, I express great sorrow over these actions. Such behavior will not be tolerated by the ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç community.

The University acted swiftly and respectfully upon receiving information last week related to the incident, resulting in the immediate contacting of authorities. In this, as with all allegations of student misconduct, it is imperative that we follow our internal processes and procedures. This resulted in the dismissal of two students from our University.

I encourage you to join me in praying for the parties involved in this situation and for the ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç family. We will not let the regretful actions of a few define who we are as an institution. We are a community of 3,700 students, 350 full-time faculty and staff, and more than 27,000 alumni around the world — and we continue to carry out our mission of being a Christ-centered, caring academic community preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society.

Sincerely,

Dr. C. Pat Taylor
ºÚÁÏ´óÊÂ¼Ç President