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ŷƵ awards Life Beautiful Awards to Amy Bushey and Dr. John Murphy

ŷƵ proudly announces the 2022 Life Beautiful awardees. The designation “Life Beautiful” is the highest honor a person can receive at Southwest Baptist University. Each year, two graduating seniors, one faculty member, and one staff member are chosen to receive the award.

The “Life Beautiful” award is an incredible honor and opportunity for students, faculty, and staff. With this award, ŷƵ recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to commitment to Christ-character, excellence in service, and dedication to students.

ŷƵ is pleased to announce that the 2022 Staff Life Beautiful Award recipient is Amy Bushey. Bushey, Accounting Services Supervisor, has been a member of the Southwest Baptist University family since 1999 and graduated from Evangel University in May 1997 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in accounting with a concentration in management.

President Melson, Amy Bushey, and Ryan GriffithAmy Bushey is also the founder of the Matt Bushey Scholarship Fund, an initiative that provides financial aid to teachers in the Polk County League who are working toward their graduate degrees. This fund will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of both teachers and their students. Bushey is an outstanding example of Christian service and devotion and is a proud mother of Cooper and Luke. Her life of service and dedication to others makes her a worthy recipient of the Staff Life Beautiful award.

President Melson, Dr. John Murphy, and Tracy ManlyŷƵ is proud to announce the recipient of the 2022 Faculty Life Beautiful Award, Dr. John Murphy. Murphy joined the ŷƵ faculty in 2007 and is currently an Assistant Professor of Biology, Division Head of the Natural Sciences, and the founder of the ŷƵ Agricultural program. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Central Missouri State University in 2002 and his Master of Science degree in Biology from South Dakota State University in 2004. In 2008 he earned his Ph.D. from Kansas State University after writing his dissertation on “Patterns of carbon dioxide and water vapor flux following the harvest of tallgrass prairie at different times throughout the growing season.”

Murphy has led ŷƵ biology students in research, which has resulted in national awards at Sigma Zeta’s annual conference. He is the Minister of Music for First Baptist Church, Hermitage, belongs to the Hickory County Cattlemen's Association, and was one of the founders of Missouri Beef Days; a state-wide event hosted in Bolivar, Missouri.

We are delighted to honor both Mrs. Amy Bushey and Dr. John Murphy for their tremendous contributions to ŷƵ. Please join us in congratulating Amy Bushey and Dr. John Murphy

 *Published:2/15/2023