JBU News & Information
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (July 14, 2023) – John Brown University alumna MacKenzie Martz ’20 premiered her film "The Story of Mr. Glass" at the Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) on June 17, 2023. The film was shot partly to fulfill her film degree from JBU.
The film's subject, David Glass, is a renowned business executive known for his impactful leadership in the retail industry and sports management. As the former CEO of Walmart from 1988 to 2000, Glass spearheaded the company's significant expansion, driving its transformation into a global retail powerhouse. Additionally, he served as the owner and CEO of the Kansas City Royals baseball team, overseeing its successful turnaround and the Royals' remarkable journey to win the World Series in 2015. Glass's strategic vision and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on both the business and sports realms.
"I chose to direct this film because I wanted to share the full story of my grandfather's life," Martz said. "For years I went with him to business meetings and watched him give speeches, never fully understanding what he did. In my eyes, he was just my grandfather who took me to play laser tag and get ice cream. He always encouraged my love for film, and I feel that it is my duty as his granddaughter to tell his story in an authentic and meaningful way."
Every student enrolled in the film program at JBU must complete the senior film project, a two-semester process that requires students to take a film from an idea to a finished product, which is viewed on campus at the end of the year. Students graduate from the department with experience in all aspects of film production, as well as generating a film production book, which is an extremely valuable tool when looking for jobs after graduation.
"David Glass was an innovative retailer, diehard sports fan, and loving family leader. His perseverance propelled him to leave his small town and pursue his dreams," says the film description. "Through hard work, leadership, and faith he became one of the greatest business minds of our generation. After successfully building Walmart beside Sam Walton, he left to pursue another love...baseball. Through it all, his priority was rooted in family and faith."
After completing their project, students are strongly encouraged to submit their films to various film festivals and contests and so MacKenzie submitted "The Story of Mr. Glass to the BFF.
"It was such an exhilarating week filled with unforgettable moments," Martz said. "We were fortunate enough to have an encore screening, allowing our film to be showcased twice. The outpouring of support from numerous individuals was truly heartwarming and I will forever be grateful."
Martz was also featured on a panel to talk about her film that included the CEO and president of Walmart, Doug McMillon, and was moderated by Tony Waller, Walmart's vice president of constituent relations and racial equity.
"The festival also presented an opportunity to connect with an array of kind-hearted and talented individuals," Martz said. "Without a doubt, this experience will remain etched in my memory."
Martz said she is extremely grateful for her producers Devon Gulati and Devin Arnone, who provided unwavering support and were featured by her side at the film festival.
Martz has submitted "The Story of Mr. Glass" to over 20 festivals. The trailer can be viewed on YouTube.
In the future, Martz hopes to work on horror movies and made connections at the Bentonville Film Festival to further that goal.
"I've always wanted to produce horror movies and thankfully I met some people who can help move me in that direction in the film industry," Martz said. "Directing was a one-and-done experience for me since it was a personal story with people I was close to. The small producer role is what I want to keep doing in the future."
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,400 students from 33 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.
-30-
July 13, 2023
SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (April 26, 2023) – John Brown University has named Brad Gatlin, DBA, as the new dean of the Soderquist College of Business (SCOB), and Eva Fast, DBA, as associate dean, effective June 1.
"Dr. Brad Gatlin is uniquely qualified for this position based on his many years of service as the associate dean as well as decades of work in Christian higher education," said Ed Ericson, vice president for academic affairs. "We are fortunate to have Dr. Gatlin as our next Dean of the Soderquist College of Business."
Gatlin joined JBU in 2016 as an associate professor of management and teaches courses including strategic management and production and operations management. He has been serving as the department head of undergraduate business since 2017 and as associate dean of the SCOB since 2019.
"I am excited to lead a talented and caring group of colleagues as we design and deliver high quality, relevant curriculum with the goal of empowering students to honor God, serve others, and impact the world through the business disciplines," Gatlin said.
Gatlin received his B.S. and MBA from Bryan College and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Anderson University. Gatlin holds certifications from the Project Management Institute and serves on the board of the Christian Business Faculty Association, which awarded him the 2021 Teaching Award.
Gatlin will work closely with Fast, as associate dean and Melanie Peddicord as director of graduate business programs.
"I am grateful that I'll get to work closely with Eva Fast and Melanie Peddicord next year as we lead the College of Business together," Gatlin said. "They are wonderful colleagues who are driven by our mission and dedicated to our students.
Gatlin will assume his position on June 1, supervising all of the academic programs within the college, and will continue to teach classes.
The SCOB has 349 undergraduate students, 19 online undergraduate students and 130 graduate students. For more information, visit www.jbu.edu/business.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,400 students from 33 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.
##30##
April 25, 2023
SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Feb. 15, 2023) – John Brown University's college of education and social and behavioral sciences is pleased to welcome Brenda Morton to campus.
Morton is an associate professor in the college of education at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and co-founder of the Trauma-Informed School Initiative at George Fox University.
Morton will offer a presentation on Monday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in Simmons Great Hall-B and will present her extensive research in the area of trauma-informed instruction.
"We recognize that school districts and the entire NWA community is working hard to support children and teens who have experienced trauma," said Curtis Cunningham, chair of the department of education. "We are thrilled to welcome Brenda Morton to join the conversation. She is a researcher, scholar and teacher who will provide great insight into ways that we can help some of the most vulnerable members of our community."
The presentation is free and open to the public, but we ask that you register at this link.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 48 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.
February 14, 2023
In the Spotlight: Music and Theatre Students and Faculty Share their Experiences
ViewSoaring with Eagles: Athletics Gives Students a Game Plan for Life
ViewThe Changing Church: How Churches are Rising to New Challenges
ViewExpanding Academic Excellence
ViewThe heart of JBU is our people – our students, alumni, faculty and staff. The JBU Stories podcast is where we get to introduce you to these amazing people and hear their stories.
More infoChapel is an integral part of accomplishing JBU's mission of providing Christ-centered higher education of the Head, Heart, and Hand. Hear from Christian leaders from around the world as well as members of our own JBU community who challenge us to think, believe, and live as Jesus's disciples.
More infoHear more from select chapel speakers in this interview-style podcast hosted by Tracy Balzer, director of Christian formation.
More infoJulie Gumm, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
479.524.7211
cmco@jbu.edu
Media Relations
John Brown University
2000 W University St
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Experience JBU in a whole new way with immersive 360° videos! Move your mobile device, or click with your mouse to move the camera. Make sure to watch in HD!
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges 2019), JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 38 states and 53 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers 41 majors, with top programs including engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, graphic design and construction management.