Adult learners returning to college want more than a degree. They want guidance from faculty who understand their goals, value their experience, and are invested in helping them succeed. That’s exactly what students will find in Jeff Seyfert, the new Program Director for Southern Nazarene University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (BSHA) programs.
Jeff’s connection to Southern Nazarene University (SNU) spans nearly four decades. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from SNU in 1987 and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Tulsa in 1990, he returned to his alma mater as a School of Business faculty member. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of leadership and faculty roles across the university, including Marketing Director, Interim Director, and Assistant Director for Graduate Business, and now Program Director for the BSBA and BSHA programs.
His experience extends beyond the classroom as well. Jeff served on the Board of the Oklahoma City Chapter of the American Marketing Association for more than 15 years, including terms as President and Past President. Combined with decades of teaching and academic leadership, his professional background gives students valuable insight into today’s evolving business landscape.
Jeff believes one of the greatest strengths of both degree programs is their ability to prepare students for leadership opportunities while providing a broad understanding of their industries.
“BSBA and BSHA provide a great overview of the disciplines and career options in each of these fields,” Jeff explained. “For those who already have industry experience, the degree enables more effective communication with those in other areas due to understanding their roles better.”
Whether students are pursuing careers in business, healthcare, or nonprofit organizations, these programs are designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to advance professionally.
An accelerated degree program requires commitment, but Jeff believes success comes from maintaining consistent habits rather than trying to do everything at once.
Jeff describes student success with a simple illustration:
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
His advice is to take things one step at a time. Stay focused on each week’s assignments, manage time wisely, and avoid falling behind. By prioritizing coursework and taking steady steps forward, students can successfully balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities.
One of Jeff’s favorite courses to teach is Economics in the BSBA program because no two semesters are exactly alike.
“It is currently a fascinating time to study economics, and every time I teach the course, the focus changes due to exploration of the news cycle,” Jeff shared. “I love exploring real-world events and relating them to the course content.”
He also encourages students to embrace lifelong learning, especially as technology continues to reshape every industry.
“Business is constantly changing, especially with the impact of artificial intelligence (AI),” Jeff said. “Keeping up with the changes is the name of the game today. Mastering new tools and technologies is necessary for remaining relevant in business.”
While Jeff is passionate about business education, what motivates him most is helping students discover that business can be a calling and an opportunity to serve.
“My 'calling' is to help students prepare in their college experience for a life of service to God and to others through their chosen profession,” he said.
He believes Christian leadership extends far beyond church walls.
“In the School of Business, we believe business is as much a calling as vocational ministry. The world needs leaders who serve those under their leadership and model authentic Christianity on a daily basis.”
The servant leadership philosophy shapes the culture of both the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration programs and encourages students to lead with integrity, compassion, and excellence wherever their careers take them.
Outside of SNU, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, their daughters, Sunny and Ashley, and their two young grandchildren, Jeremy and Lily. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys following college football, as well as professional sports such as baseball, basketball, and NASCAR. When it’s time to relax, he and Melissa enjoy traveling, especially to the mountains or an occasional beach destination.
Jeff also finds inspiration in the writings of author John Eldredge, whose faith-centered books and weekly vlog continue to encourage his personal and spiritual growth.
As Program Director, Jeff is excited to help students develop the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills they need to make a meaningful impact in their workplace, their communities, and the people they serve. His experience, heart for service, and commitment to student success make him an outstanding guide for those beginning or advancing their business careers through their educational journey at Southern Nazarene University.