Around the State: BUA receives Lilly preaching grant

Baptist University of the Américas received a $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment to help establish Proclama—a program designed to equip Hispanic pastors with the skills necessary for compelling preaching. The effort is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to foster and support preaching that better inspires, encourages and guides people to come to know and love God and to live out their Christian faith more fully. Proclama will provide pastors with resources to enhance their ministerial capabilities. Through collaborative group sessions, pastors will cultivate engaging preaching practices. Proclama’s curriculum is crafted to empower pastors with competencies honed through collaborative peer learning dynamics. This program not only will refine preaching styles, but also will equip pastors to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences and communities. These communities—which grapple with bilingualism, serve diverse generations of immigrants and navigate evolving cultural dynamics—will find Proclama a vital resource for their spiritual journey. “This generous support will be pivotal to the success of our Proclama program. We are truly grateful for God’s faithfulness,” said Abe Jaquez, president and CEO of BUA. “We eagerly anticipate witnessing the impact this initiative will have on our pastors and the diverse communities they serve.”

Houston Christian University board of trustees approved a $60 million budget for construction of the Sherry and Jim Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Complex at its May 21 quarterly meeting. The multi-million-dollar complex is named in honor of Sherry and Jim Smith, longtime HCU supporters who donated a $20 million lead gift to the project, making it the largest single donation received in the university’s history. “The HCU board of trustees approval of the financing plan for the new Sherry and Jim Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Complex marks a day of historic significance for the university,” said HCU President Robert Sloan. “These new academic facilities … have long been the greatest facility need for HCU.” Construction on the complex will begin in January 2025, with completion slated in time for the start of classes in the fall 2026 semester, Sloan said. The new state-of-the art building will enable the university to prepare students for high-demand professions such as data science, statistics, cybersecurity, computer science, registered nursing and kinesiology. The estimated 71,000-sq.-ft., three-story building will provide the Linda Dunham School of Nursing and the College of Science & Engineering with consolidated space, including science laboratories, classrooms, instructional and state-of-the-art simulation labs, makerspace/capstone learning environments, and faculty and administrative offices.

Wayland Baptist University’s newly formed Advancement Council made a $1 million pledge to the university’s $18 million Thrive Campaign. The pledge was announced during the Advancement Council’s May 18 meeting and brings the campaign’s total funds raised to $14.5 million. Under the leadership of President Bobby Hall, Wayland’s Thrive Campaign continues to gain momentum. The campaign aims to foster academic excellence, enhance recruitment efforts, improve campus facilities and bolster athletics across the institution. For more information about the Thrive Campaign, visit https://www.wbu.edu/thrive_campaign.htm or contact Wayland’s Office of Advancement.

Hardin-Simmons University student Maya Morell recently received the Texas Academy of Science Award for her research. Her award-winning research centered around zebra mussels—an invasive species—and how the species would affect Taylor County if they entered its lakes. The research included measuring the lakes where zebra mussels have sprung up, observing what conditions allow zebra mussels to thrive, and if lakes in Taylor County are at risk of harboring the invasive species. “As our city grows, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential environmental issues that might impact the quality of our lakes and recreational opportunities,” she said. Morell expressed gratitude to the faculty of HSU who helped her with her proposal—including how to draft a professional paper, networking in the scientific community and acquiring resources for her project. “In addition,” she added, “they gave me all the emotional support I needed to power through extensive research.” Morell is a biology major in the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics. After she graduates from HSU, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in marine biology to pursue her dream of researching coral reef restoration and conservation. “Coral reef depletion is a serious concern for our ocean education. I hope to learn more about the ins and outs of research and become a part of a great team to understand how we can preserve our coral reefs.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: The item about BUA was edited after it originally was published to correct the amount of the grant.