Around the State: ETBU fellowship during family, friends event

East Texas Baptist University welcomed families and friends to campus Sept. 18-20 for its annual Family Weekend, providing opportunities for students and their loved ones to experience life on the Hill and connect with the university community. More than 1,000 guests visited campus throughout the weekend for the special tradition. Family Weekend began Friday morning with an ETBU Tiger Volleyball victory over Hendrix College, kicking off the Tiger Invitational Tournament hosted throughout the weekend in Ornelas Gym. Later that day, students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the East Texas community gathered in Baker Chapel for an afternoon of worship through hymns. The evening continued with Gather at The Grove, where families enjoyed music, lawn games, food trucks, and outdoor recreation. “It means the world to me to have my family here with me on campus,” said Kayla Sandmann, a junior nursing major. “Our home is three and a half hours away, and they all made the trek and worked out the plans so they could all be here for me. I’m a first-generation college student, and each one of them has played a significant role in getting me here. I can’t thank them enough for playing the part that the Lord had planned out for them in advance.”

Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary has set a new enrollment record, with 558 students enrolled in credit-bearing, graduate-level courses for fall 2026. The figure, verified by the university’s Office of Institutional Research, represents an increase of more than 12 percent over last semester and marks the seminary’s fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth. Since fall 2023, enrollment has increased from 389 to 558 students. Growth spans several degree programs, including a 5 percent increase in the Master of Divinity, a 32 percent increase in the Master of Theological Studies, and a 35 percent increase in the Ph.D. in Preaching at the Waco campus. Enrollment in the Doctor of Ministry has increased 3 percent. Todd Still, Truett dean, said the numbers show the Lord was working on their behalf to bring more students. “When we were engaged in strategic planning in fall 2024, we were hoping against hope to enroll 500 students by fall 2030. To be where we currently are is a testament to the good work and good will of so many and to the Lord’s goodness to our seminary. We are looking forward to stewarding well the students and resources entrusted to us as we seek to be faithful to our mission of equipping and forming God-called men and women for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s church by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Wayland Baptist University opened its Irving location on Sept. 25-26 for its first two-day residency at the facility for more than 300 master’s and doctoral students. Students traveled from across the United States for the fall residency, marking a milestone for the location, which opened in August to serve graduate students, including many in Wayland’s growing International Program. The next Irving residency is scheduled for Oct. 23-24. At the Plainview campus, enrollment increased significantly with 711 students this fall, up 12.1 percent. The campus welcomed 392 freshmen and transfer students, its largest incoming class since 2016. “God has blessed Wayland with students eager to be here and people who are deeply committed to serving them,” said Donna Hedgepath, Wayland president.

Houston Christian University celebrates record-breaking enrollment for the fall 2026 semester on the heels of two prior milestone enrollment years. HCU welcomed 1,071 first-time freshmen, up from 954 in fall 2025, reflecting a 12 percent year-over-year increase. Additionally, HCU enrolled 179 new transfers as well as a record 374 dual enrollment students who are currently high school juniors and seniors. Sandy Mooney, acting president of HCU, said the enrollment impacts the mission by moving the institution forward. “Our mission has not changed. We exist to provide a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence, grounded in our confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. Enrollment matters because it helps us carry out that mission, and we’re deeply grateful for the record class that has joined us this fall,” said Mooney.

Tri-Rivers Baptist Area invites ministers seeking opportunities to serve, along with their spouses, to a free luncheon during the Texas Baptists annual meeting in Waco. The event will be “a time of encouragement, connection, and fellowship” as ministry leaders gather to encourage and equip one another. The luncheon will be held Monday, Nov. 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Waco Convention Center. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. To reserve your place, visit https://tri-riversbaptistarea.com/form/13665.