Around the State: ETBU hosts Calling Conference

East Texas Baptist University hosted its annual Calling Conference, March 3, providing students the opportunity to learn more about careers in vocational and bivocational ministry. The event brought together current ministers to discuss their calling and how it shapes their ministries. Participants gained knowledge about ministry work and explored their own callings. The conference featured breakout sessions led by experienced ministry leaders: Pastoral Ministry—David Ritsema, senior pastor, First Baptist Church in Waxahachie; Worship Ministry—Tim Whedbee, senior worship pastor, Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview; Youth Ministry—Austin Odom, student pastor, Trinity Baptist Church in Katy; Children’s Ministry—JoAnn Lira Mann, Children’s Director, Graffiti 2 Community Ministries in Bronx, N.Y.; and Mission Ministry—Tom Howe, associate director, Texas Baptists’ Center for Missional Engagement. Ritsema, the keynote speaker, delivered the opening message to the campus community at chapel, emphasizing ministry extends beyond traditional pastoral roles. “You don’t have to be in vocational Christian ministry as a pastor or minister for God to use your gifts, talents and abilities to share the gospel in profound and powerful ways,” Ritsema said. “Here’s what I want you to know: 91 percent of atheists in this country—people who do not believe in God but are seeking spiritual truth—are unlikely to come to me as a pastor. But they will encounter teachers, counselors, coaches and professionals in all walks of life. Whatever field God is calling you to, he can use you to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ to someone who is spiritually hungry. That is part of your calling. As a follower of Jesus, if you are a Christian, you have a calling. You have a gift. You have a purpose.”

The sun had not risen yet, but a dozen Texans on Mission volunteers busily made lunch for teachers at Legacy High School in Mansfield. It was part of a weeklong effort by Texans on Mission and the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter to “show teachers appreciation and God loves them,” said Genia Macon, Texans on Mission unit leader. The team prepared more than 2,000 fajita meals during the last week of February for several Mansfield schools. Texans on Mission delivered the meals daily, while FCA provided food service at each location. Texans on Mission brought a refrigeration trailer full of fajita meat, rice, vegetables, beans, chips and salsa to make the effort happen. The group prepared the meals in the parking lot of First Methodist Church of Mansfield, just two weeks after a Texans on Mission disaster relief training was held there.

Howard Payne University’s School of Science and Mathematics attended the Texas Academy of Science conference in Waco, Feb. 28-March 1. Kristen Hutchins, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics and professor of biology, and Dennis Gibson, associate professor of chemistry and department chair of physical sciences, brought seven students to the conference. Two seniors were accepted to present their research posters at the conference. Ethan Cortez, Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and biomedical science double major from Brownwood, presented a poster titled: “Environmental Stressors on Zebrafish and the Impact of Vitamin D.” Nolan Godfrey, biomedical science major from Early, presented a poster titled: “Fluorescence Microscopy Analysis of Microplastic Interactions with Microorganisms.” Other students attending the conference included Ian Cortez, Jessi Lloyd, Kellen McKee, Bailey Nobles and Addysage Seay. The Texas Academy of Science’s stated mission is to “foster student mentorship and research excellence through our annual scientific meetings and the publication of the Texas Journal of Science.” Gibson will serve on its 2025-2026 board of directors as vice president.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy graduating Class of 2025 at Hardin-Simmons University showcased a year’s worth of research at the 29th annual Scientific Inquiries in Physical Therapy Practice on Feb. 28 in Behrens Auditorium. The event marked the culmination of their academic journey before they depart for clinical rotations. Conducted under the direction of professors, students shared research that has the potential to shape the future of physical therapy, through 12-minute platform presentations. Presentations included findings on: Artificial Intelligence in Physical Therapy and how clinicians’ perspectives on AI differ by age, with younger professionals embracing its potential and older clinicians expressing skepticism; The Science of Grunting, where Dennis O’Connell and his students presented research on the animal like sound of a grunt with findings on how grunting can aid movement, even in daily activities like standing from a chair; High School Student Anatomy Education, measuring the impact of human donor lab exposure on anatomy knowledge and career interest in healthcare with exposure of 500-600 high school students; Personality and Clinical Supervision, analyzing whether clinical supervisors utilize personality profiling for better mentorship; Sports Performance and Injury Prevention, including research on a safety squat bar for female softball players to reduce lower back injuries and a new warm-up technique called isometric potentiating warmup for baseball pitchers that can help increase throwing velocity; and Home Health Advancements, evaluating the reliability of a hand-held dynamometer as a simple and effective tool for assessing muscle strength in home health settings.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognized Baylor University as one of only 56 doctoral universities with the highest number of students selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. As a Top 20 national producer of Fulbright recipients, Baylor also is the top producer among universities in Texas and in the Big 12. This is Baylor’s third consecutive Fulbright Top Producing Institutions honor. The honor recognizes the top institutions with 10 or more graduates or students selected as Fulbright U.S. recipients. A record 18 Baylor students were selected for Fulbright awards for academic year 2024-25. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections and work to address complex global challenges. Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors and the world and have included 44 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel Laureates, 90 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows and countless leaders and changemakers who build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The DBU Men’s Basketball team earned multiple top honors at the 2024-2025 Lone Star Conference awards. After a record-setting season, the Patriots were recognized with Coach of the Year—Blake Flickner; Defensive Player of the Year—Xavion Brown; Sixth Man of the Year—Trevor Frank; and multiple All-LSC team selections.

David J. Davis, a history and Honors College professor at Houston Christian University, has been invited to teach at John Cabot University in Rome this July. Davis will teach a course titled “The Popes of Rome: A History of the Catholic Church.” Davis has taught at HCU since 2010 and specializes in medieval and early-modern British history. Ed Borges, assistant provost and director of the Spahr-Tan Center for International Education at HCU, commented on Davis’ opportunity: “This experience will not only enrich his own scholarship but also enhance his ability to engage students in the study of Christianity’s historical development through a Christian worldview.” Davis teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels and offers courses focused on intellectual, cultural and religious history as well as the history of science. “I love teaching, particularly the history of Christianity,” Davis reflected. “Also, I am honored by the invitation to teach at John Cabot and am excited to explore the city of Rome, one of the bedrocks of Western civilization.” Photo credit: Michael A. Tims/Creative Director

Jay Givens, professor of theological studies and director of online Christian studies for Wayland Baptist University’s School of Christian Studies, has been selected as one of 25 faculty members nationwide to participate in the Teaching Interfaith Understanding seminar. The seminar, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges in partnership with Interfaith America, takes place June 15–18, at DePaul University in Chicago. The seminar will provide participants with strategies to foster interfaith engagement and leadership among students. Religious diversity and the challenges of pluralism have become central topics in both public discourse and higher education. Through this seminar, faculty members will explore methods for integrating interfaith cooperation into their teaching, develop course modules, and engage in discussions on best practices for addressing religious diversity in academic settings. “Hospitality is a core value of the Christian faith. Jesus didn’t just call us to love our neighbors—those who are like us—but to love our enemies—those different from us. In today’s America, our neighbors come from diverse faith traditions,” Givens said. “This seminar offers me the opportunity to explore new ways to teach my students how to love and engage with people of other faiths as an essential part of their Christian witness.”

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has selected Andrew Tiger as dean of the McLane College of Business, effective June 30. Tiger has served as dean or department chair at three universities, held an endowed chair of operations management position, and has developed several academic programs connected to local industries. Most recently, he served as the Norris-Vincent College of Business dean at Angelo State University. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and maintains a productive and high-quality research agenda. He has a special interest in sports analytics and is one of a few who model the pace of play at golf courses. He has developed an iOS app that quantitatively measures how a golf green holds a golf approach shot. Tiger entered academia after working as an industry professional because of his passion for working with students. He earned his Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Houston and holds both a B.S. and M.S. in industrial engineering from the University of Oklahoma. His expertise in operations research intersects with many business disciplines, including operations management, supply chain management and analytics. He has experience working with a Fortune 500 company and has consulted for both large and small private companies.

Retirement

Donnie Auvenshine has announced his retirement, in June, from Howard Payne University, after 32 years of service to the institution. Auvenshine currently serves as the vice president for academic affairs. Auvenshine joined the HPU faculty in 1993 as professor of Christian studies. He went on to serve as dean of the School of Christian Studies from 1994-2003 and again from 2007-2019. Auvenshine led as vice president for academic affairs from 2003-2007 and then from 2019 to the present. He received Excellence in Teaching Awards in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001. “Dr. Donnie Auvenshine has been one of the finest additions to Howard Payne University in all the years I have been here,” said Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies. “He is not only a wonderful teacher who regularly shares insights into the world of the Old Testament, but he is also a capable and trusted minister and friend to all who know him. I know him to be a person of integrity, kindness, honesty and hard work. He also has a keen sense of humor and a contagious laugh.” In addition to his work at HPU, he also was a pastor in DeLeon, Comanche, Odessa and Iraan and has held multiple interim pastorates and provided supply preaching and Bible teaching across the state. He is a previous member of the Theological Education Council for Texas Baptists. Auvenshine is married to Sande and the couple have three children and seven grandchildren.

Anniversary

Speegleville Baptist Church in Waco will celebrate its 175th anniversary on May 18, with a service at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch and a concert by Mercy Song Revival. RSVP at speegle175@gmail.com.