Around the State: ETBU recognizes Mabee Foundation

East Texas Baptist University recognized the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation as the 2025 ETBU Good Samaritan Award recipient on Feb. 20. Inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37, the Good Samaritan Award and ETBU Scholarship Dinner celebrates individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of “loving your neighbor as yourself.” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said: “The Mabee Foundation has been a cornerstone of Christian higher education, providing challenge grants that help institutions grow and thrive. Their commitment has allowed schools like ETBU to expand facilities, enhance academic programs, and serve students for generations to come.” Established by John and Lotte Mabee in 1948, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has provided more than $1.5 billion in support of organizations that reflect their passion for improving education, health and social services. Throughout the years, thousands of ETBU students have benefited from the support of the foundation. “We live in challenging times. It has often been difficult, sometimes even fearful, to stand up for what is right and true. Yet, we must stand firm,” John W. Mabee, chairman of the Mabee Foundation said. McKool Smith served as the presenting sponsor for the Good Samaritan Dinner, and principal attorney Sam Baxter led a question-and-answer session with the Honorable David Folsom, who served as a U.S. District judge, Eastern District of Texas, from April 14, 1995, to March 17, 2012.

Houston Christian University hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Founders Hall II on Feb. 18, marking completion of the final building in the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty complex. The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Chris Hammons, director of the Morris Center for Law & Liberty, followed by an invocation by Ramiro A. Peña, chairman, HCU board of trustees. HCU President Robert Sloan expressed the university’s appreciation to Lisa Simon and Stewart Morris Jr., children of the late Morris Stewart Sr., lead donor on the complex, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, and other significant donors to the project. The recently completed 28,000-square-foot, three-story Founders Hall II also will provide expanded academic space for students across various disciplines, housing nine classrooms, seven offices, a workroom and conference room. While architecturally mirroring Founders Hall I, the new building features faculty offices on the third floor in contrast to the student lounge found in the adjacent academic building. Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer Sandra Mooney expressed appreciation to the team responsible for bringing the project to fruition.

With the elevation of Logsdon School of Theology to its own college, Hardin-Simmons University announced Jacob West has been named dean. West, who has served as associate dean of Logsdon since March 2024, will step into the new role when Logsdon’s elevation to college status is complete in June. A three-time HSU graduate, he brings a passion for ministry and a commitment to equipping future Christian leaders. “It brings me great joy to continue this endeavor as dean,” West said. “I pray daily for Logsdon to be an encouraging hand to every program and group on this campus, and for HSU and Logsdon to encourage churches both near and far.”

In response to the alarming increase in global religious persecution, Garlyn and La Juan Shelton donated $1 million to establish the Center for Global Religious Freedom on the DBU campus. The university expressed gratitude for the Sheltons’ support and for their vision to protect religious freedom throughout the world. Center for Global Religious Freedom Director Randel Everett explained why an emphasis on global religious freedom is important. “Two of every three people in the world face religious persecution,” Everett said. “Christians are regularly targeted, but others also suffer—including Muslims, Hindus, Baha’is, Yazidis, even atheists—because of their beliefs.” Standing up for persecuted people globally is an expression of Christ’s Great Commandment—to love God with all of our being and to love others as we love ourselves, he added. “DBU is perfectly situated to be a leading voice for this foundational freedom because of the university’s dedication to Christ, its commitment to Baptist practices, and a worldview that includes a robust international community,” Everett said. “The administration and faculty have deep commitments to religious freedom and compassion for the persecuted. I hope we can build on this strong foundation by offering classes, conferences, advocacy opportunities, and partnerships with other universities, churches, and advocacy groups standing with the persecuted and promoting global religious freedom.”

Wayland Baptist University senior David Snellgrove was named Plainview Chamber of Commerce’s Student of the Month for February, recognizing his academic excellence, leadership and dedication. A political science major with a minor in business administration, Snellgrove maintains a 4.0 GPA and is on track to graduate in May 2025. He transferred to Wayland from South Plains College in fall 2022 and has since distinguished himself as a scholar and leader within the university community. After graduation, he plans to pursue a legal career and currently is applying to law schools for the fall 2025 term. Snellgrove is the son of Brad and Julie Snellgrove of Plainview.

Brownwood’s Wanda Jackson has been selected by the Howard Payne University Women’s Club to receive the 2025 Yellow Rose Award. Jackson will be recognized at the club’s annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon, scheduled for April 24, in the Beadel Dining Hall of HPU’s Mabee University Center. The Yellow Rose Award is presented to an individual who is a leader that has assisted in fulfilling the mission and vision of HPU. Jackson was born and raised in a Christian home in the Dallas area. She met her future husband, Richard, in seventh grade and the two began dating in high school. They have been together for more than 70 years. The couple served in churches in Bangs, May, Bluff Dale, Cleburne, Sulphur Springs and Phoenix, Ariz., as well as 20 interim pastorates. In addition to her roles as wife, mother and pastor’s wife, Jackson taught Sunday school, Girls in Action and young adult women. During their time at North Phoenix Baptist Church, she served as director of preschool and for 12 years oversaw a preschool ministry of up to 300 children on a given day. After the church hired a full-time director, Jackson returned to teaching young adult women in the church. The couple moved back to Texas after 25 years in Arizona. Jackson served with the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Brownwood more than 20 years. The Jacksons are active members of First Baptist Church of Brownwood. They have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At the luncheon, the Women’s Club also will honor the 2025 Yellow Rose Scholarship recipients. The Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon gives women from the community and friends of HPU the chance to acknowledge the honorees and to contribute to the Yellow Rose Scholarship Endowment. Individuals interested in table sponsorships can visit www.hputx.edu/yellowrose or contact the advancement office at 325-649-8007.

During its regular February meeting, the Baylor University board of regents took several actions that will provide the foundation for an aggressive implementation of the university’s new strategic plan—Baylor in Deeds. Affirmed by the board last May, Baylor in Deeds will guide the university through 2030. Regents approved two new undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering in Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and a Bachelor of Philosophy in Great Texts within the Honors College. Among other actions, the board renewed its commitment to maintaining the affordability of a Baylor education, while also recognizing the uncertainties and financial pressures that have impacted higher education. Regents affirmed the launch of a $250 million Extend the Line scholarship initiative aligned with the Baylor in Deeds strategic plan that will support both short-term and long-term strategies. The board also approved an increase in Baylor’s tuition and fees for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. After accounting for financial aid and need-based and merit scholarship opportunities, the average net out-of-pocket increase in tuition and fees per incoming student is expected to be $2,255 annually.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s College of Visual and Performing Arts will host several events this spring. All performances take place in the Baugh Performance Hall in the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, and tickets are required to attend. On March 21 at 7 p.m., the university welcomes The StepCrew to the stage. The StepCrew combines three dance forms—Ottawa Valley Stepdance, Irish Stepdance and tap. UMHB will present The Little Prince, A Magical Opera on April 11 at 7 p.m.; April 12 at 2:30 p.m.; and April 13 at 2:30 p.m. UMHB Wind Ensemble concerts are scheduled Feb. 28 and April 25 at 7 p.m. A UMHB One Voice and Concert Choir concert will be March 6 at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at 254-295-5999 or email pac@umhb.edu. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Anniversary

Westside Baptist Church in Killeen celebrated its 40th anniversary on Feb. 23.