Around the State: HCU a founding member of new accreditation system

Houston Christian University announced they have joined the National Association for Academic Excellence, Inc. as a founding member, helping establish a selective, non-regionally based model of institutional accreditation centered on academic rigor, student value, and expanded choice in accreditation. As a founding member, HCU will help shape NAAE’s governance and accreditation framework through service on its board of directors and Commission on Accreditation, which is responsible for accreditation decisions. Founding members will contribute to the development and refinement of accreditation standards, procedures, training, technology, evidence requirements, and terminology. “My experience on both sides of accreditation has shown me the importance of rigorous peer review and clear standards,” said HCU Acting President Sandy Mooney. “An effective accreditor must understand the missions of independent colleges and universities, evaluate the outcomes that truly matter, and help institutions strengthen the education they provide.”

Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team hosted a University Interscholastic League congressional debate workshop Oct. 13, drawing nearly 40 students and six teachers from area high schools. Rylie Burden, team captain and a senior social science-jurisprudence major in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy from Lubbock, led the workshop. Burden is a four-time state qualifier and two-time state finalist in UIL congressional debate. Participants explored key aspects of congressional debate, including Robert’s Rules of Order, presiding officer rules and procedures, flowing, taglines, briefs, and research resources. The workshop also covered bill writing and analysis, docket negotiations, politicking, clash, and presentation and personality. The team will host its next UIL workshop Wednesday, Oct. 28. The workshop will cover Lincoln-Douglas debate, cross-examination debate, informative and persuasive speaking, prose and poetry, news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, headline writing, and copy editing.

Texas Baptist Children’s Home elected Jeff Jones as its new president, effective Oct. 26. Jones will succeed Debbie Rippstein Bond, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 37 years of service in various roles with Children at Heart Ministries, including more than 11 years as president of TBCH. Jones brings 26 years of experience with Buckner International. During his tenure, he held leadership roles in children and family counseling, international ministries, and development. He also worked as a counselor in private Christian practice and coached at a Christian high school in Arlington. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, dual master’s degrees in religious education and marriage and family counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree from Liberty University. Jones said he was drawn to the ministry’s mission and its commitment to serving vulnerable children and families: “The mission is clear and unwavering as TBCH seeks to embrace, empower, and equip those we serve.”

Wayland Baptist University will celebrate the opening of its new prayer garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. The garden is located just east of the Brown Family Conference Center. “This reflects our mission—our commitment to faith, community, and the development of the whole person,” said Donna Hedgepath, WBU president, during the garden’s groundbreaking in September. Hedgepath will offer remarks at Wednesday’s ceremony. Teresa Young, associate vice president for advancement, will welcome guests and recognize donors. Mike Hammack, vice president for institutional advancement, will offer the closing prayer. University leaders, trustees, donors, landscaping professionals, and other invited guests will participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A reception will follow in the lobby of the Van Howeling Education Complex.