Around the State: HCU director honored for professional service

Tiffany Charles, director of undergraduate admissions at Houston Christian University, was presented with the Trent Argo Service Award at the National Association of Baptist Enrollment Professionals annual summer conference at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton. The award was established in honor of Trent Argo, a past president of NABEP. Argo served in many roles throughout his career, including as vice president for enrollment management at Bluefield College in Virginia, prior to his sudden death. The award is presented each year to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary passion for students and selfless service to the enrollment profession. James Steen, vice president of enrollment management and marketing at HCU, said what sets Charles apart is her wholehearted love for Jesus and commitment to championing Christian higher education.

Texas Baptist Student Ministry will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 19 with the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation to celebrate the grand opening of the new BSM building at Baylor University. Construction began in September 2025 following the completion of fundraising requirements for the Mabee Foundation Grant, which was awarded in July 2024. TBMF later hosted a beam-signing ceremony in February. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with remarks from Bill Noe, associate director for Texas Baptists’ Center for Collegiate Ministry. BSM Director Will Bowden will speak on the ministry’s next chapter at Baylor, followed by the ribbon cutting and building dedication. Additional speakers include Linda Livingstone, Baylor  University president; Jerry Carlisle, TBMF president; Eric Wyatt, TBMF vice president; Mark Jones, Center for Collegiate Ministry director; and Julio Guarneri, Texas Baptists executive director.

Wayland Baptist University celebrates the opening of its new Irving location Saturday, Aug. 8, expanding the university’s ability to serve international graduate students in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The opening ceremony will also serve as orientation for the next cohort of international master’s and Ph.D. students, whose classes begin in September. An increased number of incoming students are expected to attend, along with Donna Hedgepath, Wayland president, members of the president’s cabinet, and representatives of the International Programs department. The Irving location will provide an instructional and student-support presence for Wayland’s growing International Program. Its location in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas will give students greater access to academic resources, employers, and professional opportunities while they complete their degrees. Wayland officials anticipate expanding the Irving location as enrollment and academic needs grow. Future plans could include more graduate programs and undergraduate offerings, subject to all required institutional, governmental, and accreditation approvals.