Wayland Baptist University has named Sarah Perez interim associate dean of the Mieth School of Nursing, effective immediately. Perez has served as an assistant professor of nursing in the Mieth School of Nursing since January 2025 after joining the program as a clinical adjunct faculty member in fall 2024. In her new role, she will assist with academic leadership, faculty support, student success initiatives, and the continued growth of Wayland’s nursing programs. Three members of Wayland’s leadership team officially began new administrative roles July 1 as the university entered its 2026-2027 fiscal year. Cindy McClenagan began serving as provost while continuing as vice president of academic affairs. Shawn Thomas assumed the role of vice president of athletics and student life, and Jay Givens began serving as associate vice president of academics. As provost, McClenagan will continue serving as Wayland chief academic officer while providing additional leadership in institutional strategy, academic excellence, and long-range planning. The leadership transitions also include moving oversight of university facilities to Paul Edwards, chief financial officer, aligning campus operations with the university financial planning. Wayland also named Joshua Switzer vice president of strategic initiatives and innovations/chief of staff and assistant professor of management. Switzer will serve from the Plainview campus. The newly created leadership position is designed to strengthen strategic planning, advance institutional initiatives, and foster innovation across the university while supporting the Office of the President. The position will play a key role in implementing Wayland RISE strategic plan by helping coordinate university priorities, encouraging collaboration across divisions, and developing innovative approaches that support the institution mission and long-term vision. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Switzer will teach management courses in Wayland School of Business.
Baylor University announced the highest fundraising year in its 181-year history, with the Baylor Family joining together to give a record-breaking $244.5 million to the university during fiscal year 2026. Nearly 25,000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends gave to support areas across the university, including academic programs and research, endowed faculty positions, Student Life activities, scholarship funds, resources for missions and study abroad, athletics, and more through gifts, pledges, and planned gifts. A significant portion of the record-breaking gifts and pledges was made in support of Extend the Line, a scholarship fundraising initiative to help ensure a Baylor education remains accessible and affordable for current and prospective students. Aiming to raise $250 million by 2030, donors gave more than $80.5 million in fiscal year 2026 toward the initiative, establishing 87 new scholarships and increasing existing scholarship funds. Since the initiatives public launch in February 2025, Extend the Line has raised nearly $124 million in total scholarship support, reaching nearly half of its goal in just over a year.
Paisano Baptist Encampment begins July 19 with Sunday dinner at 6 p.m. and ends with Friday lunch July 24. Paisano Baptist Encampment is in Paisano Pass between Alpine and Marfa in far West Texas. In August 1916, West Texans gathered as George W. Truett preached the first Paisano sermon while standing on the bed of a wagon with a wooden barrel serving as the pulpit. For 110 years, Paisano has been deeply rooted in holy ground as the cowboy camp meeting has brought together families, friends, and churches for worship, fellowship, and a break from busyness. This year’s preachers include Howie Batson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Amarillo, and Matt Snowden, pastor of First Baptist Church in Waco. Steve Wells, pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, will lead the adult Bible study. Dan Baker, a native Texan and minister of music at First Baptist Church in Amarillo, will lead worship for the first time, joined by Paul Bright and Russel Gunstream on piano and organ. Missions Focus will include Pam and Dib Hamilton on Monday and Thursday, Cobi and Judd Porter on Tuesday and Friday, and Vela Edwards on Wednesday. Karen and Kelly Barnett will host family time. Nursery, preschool, children day camp, and youth programs will serve participants from birth through high school in the mornings, while young adults and adults will have their own activities. Men open the day with prayer at 8 a.m., followed by family and mission sessions at 8:45 a.m., Bible study at 9:45 a.m., and morning worship at 11 a.m. Evening services begin at 7:30 p.m., with choir practice at 5 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Nursery, preschoolers, and children have their own evening activities except on Wednesday, when the entire family gathers for worship and the children choir sings. Communion is part of the Thursday evening service. Afternoon recreation, sports tournaments, and visits to the Paisano Museum exercise the body, mind, and spirit, while creating deep friendships that last for generations. Paisano encourages family togetherness and spiritual renewal. Those interested in participating can visit paisanoencampment.org.
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