At the end of the spring semester at Howard Payne University, Kim Rosato, adjunct professor of kinesiology, took her surfing class on a road trip to Encinitas, Calif. In addition to surfing lessons and surfing, the class also went on hiking trips around the area and participated in a service project. During the trip, the class camped at San Elijo State Beach, visited Swami’s Botanical Meditation Garden, La Jolla and Pirates Cove in Newport, as well as hiked Annie’s Canyon Trail and Torrey Pines. The service project this year was picking up trash on the beach. The surfing class has been offered each spring semester for more than 15 consecutive years, except in 2020 due to COVID-19. Classes like surfing are offered through the HPU kinesiology department to fulfill the general education activity course requirements.

The Smith Organ in Belin Chapel at Houston Christian University served as a featured teaching venue for Houston’s Pipe Organ Encounter, a national program that welcomed 18 middle and high school piano and organ students from across the country. Hosted by the Houston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, the weeklong event took place July 20-25, offering students lessons, education and performances on many of Houston’s finest pipe organs. Designed for students ages 13 to 18—whether beginners or more advanced

players—the Pipe Organ Encounter provided hands-on opportunities to play a variety of instruments, attend organ concerts, and learn about the history, design, construction, and maintenance of pipe organs. University Organist John Kirk joined distinguished faculty from Rice University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas, along with other area organists, to instruct these talented young musicians. Several students received their first organ lessons in Belin Chapel.

Will Klotz has been named president of Miracle Farm Boys Ranch, an affiliate of Children at Heart Ministries, effective Aug. 4. Klotz spent his mid-teen years at a boys’ ranch ministry similar to Miracle Farm that his parents founded. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Christian Leadership University in New York, he later obtained a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He was founding pastor of New City Fellowship in Manassas, Va.

Dallas Baptist University announced a $5 million gift from The Nation Foundation and longtime friends and supporters, Jim and Sally Nation of Dallas, to the Don and Linda Carter School of Business. Their donation is part of DBU’s “Stand Firm—Stand Out” campaign for the Carter School of Business, an initiative to advance the mission of Christ-centered education and prepare students to lead with faith and integrity in business.

Retirement

Dan Wooldridge retires after 30 years as pastor of Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown and more than five decades in ministry. Wooldridge will deliver a special message of reflection and encouragement to the congregation on Aug. 3. Following the services, the celebration will continue with a community block party in Manor, marking both his retirement and the launch of Crestview Manor, a new campus of Crestview Baptist Church located at 11805 Johnson Road, Manor.

Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, the Ben and Bertha Mieth School of Nursing at Wayland Baptist University has completed significant upgrades to create a state-of-the-art simulation lab at the university’s San Antonio campus in Live Oak. The new technology is now operational, equipping nursing students with advanced tools to sharpen clinical skills and prepare for the evolving demands of the healthcare workforce. The grant funded the addition of a virtual reality-based simulation environment designed to immerse students in a variety of patient-care scenarios, ranging from routine interactions to high-acuity emergencies. The Mieth School of Nursing serves a diverse student population, many of whom are first-generation college students and Pell Grant recipients. With the simulation lab now fully operational, these students can gain critical hands-on experience in a safe, supportive and technologically advanced setting.

A team of archaeologists, led by Baylor University’s Davide Zori, San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project principal investigator, has uncovered a rare, intact Etruscan chamber tomb in central Italy—a discovery hailed as one of the most significant finds in recent decades for understanding the ancient pre-Roman civilization. The sealed chamber tomb at San Giuliano—a site located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Rome—dates back 2,600 years, according to Zori, who also serves as associate professor of history and archaeology in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core in the Honors College. Inside the undisturbed tomb, the remains of four individuals lay on carved stone beds surrounded by more than 100 remarkably well-preserved grave goods, including ceramic vases, iron weapons, bronze ornaments and delicate silver hair spools. Preliminary analysis of the tomb objects suggests the buried individuals might be two male-female pairs, but further conclusions await anthropological, isotopic and genetic study of the remains.

Houston Christian University announced the launch of the Master of Science in Human Resources Management—People Analytics degree program in the Archie W. Dunham College of Business beginning this fall. This STEM-designated program blends traditional human resources leadership with advanced data analytics.  Students will have the option of enrolling in a fully online or residential/hybrid format. Designed for working professionals, the fully online format offers flexibility, requiring no campus visits and providing access to virtual networking, faculty engagement and hands-on learning opportunities. Students can enroll in courses across multiple terms throughout the year, allowing for customized pacing while balancing professional commitments. The residential program’s hybrid approach is a 60 percent classroom and 40 percent online for each class.  The residential hybrid approach provides students the advantages of an in-person educational experience while allowing maximum flexibility.

Print and digital materials for the Week of Prayer for Texas Missions—scheduled for Sept. 14-21 this year—can be ordered at iamtexasmissions.org/order. Materials also may be ordered by phone at (214) 828-5150 or by email at wmutx@texasbaptists.org. The Week of Prayer for Texas Missions is a time for churches and individuals to pray for more than 70 Texas Baptists ministries and missionaries dedicated to serving and sharing the gospel across the state.This year, WMU of Texas’ Mary Hill Davis Offering goal is $3.5 million to support these mission efforts. To learn more, visit iamtexasmissions.org/allocations.

Anniversary

Bob Ray has served 60 years as pastor of Fairy Baptist Church in Hico. The congregation will celebrate Aug. 31, with a 4 p.m. worship service followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.

In the tiny village of Ninilchik, Alaska—where the road ends and Cook Inlet begins—Wayland Baptist University students, Donnie Brown and Marcos Hinojos Jr., brought more than sports skills and service projects this summer. They brought joy, encouragement and the hope of the gospel. Led by Brown, director of spiritual life, and Hinojos, offensive line coach for Pioneers football, the team partnered with Alaska Missions to host a weeklong sports camp for local children in one of the state’s most remote communities. The camp combined afternoon sessions of football and basketball drills with spiritual moments. Eight children responded by placing their faith in Christ. Alaska Missions is following up with those students, connecting them with local churches to foster discipleship and growth. Wayland students experienced their own spiritual transformation through the week. Wayland has a long-standing partnership with Alaska Missions, led by Brenda Crim.

Hardin-Simmons University has earned multiple honors from Colleges of Distinction, a national resource for guidance counselors, parents, students, and hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States. For the 11th consecutive year, HSU has been named a College of Distinction—an honor that highlights universities demonstrating excellence in undergraduate education through engaged students, excellent teaching, vibrant campus life and strong student outcomes. HSU is one of only five universities in Texas recognized this year as an Affordable College of Distinction, reflecting the university’s deep commitment to making Christ-centered education both accessible and attainable.

Stark College and Seminary hosted historian and author Beth Allison Barr of Baylor University on The Stark Difference Podcast to speak on calling, ministry and her newest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife.

Texans on Mission continues to respond to disaster response needs in the Hill Country after devastating flooding on July 4. The organization has established a webpage specific to this relief. Visit the page to make donations, volunteer to help with relief efforts or request assistance.

Wayland Baptist University announces the promotion of longtime staff member Teresa Young to the role of associate vice president for institutional advancement. A 1994 Wayland graduate, Young brings more than two decades of experience in communications, alumni engagement and fundraising to her new position. She most recently served as development officer for annual gifts and grants, where she played a key role in donor engagement and stewardship during the university’s successful Thrive campaign. Young earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communicationand English from Wayland in 1994 and a Master of Arts in mass communication from Texas Tech University in 2003. Before joining the university, she worked as a journalist for the Weatherford Democrat, Plainview Daily Herald and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. She began her career at Wayland in July 2000 as director of public relations and communications. After a two-year stint serving in mission work with Athletes in Action in Ohio, Young returned to the university in 2013 as director of annual giving. She later served as director of alumni relations beginning in 2017 and moved into her most recent development role in 2022. In her new role, Young will manage strategic fundraising initiatives and provide leadership to the university’s development team.

This year Houston Christian University celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Guild and its success in raising more than $2.6 million in scholarship funds to support graduate students since its inception. Established in November 1974 as the President’s Advisors, The Guild is a group of civic-minded, dedicated Christian women from various denominations who joined forces under the auspices of the president of Houston Christian University to fulfill a unique role in the future growth and development of the university. In 1994, The Guild launched a graduate scholarship program—an initiative that has since awarded 567 scholarships, including 81 endowed and 486 annual scholarships.The Guild recently hosted its annual Silver Tea, a major fundraising event supporting their scholarship program, which benefits graduate students in the School of Christian Thought and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. For the upcoming academic year, this organization has awarded 34 annual scholarships and eight endowed scholarships for students pursuing degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Since its founding, The Guild has brought together civic-minded Christian women, united through service, social fellowship and spiritual purpose, to support the university’s mission of preparing students for lives of service and leadership.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s chemistry department recently received a $40,000 grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation of Houston. This grant will fund student chemistry research for the 2025-2026 academic year. It also will facilitate student research scholarships, conference travel, publications and new equipment. During the 2024-2025 academic year, eight UMHB chemistry students received chemical research scholarships from the Welch Foundation’s three-year grant to UMHB. They are Amber Dickey from Frisco, Jordana Discher from Plano, Courtney Glasterfrom Humble, Constantinos Loullis from Salado, Morgan McMullen from Niederwald, Shane Melick from Oro Valley, Ariz., Camille Ornelas from Weslaco, and Lyndsey Schwope from Marble Falls.

Oleksandr Geychenko, rector of Odesa Theological Seminary, invites all who wish to participate to the Summer School of Theology 2025, hosted by Eastern European Institute of Theology July 28 through August 2. The event will be via Zoom and mostly in English. Lectures presented in other languages will have English translation for those requesting it. The theme of the school is “The World with Broken Borders: Theological Perspectives on Displacement and Diasporas.” For information on presenters and to register click here.

A team of students, faculty and staff from Wayland Baptist University has returned from the university’s seventh trip to Honduras, where they participated in a week-long medical mission to rural villages near Granadilla. The mission—led by Adam Reinhart, dean of the Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences, with assistance from Donnie Brown, director of spiritual life—combined medical outreach with gospel-centered ministry. Rebekah Grigsby, dean of the Ben and Betha Mieth School of Nursing at Wayland’s San Antonio campus, also was involved in the trip. Other participants included Olivia Fisher, Sarai Segura, Jazmin Ortega, Dylan Dodd, Carter Biggs, Rogelio Saucedo, Peyton North, Chloe Ratheal and Ellen Bruffey. The trip, part of an ongoing partnership with Joseph Denton and Tree of Life International, offered students in pre-health programs hands-on experience in health screenings, medication distribution and anti-parasite treatments. But organizers say the trip is about much more than physical care. “What excited me most was seeing students use their gifts and abilities to serve others and share the gospel,” Brown said. “This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about equipping students to live missionally, both in Honduras and when they return home.”

This spring, Dallas Baptist University alumna Cora Moncibaiz was named one of the 2025 Future Texas Business Legend Scholars by the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Selected from universities across Texas, Cora joins 21 students recognized for their entrepreneurial drive, leadership and vision for the future of business in Texas. While at DBU, she served as a student worker for the Women’s Auxiliary Board—a role that sparked a love for event planning and floral design. This passion blossomed into a thriving business, and in 2021 she began Imago Dei Events—a wedding and event company that reflects Cora’s heart for ministry and her desire to serve others with purpose. What began with grocery store flowers, and a dream has turned into a thriving business now recognized across the Texas business community. For the full list of 2025 Texas Business Hall of Fame Scholars click here.

Howard Payne University’s fourth annual North Texas Alumni Golf Tournament was held June 23 at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington. Alumni and friends networked and connected while also raising funds to support student scholarships at HPU. The first-place team was comprised of Bryan Allen, Garrett Goodwin, Tim Goodwin andRoyce Jesko. The second-place team included Brad Andrews, Garrett Einspahr, Mike Hibbs and Eric Skalos. Third place went to Rodney Bell, Chase Brown, Jim Miller and Terry Minton. Randy Lewallyn, a 1997 alumnus and HPU trustee, served as chair of the tournament. Plans are underway for the 2026 tournament. Alumni and friends can visit www.hputx.edu/golf for updates.

Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas will partner with Send Relief and Texans on Mission to share Jesus through Serve Brownsville on the Texas border, July 31 to Aug. 3. During the event, WMU of Texas will host a block party featuring a school supplies drive, as well as crafts and activities for kids. Volunteers will have an opportunity to share the gospel with children and adults, as WMU of Texas provides activities and play for children while other events meet additional needs in the community. Texas Baptists can bring hope and healing to those in need through the back-to-school drive and block party, benefiting children and families in the Brownsville area by joining the volunteer team serving in Brownsville, giving online or collecting school supplies by July 17. Visit wmutx.org/brownsville to register, give or access the donation list and drop-off instructions.

Wayland Baptist University celebrated the successful completion of its three-year Thrive Campaign, raising more than $19.5 million and surpassing its original $18 million goal by more than $1.5 million. The comprehensive campaign has fueled projects that support students across every area of university life, from academic programs to student services and campus enhancements. Launched in 2022, the Thrive Campaign shattered records for the number of donors in fiscal year 2023 and 2025 and set a record for any three-year period. Federal grants were secured to support first-generation and military-affiliated students through scholarships, staffing, and programs such as the Summer Bridge Program and a new Veteran Success Center.

Ahead of the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, July 7-12, the Baptist World Alliance and Baylor University announced the establishment of a Baptist World Alliance Program—the first-ever university-based, graduate-level study center devoted specifically to the study of the life, history and ongoing mission and ministry of the BWA. The BWA Program will be housed at Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University President Linda Livingstone and BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown will participate in a ceremonial signing of the programagreement July 10. The BWA Program will operate at Truett Seminary and stretch across the Baylor family to offer multidisciplinary, academic and scholarly education, research, support and practical engagement. Anticipated activities include both non-credit and graduate-level certificates for current and future leaders, pastors and students; collaborative learning opportunities including courses, workshops, conferences and seminars; speaking opportunities at Baylor University and BWA events; and support for research and active scholarship. In addition, Baylor University and Truett Seminary will offer seminars leading to a Doctor of Ministry in collaboration with the John Leland Center for Theological Studies at the BWA global headquarters in Falls Church, Va.

Fellowship Southwest received the McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer Award at this year’s Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly. Presented during the annual luncheon hosted by CBF’s Pan African Koinonia, the award celebrates the legacy of Emmanuel McCall and honors those working to advance racial justice within and beyond the church. In his acceptance remarks, Stephen Reeves, executive director of Fellowship Southwest, expressed his appreciation for sharing the honor with Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, noting: “Racial justice is absolutely at the heart of what Fellowship Southwest is all about.”

Since 2010, WMU of Texas Women’s Build volunteers have traveled to the Rio Grande Valley to offer hope, build relationships and share Jesus. Women’s Build, a ministry of WMU of Texas, is an annual women-led home build experience in partnership with Buckner International. Each year, two teams of volunteers build a brand-new home for a family participating in Buckner’s Family Hope Center Program. No experience is necessary to come learn how to build a home while sharing the gospel. This year’s Women’s Build Project will be in Mission. Team One will build on Oct. 19-24 and Team Two on Oct. 23-28. Cost is $185 per person, including room and board. Visit https://www.wmutx.org/get-involved/womens-build for more information.

Retirement

Alfonso Flores after 63 years of ministry, including the last 35 years as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana in San Antonio.

Graduate students from the Master of Business Administration program at Houston Christian University recently spent 10 days immersed in Spain and Portugal, where they explored how companies across Europe are navigating growth, innovation and global strategy. The program, held in May, was co-led by Pauline Akatsa-Hinga, assistant professor of international business and Eduardo Borges, assistant provost for student affairs and director of the Spahr-Tan Center for International Education. In Barcelona, students engaged in a live strategy challenge with Veritas, an organic grocery chain focused on sustainability and marketing innovation. Among other international business experiences, the students met with executives at the Barça Innovation Hub, where they learned how FC Barcelona applies research, analytics and technology to performance and fan engagement. Cultural highlights included visits to La Sagrada Familia cathedral, Park Güell and Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona, as well as São Jorge Castle, the Monastery of St. Jerome and the Belém Tower in Lisbon.

Wayland Baptist University honored Ashley Sacriste, chief executive officer of Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for the San Antonio campus during commencement exercises held June 13 at Trinity Baptist Church. D. Glenn Simmons, executive director and campus dean for the San Antonio campus presented the award. Sacriste began her educational journey at Wayland’s San Antonio campus, where she earned her bachelor’s degree before pursuing graduate studies in health care administration. She now leads one of San Antonio’s most respected behavioral health facilities and has become a recognized advocate for mental health access and reform. She is deeply engaged in the community, partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma. She believes sustainable progress in health care requires collaboration between providers, policymakers and the public. Beyond her local impact, Sacriste advocates for systemic change as a member of the Texas Hospital Association Behavioral Health Council and the Patient Safety and Quality Council.

Howard Payne University named Adam Bright as the new director of athletics. Bright brings almost 20 years of leadership experience to the role with a background in athletic administration, coaching and business. He will begin the new role on July 14. Bright joins the HPU staff after serving as associate athletic director at Sam Houston State University. He previously served as athletic director at high schools in Buena Vista, Durango and Granby, Colo., as well as assistant commissioner for Colorado High School Activities Association in Aurora, Colo. Additionally, he worked in nearby Winters Independent School District and with minor and major league baseball teams. Bright served as director of corporate sales for West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, a Double A minor league baseball team; as general manager of Greenville Bluesmen Baseball, a Single A minor league baseball team; and in corporate sponsorships for Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Save the date: Baylor University’s Collaborative on Faith and Disability will host author Amy Julia Becker Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, for a conversation on reimagining church life with disability. Registration details for the free workshop to come.

The “Beyond us … From Neighborhoods to Nations” Missions Conference will be held Oct. 6-8 in Waco. The conference is sponsored by Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary, Church Under the Bridge and Baylor Spiritual Life. It will include a wide range of missional topics, including the unreached in local communities and across the world who never have heard the name of Jesus. There will be workshops on: mobilizing Christians, discipleship and evangelism training, Bible translation; empowering those with disabilities, advocacy for the marginalized, church planting, reaching refugees and international students; ways to offer basic needs like clean water, food and justice; business as mission, micro-loans and engineering, all for the kingdom of God. Several workshops will be offered in Spanish. For more information, including confirmed speakers, sponsorship opportunities and a registration link, visit https://beyondusconference.org or email jimmymdorrell@gmail.com.

Registration for Camp Fusion, sponsored by Texas Baptists Multicultural Ministry, is now open through June 30. The July 22-26 camp held at Latham Springs Camp & Retreat Center, aims to connect second-generation multicultural students in grades 6 through 12, to help them grow in their faith. The camp theme is “Converge,” focused on Galatians 3:28. More information can be found here.

San Antonio Baptist Association’s Campus of Seminario Teologico Bautista L.A.C.Y. has its first graduating class with a Diplomado en Doctrina Cristiana. SABA is a campus for Seminario Teologico Bautista L.A.C.Y. located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Mario Diaz Caballos leads the L.A.C.Y. extension campus.

Ordination

Felix Chavez to Christian ministry on June 22. He is pastor of Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida in Pearsall.

Anniversary

Adamsville Baptist Church of Lampasas invites former members and guests to its 150th anniversary celebration on July 27. The service begins at 10:45 a.m. with a free meal and presentation to follow. Nathan Feinberg is pastor.

Wayland Baptist University choir members, alumni and friends joined forces June 7, to present Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine on the Ron Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. The performance was part of an afternoon concert that included other schools for part one, Wayland’s group and others for part two, and the symphonic ensemble with a guest violinist for part three. The portion featuring Wayland’s choral students and alumni also included students from Hughes Middle School in California, Liberty High School in Texas and the Saratoga Voices community choir in New York. Saratoga Voices director Noah Palmer conducted the Cantique piece, while Sarah Herrington, Wayland’s director of choral programs, conducted the Requiem, a seven-movement piece that also featured guest baritone and soprano solos. The large chorus was accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble.

Tiffany Charles, director of undergraduate admissions at Houston Christian University was named Admissions Officer of the Year by the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals during the coalition’s annual conference May 28–30 on the HCU campus. Awardees have been nominated by their peers and colleagues, acknowledging their significant impact within their institutions and the broader Christian education community. Charles received the award from Willem de Ruijter, vice president of enrollment and marketing at Geneva College. Charles graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kaplan University with an associate’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. She received an undergraduate degree in secondary education with an emphasis in English and a Master of Business Administration degree from Grand Canyon University.

Howard Payne University announced a branding update for the university’s main logos and corresponding brand identity across campus departments. The new main logo features a prominent HP and new fonts, with an updated color palette that stays consistent with the school colors of old gold and navy blue. The athletic logo features an outlined HP in gold and the wording “Howard Payne Athletics.” Corresponding logos have been developed for each of the university’s athletic teams. The academic logo will be used for promotion and communication within the university’s schools and academic departments. It features a new shield with the Old Main Tower displayed in the center. The tower, a notable structure in the center of campus, is a replica of the entrance of Old Main—the first building built on campus in the late 1800s that stood for almost 100 years.

Buckner International announced several leadership promotions with Buckner Children and Family Services. Samela Macon was appointed as vice president and chief operating officer of Buckner Children and Family Services; Rocío López was promoted to associate vice president overseeing international operations; and Debbie Sceroler was promoted to associate vice president overseeing domestic operations. In Macon’s new role, she will develop domestic and international strategies to improve key performance indicators, drive innovation and operational efficiency, build and strengthen strategic partnerships and position Buckner for long-term operational excellence and scalability. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience and 15 years at Buckner, López will oversee strategic endeavors across all international operations in her new role. Sceroler—who has more than 25 years in child welfare, 23 of which have been at Buckner—will lead initiatives in all domestic programs for Buckner Children and Family Services as associate vice president.

Howard Payne University has announced two new programs, a Bachelor of Arts in worship ministry and an associate degree in general studies, beginning in the 2025 fall semester. Students earning a Bachelor of Arts in worship ministry will be trained in theology, music, leadership and ministry. The program will be a collaboration between the School of Christian Studies and the School of Education and Fine Arts. The associate degree in general studies program is designed to provide a broad, general program for personal enrichment. It will facilitate completion of a post-secondary degree and will prepare students for successful study toward a baccalaureate degree. The program will provide a direct pathway to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in general studies degree program at HPU. Courses may be selected from across academic disciplines to prepare for baccalaureate degrees, careers in specific industries or complete prerequisites for licensure/certificate programs.

Wayland Baptist University recognized Rhonda Dillard, assistant superintendent of human resources for Frenship Independent School District, with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the Lubbock campus’s commencement ceremony on June 7, at Southcrest Baptist Church. Dillard, a leader in Lubbock area public education, was honored for her decades-long commitment to excellence and servant leadership in education. Dillard began her journey in education 42 years ago as a teacher, later becoming a campus principal and ultimately rising to her current role. In 1999, she earned her Master of Education degree from Wayland. The Distinguished Alumni Award is one of the highest honors the university bestows. It celebrates alumni who exemplify Wayland’s mission by leading lives of impact and purpose grounded in Christian values.

A Hardin-Simmons University alumnus is making an impact on a national scale with the Department of Defense. Stephen Simmons, a 2006 political science and leadership studies graduate, has been appointed deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. In his new role, Simmons will be responsible for establishing quality-of-life policies and programs for active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, their families and survivors worldwide. Simmons brings nearly two decades of leadership experience spanning military service, corporate operations and veteran advocacy to the role.

A team of students from East Texas Baptist University’s Baptist Student Ministry recently spent a week serving and evangelizing in the Pacific Northwest, partnering with Northwest Collegiate Ministry and Epic Life Church in Seattle, Wash. Even before landing, ministry already had begun. “God began using our team to spread the eternity-shaping message of the gospel,” when two ETBU students “had separate and highly engaged gospel conversations with individuals sitting beside them,” Dean of Spiritual Life David Griffin said. The team served Epic Life Church by helping clean a property gifted to the church for parking and community service use. The team also worshiped with Epic Life Church and had a backyard barbeque with church members. The team prayer-walked three area campuses: Shoreline, Edmonds and Everett Community Colleges and prayed for revival there and at ETBU. During the week, the team had the opportunity to have more than 40 gospel conversations, connecting people with Bible study leaders and pastors for future discussions.

Houston Christian University professor Christopher Hartwell’s debut film “Do No Harm,” a psychological medical thriller, screened on May 16 at the Cannes Film Festival along with a slate of films presented by Iris Indie Global. Hartwell, assistant professor of Cinema, Media Arts and Writing, described the festival as an unforgettable experience. The film follows a home-health nurse whose world unravels after a simple mistake turns fatal, trapping him in a web of systemic pressure, crushing expectations and the lies we tell to survive. During the festival, Hartwell and his team met international buyers, attended industry panels, and networked with filmmakers and distributors from across the globe. The team hopes the film finds a wide audience—one that resonates deeply with its central message: we all make mistakes, and every person is in need of grace. Hartwell and his production team is in conversations with a number of distributors and festivals in the United States and abroad to secure distribution for the film.

Stark College & Seminary and Annapolis Christian Academy will sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on June 12, allowing Annapolis juniors and seniors to earn accredited college credit through dual-credit courses in systematic theology and apologetics, while still completing their high-school curriculum. The agreement also opens a pathway for qualified students to pursue additional coursework in Stark’s Certificate in Ministry program.

The Southern Baptist Convention’s National Hispanic Baptist Network held its annual meeting ahead of the SBC’s annual meeting in Dallas. Dallas Baptist University’s Rudolph Gonzalez was honored for his ministry at the Celebración Hispana event.

Gary Cook and Charles Wade received the Texas Baptist Legacy Award during the annual Texas Baptists Legacy Day event at Independence Baptist Church near Brenham. Cook was president of Dallas Baptist University for 28 years, from 1988 to 2016, and has been chancellor of the university since then. While president of DBU, the university grew from 1,859 students in 1987 to 5,319 in 2015; net assets grew from $19.9 million to $171.5 million; and several new buildings were completed. Cook founded his DBU presidency on prayer and credits prayer for the growth of the university. In 2004, DBU trustees named a new academic division the Gary Cook Graduate School of Leadership. Before coming to DBU, Cook served 10 years in Baylor University’s administration, served on the Waco City Council and as Mayor Pro Tem, was pastor of First Baptist Church in McGregor and before that was senior adult minister at University Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Four current presidents of universities affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas served under and were mentored by Cook: Blair Blackburn at East Texas Baptist University, Eric Bruntmyer at Hardin-Simmons University, Cory Hines at Howard Payne University and Adam Wright at Dallas Baptist University. Wade was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington from 1976 to 2000 and then served as executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas from 2000 to 2008. A key feature of his leadership was calling Texas Baptists to be the presence of Jesus in their communities. Wade was named pastor emeritus of First Baptist in Arlington in 2009, a title he still holds. Prior to 1976, Wade served churches in Oklahoma, West Germany and Texas. Independence Baptist Church is the oldest continuously serving Baptist church in Texas and a foundational part of Texas Baptist history.

Howard Payne University unveiled the new HPU Athletics Hall of Fame at the Brownwood Coliseum on May 17. HPU alumnus James Williamson, a member of the Hall of Fame inducted in 2018, gave the lead gift for the new wall of honor in the coliseum. Additional donors contributed to the project, which includes new zinc plates for each of the 143 Hall of Fame members, as well as a digital interactive display with photos and biographies for the athletes. The Brownwood Coliseum is the primary facility for HPU basketball and volleyball games. Additional events included a Hall of Fame brunch for current members and a banquet at the Brownwood Coliseum to induct three new members into the Athletics Hall of Fame: Lowell Bishop, track; James Hall, basketball; and Larry Nickell, administrator. The new Yellow Jacket Club was introduced, as a board to support athletics at HPU.

Baylor University, along with The Congregational Collective of San Antonio and Harvard Medical School, have received a three-year $1.76 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation for a public-private partnership called “Tapestry of Care: Strengthening Mental Health Provider and Faith Community Partnerships to Bridge Scientific Research and Practice.” A 2024 survey of church members conducted by The Congregational Collective revealed 77 percent of churchgoers are very likely to turn to their faith leaders during times of trouble, and 60 percent said they were very likely to look first to their faith leaders when experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. The Tapestry of Care will seek to equip congregations to become community hubs for mental health engagement, generate new knowledge that can equip churches to support their congregations, and reimagine upstream support services that can be delivered and sustained in community-based settings. Over the next three years, the initiative will engage with 18 pilot congregations in the greater San Antonio region to build their capacity to deliver psychosocial interventions and evidence-based treatments, establish bi-directional referral and cross-sector supports to assure efficacy and sustainability of care, and develop a framework to bridge the divide and build trust between mental health providers and faith communities.

Wayland Baptist University celebrated the success of 635 students achieving placement on academic honor rolls for the spring 2025 term. A total of 298 students were named to the President’s List, with 337 students making the Dean’s List. The President’s List recognizes students who completed at least 12 hours in a 16-week semester with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The Dean’s List recognizes students who completed at least 12 hours in a single semester with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. View the full roster of students receiving honors listed by campus and honor achieved here.

East Texas Baptist University students experienced British history, global cultures and Christian service firsthand during a Global Study and Serve trip to London, England. Led by Associate Professor of History Jenny Hoover and Dean of the School of Christian Studies and Humanities Sandy Hoover, the weeklong trip combined educational exploration with ministry engagement. The group visited iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. They also explored the World War II-era tunnels at Dover Castle and later visited Canterbury Cathedral, where they heard the choir sing during golden hour. Additionally, students participated in local ministry with Slough Baptist Church. After conversations with the pastor and a missionary, students joined in neighborhood cleanup efforts. “It wasn’t just about seeing London,” said junior Macy Holcomb. “It was about stepping into the lives of people here and serving.”

The Hardin-Simmons University College of Health Professions has earned national recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings, with its physician assistant graduate program ranked 93 out of 311 programs nationwide accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. “This ranking is a testament to the community-based PA program offered at HSU,” said Tina Butler, program director and associate professor. “We’re a young program, having only graduated six cohorts, and this speaks volumes about the level of graduates entering the workforce from HSU.” The physician assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to step into clinical roles immediately upon passing the national board certification exam, the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Graduates are prepared to meet the increasing demand for primary care providers in Texas with an emphasis on a community-based approach in rural and underserved communities.

Houston Christian University’s Center for Christianity in Business announces the launch of the CCB Scholars Scholarship. Spearheaded by Ernest Liang, director of the Center for Christianity in Business, this new scholarship program offers more than just financial aid. It delivers a unique spiritual and professional development experience. The CCB Scholars Scholarship provides tuition assistance exclusively for students pursuing business degrees at HCU. Scholars will join the Fellows and Scholars Society, a student-led organization committed to spiritual formation, peer fellowship and mentoring from Christian business professionals. The inaugural cohort intends to accommodate up to 20 academically outstanding and spiritually committed students. Target recipients include students who attend Christian high schools and those who demonstrate a strong, active faith. For more information about the scholarship or to learn how to support the program, visit the webpage or contact Liang at eliang@HC.edu or (281) 649-3235 or Emily Butler, assistant dean of the Archie W. Dunham College of Business at ebutler@HC.edu or at 281-649-3369. 

The Hispanic Education initiative will host two upcoming events: The Higher Education Fair will offer leaders, parents and students from Texas Baptists churches opportunities to explore higher education opportunities. They can discoverTexas Baptist universities in the exhibit hall and attend workshops focused on college admissions and financial aid. Lunch will be provided. This event will be at Churchill Baptist Church in San Antonio on Oct. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is for all Texas Baptists. Additionally, the Called to Ministry Retreat event is where high school students and young adults who sense or have a call to ministry leadership can gather to receive encouragement, training and tools to grow in their calling and take the next steps in moving forward into their calling. Meals are provided during the event. The focus is on Hispanic students, but it is open to everyone. The retreat will be held at the Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio, Dec. 5-6, beginning with dinner on Friday and ending Saturday afternoon. Additional information on the College Fair and Called to Ministry retreat is available here.

Stark College & Seminary hosted Darin Griffiths of STCH Ministries on their podcast The Stark Difference to talk about how God called him from farming into Christian counseling. Watch the episode here.

Retirement

David Williams, retiring after 25 years in ministry, the last five as pastor of First Baptist Church in San Augustine. He served nine years at First Baptist Church in Paducah, seven years at Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger, and three years at Grace Baptist Church in Friona.

Houston Christian University earned top honors in two categories at the 2025 Crystal Awards held May 15. The university took home the winning award in the Advertising Photography category and was selected as a finalist in the Annual Report category. Each year, the Crystal Awards spotlight the individuals, agencies and organizations whose campaigns demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking and measurable success. HCU Creative Director Michael Tims submitted the winning photo, originally featured in the winter issue of The Pillars—HCU’s official news magazine—in a story highlighting HCU’s Grace Hopper scholarship recipients. Tims set out to capture a visually arresting image that would symbolize the integration of technology and identity in modern education. He brought the image to life by projecting lines of code across the face and body of Seth Kamata, a computer programming student and one of HCU’s inaugural Grace Hopper scholarship recipients, to immerse him in his field of study. HCU’s 2024 President’s Annual Report was selected as a finalist.

Eleven students and faculty from East Texas Baptist University’s Teague School of Nursing have returned from a Global Study and Serve trip to Guatemala, where they provided medical care to underserved communities in and around Antigua. The trip, in partnership with International Medical Relief, offered nursing students the opportunity to fulfill course service hours for Nursing as a Ministry while embracing the call to serve others through the love of Christ. Throughout the weeklong experience, students assisted with medical clinics in rural villages, providing preventative care, patient education, and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. The team served more than 450 patients across multiple locations offering triage, basic hygiene education, prescription medications and vision screenings. In addition to their clinical work, the team immersed themselves in Guatemalan culture, including hiking the Pacaya volcano, exploring markets in Antigua and sampling local cuisine.

Dallas Baptist University has launched its “Stand Firm. Stand Out.” capital campaign, to elevate the growth and impact of the Don and Linda Carter School of Business and a new facility to house the Carter School of Business on DBU’s campus. The campaign aims to raise funds for the new building, along with student scholarships, program development and faculty support. The May 22 launch event welcomed students, faculty, staff, DBU’s board of trustees and various friends of the university. Including the $20 million lead gift announced in November 2024 from Linda Carter, her son, Ron Carter, and her daughter, Christi Carter Urschel, DBU has received more than $40 million to date in pledges and intentions toward the $60 million campaign goal. The Carters’ $20 million gift, the largest gift in DBU history, established the Don and Linda Carter School of Business at DBU. The facility will be approximately 55,000 square feet of education space across five levels—featuring student collaboration rooms, a simulated stock exchange trading floor, a fixed-seat, auditorium style lecture hall for events such as business symposia and guest speakers, a tiered lecture hall for day-to-day classroom use, student collaboration rooms and a faculty and staff suite of offices. The campaign offers naming opportunities, such as engraved bricks and named auditorium seats. These gifts help advance the mission of the Carter School of Business to integrate faith and learning across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Additional naming opportunities are available with a minimum investment of $50,000. Interested donors may contact DBU’s Office of Advancement at (214) 333-5168 or advancement@dbu.edu.

During its regular May meeting, the Baylor University board of regents approved the university’s 2025-26 operating budget, voted on board and committee leadership for the upcoming academic year and elected new at-large regents. They also approved infrastructure-related renovations to the Ferrell Center and two new master’s degree programs. The board approved a $995.8 million university operating budget for 2025-26, an increase of $33 million, or 3.4 percent, from last fiscal year. Regents approved $14.9 million for infrastructure and other renovations to Baylor’s Ferrell Center, which opened in 1988. The project is expected to focus on strategic deferred maintenance, including new building systems such as chillers, A/C units, retractable bleachers and LED fixtures in the main arena. In addition, renovations will provide updates to accommodate better the 10-time national champion Acrobatics and Tumbling program and Baylor Athletics Medicine. The Athletics Medicine Suite will be relocated and updated to include new hydrotherapy pools and coach and staff facilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in August with completion expected in April 2026. The board also approved two new master’s degree programs beginning in fall 2026: a hybrid Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences and an online Master of Arts in Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. This program will address complex challenges, such as poverty, within a framework shaped by Christian faith and values.

Access to mental health care in vast West Texas can feel out of reach. Randall Maurer and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Hardin-Simmons University are using telehealth to change that. Through a partnership with Region 14 Education Service Center and support from the federal Rural Utilities Services grant, HSU is preparing to deliver mental health services to rural schools starting fall 2025. The initiative includes providing schools with telehealth equipment and building secure connections between counseling interns and students in need. The program also is partnering with a local pain clinic to support individuals managing chronic pain—a population that often experiences both physical and psychological distress. HSU therapist interns will provide both in-person and telehealth services using a research-based protocol developed by the program. At HSU’s on-campus Counseling Center, students already receive real-world experience using secure video technology for session recording and supervision. As the university finalizes its telehealth software and storage procedures, therapist interns soon will be delivering care under close faculty guidance. Training includes instruction in the ethics, procedures and limitations of telehealth across multiple courses.

May graduate Lexi Ewen recently received a bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University in social work with a minor in cross-cultural ministry. Originally from Idalou, Ewen believes God called her to attend HPU. Social work is her passion, and it has grown over the years. “I love people, and I have a heart for those who are hurting,” she said. “Everyone needs to be shown love and to feel worthy, no matter their culture, background, race, ethnicity or gender.”Ewen’s passion for loving and helping others is based on John 13:14, where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. She received two awards at the recent academic awards convocation—the Cross-Cultural Ministry Award from the School of Christian Studies, and the Outstanding Bachelor of Social Work Student of the Year award from the Department of Social Work. She plans to enroll in the Master of Social Work program at Angelo State University. Ewen intends to stay in Brownwood with her husband to work in the area as a social worker.

As East Texas Baptist University students packed up everything from their dorm rooms at the close of the semester, a new initiative invited them to give with purpose. Made New, a service project launched by students in the Service-Learning and Humanities class in partnership with the student organization Amigos Unidos, turned cast-off belongings into blessings for the broader East Texas community. Over four collection days, students donated gently used items that otherwise would have ended up in campus dumpsters. The donations were given to two local nonprofit organizations, Hope’s Closet and Treasures, which serve Marshall residents with compassion and dignity. The idea was sparked by assistant professor of Spanish Blanca Jenkins, who noted how quickly dumpsters filled during student move-out. With that observation and a class goal of lasting impact, students responded with a solution that met material needs, modeled environmental stewardship and strengthened community partnerships.

Houston Christian University has received a $5,000 donation from the Linda R. Dunham Dean’s Development Council, supporting the construction of the Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building. Carol Lavender, dean of the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing, and members of the Dean’s Development Council, led by Jane Marmion, presented the check to HCU President Robert Sloan, May 8. The $60 million, 71,000-square-foot, multi-disciplinary facility will offer cutting-edge learning spaces, advanced laboratories and the latest technology in the fields of engineering, science and nursing. The Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building is slated to open in the fall of 2026.

Howard Payne University student Magaly Cervantes, biomedical science major from Brownwood, recently became the third HPU student accepted to the Joint Admission Medical Program, which helps prepare undergraduate students for medical school. Her internship this summer will take place at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. The Joint Admission Medical Program is a state-funded initiative involving a partnership of 68 undergraduate universities and 13 Texas medical schools. The program provides Texan students with academic and financial support through scholarships, summer internship experiences, dedicated mentoring and comprehensive preparation for the Medical College Admission Test. After graduation, Cervantes plans to attend medical school.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor recently announced three outstanding chemistry students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Shane Melick, a double major in chemistry and mathematics from Oro Valley, Ariz., was recognized as the American Institute of Chemists awardee. This award recognizes leadership ability, character, scholastic achievement and advancement potential in the chemical professions. It includes a one-year membership with benefits in the institute. The Outstanding Senior Chemistry Major Award, based on high scholastic achievement in chemistry and service to the department, was presented to Amber Dickey of Frisco. The Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award was presented to Landon J. Fortson, a chemistry major from Houston. This award is based on outstanding work in General Chemistry I and II.

A total of 119 Wayland Baptist University students received degrees during commencement exercises May 17. Wayland President Donna Hedgepath conferred degrees, assisted by Carole Harbison, secretary of the Wayland board of trustees. Cindy McClenagan, vice president of academic affairs, presented the candidates for graduation. Recognized as Highest Ranking Seniors were Dawson Jade Mailey of Brownfield, Benjamin Hagen Lübker of Nordby, Denmark, and David Snellgrove of Plainview. Seven students graduated Summa Cum Laude, five graduated Magna Cum Laude, and six students graduated Cum Laude. Degrees awarded included one doctoral degree, 23 master’s degrees, five accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degrees, 89 bachelor’s degrees and one associate degree. Graduates hailed from 37 Texas cities and represented 14 other states and one U.S. territory. Twenty international students representing 14 countries were among the graduates.

Baylor University Provost Nancy Brickhouse announced David M. Szymanski has been selected as dean of Baylor’s nationally ranked Hankamer School of Business, effective May 27. Szymanski will succeed Sandeep Mazumder, who is set to become president of Berry College in Georgia on July 1. Szymanski previously served as president of the University of North Florida, dean of the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business and on the faculty at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. A first-generation college graduate, Szymanski earned his B.A. in economics with honors at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, where he was a full scholarship student-athlete in basketball and tennis. He went on to earn an M.A. in economics from Vanderbilt University and his M.B.A. and Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

East Texas Baptist University President J. Blair Blackburn announced the launch of a comprehensive brand refresh. The updated brand reflects ETBU’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development and community impact while enhancing consistency and recognition across university communications. Central to the refresh is the introduction of the ETBU Shield. This new brand mark draws inspiration from the cupola atop the Great Commission Center in the heart of ETBU’s campus. The ETBU Shield serves as a symbol of faith, learning and tradition. Long-standing symbols such as the University Seal, ETBU Spirit logo and Texas Tiger logo will remain active and prominent, continuing to represent the university’s legacy in academics, athletics and student life. For more information about the ETBU Shield and brand guidelines, visit etbu.edu/branding.

Baylor University announced a significant gift from Harmon and Lea Kong of Southern California that created the Kong Family Endowed Presidential Fund for Student Care and the Kong Family Endowed Fund for Faculty Development. The funds give Baylor’s leadership the flexibility to meet current needs while providing enduring, dedicated resources to support long-term goals and initiatives for future generations of Baylor leaders. The Kong Family Endowed Presidential Fund for Student Care will be used at the discretion of Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone to provide strategic care for Baylor’s students. Such support can range from providing scholarships to help ensure a Baylor education is within reach for all students to awards that facilitate university initiatives focused on student success and well-being and provide hospitality for interaction between students and the president. The Kong Family Endowed Fund for Faculty Development will give Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse key resources to support and provide faculty development opportunities. Harmon Kong is the co-founder of Apriem Advisors, a wealth management firm based in Southern California serving multi-generational families. The Kongs previously supported Baylor University through a gift in 2019 that established an endowed Chair in Global Leadership within Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. They currently serve on the President’s Leadership Council and the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work board of advisers.

Ordination

Josh Campbell to the ministry at Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, where he is discipleship pastor.

Houston Christian University held its 2025 spring commencement ceremonies May 10, marking the 59th year degrees have been awarded to graduating students. The university presented diplomas to 484 graduates, bringing the number of students who have received degrees from HCU since the institution’s first commencement in 1967 to a total of 27,391 graduates. The graduates included the first class of graduates from HCU’s Houston Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry programs in New Testament and in Faith and Culture.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held commencement services for the spring 2025 semester at Crusader Stadium. During the ceremony, Kim Fikes was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree, the highest award the university can present to someone. Over the years, she and her late husband, James Fikes grew the family filling station business to more than 200 CEFCO convenience stores in four states and expanded from 12 to over 3,500 employees. Many in the UMHB community have benefited from the Fikes’ generosity. This was the university’s 169th graduating class, and an estimated 537 students were awarded degrees—including 401 baccalaureate degrees, 130 master’s degrees and six doctoral degrees. Three commissioning officers also participated in the graduation ceremony—Reagan Baker of McKinney, Gabriel Feliciano of Belton, and Maximilian Noriega of Belton. Will Kalfayan of Georgetown read the Scripture.

Wayland Baptist University honored its top academic students May 1, during the annual Celebration of Excellence ceremony. The ceremony recognized current members and graduating seniors in Wayland’s Honors Program, special scholar cohorts and students inducted into academic honor societies. The 2024-2025 Honors Program members are Marissa Armendariz, Elizabeth Berry, Koda Bigham, John Bray, Gabriella Chappa, Trinity Davis, Garrett DeYong, Noah Dyson, Arturo Flores, Narriah Gomez, Tyler Hartgrove, Kyson Hensarling, Seth Hernandez, Peyton North, Jazmin Ortega, Juanita Pardo, Anna Perez, Ariana Sanders, Mikayla Shires and Lily Taylor. Students in two distinguished scholar cohorts also were recognized, as were students inducted into or graduating from several academic honor societies.

Howard Payne University hosted commencement ceremonies and additional events on May 9 and 10 to celebrate graduates from August 2024, December 2024 and May 2025. HPU alumnus Tim Viertel, author and retired U.S. Secret Service deputy assistant director, addressed the graduates during two ceremonies on May 10. “Go out and do something significant, something extraordinary that only you are gifted to do,” Viertel urged. “Then, use the platform that God has given you to do something lasting, something of eternal significance.” Additionally, HPU held Chime Out on May 9, a tradition dating back to 1957. In the ceremony, graduates pass a chain of ivy to underclassmen walking partners as a symbol of the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges to those students who remain at HPU. Alli Harvey, a senior jurisprudence and Honors Academy major, gave a charge to the juniors. Diondray Parker, a junior youth ministry and kinesiology major, accepted the charge on behalf of the Junior Class. The ceremony concluded with the graduates walking through the Wilson Gate, symbolizing their send off from HPU to make a Kingdom-impact in the world.

Stark College & Seminary invites the community to celebrate its spring graduation ceremony May 16 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi. The evening will honor more than 60 graduates from Stark’s undergraduate and graduate programs, each trained and equipped to serve faithfully in their churches and communities. The celebration also will include a recognition of Dana Moore, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, who will be honored as Faculty of the Year for his faithful service.

East Texas Baptist University presented 218 graduates with degrees during its commencement ceremonies on May 10. During the ceremonies, 189 students received undergraduate degrees, and 29 received graduate degrees. The worship ceremony featured Scripture readings, praise and worship through song, prayers and blessings over the graduates. During the first ceremony, Warren Johnson, professor of Christian ministry, delivered the keynote address. Each semester, ETBU presents the President’s Award to a graduate who represents a Christian leader, scholar and servant within the campus and the local community. Mary Frances Ellis from Elysian Fields, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and finance, was named this semester’s recipient.

Dallas Baptist University students showed commitment to environmental stewardship during the second annual Creation Care/Green Faith Symposium and Tree Planting Ceremony, held in celebration of Earth Day. The event featured a panel discussion exploring the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility. Panelists included: Jim Lemons, moderator and professor of theological studies and leadership; Mark Bloom, professor of biology; Debra Hinson, professor of biology; Rob Lewis, assistant vice president for administrative affairs; Jack Sezer, recent DBU graduate and creation care advocate. The panel addressed key topics surrounding creation care from theological and scientific perspectives, inspiring attendees to consider how faith can inform sustainable living. Following the symposium, students gathered for a ceremonial planting of three fig trees in the newly designed Pool of Bethesda Prayer Garden. The day concluded with a time of reflection and worship.

Bailee Kitchen of Clovis, Calif., was recognized April 30, during East Texas Baptist University’s 78th annual Senior Girl Call-Out. Selected by a faculty and staff vote, the senior student “called out” each year is distinguished for her exemplary Christian character, social consciousness, personal poise, academic achievement and spiritual vision. Kitchen, a Christian Ministry major, has poured into the East Texas Baptist University community through her extensive campus involvement. During her time at ETBU, Kitchen has been recognized for both academic and spiritual leadership. A member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Marshall, Kitchen helps lead the children’s ministry and teaches a class for first through fourth graders. Following graduation, she will marry David Clair in June and continue serving at Macedonia Baptist while pursuing a Master of Divinity through B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU.

BGCT Intercultural Ministries announced registration is now open for Camp Fusion 2025, to be held July 22-26 at Latham Springs Camp & Retreat Center in Aquilla. Camp Fusion offers spiritual formation and leadership experience for intercultural students—primarily from Asian and African Texas Baptist churches, though Brazilian Baptist students from Plano have joined in recent years. For questions about financial assistance, registration, schedules and programs, please click here. Registration closes June 30th.

Hardin-Simmons University’s Master of Physician Assistant program is partnering with Communities in Schools of the Big Country and Abilene Independent School District’s Clack Middle School to offer free physicals to more than 170 students this May. The initiative brought 70 girls on May 13 and will bring 100 boys on May 16 to the HSU campus to receive free physicals conducted by certified PA providers with support from HSU PA students and campus tours. The PA students, currently in their didactic training phase, are required to complete 50 hours of community service prior to graduation. HSU’s PA program—currently the smallest in Texas—recently was named one of the top 100 PA programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program also leads both international and domestic medical mission trips, including partnerships with the disability ministry Joni & Friends.

Every summer, Baylor University students head out on mission trips around the world, putting what they’ve learned in the classroom to use serving others. In late April, Baylor sent these students off with a special student mission trip commissioning ceremony. Following the disciples’ example, Baylor representatives gathered to send the short-term missionaries off with prayer and encouragement (plus some treats to sweeten the celebration). Facilitated by Baylor Missions, Service and Public Life, as well as local churches and organizations, students with Baylor connections will demonstrate God’s love this summer on a dozen trips to places like Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and South Africa, in areas ranging from nursing to business to sports ministry. Last summer, Baylor became a full member partner in the Baptist World Alliance, which uses the month of May to celebrate missions and evangelism. Baylor is identifying how missions, academic and other relationships can be strengthened across the globe through BWA membership.

Howard Payne University’s Summer and Young Scholars annual academic summer camp for elementary age students is scheduled July 14-18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the HPU campus. The registration fee for the program is $165 and includes tuition, a t-shirt, promotional items, daily snacks and supplies. T-shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register by June 27. The deadline for late registration is July 5. The Summer and Young Scholars week-long day camp programs are designed to provide intense, fun and academically stimulating camp programming for children entering grades K-6. The theme for this year’s programming is Camp Curiosity. Students in grades 1-3 will experience a rotation of classes in math, science, art and physical education. Students entering grades 4-6 will engage in STEM classes and physical education. Registration is online at www.hputx.edu/summerandyoungscholars.

Michael E. Young, professor of psychological sciences, graduate program director and former Graduate School faculty associate at Kansas State University, has been selected as vice provost and dean of the Baylor University Graduate School, effective Aug. 1. Young will lead the Baylor Graduate School’s student experience at the Christian Research 1 university while providing leadership and advancing the priorities of the Baylor in Deeds strategic plan. He also will contribute to national conversations around graduate education and research and collaborate with deans and the Office of Graduate Professional Education to enhance Baylor’s traditional (on-campus), online and hybrid professional programs. Young will succeed Larry Lyon, who will retire Aug. 1 after serving 27 years as vice provost and dean of the Graduate School and 50 years overall on the Baylor faculty.

Literacy ConneXus announced a new teaching manual release—Teaching English ConneXus ESL Training Manual: Equipping Churches to Love Their Neighbors Through English Ministry. For two decades, Literacy ConneXus has empowered Texas Baptist churches and other faith-based organizations to meet literacy needs in their communities through practical, Christ-centered outreach. Hundreds of congregations across Texas serve through English language learning, family literacy and adult basic education. One of the organization’s most effective tools is Teaching English ConneXus—a training program designed especially for churches who want to start or strengthen an English as a Second Language ministry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Literacy ConneXus revised and rebuilt the training to be fully online. Then, they adjusted to a hybrid format—combining online modules with engaging, in-person workshops. The new Teaching English ConneXus ESL Training Manual reflects the update and offers practical, research-informed strategies for ESL instruction; step-by-step guidance for starting or improving an ESL ministry; and reproducible handouts and classroom-ready activities designed for churches. The new manual is available in print through Amazon at https://a.co/d/8VvLuzo. Order a copy or contact the team for upcoming training opportunities.