Sixteen students in Howard Payne University’s Spanish department participated in a five-week immersive experience in Seville, Spain. Each student completed six credits of Spanish at the Instituto San Fernando, the equivalent of two HPU courses. Students were hosted by families in Seville and were completely immersed in Spain’s language and culture, learning how to conduct daily business and complete everyday tasks in Spanish. Students also participated in major excursions to Córdoba, Cádiz and Granada. They toured cathedrals and synagogues and learned how Christians, Muslims and Jews lived alongside one another during the Middle Ages. Danny Brunette-López, professor of Spanish at HPU and department chair, served as a faculty sponsor for the month-long immersive experience.

Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing hosted its 2nd annual CompassRN Student Nurse Summer Camp on July 10, welcoming 30 students from Dallas-area schools. The camp allowed students to hear from nursing faculty and staff and from current nursing students, as well as tour the School of Nursing and clinical simulation building. They learned about nursing school programs and admission requirements and observed basic nursing skills in the simulation lab. Originally established in Houston, Texas, CompassRN is a nurse-led nonprofit organization connecting youth to health education and nursing. It primarily targets underserved and underrepresented middle school and high school students.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Clinical Simulation Learning Center received provisional accreditation status from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Provisional status is granted until Dec. 31, 2026, allowing time for the university to pursue full accreditation for the simulation center. “It’s an honor to be recognized by an international organization specializing in simulation,” said Jared McClure, UMHB’s director of Clinical Simulation Learning Center operations. “This recognition speaks to what we’ve put in place and accomplished so far and provides great credibility to our program, while still giving us milestones to reach as we move toward full accreditation.” The center’s mission is to engage students in a Christ-centered learning environment where they will develop the knowledge, skills and interprofessional competencies to become leaders in the health sciences.

Following approval by Wayland Baptist University’s internal governance processes and the National Association of Schools of Music, the university now offers online Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in piano studies, sound production and worship studies. Candidates for these degree programs include independent music teachers, worship leaders, sound designers, recording engineers and others who may have significant work experience in music but previously lacked the opportunity to pursue a formal undergraduate degree. “NASM’s affirmation of Wayland’s new online BAS degrees is evidence of our music faculty’s ability to innovate at the highest levels of quality,” said Cindy McClenagan, vice president of academic affairs. “Approval to offer these unique degrees online allows students from around the world to study under our supremely talented and caring instructors.”

The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission announced Katie McCoy, director of women’s ministry for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is among its 2024-25 class of Research Fellows. The ERLC Research Institute is a collaborative space for Southern Baptist researchers and academics to serve the commission and SBC churches on critical theological, ethical and public policy matters related to their areas of expertise. The new class of fellows will assist the ERLC in its mission by producing materials to equip churches to engage ethical and cultural issues in the areas of life and bioethics, religious liberty, marriage and family, and human dignity.

Fellowship Southwest received a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to expand its immigration ministries along the U.S.-Mexico border over the next five years. Each year, Fellowship Southwest will recruit border-area churches to develop a well-connected network of migrant ministries from the West Coast to the Gulf of Mexico. Also, Fellowship Southwest will enlist other churches beyond the border region that commit to compassion and justice ministries related to immigration. Churches will receive guidance from an immigration ministry manager as they design their projects, as well as seed grants to support implementation. Fellowship Southwest Executive Director Stephen Reeves expressed appreciation to the Lilly Endowment for its investment in immigration programs. “I believe many churches will find a calling and renewed vision by practicing compassion and pursuing justice for their immigrant neighbors,” Reeves said. “By establishing relationships, learning the stories of migrants, and becoming more proximate to the crisis of human migration, they will embody the value of Christian hospitality and solidarity.”

Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its “FastBacc” program—a 12-month accelerated track for a post-baccalaureate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline complete 62 hours of nursing coursework at the Dallas campus. The first cohort of 16 students graduated in 2010. Adrianne Duvall-Ingram is the FastBacc program coordinator.

Retirement

Toby Gonzales as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Floydada, after 10 years at that church and 37 years in the ministry.

The Baptist World Alliance General Council approved Buckner International and Baylor University as new institutional members of BWA. Albert Reyes, CEO of Buckner International remarked: “For Buckner International to be an active member of the Baptist World Alliance affirms our international presence and connection to the global Baptist family. We can serve and connect to Baptist conventions and congregations in 128 countries, add value to their ministry, deliver expertise on serving vulnerable children, orphans and families, and equip them to serve their communities well.” Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone also commented on Baylor’s membership in BWA, saying: “Baylor is the largest Baptist university in the world, and we are thrilled to join the Baptist World Alliance as a member partner. We believe this relationship will help us continue to fulfill our mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service. The Baylor board of regents recently approved expansion of our longstanding university motto by adding Pro Mundo to Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana—codifying the influence our students, faculty and alumni have across the globe. We are ‘For the Church, For Texas’ and now ‘For the World.’ We look forward to collaborating and having the ability with the Baptist World Alliance to impact the world for Christ in even more significant ways in the future.”

Dallas Baptist University Chancellor Gary Cook received the Charles D. Johnson Award from the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. The International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities is a voluntary organization comprised of colleges, universities, and seminaries that embrace their Baptist roots, heritage and relationships. Members include 40 schools with more than 75,000 students in 16 states and three countries. DBU President Adam C. Wright and Cook traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., for this year’s annual meeting, where Cook received the award for his significant contribution to Baptist-related higher education. Cook is the 22nd recipient since the first award was presented in 1983. Bobby Hall, former president of Wayland Baptist University (retired in June 2024) and board member of the association, presented Cook with the award. “Dr. Gary Cook is a servant leader who believes in the power of Christian higher education to change lives and shape culture,” Hall said. “By his accomplishments at DBU and in the entire Baptist higher education landscape, it is clear that Dr. Cook is a true leader.” Cook arrived on the DBU campus in 1988 when he was named president. He served as DBU’s president for 28 years, until he was named chancellor in 2016.

God is working in the lives of students attending summer camps on Wayland Baptist University’s Plainview campus, according to Donnie Brown, director of spiritual life. Leadership Camp for youth from area churches was held June 23-26, and Top of Texas Kids Camp took place June 26-29. The final camp, 806 Youth Camp, runs July 8-12. Brown said God worked in the lives of 60 junior high and high school students who attended Leadership Camp. The Top of Texas Kids’ Camp brought 265 kids and sponsors to the campus for three days.

Houston Christian University hosted a special Topping Off Ceremony for Founders Hall II on June 28. The event signified completion of the structural phase of the final building in the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty complex. On behalf of HCU President Robert Sloan, Sandy Mooney, HCU chief financial officer/chief operating officer, welcomed special guests and a selection of HCU administrators, board members, faculty and staff, along with members of the construction teams. Special thanks were extended to Lisa Morris Simon and Stewart Morris, Jr. for their past and continued support and commitment to the university. HCU board of trustees Chair Garry Blackmon offered a dedicatory prayer to bless the occasion. Blackmon also expressed appreciation for the life and legacy of HCU’s Founding Father, the late Stewart Morris Sr. and members of his family. Following celebratory remarks, attendees were invited to sign the final structural beam—topped with an evergreen tree in accordance with a Scandinavian tradition dating back to 700 A.D.—to complete the building’s frame. Founders Hall II, the second ancillary building in the Law & Liberty Complex, will house academic classrooms and faculty offices to provide additional space to support HCU’s Institutional Strategic Plan (“Husky 2030”). The building is slated to open in early 2025.

As a Brownwood native, Joseph Burcham didn’t have to travel far for a college education at Howard Payne University. But his road to graduation as an engineering science major led to an innovative way to light rural interstate highways. “My project is a system-based design harvesting mechanical electrical power from roadways,” Burcham said. “It’s an embedded system, designed to go inside roadways. As cars drive down the streets, they’ll rotate the system and create a current that will charge a battery pack. At night, when the photo sensor goes off, it’ll illuminate the streetlights.” Burcham, who graduated from HPU in May, collaborated on the project with Martin Mintchev, professor of engineering and chair of HPU’s division of engineering. Burcham enjoyed the project’s extensive development process. “We went through Google patents, searching all the databases to make sure there wasn’t a patent out there for it,” he said. “Then we made a miniature model, or prototype, to make sure it’s actually feasible, and then we made it bigger and made it look nice.”

Anniversary

George W. Truett Theological Seminary is celebrating 30 years of theological education. All are invited to attend Truett’s 30th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 27. During this event, the Truett community will reflect upon the seminary’s history, enjoy worship and fellowship and consider a future marked by growth and development in an effort to prepare well the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders.

Wayland Baptist University entered a new chapter July 1 with the arrival of Donna Hedgepath, as the university’s 14th president. She is the first woman to lead the 115-year-old institution. Hedgepath joins Wayland from Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where she served as provost and was instrumental in driving significant enrollment growth at the multi-campus Baptist university. As president, Hedgepath is eager to collaborate with faculty, staff, students and alumni, stating: “Collectively, we can move this university forward.” She has prioritized student success, development and service, emphasizing cooperation and forward-thinking strategies. Hedgepath expressed enthusiasm about becoming an active member of the Plainview community, noting she is eager to contribute and engage with business and church leaders.

Howard Payne University recently appointed Wade Ashby as dean of online education and associate professor and chair of the department of computer information systems. In his new role, Ashby will help provide tools and training for HPU faculty to offer high quality online instruction. He will advocate, facilitate and lead HPU in offering quality, flexible degrees targeted at adult learners who are seeking continuing education or a career change. He will support the academic programs at HPU to develop online programs and courses as needed to fulfill the university’s mission of impactful Christian education. Ashby previously served at Hardin-Simmons University for 20 years, where he taught computer science and directed the online bachelor’s degree in business administration. Ashby completed his Ph.D. from Northcentral University in May. He also holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech with a focus of interactive intelligence and an M.Div. in pastoral ministry from Logsdon Seminary at HSU.

Hardin-Simmons University has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The designation is granted to universities by the U.S. Department of Education and requires a minimum of 25 percent of an institution’s full-time undergraduate students identify as Hispanic. Currently, approximately 26 percent of HSU undergraduates identify as Hispanic. Reaching HSI status has been a goal for the university since 2021 when it was recorded in the school’s strategic plan, but efforts have been in place since before then. Achieving federal recognition as an HSI will make HSU eligible to apply for a range of federal grants, strengthen institutional programs, facilities and services, and expand educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans and other underrepresented populations. Moving forward, HSU will work to direct efforts and resources toward improving admission, yield and retention rates for Hispanic students andcontinue to make HSU an affordable option for all students.

Smith County officials awarded volunteers with Texans on Mission disaster relief team with a Smith County Community Hero Award, after the group helped more than 100 residents clean up their properties damaged by severe weather in late May and early June. Texans on Mission, historically called Texas Baptist Men, has worked all over Smith County for the past three weeks. Incident Commander Jim Lawton, of Waxahachie, said they received 140 work orders from people requesting help clearing downed trees on their property. Several teams have worked to complete 100 of those work orders and will complete as many more as possible before they leave Smith County. Chainsaw teams from Tyler and Athens were joined by volunteers from Katy and Pittsburg, as well as teams from Louisiana and Arkansas, he said. County Judge Neal Franklin and Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore presented the group with the award.

Baylor University will host a one-day conference Sept. 13 to consider leadership approaches and practices in a crisis-weary world. Sponsored by Truett Theological Seminary’s Program for the Future Church, participants will learn from and with nationally recognized thought leaders, to enjoy interactive panel discussions and to network with other Christian leaders—speakers include Linda A. Livingstone, Nancy Brickhouse, Sandeep Mazumder, Tiffany Hogue, Tod Bolsinger, Audrey Martin, Charlie Dates, Jovan Overshown, Jonathan Tran, Steve Wells, Coté Soerens and Don Corley. Participants also will have an opportunity to hear about Baylor’s new strategic plan and to consider best practices for guiding visioning processes in local ministry, nonprofit and business sectors. Lunch and refreshments are included in the cost of registration. Register one person for $50 or four people for $100. More information, including the registration link, can be found here.

The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities will host OsoAble Transition to Adulthood on Oct. 10. This full-day event is tailored for adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 30 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, educators and service providers. It aims to provide valuable information about postsecondary opportunities for transition-aged youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Anniversary

Big Springs Baptist Church in Garland will celebrate 150 years on Aug. 18. Charlie Bell is pastor. A schedule of commemorative events throughout the summer can be found here.

Houston Christian University’s Linda Dunham School of Nursing recently joined forces with Memorial Hermann Southwest to host a summer camp for future health care leaders.  The educational initiative provides high school students with a behind-the-scenes look at careers in the health care field. High school students toured the hospital and had a chance to learn about a variety of health care roles, including respiratory therapy technicians, radiologists, cardiac catheterization laboratory technologists, sterile processing technicians, Life Flight pilots and more. Participants also learned about nontraditional health care roles, including hospital operations, engineering, materials management, chaplain services and security. “We hope that this camp helps students understand what it will take to achieve higher education goals, and to achieve their dreams of working in health care. We also hope to show them caring for patients can be their ministry and their way of showing Jesus’ love through their work and the things that they can accomplish as a health care professional,” said Blake Swanson, HCU simulation laboratory director and assistant professor.

Stark Seminary of Stark College & Seminary received associate membership in the Association of Theological Schools, considered the gold standard of theological accreditation. “This step recognizes our commitment to quality theological education and supports our mission to equip students with strong biblical knowledge and practical ministry skills. We’re grateful to our community for their role in this achievement and look forward to the opportunities it brings for Stark students and programs,” Stark posted on Facebook.

East Texas Baptist University and B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary announced their official merger, following approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The commission’s board of trustees approved ETBU’s substantive merger/level change prospectus, endorsing the integration of B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary into ETBU. With this approval, ETBU expands its status as a Level VI institution of higher learning with no further reporting required. The merger expands academic and support resources available to students of both institutions. B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary students will have access to enhanced financial aid options, additional scholarship opportunities and comprehensive student services provided by ETBU. The merger also positions ETBU as a doctoral degree-granting institution, furthering its commitment to academic excellence and advanced theological education. B.H. Carroll’s merger into ETBU will allow the seminary to have a larger role in the life of Texas Baptists, Southern Baptists and like-minded evangelical denominations while preserving a close relationship with supportive churches. It also will grow ETBU, a legacy Texas Baptist institution, adding master’s and doctoral degree programs accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary will retain its identity and stand as one of eight academic schools and divisions of ETBU.

Hardin-Simmons University was named 2023-24 American Southwest Conference Athletic Training Staff Department of the Year by the league’s head athletic trainers. The award recognizes league member staffs judged by their peers to provide a high level of service and professionalism to the student-athletes, their school and the conference. HSU athletic training staff is led by Landon Schumacher, director of athletic training services. Also on the HSU athletic training staff are trainers Sarah Nielsen, Bryanna Schuman and Shelbi Stevens.

Howard Payne University recently welcomed high school juniors and seniors for the second annual Health Science Enrichment Workshop. The two-day program was sponsored by the Joint Admission Medical Program and offered hands-on learning opportunities on the HPU campus and onsite at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood. The students attending received instruction in basic suturing and stapling, basic EKG interpretation and resume development. Mock code simulation was a new session introduced this year, with training on life support, medication administration and defibrillation. Participants also had hands-on science labs with anatomy dissections. HPU’s School of Nursing and School of Science and Mathematics organized the event. Laci Sutton, dean of the School of Nursing and professor of nursing, and Kristen Hutchins, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, were co-directors. In addition to the activities on HPU’s campus, participants had the opportunity to shadow health care professionals at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, giving them exposure to a variety of career paths.

The historical museum and archives of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls will be open all day, every day, July 22-26. Dale Dodson, who serves on the church’s history ministry team as archivist and museum curator, started developing an interest in the church’s history about 16 years ago. As he began to look through the church records storage rooms, he saw a need for organization and documentation. Then about a dozen years ago, he realized the artifacts and documents might be interesting to others, and the idea of a museum was born. With the help of many others, he put together a museum and began to catalogue all records and artifacts, with a goal of properly preserving them. The museum has been open about 10 years, but it is not easily accessible. So, the history ministry team decided to hold an open house. First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls began in 1883 but didn’t have its own meeting place for about three years. During those years, the church primarily met in the homes of its eight charter members, one of whom was Susan James Parmer—a sister to Frank and Jesse James. Their father was a Baptist minister. More about the museum can be found here.

Retirement

Rodney Watson, effective June 30, after 40 years as pastor of Lytle South Baptist Church in Abilene and more than 42 years in the gospel ministry.

Student athletes from East Texas Baptist University led sports camps, distributed food to families in need, built chicken coops and competed against a local team during a recent mission trip to Honduras. The trip is the 20th for the ETBU Athletic Department’s Tiger Athletic Mission Experience initiative and the second international mission for the men’s basketball team. Partnering with the International Sports Federation, the student-athletes had the opportunity to show Christ’s love through kindness and sportsmanship. Team members shared devotionals in smaller groups, using translators to bridge language gaps. The Tigers had the chance to serve at the Dump Ministry in partnership with Roatan Mission. Team members prepared and distributed food to local families, witnessing the challenging living conditions firsthand. This humbling experience highlighted the disparity between their own lives and those they were serving, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and compassion. “My mission trip experience to Roatan, Honduras, was life-changing,” ETBU graduate student Jayden Williams said. During the team’s visit to Roatan Rehabilitation, the team assisted with practical tasks, such as constructing chicken coops and moving sand, while sharing personal faith testimonies. The Tigers played the Honduran National Team twice during the trip. After falling short in the first matchup, the Tigers came away with a win. 

The Texas Board of Nursing confirmed Howard Payne University nursing program’s 2023 pass rate of 100 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination, or the NCLEX-RN, at its April 2024 board meeting. The test is a nationwide licensing exam for nurses and provides a measurement of nursing competence. HPU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is one of only six in Texas to achieve a 100-percent pass rate on the exam. The Texas Board of Nursing uses NCLEX-RN exam results in the evaluation process for each nursing program in Texas. The exam results are evaluated each calendar year and are officially published in April the following year. The HPU nursing program received full approval from the Texas Board of Nursing during the April 2024 board meeting. HPU’s BSN program has held national nursing accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education since 2020.

Anniversary

Arcadia Park Baptist Church in Dallas celebrates 100 years of ministry this year. Fred Foster is pastor.

Texas Baptists celebrated Legacy Day June 2 at Independence Baptist Church in Brenham—the oldest continually operating Baptist church in Texas, established in 1839. Julio Guarneri, Baptist General Convention of Texas executive director, presented Texas Baptists’ Legacy Award to Lee Baggett and Charles H. Whiteside. Baggett, a Vernon native, served in the Spanish-speaking mission of First Baptist Church in Vernon from 1957 to 1959 and later as a Baptist Student Union summer missionary to Juarez, Mexico. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist College in 1964 and an M.D. degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico. The Foreign Mission Board appointed him as a physician missionary to Mexico in 1974. Baggett served as the medical outreach coordinator of the Baptist Hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 1974 to 2007. He continues to serve in Guadalajara as the president of “Manos Hermanas,” which seeks to provide resources to alleviate hunger, thirst, illness and poverty in Christ’s name. Whiteside was born and raised in the Grapevine-Coppell area. He earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he taught chemistry at Kilgore College and established an agricultural testing laboratory. Over the years, he contributed to the capital development of the Baptist Student Ministry at Kilgore College, was a recipient of the East Texas Baptist University W.T. Tardy Service Award for his support of the nursing education center and served on the BGCT Executive Board from 2002 to 2007. He also served the Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission with distinction as a strong supporter and promoter of the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, and he served as an advisory member of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation with a particular interest in hunger relief.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management honored Texans on Mission as the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters member organization of the year. Texans on Mission, previously Texas Baptist Men, is the first organization to receive this recognition. Texans on Mission received the award during the Texas Emergency Management Conference, where about 4,000 first responders, local emergency managers, elected officials, and state and federal officials from 40 states and three countries were in attendance. Rubert Robbins, associate director of disaster relief, accepted the award on behalf of Texans on Mission. “It really is a testament to everyone involved with Texans on Mission,” he said. “We are known far and wide for being on mission with Jesus Christ in meeting the needs of people after disasters. This award shows that statewide leaders also recognize our commitment to providing services at the highest professional level.”

Samuel Still, a Doctor of Philosophy student at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and a staff member at Dallas Baptist University, has received the T.B. Maston Foundation’s annual scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. The Maston Foundation, chartered in 1986, perpetuates the teaching and legacy of its namesake, a renowned professor of Christian ethics and Baptist champion of racial justice in the 20th century. The foundation awards scholarships to graduate students majoring in Christian ethics, through which the Maston Foundation seeks to encourage ongoing leadership and scholarship in the field. It also attempts to challenge other Baptists to live out an authentic, Christlike ethic. Still anticipates receiving a Ph.D. degree in the summer of 2026. Still has been the assistant director of Dallas Baptist University’s Honors Program since 2022. He is an adjunct professor at DBU, where he has been a guest lecturer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University in 2018 and a Master of Divinity degree from Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary in 2021. Still is a student member of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, the Society for the Study of Theology, the Conference of Christianity and Literature, and the Karl Barth Society of North America. He is a member of Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell.

Baylor University’s Give Light comprehensive philanthropic campaign raised $1.5 billion, shattering its initial $1.1 billion goal and making Give Light the most successful comprehensive fundraising campaign in Baylor’s 179-year history. The university also reported $166 million in total fundraising for fiscal year 2024, which ended May 31, making it one of the top five highest fundraising years in Baylor’s history. All five of those top fundraising years have come during the Give Light campaign. “I am grateful for the more than 100,000 members of our Baylor community who have given generously through the Give Light campaign to help ensure Baylor University continues to have a distinct position and voice in higher education,” Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone said. “The world needs a Baylor—this unifying truth is resoundingly echoed through the generosity of our Baylor Family. Together, we have answered the call of support from this institution, and together we will continue to build this bright future so the world will see Christ through the impact of Baylor University.”

Dendrochronology is a big word, but so are some of the trees the science seeks to document and date, like the huge cuts of Douglas fir and mulberry trees currently displayed in “Timelines in Timber” at The Mabee, a collection of museums on Wayland Baptist University’s Plainview campus. Spring and summer intern Zachary Davis created the exhibit in fulfillment of his Master of Museum Science degree at Texas Tech University. Davis teamed up with Matthew Allen, professor of Biological Sciences in the Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences, to create the exhibit. Admission is free for “Timelines in Timber,” which is on display through Aug. 3. During the summer months, The Mabee is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Howard Payne University recently named Lonn Reisman as assistant to the president for special projects. He assumed the new role at the beginning of June. He will provide leadership in the areas of athletics, fundraising and campus development. Reisman previously served at Tarleton State University more than 30 years, including his most recent tenure as vice president for intercollegiate athletics. He also served as Tarleton State’s head men’s basketball coach from 1988 to 2018. During his time at Tarleton State, he successfully led the university through two NCAA reclassifications, first out of NAIA into NCAA Division II in 1994, and most recently into NCAA Division I and FCS Division I football. Reisman is the only documented athletic director in NCAA history to successfully lead one program through two such reclassifications. He is the longest-tenured Athletics Director in Tarleton State history and third-longest tenured athletic director across all of NCAA Division I. Reisman holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in education from Arkansas State University.

The Air Force ranks include more than 61,000 officers. Only 108 of those have reached the rank of brigadier general. In December, Baylor graduate Randall Cason Jr. (BS ’95) joined that esteemed group—and he chose to return to his alma mater to mark the occasion. The son of an Army test pilot, Cason took an early interest in flying. As a mathematics major at Baylor University, he was a part of Baylor’s longstanding Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. In 1995, Cason accepted a commission to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and later flew missions over Iraq. Amidst challenging circumstances after the first Gulf War, he distinguished himself and later became the first pilot in the Air Force Reserve to fly the F-22 in 2006, then recognized as the most technologically advanced fighter jet created. Cason went on to train future pilots and rose to the rank of colonel. When it came time to receive his promotion to brigadier general, he chose to hold the ceremony at Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary, where his mother, Jan Cason, served many years as financial manager and continues to serve as adjunct faculty.

The examination pass rate for nursing school graduates from Houston Christian University’s Linda Dunham School of Nursing taking the nursing licensure exam exceeded the national average for Texas nursing programs according to results recently published by the Texas Board of Nursing. In 2023, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses exam pass rate for HCU nursing school candidates who took the exam for the first time was 97.92 percent, compared to an average of 91.15 percent for Texas nursing programs and a national average of 88.56 percent.The exam uses a computerized adaptive testing technology to measure the foundational knowledge and skills needed for safe nursing practices for entry-level nurses. Carol Lavender, dean of the Linda Dunham School of Nursing, credited nursing school faculty and their passion for student success for the high pass rate, as well as adjustments to the school’s curriculum and improvements to lab space.

Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University will offer a class on the Old Testament to anyone in the community who wants to improve biblical understanding. The essentials course is designed for busy people who want to go deeper in understanding the Bible and theology for the sake of ministry. The class will begin in the fall 2024 semester and will be held on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. from September 9 through November 18 via Zoom or in-person at Heights Church in Houston. Paul Sloan, associate professor at Houston Christian University, will teach the course. Participants who complete all the essentials courses can qualify to receive three hours of graduate credit. The next planned courses in the essentials series will be New Testament, Christian doctrine and church history. Each class costs $380, which includes two meals at the kickoff and final celebration. Early bird price is $360, before Sept. 1. For more information, email Celeste Risteski at cristeski@HC.edu.

Wayland Baptist University at San Antonio expects to confer 119 degrees during its 84th commencement ceremony June 14 at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio. D. Glenn Simmons, executive director and dean of the San Antonio campus, will present the candidates for degrees to David Bishop, vice president for external campuses, who will confer degrees. He will be assisted by Linda Flores, assistant dean for the San Antonio campus. Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert will deliver the commencement address. Michael Hart, pastor of Spirit Filled Family Church, will give the invocation. Candidates for graduation include three students scheduled to receive doctoral degrees, 42 students set to receive master’s degrees, 65 students to receive bachelor’s degrees, and nine to receive associate’s degrees. “Half of the students set to walk across the stage to get their diplomas are age 40 or older,” said Simmons. “They juggled work, family, church, social events, and school. They did not do this alone. Through the help of spouses, family, friends, and coworkers, they refused to yield to the demands and surged ahead. These are our academic heroes, and, at graduation, we honor their diligence, patience, and tenacity.” Livestream coverage of the commencement ceremony is available at https://livestream.com/tbcspecialevents/waylandbaptistgraduation.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced 516 students have been listed on the Spring 2024 Provost’s Honor Roll. To receive this recognition, a student must achieve a 3.85 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, 505 students were named to the Dean’s Honor Roll for Spring 2024. To receive this recognition, a student must achieve a 3.5 to 3.849 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. To see a complete list of honor roll recipients, visit www.umhb.edu/news.

Ordinations

Collin Pittman and Hayden Swearingen were ordained to the ministry June 2 by Golinda Baptist Church. New pastor Scott Rhodes and outgoing interim pastor Bruce Crawford welcomed them to the ministry.

A group of Baptist Student Ministry students gathered on the Howard Payne University campus to pray every Thursday for the past year. Nicole de la Houssaye, a senior from Cleveland, is one of the students who initiated the prayer meetings on campus. God increased her focus on prayer after she served with Go Now Missions last summer. She felt a burden for those who didn’t know Jesus and realized there was something she could do about it. So, she discussed the idea of a weekly prayer meeting with Bryan Pate, HPU’s BSM director. From student baptisms in local churches to on-campus gatherings of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, students have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, and God is answering their prayers, she said. Nate Penland, HPU’s vice president for student experience, has seen the change on campus, noting: “Howard Payne’s Chapel theme this year was ‘He is Good.’ Our students have experienced this in a real way, and I am praying for it to continue.” Trevor Bowers, a senior from Bangs, said seeing his HPU friends live out the gospel played a big role in his decision to get baptized. Gospel conversations have been at the center of many interactions between students, faculty, staff and alumni on HPU’s campus. What might have seemed like a random conversation at a football barbecue one afternoon turned into a student accepting Christ. What looked like a student struggling with attendance turned into a meaningful conversation about who God is. What started on a mission trip to Uganda continued with HPU students sharing at a local church how God moved in their lives during their trip.

Nonprofit senior living provider Buckner Retirement Services completed the acquisition of Fort Worth senior living community, The Stayton at Museum Way, from Lifespace Communities on June 1. Renamed “The Stayton at Museum Way by Buckner,” it becomes the seventh senior living community in Texas owned and operated by Buckner, including Ventana by Buckner in Dallas. The transaction provides for Buckner to assume fully all resident agreements and entrance fee refund obligations and a significant reduction in the Stayton’s bond indebtedness. The Stayton will remain a class one continuing care retirement community, offering levels of living and care as residents’ needs change. Including a rehabilitation center, 188 independent living units, 42 assisted living units, 20 memory care units and 46 nursing units, the Stayton is an 11-story Life Care senior living community located in Fort Worth’s West 7th Cultural District. “We have worked long and hard in preparation for this acquisition,” said Charlie Wilson, president of Buckner Retirement Services. “Our top priority is building relationships with the Stayton’s employees and residents, welcoming them to Buckner, and helping ensure the transition is a smooth and positive experience.”

“Sibling SUCCESS: Supporting Unique Collaborative Care to Encourage Shared Success” is a service model in which siblings of children with autism are included within the behavioral interventions delivered to their brother or sister with autism. The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities team is offering two opportunities related to siblings of people with autism this summer, in multiple locations: Sibling Workshop: Jessica Akers, associate professor of Educational Psychology and Center affiliate, and her team are offering a one-day, six-hour course for siblings. The workshop will target behavioral strategies to enhance the quality of interactions with their sibling with autism. Participants must live in Texas and have a sibling with autism between the ages of 5 and 17, and the participant must be between the ages of 5 and 17. For their full participation, a participant’s family can earn up to $75 in Amazon gift cards. This course will be held: June 5 in Waco, June 6 in Lubbock, June 10 in Amarillo, June 13 in Rio Grande Valley and June 20 in El Paso. Practitioner Training: This three-hour workshop will equip practitioners to include siblingseffectively in the services they deliver to children with autism. Board Certified Behavior Analysts will receive three free continuing education units. Upon completion, practitioners also will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. This workshop will be held: June 7 in Lubbock, June 11 in Amarillo, June 12 in Dallas, June 14 in Rio Grande Valley, June17 in Austin, June 18 in Waco, June 21 in El Paso and June 28 in Houston. For more information email siblingsuccess@baylor.edu or call 254-710-4444.

Retirement

Ed Young Sr., pastor of Second Baptist Church in Houston, announced his retirement in a letter shared with the congregation May 26. Young, 87, has been pastor of Second Baptist Church since 1978. He previously served churches in South Carolina and as president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1992 and 1993.

Baptist University of the Américas received a $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment to help establish Proclama—a program designed to equip Hispanic pastors with the skills necessary for compelling preaching. The effort is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to foster and support preaching that better inspires, encourages and guides people to come to know and love God and to live out their Christian faith more fully. Proclama will provide pastors with resources to enhance their ministerial capabilities. Through collaborative group sessions, pastors will cultivate engaging preaching practices. Proclama’s curriculum is crafted to empower pastors with competencies honed through collaborative peer learning dynamics. This program not only will refine preaching styles, but also will equip pastors to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences and communities. These communities—which grapple with bilingualism, serve diverse generations of immigrants and navigate evolving cultural dynamics—will find Proclama a vital resource for their spiritual journey. “This generous support will be pivotal to the success of our Proclama program. We are truly grateful for God’s faithfulness,” said Abe Jaquez, president and CEO of BUA. “We eagerly anticipate witnessing the impact this initiative will have on our pastors and the diverse communities they serve.”

Houston Christian University board of trustees approved a $60 million budget for construction of the Sherry and Jim Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Complex at its May 21 quarterly meeting. The multi-million-dollar complex is named in honor of Sherry and Jim Smith, longtime HCU supporters who donated a $20 million lead gift to the project, making it the largest single donation received in the university’s history. “The HCU board of trustees approval of the financing plan for the new Sherry and Jim Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Complex marks a day of historic significance for the university,” said HCU President Robert Sloan. “These new academic facilities … have long been the greatest facility need for HCU.” Construction on the complex will begin in January 2025, with completion slated in time for the start of classes in the fall 2026 semester, Sloan said. The new state-of-the art building will enable the university to prepare students for high-demand professions such as data science, statistics, cybersecurity, computer science, registered nursing and kinesiology. The estimated 71,000-sq.-ft., three-story building will provide the Linda Dunham School of Nursing and the College of Science & Engineering with consolidated space, including science laboratories, classrooms, instructional and state-of-the-art simulation labs, makerspace/capstone learning environments, and faculty and administrative offices.

Wayland Baptist University’s newly formed Advancement Council made a $1 million pledge to the university’s $18 million Thrive Campaign. The pledge was announced during the Advancement Council’s May 18 meeting and brings the campaign’s total funds raised to $14.5 million. Under the leadership of President Bobby Hall, Wayland’s Thrive Campaign continues to gain momentum. The campaign aims to foster academic excellence, enhance recruitment efforts, improve campus facilities and bolster athletics across the institution. For more information about the Thrive Campaign, visit https://www.wbu.edu/thrive_campaign.htm or contact Wayland’s Office of Advancement.

Hardin-Simmons University student Maya Morell recently received the Texas Academy of Science Award for her research. Her award-winning research centered around zebra mussels—an invasive species—and how the species would affect Taylor County if they entered its lakes. The research included measuring the lakes where zebra mussels have sprung up, observing what conditions allow zebra mussels to thrive, and if lakes in Taylor County are at risk of harboring the invasive species. “As our city grows, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential environmental issues that might impact the quality of our lakes and recreational opportunities,” she said. Morell expressed gratitude to the faculty of HSU who helped her with her proposal—including how to draft a professional paper, networking in the scientific community and acquiring resources for her project. “In addition,” she added, “they gave me all the emotional support I needed to power through extensive research.” Morell is a biology major in the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics. After she graduates from HSU, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in marine biology to pursue her dream of researching coral reef restoration and conservation. “Coral reef depletion is a serious concern for our ocean education. I hope to learn more about the ins and outs of research and become a part of a great team to understand how we can preserve our coral reefs.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: The item about BUA was edited after it originally was published to correct the amount of the grant.

Howard Payne University recently received $25,000 in scholarship funds from TexasBank through the James and Dorothy Doss Foundation. The contribution was provided as a part of the Doss Foundation, TexasBank Scholars—Heart of Texas Scholarship Fund, established to help area students attend HPU. This year’s scholarship recipients are Bailee Bachtel, Addie Carroll, Chase Churchwell, Zachary Ellis, Brady Furry, Austin Gray, Zachary Hallman, Travis Holleman and Jaxon Hermesmeyer. To be considered for this scholarship, students must have graduated from a high school in one of the following counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, McCulloch, Mills or San Saba. Students should be juniors or seniors pursuing a degree in HPU’s School of Business and specializing in finance or accounting. More details on criteria are available from HPU’s Office of Financial Aid. Admission applications are still being accepted for the fall 2024 semester at Howard Payne University.

Cicely S. Jefferson has been named dean of the College of Business at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to serving at DBU as assistant dean of the College of Business and assistant professor in business law, Jefferson was an attorney for the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for more than 15 years. Jefferson litigated employment law cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merit Systems Protection Board and Federal Court. As an assistant regional counsel for the Social Security Administration, she litigated social security disability and employment law cases and successfully argued cases before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Jefferson also handled Title IX cases as an investigator, representative and deputy Title IX coordinator. Jefferson earned a Master of Business Administration degree and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University. She then completed her doctoral degree in Philosophy of Leadership Studies at DBU. She was ordained to the ministry by Concord Church, serving full-time on staff as connections pastor for seven years, and regularly serves as a resource to others by mentoring student-athletes and young women, providing pro bono legal services to those in need and volunteering in her church.

Houston Christian University has named Mark D. Gaus as the 2023-2024 Opal Goolsby Outstanding Professor of the Year. Gaus is a professor of kinesiology in the Linda Dunham School of Nursing and chair for the department of kinesiology at HCU. Named in honor of Opal Goolsby, a faculty member who taught English and French at Houston Baptist College, the award recognizes the best teaching on the HCU campus. Goolsby was a member of the college’s original faculty in 1963. A selection committee with representatives from the Student Government Association, the faculty professional development committee and the provost’s office examined the record of accomplishment for each nominee and selected the faculty member who best represented the ideals of outstanding teaching.

Four Howard Payne University students were selected as Sumners Scholars by the Sumners Foundation: Madeline Duncan, Kellen McKee, Addison Roden and Adrielle Sloan. Sumners Scholars receive a $7,500-per-semester scholarship from the Sumners Foundation for tuition, fees, books or room and board, alongside unique opportunities to hear from congressional and civic leaders at various events and seminars. Duncan, of Abilene, is majoring in psychology. McKee is from Azle and majors in biomedical science. Roden, a Magnolia native, is majoring in finance. Sloan, from Blue Ridge, majors in strategic communication. All four students are in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. Each year, the Sumners Foundation selects students who best represent the foundation’s mission and legacy to participate in the program. The foundation’s purpose is to “encourage the study, teaching, and research into the science and art of self-government, to the end that the American people may understand the fundamental principles of democracy and be guided thereby in shaping governmental policies.” For more information about the Sumners Foundation, visit www.sumnersfoundation.org.

Ninety-eight Wayland Baptist University students participated in commencement ceremonies May 18 on the university’s Plainview campus. Cindy McClenagan, vice president for academic affairs, presented the candidates for degrees to President Bobby Hall, who conferred degrees, assisted by Mark Jones, chair of Wayland’s board of trustees. Luke J. Brockway, a graduating senior from Kilgore, gave the student address, and Dylan Lee Jerden, a graduating senior from New Deal, read Philippians 1:6. Paten Czarina Denton, a graduating senior from Conway, Ark., led prayer, and Aubrey Jaramillo, a graduating senior from Clarendon, gave the benediction. Seven students received doctoral degrees, 17 students received master’s degrees and 74 students received bachelor’s degrees. There were 66 candidates for graduation from Texas, including 12 from Plainview.

Howard Payne University recently celebrated its most recent graduates with commencement ceremonies on May 11. HPU President Cory Hines and other university representatives conferred the degrees. An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was presented to Ray Still, senior pastor at Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels and former HPU trustee. Draco A. Miller, who serves on the Brownwood City Council, presented the charge to the graduates. Commencement was preceded on May 10 by the Chime Out ceremony, an HPU tradition in which graduating seniors pass a chain of ivy to underclassmen, symbolizing the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges to those students who remain on campus to carry on the traditions of the university.

Jessalyn Brown was awarded one of four Addie Davis Scholarships by Baptist Women in Ministry. Brown is a preacher and poet from Lexington, Ky. She is a graduate of Georgetown College where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies and Theatre & Film Studies. She is heading into her final year at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. She also serves as a resident chaplain for undergraduate students in Heritage House, a fine arts residential community at Baylor. Learn more about the scholarship here.

During their recent graduation ceremony, Scott Jones, pastor of First Baptist Church Rockport and Baptist Standard board member, was honored as Faculty of the Year by Stark College & Seminary for his role as both pastor and Stark adjunct faculty member.

Anniversary

Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University, was recently recognized for five years of service.

Ordination

Isaiah Baba to the gospel ministry by Emmanuel Baptist Church in Waco on May 12. Pastor Marcelo Oliveira and Emmanuel Baptist Church held an ordination council for Baba, a new Truett Theological Seminary graduate. Baba originally is from Ghana. Through Zoom, his father, Pastor Elijah Baba, was able to participate from Ghana in the ordination process for his son.

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At its May 4 commencement, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor awarded Wallace E. Davis an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree for his many contributions to the university. Davis then delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of 2024. Davis earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Baylor University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he taught elementary school and served the Corpus Christi Independent School District in several other roles. In 1973, he became one of the first four educators employed by the newly founded Corpus Christi State University—now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. In 1991, Davis became president of Wayland Baptist University, where he served more than nine years before being named the university’s first chancellor. Upon his retirement in 2002, he was named chancellor emeritus of the Wayland Baptist University System. After moving to Salado, Davis and his late wife, Patsy Lewis Mayfield, connected with UMHB. He has been a faithful donor to UMHB for the past 17 years. This was the university’s 168th graduating class, with 485 students awarded degrees—366 baccalaureate degrees, 107 masters’ degrees and 12 doctoral degrees.

East Texas Baptist University presented 186 graduates with degrees during its commencement ceremony, May 10. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn presided over the ceremony, during which 165 students received undergraduate degrees and 21 received graduate degrees. During the first ceremony, Sam Moseley was presented with an honorary doctorate. Moseley’s legal career included serving as assistant city attorney for Marshall, co-founding the firm Moseley and Moseley, and working in the administrations of Presidents Reagan and Bush from 1985-1993. Congress appointed him to the Millennial Housing Commission in 2000. Blackburn presented Steve and Penny Carlile with honorary doctorates during the second ceremony. The Carliles have been connected to East Texas Baptist University for many years. After graduating from Baylor University, they returned to their hometown of Marshall, where they have supported local organizations and initiatives, including Mission Marshall, the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines, Marshall Independent School District, Marshall downtown revitalization and Marshall City Park. Steve and Penny Carlile Hall is named in honor of them for their generous investment through institutional service, campus building initiatives, and encouragement to expand and increase the impact of East Texas Baptist University.

Howard Payne University freshman Shadia Herrera of Azle recently was named a recipient of the Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders, presented at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute National Conference in Chicago. Herrera was one of 23 recipients of the scholarship. The institute has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships and internships to Hispanic college students throughout the United States. The annual national conference drew 4,650 students from 63 high schools and 115 colleges and universities in 24 states. Herrera first met Juan Andrade, a 1970 graduate of HPU, at the university’s Hispanic Alumni Fellowship in the fall, and she briefly spoke about her plans upon graduation. Andrade encouraged her to apply for the scholarship. She soon was notified of her acceptance, as well as a trip to Chicago and admission to the conference. “I hand-picked Shadia because, when she shared her plans, she mentioned what she wanted to be, but then went on to speak about what she wanted to do and why, and that clinched it for me,” Andrade said. “Knowing what you want to do and why adds tremendous meaning and value to whatever you want to be.” Herrera is majoring in biomedical science and plans to become a physician’s assistant after she graduates. Her goal is to become a missionary and bring medicine and the gospel to remote places in the world.

Wayland Baptist University raised more than $25,000 for the Mark and Linda Murdock Endowed Scholarship during its Denim and Diamonds Scholarship Gala. President Emeritus Paul Armes introduced longtime Wayland supporters and civic leaders Mark and Linda Murdock. An Air National Guard and Air Force veteran, Mark enjoyed a 36-year career with Crossmark, a sales and marketing company for the food industry. He retired in 1999 after serving as Crossmark’s president for more than 16 years. He serves as a deacon at Southcrest Baptist Church, where he and Linda currently attend. The couple were members of Oakwood Baptist Church for more than 40 years. It was noted the couple is committed to ensuring future generations of students can receive a quality education in a Christian atmosphere.

East Texas Baptist University received a $475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The funds will enable ETBU to address economic challenges in Marshall and the surrounding region by developing and implementing long-term economic revitalization strategies to serve the local economy. The award will enhance the ability of ETBU’s Synergy Park to serve the economic development needs of Marshall and Harrison County. With this funding, ETBU now may implement new, market-driven programs to serve both local business owners and workforce participants while expanding the array of services already offered at Synergy Park. Since opening in April 2023, Synergy Park has become a major driver of economic revitalization in downtown Marshall. At 48,000 square feet, the former East Texas home of Capital One now serves as the headquarters for 12 local corporations, five of which are nonprofits. “ETBU’s vision for Synergy Park was to create an innovative center for educational and professional activity within downtown Marshall, catalyzing further economic development,” said ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn.

Yongli Luo has been named the 2023-2024 Houston Christian University Piper Professor. Luo is an associate professor of finance and serves as program coordinator for the Finance and Bachelor of Business Administration degree programs and coordinator of the Archie W. Dunham College of Business online programs. Given by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, the Piper Professor Award recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching in colleges and universities throughout Texas. The foundation gives 10 awards annually to teachers who are devoted to their professions and have made a special impact on their students and their community. A single nominee is selected each fall to represent HCU as the university’s nominee to the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. Luo earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Chongqing University in China, a Master of Science in Management from the University of Science and Technology of China and his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American. He has taught a range of courses from corporate finance to international business to risk management. He was a 2014-2015 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor nominee at the School of Business of Wayland Baptist University. His research interests focus on corporate financial management and global financial markets and institutions.

Howard Payne University’s Department of Criminal Justice recently hosted Voices from the Field, a seminar on restorative justice. The event was open to all HPU students, but focused on students majoring in social service fields, including criminal justice, social work, psychology, Christian studies and nursing. Four guest speakers presented on topics related to their respective fields. Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission sponsored the event as part of a larger restorative justice grant awarded to the HPU Department of Criminal Justice. Gina N. Gibbs, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and assistant professor of criminal justice said: “Restorative justice is an approach that embraces the core values of forgiveness and accountability found in Christianity and influences several career paths. It is vital that students going into ‘people helping’ fields hear directly from practitioners and know how what is taught in the classroom may be used in future careers.” The guest speakers were Tomi Grover, presenting “Restorative Justice: Healing Community, and Accountability,” Scott McIntosh presenting “The Victim’s Side of Restorative Justice,” Lisa Medlin presenting “Restorative Justice in Action: Being Trauma Informed in Fostering and Adoption” and Michelle Salzman presenting “Handle With Care: Trauma and the Crime Victim.” Lynn Humeniuk, assistant professor emeritus of sociology and adjunct faculty in criminal justice and sociology, spoke on the history of the restorative justice emphasis offered at HPU.

Houston Christian University hosted a half-day conference on May 7 for faculty, staff and members of the community on “Exploring the Christian Framework on Neurodiversity in Classroom, Church, and Workplace Settings.” The conference sought to offer an informed awareness of a variety of physio-psychological conditions that impact how individuals engage in educational, social and spiritual settings. It was designed to provide practical guidance about how to honor the dignity of people with neurodiversities as image-bearers of God and the unique strengths and perspectives they bring to churches and campuses. Participants heard presentations from Angie Maxey, a local expert on educational access and accommodations, from Lacey Madeley, who helps to lead Young Life’s Capernaum ministry in Houston, and from a panel of HCU alumni with neurodiversities who shared about their own experiences as students and the ways in which faculty and staff were able to support their flourishing as whole people. 

Howard Payne University’s School of Science and Mathematics invites high school students to apply for admission to the second annual Summer Research Symposium, scheduled for July 1 through Aug. 5. Applications are now open and will be accepted until May 17. The symposium provides students with a paid laboratory experience prior to their attending university. This program lasts for four weeks, during which each student will partner with another applicant as well as an HPU student researching a current topic in STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At the conclusion of the research, students will present their results to their family and friends. “Participants will be able to perform one of three proposed research topics,” said Dennis Gibson, associate professor of chemistry and department chair of physical sciences. “These topics include developing an alternative to inhibit the growth of bacteria in preservative-free eye drops, extracting and testing novel fluorescent probes for understanding the formation of microplastics, and optimizing a new extraction technique of a common biopolymer.” Interested students may apply at www.hputx.edu/summerresearch.

Dan Stiver has been named president of Jesse C. Fletcher Seminary. Fletcher Seminary is an online- and San Antonio-based seminary. Established after the closure of Logsdon Seminary, Fletcher is intentionally inclusive and multidenominational. Stiver taught at Logsdon and has been teaching at Fletcher Seminary since it began. He succeeds founding president Donald Williford.

Anniversary

Literacy Connexus marked 20 years of ministry May 1. Literacy Connexus was established by Texas Baptists in 2004 to help churches help people with literacy needs. They collaborate with churches of all denominations in Texas and beyond—aspiring to give voice to the millions who struggle with speaking, reading and writing English—mobilizing churches to meet those needs. Lester Meriwether serves as executive director.

The Dallas Baptist University women’s soccer and volleyball teams traveled to Costa Rica during spring break. They served local schools in Guanacaste and Portegolpe and ran sports clinics for the students. The principal of one of the schools said no Americans had visited their school in more than 21 years. Assistant athletic trainer of Sports Medicine Courtney Pinson said, “Seeing the kids cry after we had only spent a few hours with them was eye-opening for everyone. … I personally witnessed some girls get spiritually ‘unstuck.’ I saw them give God away, and I saw many seeds planted and watered.” DBU women’s soccer student-athlete Sophia Schrock said, “The Lord’s faithfulness followed us. … Our relationships with the kids at Escuela Antonio Jose de Sucre will forever be cherished. We were blessed to share God’s love with them through murals, soccer, volleyball and community as our group returned with refreshed spirits and postures of gratitude. I’m still in awe of the many ways the Lord moved, and he alone deserves all the glory.”

Erin Berry of Bullard was recognized April 26 during East Texas Baptist University’s 77th 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. Berry, a psychology major, is an Honors Program student who completed an award-winning honors research project. She also played on the ETBU women’s basketball team and served as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, Tiger Camp leader, Psi Chi secretary, Phi Gamma Mu president and Thrive peer mentor. As a member of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church in Marshall, she actively engages in fellowship and service, contributing to the growth of the church plant. Twenty-seven young women participated in the Senior Girl Call-Out event alongside their “little sisters,” underclassmen chosen by the seniors. During the ceremony, each senior girl passed onto her little sister the symbols of the ideals and traditions of the university—the grace of the myrtle, the strength of the oak and the ever-verdant life of the pine. Berry also won the undergraduate research competition at the Southwestern Psychological Association conference in San Antonio. Will Funny Chickens Cross the Road?: Humor Styles and First Impressions was her winning project.

Howard Payne University recently honored five students at the annual Servant Leadership Awards Chapel for their servant leadership on campus and in the community. Students honored were Daniel Archer of Houston, Emily Hughitt of Energy, Hannah Parnell of Idalou, Jack Shackelford of Midlothian and Georgia Simmons of Clarksville.“We are tremendously blessed to have such high-quality students here at Howard Payne University,” said Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies, director of Christian studies graduate programs and professor of Christian studies. “If you had been in our selection committee meeting, you would know that it is a very difficult task to narrow the selections down to just a few who will be honored. One of my favorite times of the year is when we have the opportunity to recognize students who seek to serve the Lord Jesus by serving others.” Hughitt, Parnell and Simmons each was awarded the Howard Payne University Servant Leadership Award—recognizing exemplary junior-level students in the areas of leadership and service, and including a $1,000 scholarship. Hughitt was a recent intern with the Baptist Standard. Archer and Shackelford each were presented the Dr. Nat Tracy Servant Leadership Award—designated for senior-level students and established to honor the life of the late Nat Tracy, a faculty member in HPU’s School of Christian Studies. Recipients of both awards are selected from nominations made by HPU personnel and students.

Howard Payne University students Brenna Douthit and Samantha Molina were named the 2024 Yellow Rose Scholarship recipients by the HPU Women’s Club. Both were honored at the annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon alongside Barbara Grooms, this year’s Yellow Rose Award winner. Douthit is a sophomore from Waxahachie majoring in nursing.

Molina is a sophomore from El Paso majoring in business administration and music education. She is the first student from HPU’s El Paso Center to be named a Yellow Rose Scholarship recipient. Grooms has been connected to HPU her entire life. She earned her bachelor’s degree from HPU in 1959. Grooms served 25 years as secretary for First Baptist Church, Brownwood, where she had many opportunities to get to know HPU students. She and her husband, Dwayne, continue to be faithful members of the church. This year’s keynote speaker was Lesley Wyse.

The Yellow Rose Endowed Scholarship currently provides scholarships for two students, thanks to generous support from the HPU family and the community. The luncheon, a tradition that began 19 years ago by the HPU Women’s Club, is the primary fundraiser for the scholarship.

Hardin-Simmons University observed its 42nd annual Western Heritage Day on April 25. More than 4,000 attendees visited campus to travel back in time to experience a fun and educational day. Western Heritage Day aims to educate and celebrate the culture of the Big Country’s past through interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning. This free event, geared toward elementary and pre-k-aged children, is offered to the community each year.

Steve Coleman has announced his retirement from the Hardin-Simmons baseball program, effective at the end of the season, after a 27-year run leading the program. “I came to Hardin-Simmons when I was 33 years old and this university has been so good to me,” Coleman said. “I have grown as a coach, as a leader, as a husband, parent, grandparent and strengthened my walk with the Lord. The coach in me always wished we would have won a title or more games, but the most important thing to me is the lasting relationships I have with my players and coaches. Those are the things I cherish the most.” Coleman has a record of 568-537 and has led the Cowboys to the postseason in 19 of the 27 years, including this year. He is the school’s all-time wins leader and is the longest-tenured coach at Hardin-Simmons. His teams have produced a cumulative GPA of over 3.0 for the last 32 semesters. “I am beyond grateful for all that the Coleman family has done for Hardin-Simmons University,” said John Neese, associate vice president for athletics. “It has been a great professional honor to work side by side with Steve for 27 years. … We will make plans to honor Steve during the fall 2024 semester. This will allow for many of his former players who are coaches to come back during their offseason to thank him.”

Hannah Brown was awarded the Parish Pulpit Preaching Fellowship and the Biblical Preaching award from Preaching Today.com at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary’s spring awards chapel. The fellowship, sponsored by Church of the Pioneers, is awarded among a small number of seminaries, including Princeton, Fuller, Gordon-Conwell and Luther Northwestern. The recipient—a master’s degree student who has shown promise in preaching—is chosen by the faculty of participating seminaries to receive $45,000, plus $5,000 debt reduction, to spend a year overseas studying preaching. Truett recipients of the award complete their fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. A sermon by Brown has been featured in Baptists Preaching.

Darin Wood has been selected as one of three 2024 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary distinguished alumni award recipients. Wood has served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Midland since 2016. The Joshua native holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. from Southwestern and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dallas Baptist University. He previously was pastor of Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville, First Baptist Church of Frankston and Memorial Baptist Church in Corsicana. He also served as youth evangelism intern with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Houston Christian University Huskies linebacker Jalyx Hunt in round three with pick 94 in the NFL draft. Hunt is the Huskies’ all-American and the first-ever player drafted out of Houston Christian University. In the 2023 season, Hunt recorded 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception with a return for a touchdown, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a blocked kick in 10 games. In just two seasons, Hunt has racked up 13.5 sacks, ranking second all-time at HCU, while his five forced fumbles are tied for most by an HCU player in their career. His three sacks this season versus Lamar University is the second-most in a single game in program history.

Houston Christian University and Houston Theological Seminary announce Scot McKnight will join the Doctor of Ministry faculty, teaching and supervising students in the program. McKnight brings decades of teaching experience and an active engagement with the church to the study of the New Testament. He has written more than 50 books, including The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others and volumes in the New International Commentary on the New Testament, NIV Application Commentary and the Story of God Bible Commentary series. In 2023, he completed a fresh translation of the New Testament, The Second Testament–as a sequel to John Goldingay’s The First Testament. Phil Tallon, dean of the School of Christian Thought, said, “Dr. McKnight is one of the nation’s most prominent biblical scholars, who also knows how to communicate to a popular audience. This mixture of scholarship and ministry fits perfectly with our mission to bring biblical studies from the academy to the church.”

The Baptist Student Ministry at Hardin-Simmons University hosted its second annual ANDY24 earlier this month. During this time, the community came together for 24 hours of prayer. Worship, prayer and speakers were split between Logdson Chapel and a tent on the lawn. From 8 p.m. on April 9 to 8 p.m. on April 10, HSU students, staff and faculty prayed for the campus, Abilene and the world. The BSM also held three chapel services. The tent contained five stations for self-reflection and prayer, ranging from hand-written notes with prayer requests for others to pray over to journaling reflections on prayer to share with others. Guest speakers during chapel were Ryan Eastman from Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Manny Silva, HSU’s BSM director, and Landri Bayless, a current HSU student. During Silva’s chapel service, he cited Matthew 5:23-24 as the most important lesson. “It’s not about the act,” he explained. “God cares about your heart.”

Wayland Baptist University celebrated five new endowed scholarship dedications that will benefit students. The Barrera Family Endowed Scholarship, the Paulie and Mary Louise Jones Endowed Scholarship, and the Randy and Carol Kaufman Endowed Scholarship were dedicated at Wayland’s board of trustees luncheon, April 25. Joe and Frances Barrera and family are long-time residents of Plainview with a heart for business, ministry and missions. This scholarship is established to assist first-generation students at Wayland who are active in missions and aspire to work in a mission field. Paulie Christian Jones and Mary Louise Jones of Clovis, N.M., were passionate supporters of higher education and Christian service throughout their careers. With this scholarship, the Jones family continues their commitment to Christian higher education, hoping to assist students in need as they pursue their educational goals. Randy and Carol Kaufman are passionate about Christian education. He graduated from Wayland with an accounting degree in 1991 and has been working in his local CPA firm since 1987. He attributes his professional success to the education he received while attending Wayland. Additionally, the previously established Lt. Col. Odis V. and Edith R. Sims Endowed Scholarship and the Dr. Charles and Susie Starnes Endowed Scholarship were dedicated, April 18, at the Pioneers of Excellence donor appreciation dinner. Endowed scholarships at Wayland require a minimum $25,000 gift and are then invested as part of the university’s endowment. Earnings are pulled annually to provide scholarships for students, with the main corpus remaining intact for generations to come.

East Texas Baptist University celebrated the legacy of David Dykes at the David Dykes Servant Leadership Award & ETBU Scholarship Dinner, April 23. Guests honored Dykes’ servant leadership and raised funds for scholarships supporting ETBU students. Dykes, senior pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler from 1991 to 2021, has long been recognized for his dedication to Christ and servant leadership principles, university leaders noted. Throughout his tenure, he made significant contributions to the Tyler community and beyond, embodying the spirit of faith in action.“Whether at home or abroad, in classrooms with our faculty or in the community with our partners, we are developing devoted Christian servant leaders like Dr. Dykes,” ETBU president Blair Blackburn said. “Through Dr. Dykes’ service on the ETBU board of trustees, his training of Christian ministry students in religion classes, and his biblical teaching at ETBU Chapel Services, Brother David has modeled for our students true spiritual leadership that exemplifies the humble servanthood of Jesus Christ.”

East Texas Baptist University honored 159 graduating seniors with the presentation of their official ETBU Class Ring. The Ring Blessing ceremony was held April 24. Inspired by Deuteronomy 6, the class ring allows ETBU alumni to carry and display the love of Christ. “The Ring Blessing ceremony at ETBU is a cherished tradition where graduating seniors receive their class rings, symbolizing their journey at our university,” Vice President for Advancement and Administrative Affairs Scott Bryant said. “We take pride in these students, knowing they will carry the values of faith and excellence forward into the world, representing both the Lord and our institution with honor.” As a gift of appreciation from the university to graduating seniors, the ETBU class ring symbolizes the university’s blessing over students as they commence from ETBU to pursue their career callings.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor honored students Michael Alvarado, Isabella Peña and Maggie Spellings with the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award during the final chapel service this semester. The award recognizes the students’ extraordinary time and energy devoted to ministry and community service during their years of study at UMHB. The award is named for Gary and Diane Heavin of Waco, who established an endowment at UMHB to fund this recognition annually. The honor included a $1,000 cash award for each student, a portion of which could be donated to an organization of their choice. Michael Alvarado is a senior small business and entrepreneurship major from Rockwall. Alvarado is giving a portion of his cash award to Grace Church Salado. Isabella Peña is a senior exercise physiology major with a concentration in strength and conditioning from Waco. Peña plans to donate a portion of her cash award to Unbound Now Waco, a nonprofit organization that serves survivors and resource communities to fight human trafficking. Maggie Spellings is a senior social work major from Round Rock. She is giving a portion of her cash award to Feed My Sheep, Temple-based, nonprofit organization formed to provide nourishment and basic human needs to homeless and needy people of Bell County.