Baylor researches benefits of Scouts. Researchers with Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion have received a two-year, $992,000 grant from the John Templeton Foundation for a series of studies examining the impact of Boy Scouts in fostering positive youth development and healthy, virtuous behaviors. The institute’s co-directors, Byron Johnson and Rodney Stark, received the grant. Anecdotal evidence indicates large numbers of young men involved in Boy Scouts—particularly those achieving the Eagle Scout rank—see dramatic changes in their lives, including the development of virtues such patience, kindness, humility, service, purpose, honesty, duty, tenacity and commitment. The Baylor researchers will investigate whether empirical data supports those anecdotal findings.
ETBU trustees extend president’s contract. The East Texas Baptist University board of trustees approved a one-year extension to President Dub Oliver, whose contract ran through May 31, 2013. The board also approved the tuition and fee schedule for the 2010-2011 academic year. Trustees increased tuition 1.86 percent, the smallest increase in recent history. ETBU will charge an hourly rate of $625 for tuition and will offer an option to lock in a tuition rate for four years.
HBU to create Christian family studies institute. Houston Baptist University received a $50,000 gift to launch The Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies. The Guild—a women’s group supportive of the vision and mission of HBU—made the gift in recognition of the university’s 50th anniversary. The institute will provide scholars, ministers, students, parents, policy-makers and community leaders a place to come together to support Christian understanding regarding the traditional family. Christian scholars will develop interdisciplinary research and educational programs to be presented in seminars, training sessions and lectures to address Christian worldview issues related to strengthening the family.
Hillcrest Foundation pledges gift to DBU. The Dallas-based Hillcrest Foundation has pledged $500,000 to Dallas Baptist University for the newly constructed Henry Blackaby Hall. The 20,000-square-foot facility houses a bookstore, music department classrooms and practice rooms, music faculty instructional studios and the university’s online education department. With this donation, the Hillcrest Foundation’s 40-year giving to DBU totals $3.3 million. Previous gifts have helped in construction of the International Student Center, Tom and Alicia Landry Welcome Center, Mahler Student Center, Spence Hall, and Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel.
Estate endows Howard Payne scholarship. A gift of more than $800,000 from the estate of Harold and Margaret Meyer of Pecos will provide endowed scholarships at Howard Payne University. Earnings from the Harold G. and Margaret F. Meyer Endowed Scholarship Fund will be used to offer scholarships for students preparing for Christian vocations, including pastoral ministry, youth and education ministry, Christian counseling, missionary service and teaching.
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