Wayland Baptist University has selected Ronald Angelo Johnson, associate professor of history and Ralph & Bessie Mae Lynn Endowed Chair of History at Baylor University, as the featured speaker for the 2026 Willson Lectures scheduled Feb. 10–12 at the university’s Plainview campus. The 2026 Willson Lectures mark the 75th anniversary of two pivotal moments in Wayland’s history. In 1951, Wayland became the first four-year liberal arts college in the former Confederacy to voluntarily integrate its student body. That same year, James M. and Mavis Willson established the endowment that would become the university’s most enduring lecture series. In addition to the scheduled lectures, Johnson will speak in select Wayland classes and participate in community-related events.

Houston Christian University art faculty and Master of Fine Arts students collaborated with The Heights Church in Houston to create the Jeanette D. and Howard D. Moon Gallery. The gallery’s grand opening and dedication, as well as the opening of its first exhibition, “A New Moon Rises,” took place at The Heights Church on Dec. 4. The Moon Gallery offers an opportunity for HCU faculty and students to share their creative work with a broader community audience as an extension of the ministry of a local church with which HCU partners closely. The gallery will serve as a space for visual arts, performing arts, fellowship and community events. To learn more about the Moon Gallery and the HCU artists who contributed, please visit themoongallery.org.

Howard Payne University student Alexandria Martinez has been awarded a scholarship by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas and the Council of Independent Colleges and United Parcel Service. Martinez is a senior nursing major from Lubbock. She is a member of Delta Chi Rho, a Christian sorority on campus.

B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University announced the establishment of its first endowed scholarship, made possible through an estate gift from longtime Texas Baptist pastor, educator and friend of the seminary, Jimmie Nelson. The Jimmie Nelson Endowed Scholarship will support students enrolled in Carroll’s Ph.D. program, continuing Nelson’s lifelong investment in ministerial education. Nelson, remembered widely for his decades of pastoral leadership, teaching ministry and dedication to theological preparation, served Texas Baptist churches more than 60 years. He pastored congregations across the state, taught future ministers, and devoted his life to strengthening the church through faithful preaching and mentoring.

Houston Christian University celebrated 325 graduates in three commencement ceremonies on Dec. 13. At the ceremonies, 181 bachelor’s, 132 master’s and 12 doctoral degrees were awarded, bringing HCU’s total degrees granted to 27,899 in its 65-year history. In addition to prayers, special music and Scripture readings led by graduates, HCU President Robert Sloan delivered a commencement sermon from Luke 2:4–14. He commissioned the graduates to remember the sense of joy and relief they experience in the celebration of their commencement and in their celebration of Christmas to prepare them for a life of joyful faithfulness in anticipating Christ’s return.

Houston Christian University hosted a ceremony Dec. 2 marking the completion of the structural phase of the Smith Engineering Science and Nursing Building. The multidisciplinary building will expand space and learning opportunities for the next generation of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and nursing professionals. Slated to open in fall 2026, the building will be home to innovative laboratory and learning spaces for the College of Science and Engineering and the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing. Those in attendance were invited to take part in the traditional signing of a beam to commemorate the occasion.

Baylor University has named media and brand executive and former athletics administrator Doug McNamee as the Bears’ next vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone announced. McNamee returns to Baylor after serving as president of Waco-based Magnolia, the nationally recognized lifestyle and media company founded by Baylor alumni Chip and Joanna Gaines, and most recently as president of Field & Stream. A two-time Baylor graduate, McNamee spent nearly a decade at his alma mater, rising to senior associate athletics director for external affairs before departing in 2018 for the corporate sector.

Thomas Sanders, provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced East Texas Baptist University’s Level VI accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. ETBU now has authority to award four or more doctoral degrees. ETBU awarded its first Ph.D. to Arcadis Silvera and Doctor of Ministry to Jason Horine. “Level VI is the highest designation,” Sanders said. “We are educating and training the people who will be the next graduate and undergraduate students across Christendom. In a sense, it is a bigger kingdom impact. We are training future educators who will be educating other professionals.”

The Gary Cook School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist University will host a Zoom presentation on “Sabbath Rest for Leaders” on Thursday, Dec. 11, at noon. The candid conversation will include discussions on the biblical understanding of Sabbath rest and how it can be prioritized without diminishing work. Those interested can sign up online.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Arts Academy is excited to present its Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will take place inside the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center on the UMHB campus.

Howard Payne University surpassed this year’s Giving Tuesday goals of raising $750,000 from 400 supporters. The total on Dec. 2 was $1.2 million from 425 supporters across 21 states. Donations during the one-day giving event were provided by alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community partners. Gifts will support a wide range of student-experience initiatives, including student scholarships, academic programming, campus improvements, athletics and the Howard Payne Fund.

Raúl Josué Valerio has been named the new director of Hispanic initiatives at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. As Valerio begins this new position, he will play a vital role in advancing Truett’s ongoing commitment to serving and partnering with Hispanic ministers and ministries across Texas and beyond.

Howard Payne University will soon begin construction on a new $6 million tennis center. The new facility will replace the current clubhouse located at 301 Second St. by the McCulloch Athletic Center. The facility will include a 3,300-square-foot clubhouse with locker rooms, a team room, a coaches’ office and a study room. Eight tennis courts are included, along with additional stands for visitors and expanded parking areas.

Faculty from Houston Christian University’s School of Christian Thought and Houston Theological Seminary provided leadership at a recent International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society in Boston. Paul Sloan received the Paul J. Achtemeier Award for New Testament Scholarship for his paper, “Lawful Lawlessness: The Torah and Paul’s Authorized Mission in 1 Corinthians 9.” An international book launch was held for Five Views of the Gospel, co-edited by Jason Maston of HCU and Michael Bird.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will honor its 169th graduating class during a commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in Crusader Stadium on the UMHB campus. An estimated 448 students will be awarded degrees for the fall 2025 ceremony, including 318 baccalaureate degrees, 94 master’s degrees and 36 doctoral degrees.

Anniversary

City Church Del Rio celebrates 10 years as a congregation. Larry Floyd, director of missions for El Paso Baptist Association, started the church in his living room in 2015.

Wayland Baptist University congratulates sophomore Kendal Tucker on being named the Plainview Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month for Nov. 2025. Tucker, a native of Billings, Mont., is majoring in elementary education with a specialization in special education. She is also minoring in English and American Sign Language. After graduating from Wayland, she plans to teach in the field of special education.

Mission Able announced it has received a $7,500 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to support its Microcredit Program—a sustainable solution designed to help homeowners afford urgent repairs without falling into high-interest debt or risking displacement. Repairs funded through the Microcredit Program often include roof replacements, plumbing overhauls and accessibility modifications—each one preventing health risks, code violations or displacement. These repairs also protect the value of the home, helping preserve affordable housing and long-term ownership in the community. The program launched in 2021 and is connected to First Baptist Church in San Marcos. Learn more at www.missionablesmtx.org.

Dallas Baptist University will be hosting a NEXUS Ministry Leadership Conference Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. The theme is “Leading from Rest: Caring for your soul while serving.” The program will feature keynote speaker Barry Jones, senior pastor of Irving Bible Church, breakout sessions and round-table discussions over leadership conflicts, deadlines, priorities and emotional health. Early bird registration is $8 per person, and regular registration is $15. Online registration is available.

Anniversary

Shining Star Fellowship in Abilene and founding pastor Richard Darden celebrate 25 years. The church began as a mission of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

Cockrell Hill Baptist Church in Dallas celebrated 110 years as a congregation on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor welcomed Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart, as the featured speaker for the 2025 McLane Lecture early November in the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena. McMillon began his career with Walmart in 1984 and rose to the ranks of CEO in 2014. He spoke to the crowd of UMHB students, faculty, staff and special guests about his faith and life in the retail industry.

Wayland Baptist University invites the community to gather on campus for its annual “Lighting Up Wayland” celebration, taking place immediately after Plainview’s community Christmas parade on Dec. 4. Festivities will start at 7:30 p.m. at Gates Hall Circle, located in front of historic Gates Hall on Quincy Street.

Dallas Baptist University is celebrating 60 years in Dallas. The campus came together for Founders’ Day, honoring that vision with a special convocation and community festivities. The celebration continued in Pilgrim Chapel’s Ford Foyer as the campus community came together to enjoy activities such as the International Pepsi Break, T-shirt printing, face painting, specialty DBU Coffeehouse drinks and a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jim and Sally Nation Hall.

Claire Wilkerson, an honors college scholar and theological studies major at Houston Christian University, was selected to participate in the John Jay Institute’s Fellows Program this coming spring. The John Jay Fellows Program is a flagship program centered around America’s founding and provides intellectual, spiritual and professional training for young Christian leaders. Wilkerson is completing her HCU degree through participating in the Scholarship & Christianity in Oxford program this fall, and after graduation will participate in the semester-long, Philadelphia-based cohort of 24 Christian student leaders from across the country.

Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, represented Buckner at the White House in mid-November. The event included the signing of an Executive Order for Fostering the Future, an initiative led by the First Lady to provide resources and job opportunities for youth who age out of foster care.

Wayland Baptist University announced an unparalleled 9.5 percent reduction in its undergraduate block tuition rate beginning with the fall 2026 term. The university’s 12- to 18-credit-hour block is priced at $9,975 per semester for full-time students on the Plainview campus. The change reflects Wayland’s continued commitment to providing a high-quality Christian education that remains affordable and accessible. Wayland is also reducing graduate tuition on the Plainview campus by more than 35 percent. Tuition for all other programs, locations and WBUonline will remain unchanged, continuing the tuition freeze that began last year.

Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University announced the Truett Ministry Conference to be held Feb. 9-10, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Waco. This year’s theme is Resonating with the Room: Emotional Intelligence for Ministry Leaders. This year’s featured speakers are Truett Seminary faculty members Matthew Kim, Michael Mauriello and Rebecca Poe Hays. Registration is available here.

Houston Christian University hosted its biennial Spirit of Excellence Gala, a night dedicated to celebrating leadership, faith and philanthropy within the HCU community. The event gathered alumni, faculty, friends and supporters under the theme “Dream Big … Change Lives!” for an evening of recognition and inspiration. The program featured a keynote address by best-selling author and humanitarian Bob Goff, whose message focused on purposeful living.

Baylor University President Linda Livingstone and Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas Executive Director Jesse Rinconesare new members of the North American Baptist Fellowship Executive Committee. NABF is one of six regions in the Baptist World Alliance.

Ed Francis, former trustee and board chair for Buckner International, has been elected to the Fletcher Seminary Board of Trustees. A mortgage banker with Texas Republic Bank, he is a two-time graduate of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Francis is a member of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, where he is an active deacon, former deacon chair and occasional adult Sunday school teacher.

Howard Payne University Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team competed at the DFW Swing tournament at Texas Christian University. Rylie Burden of Lubbock won the International Public Debate Association open debate division and earned third place overall individual sweeps. Burden also won the tournament last year.

Anniversary

Indian Hills Baptist Church in Grand Prairie is celebrating 70 years, prior to which the church was a mission of First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Doug Simon is pastor emeritus.

Student Jessie Norvell was crowned Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 1, in the annual Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant. Norvell is a 20-year-old junior majoring in accounting from Temple. She is the daughter of Will and Beth Norvell, and is the head resident assistant at Farris Hall, a student worker for university relations and the student leader of the chapel band.

Wayland Baptist University chemistry students brought home recognition and valuable research experiences after attending two major conferences this fall—the Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Albuquerque, N.M., and the Welch Conference, a prestigious event in Houston. At the Rocky Mountain meeting, sophomore chemistry major Emma Scott was named one of the top four undergraduate poster presenters among 113 total poster abstracts accepted. Scott and students Anna Perez, Dylan Dodd and Noah Dyson presented original research posters printed with the department’s new poster printer, made possible through an Excel Grant received by the Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences. At the Welch Conference, student Haley Fossett received news of her first pharmacy school acceptance, underscoring the academic impact of the experience.

Howard Payne University’s Moot Court team competed at the Rocky Mountain Moot Court Invitational at Colorado Christian University in Denver on Oct.16-18. Sophomore Rylie Burden of Nederland won top speaker at the competition. She and her partner, senior Katelyn Turner, of Katy, advanced to the top 16. HPU’s Moot Court team is sponsored by Kenan Boland, assistant professor of government.

The T.B. Maston Foundation is receiving applications for its scholarship to cover the 2026-27 academic year. The Maston Foundation provides a $5,000 scholarship annually to a graduate student whose study focuses on Christian ethics. Eligible candidates are Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Theology students writing dissertations that deal with ethical implications and Doctor of Ministry students whose projects include an ethical focus. Scholarship application packets include an application form, application transcripts, a CV/resumé, letters of recommendation, a dissertation/thesis abstract and an essay. To access the online application, click here.

The Mabee at Wayland Baptist University is celebrating the Christmas season with its fourth annual International Nativity Exhibition. The exhibition will remain on display through Friday, Dec. 19. This year’s presentation features all-new selections from the expansive collection of Lockney resident Carolyn Cunningham, whose fascination with Nativity scenes has spanned decades and crossed continents. Her personal collection now includes more than 900 unique sets from more than 130 countries.

Stark College and Seminary will host its annual Hand and Dove Scholarship Banquet on Nov. 6. The college will recognize Derrick and Denise Reaves at St. John Baptist Church in Corpus Christi for their enduring example of Christian service and leadership.

Anniversary

St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio honored Joe E. Barber, lead pastor, for 20 years of service to the congregation.

A documentary highlighting faith, resistance and repression in occupied Ukraine titled No God but Theirs will be featured in a screening on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at First Baptist Church of Plano at 7 p.m. This investigative film gives voice to those who continue to worship in secret and documents how religious freedom has been crushed under occupation. Admission to the film screening is free.

Wayland Baptist University and South Plains College signed a memorandum of understanding creating a direct pathway for South Plains College students with an Associate of Applied Arts in Commercial Music degree to complete a Bachelor of Christian Ministry in Worship Studies degree at Wayland. The agreement allows students to transfer up to 60 credit hours from South Plains College toward the worship studies degree at Wayland. Those credits are applied as 15 hours of general education and 45 hours of music, streamlining the transfer process. Students then complete 64 additional credit hours at Wayland to meet the 124-hour graduation requirement. These include coursework in Bible, theology, ministry, worship methods and applied music. South Plains College students who pursue this pathway become eligible for scholarships, making the worship studies degree a financially accessible next step for graduates of the college’s commercial music program.

Lisa Medlin, assistant professor and chair of the criminal justice department at Howard Payne University, and Ciera Ray, assistant professor of social work and field director, took three Howard Payne students to the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit 2025 in Houston earlier this month. Monica Prado, a criminal justice major, Jessenia Ureste, a psychology major, and Trinity Smith, an elementary education major, were able to choose from among 200 breakout sessions, including “Smart Phones and Human Flourishing,” “Helping Children Interpret Their History Through Simple Stories,” “Helping Without Hurting” and “Healing from Severe Adversity.”

High school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to experience campus life firsthand when Wayland Baptist University hosts its Fall 2025 Pioneer Preview on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Plainview campus. The one-day event gives future Pioneers an inside look at academics, athletics, student life and the Christ-centered community at Wayland. The day begins with check-in at 9:30 a.m. in the Pete and Nelda Laney Student Activities Center, followed by a welcome message at 10 a.m. and a Wayland Scavenger Hunt that introduces students to key landmarks across campus. Parents will enjoy a parent and president mixer and tour featuring remarks from university leaders. A lunch session at noon allows students to choose from several breakout topics like faith in college, mental health, first-generation college experiences and student-athlete life.

Loyd Allen, retired professor of church history and spiritual formation at Mercer University, presented three lectures on spiritual formation during the inaugural James Shields Speaker Series at Howard Payne University on Oct. 21 and 22. During the two-day series, Allen detailed the evangelical response to Christian conversion and spiritual formation dating back to the 1500s, with a renewed emphasis that began in the 1960s among Baptists in the United States.

Dallas Baptist University is hosting its Nexus Ministry Leadership Conference on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. The conference theme is “Leading from Rest: Caring for Your Soul while Serving.” Barry Jones, senior pastor of Irving Bible Church and author of Dwell: Life with God for the World, is the keynote speaker. Early bird registration is $8 per person, and regular registration will be $15 per person. Group discounts are available for ministries bringing five or more attendees.

The Gary Cook School of Leadership at DBU is inviting everyone to celebrate Reformation Day on Friday, Oct. 31 at 12 p.m. on Zoom. The online event will focus on Martin Luther and his impact on the church and western society after posting his 95 Theses.

Anniversary

First Baptist Church of Cedar Hill celebrated 175 years as a church. Josh Prince joined the ministry team in 2020 as lead pastor.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor celebrated the dedication of the Jane and Mac Hickerson Crusader Golf Club with a ceremony and ribbon cuttings on Oct. 17. Hundreds of guests—including two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw—attended the event, which was held at the site of the new facility on University Drive at the UMHB campus.

Wayland Baptist University students in Emily Dyson’s Best Achievement Strategies for College class invite the community to join them in making a difference this fall through their “Share the Warmth” Coat and Sock Drive. BASC is a course taken by first-year students to help them acclimate to college life. The class focuses on academic success, campus engagement and community service. The student-led service project will collect gently used adult and child-sized coats and new packages of socks to benefit local families in need during the cold winter months. The drive runs through Nov. 3 and donations can be made at the Moody Science Building on the Wayland campus between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A drop-off box will be located at the main entrance nearest the parking lot for convenient access.

Wayland Baptist University will recognize three new doctoral graduates from its Ph.D. in Management program during the Dec. 13 commencement ceremony on the Plainview campus. Graduates will be hooded in recognition of their academic achievement and contribution to the field of management research. The three new Ph.D. recipients—James McGregor of Euless, Nathaniel McKenzie of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Santos Navarrette Jr. of Rule—recently completed their dissertations and met all requirements for the degree offered through Wayland’s School of Business.

East Texas Baptist University celebrated Homecoming 2025 by welcoming alumni and friends to on-campus festivities Friday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 18. Throughout the week, the university held a variety of events that engaged students in faith and friendship, including pumpkin painting, conversations with the President, trivia Tuesday, Powder Puff games and Western dancing.

Hendrick Health in Abilene held its annual Leadership Development Institute for 80 elementary students. More than 350 leaders attended a morning and afternoon institute session at the Abilene Convention Center. The event included keynote speaker Dan Collard, co-founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group and author of Rewriting Excellence. Leaders welcomed student team members from elementary schools in Abilene, Wylie and Brownwood. The teams put together bikes that were a surprise gift to the students who participated.

Howard Payne University recently digitized the sermons, lectures and personal letters of the late José Rivas, former HPU professor. Rivas was born in 1915 in Mexico City. He came to faith in Christ at Primera Iglesia Bautista de la Ciudad de México in 1930 and was baptized there a year later. Sensing a call to ministry, he enrolled in the Baptist seminary in Saltillo, Mexico, in 1933. When the seminary relocated to Texas during the Mexican Revolution, Rivas continued his studies and graduated in 1937. Rivas’ digitally archived papers are available at the Walker Memorial Library upon request.

Five Wayland Baptist University chemistry students in the Welch Undergraduate Research Program were invited recently to present their summer projects at Texas Tech University’s in-house chemistry graduate poster session. Students Noah Dyson, Haley Fossett, Dylan Dodd, Anna Perez and Emma Scott were part of a larger group of 12 Wayland students who attended the Sept. 29 event, gaining valuable exposure to graduate-level research and networking opportunities.

East Texas Baptist University’s Learning and Leading classes recently organized and hosted the 14th annual fall festivals for all five Marshall Independent School District elementary schools, including David Crockett Elementary, Sam Houston Elementary, William B. Travis Elementary, Price T. Young Elementary and the Marshall Early Childhood Center, on Oct. 6. Since the event’s inception in 2011, the Fall Festivals have become a tradition for both ETBU and Marshall ISD, fostering a connection between the university’s students and the local community.

The grand opening of the Buckner Family Hope Center in San Antonio was commemorated Monday with a ceremony, ribbon cutting and reception. The Family Hope Center is a program offered by nonprofit Buckner Children and Family Services. The Family Hope Center offers classes and services to strengthen Bexar County families. The event drew San Antonio leaders from government, local churches, schools, organizations and businesses.

First Baptist Church of San Antonio’s Sanctuary Centennial celebration will be Sunday, Oct. 26. Events will include special worship services, historical displays, music and community fellowship marking 100 years of worship in one of San Antonio’s enduring symbols of faith and community. Completed in 1925 at a cost of $267,000, First Baptist San Antonio’s sanctuary was hailed by the San Antonio Express at its dedication as “one of the finest in Texas.” Billy Graham preached there in 1946, and President Harry Truman visited in 1948.

Students at Houston Christian University participated in the university’s Fall Ignite Spiritual Renewal Week with the theme “Fully Satisfied.” The campus community heard messages from pastor Jarrett Stephens and other leaders from Champion Forest Baptist Church college and young adult ministry. More than 70 students reported first-time decisions to follow Christ, several dozen others requested to meet with someone to talk about their spiritual questions.

The Wayland Baptist University Don A. Williams School of Education is opening new doors for individuals who want to enter the teaching profession through innovative fast-track pathways. The Alternative Certification Teacher Program provides a one-year route to teacher certification. Candidates complete 50 hours of classroom observation, online coursework and supervised teaching experiences while working under an intern certificate. The program is structured in modules and can be completed entirely online, making it accessible across the state. Interested candidates can learn more about Wayland’s teacher pathways by visiting wbu.edu or contacting the School of Education directly.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing Arts welcomes guest artist Minji Kang-Watrous, whose art is now on display in the gallery, for an artist talk on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. in the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts. She is a self-taught hanji artist who has developed her own unique style, and her art is a modern interpretation of traditional Korean art passed down from her mother. The simplicity of her compositions and the integration of textures create exclusive and compelling art. The artist talk is free, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Call 254-295-4294 to reserve your spot.

Howard Payne University Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team competed in their season opener at the Mendoza Debates, held at Lee College in Baytown, finishing with significant honors. Earning significant honors for the team were Solomon Sabo, Rylie Burden, Katelyn Sims and Chloe Jones.