Around the State: Baylor plans Monument to the Unknown Enslaved

Baylor University released a detailed rendering of an addition to Founders Mall called the “Monument to the Unknown Enslaved.” The design is inspired by the limestone used on the original Baylor campus in Independence—likely built at least in part by enslaved people. A limestone wall will form the monument’s outer ring, made of stacked stones with intentional voids between, meant to represent both the unknown enslaved and gaps in Baylor’s history. The smaller, inner ring of the monument will feature a ground-level map of eastern Central Texas, with shaded areas on the map indicating the enslaved population density, circa 1860. The amphitheater-style Resonance Garden between Draper Hall and the monument will allow students and other visitors to reflect on the information presented in other areas of the monument through engravings and QR codes. The additions to Founders Mall are being created by the Sasaki architectural firm with input from Baylor’s campus experience project team and student representatives. It grew out of a report and recommendations to Baylor’s board of regents from the Commission on Historic Campus Representation at Baylor.

East Texas Baptist University’s School of Education received full accreditation and commendations from the State Board for Educator Certification, which oversees all aspects of public school educators’ preparation, certification and standards of conduct. ETBU’s School of Education is one of only 75 fully accredited educator preparation programs in Texas. “East Texas Baptist University has long been known for excellence in educator preparation. The results of our accreditation are a reflection of many years of student-centered leadership and our current commitment to maintaining that level of excellence,” Dean Amber Daub said. ETBU received “Rigorous and Robust Preparation” commendation for its first-test pass rate in English Language Arts and Reading on the Accountability System for Educator Preparation annual performance standards. With numerous ETBU alumni employed in rural schools, the School of Education also received the commendation for “Preparing the Educators Texas Needs.”

Collin Baptist Association sold its building to Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen. “We are grateful for the opportunity to purchase this building and use it to further our mission of reaching people with the gospel,” said Scott Sanford, executive pastor of Cottonwood Creek Church. “We look forward to seeing all God does in and through this partnership.” Proceeds from the sale of the property will enhance Collin Baptist Association’s ability to help plant churches, strengthen existing churches and encourage ministers. “We are thrilled to be able to sell our building to Cottonwood Creek Church,” said Matt Henslee, associational missionary. “Their passion for doing whatever it takes to reach people with the gospel and commitment to excellence and glorifying God in all they do makes this a no-brainer. We are confident this building will continue to be a beacon of hope and a center of gospel-centered ministry under their leadership. We are overjoyed that it’ll stay in the family of Collin Baptist Association.” The association will rent office space at 7300 TX-121, Suite 300, McKinney, TX 75070.