More than 110 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students unveiled their undergraduate and graduate research projects during the 2023 Watson Scholars’ Day. Sponsored by the university’s office of research, Watson Scholars’ Day requires students to identify a topic, conduct research and explain their findings publicly. In the quantitative category, Christine Flores placed first among graduate students for her research project, “Agreement Between Body Mass Index and Percent Body Fat in Resistance-Trained Men and Women,” and Catherine Porfirio, Emily Kinney, Jason Samuel, Alexis Stokes and Angela Valdez placed first among undergraduate students for their project, “Readability: A Study of STAAR Reading Levels for 2019, 2021 and 2022.” In the qualitative category, Kayla Abshire placed first for her research project, “A Study of Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions of Technology Support at Private Texas Schools During the Onset of the Global Pandemic.” In the literature review category, Amber Dickey placed first for her project, “The Shelf Life of Besremi: A Polycythemia Treatment: A Literature Analysis.”

East Texas Baptist University’s office of academic success and the Academic Center for Excellence tutoring lab was awarded certification as a Level 1 certified tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association. Achieving certification means ETBU has met the association’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation as an integral part of its overall tutoring program. The Academic Center for Excellence tutoring lab provides free resources to students for all of ETBU’s general education and major-specific gateway courses. The tutoring lab is open 20-plus hours each week and provides more than 1,100 one-on-one appointments every school year. Tutors also work closely with faculty members to provide supplemental instruction and large-group test preparation sessions in an effort to create strong study habits in ETBU’s undergraduate population.

Wayland Baptist University’s Kenneth L. Maddox School of Mathematics and Sciences received a $75,000 equipment grant for chemistry research from the Welch Foundation. Robert Moore, professor of chemistry and author of the grant request, said the funding will help the university purchase a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, which is useful for identifying organic compounds. It is the last piece of equipment needed for the school to be in line with the required holdings of an American Chemical Society certified degree program. The grant also will enable the university to buy a multi-mode microplate detection system, which has broad applications, including cancer research, Moore said. “This grant will enable our faculty to continue to work closely with our students to pioneer science research and enhance their educational experiences through hands-on learning,” said Cindy McClenagan, vice president of academic affairs. “We are grateful for the Welch Foundation’s investment in our university and our shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.”

Chloe Spiller, a cyber engineering student at Houston Christian University, was awarded the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship. Spiller becomes the first Department of Defense SMART Scholar at HCU, formerly Houston Baptist University. She is among 526 students chosen from across the country to participate in the SMART scholarship-for-service program in 2023. This award provides students full tuition for up to five years, along with mentorship, summer internships, a stipend and full-time employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. It offers students hands-on experience at one of more than 200 Department of Defense facilities during their internships and the chance to apply this knowledge as early career professionals. During summer internships, SMART scholars work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining technical skills.

Anniversary

50th for Houston Northwest Church. Steve Bezner is pastor.

When First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches invited the entire community to its Easter Sunday morning worship service at Stephen F. Austin State University’s William R. Johnson Coliseum, the event drew about 1,700 worshippers, including more than 900 guests. An 85-voice choir, 35-piece orchestra and large contemporary band led musical worship. Pastor Noel Dear preached on “Jesus and the Olive Press,” based on the experience of Jesus in Gethsemane. The church provided Spanish translation accessible via smartphones. Worship Pastor Tom Webster noted the church received significant support from faculty, staff and administration at the university. Church members who were involved in logistics and preparation for the service particularly had opportunities to “get to know and befriend” members of the support services, campus security, plant operations and custodial staff, he said. “Three members of the custodial staff who were scheduled to work the event showed up Sunday, dressed in their Easter clothes to worship along with their families. Then they cleaned up after the service, still dressed up in their Easter clothes, with their children helping,” Webster said. During the worship service, more than 50 church members served as section leaders to identify and greet guests, who were encouraged to provide contact information by completing “connect cards” or using a QR code that allowed them to text their information. “For us, now the work of Easter really begins. We made so many new friends and met so many prospects,” Webster said. “Now, the real excitement of Easter begins as we go out to contact them.”

“Come Home” was the theme of the 24th annual spring revival at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Dale Wallaceof Waco, college community director at Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, was the featured speaker. The Worship Initiative, featuring Davy Flowers, John Marc Kohl and Aaron Williams, led worship for the event March 27 to 29. “Revival 2023 presented our campus community with a focused opportunity to engage with the gospel message in a fresh way,” said Jason Palmer, dean of spiritual life and university chaplain. “Many students demonstrated a hunger for truth and responded with confession and repentance. We are already seeing spiritual fruit from our time together.”

Madison Lewis, a senior at Hardin-Simmons University, is the recipient of the 2023 Altom Christian Service Award. She is the daughter of Greg and Jill Lewis. Her father is pastor of  First Baptist Church of Goldthwaite, and her mother is a third-grade math teacher. Madison is a student worker in visual media and university marketing and serves in a variety of roles on campus, including as a Baptist Student Ministry ministry team leader.  She is a T.B. Maston Scholar pursuing a double major in strategic communication and Christian studies. Upon graduation in December, she hopes to work in photography or videography with a nonprofit organization.

East Texas Baptist University honored Jason Bell and his family April 1 with the dedication of Jason Bell Park at Taylor Field, home to the ETBU Tiger softball team. Jason Bell is the owner of Symmetry Sports Construction and has been “a valuable partner in building athletic facilities at ETBU,” President J. Blair Blackburn said. “We are grateful to celebrate the generosity and leadership of Jason Bell, Becca Bell and their children. ETBU has been blessed to have Jason as a part of our board of trustees, where he has also served on the executive leadership committee.”

Wayland Baptist University marked 25 years of offering online classes. Wayland was a pioneer in online education when it began offering computer-based instruction in 1998. “Our commitment to providing a flexible and convenient education to our students remains as strong as ever, as demonstrated by our new online degree programs, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community for many years to come,” said David Bishop, vice president of external campuses.

Literacy Connexus will offer free online English-as-a-Second-Language training for churches from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 22 in partnership with Literacy Texas. Topics will include training for new volunteers, as well as immigration and student placement. Since the COVID pandemic, Literacy Connexus has developed hybrid training for volunteers, which include both online and in-person instruction. The April 22 event provides a first step for new teachers, as well as updates for experienced teachers. For more information, click here.

Anniversary

35 years for Gary Cook at Dallas Baptist University. He was president of the university 28 years, and he continues to serve as chancellor. DBU awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at its spring convocation April 5.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor presented its annual Easter Pageant on April 5. The Easter Pageant chronicles key events from the Gospels, including Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and Jesus’ trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death and resurrection. The student-led production features a cast of hundreds of students and children and grandchildren of university students, faculty and staff. Each year, UMHB President Randy O’Rearselects a student to direct the pageant and two students to play the key roles of Jesus and Mary, based on their strong Christian faith and character. Katy Melton, a junior Spanish and social work major from Katy, was this year’s pageant director. Nicholas McDaniel, a senior management major from Bryan, portrayed Jesus, and Ruth Lawson, a senior transformational development major from Belton, portrayed Mary. The annual Easter Pageant tradition at UMHB began in 1940.

Baylor University unveiled and dedicated statues honoring the university’s first Black graduates, Robert L. Gilbertand Barbara A. Walker. Created by sculptor Benjamin Victor, the more than 7-foot-tall bronze statues were installed on each side of the walkway leading into the Tidwell Bible Building, where Gilbert and Walker took their academic major classes in history and sociology, respectively. On June 2, 1967, the pair became the first Black students to earn undergraduate degrees from Baylor, receiving their diplomas in alphabetical order during the same commencement ceremony. Gilbert came to Baylor as a transfer student from Paul Quinn College. He earned his undergraduate degree in history, and three years later, he became the first Black student to enroll in Baylor’s graduate program in religion. Eventually going into ministry and despite severe health challenges, Gilbert served local churches as pastor and was the first Black Waco citizen elected to the board of the Waco Independent School District. He died in 1992 at age 50. Walker also transferred to Baylor from Paul Quinn. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Baylor then went on to establish a career that integrated her service to God with her work in the community. She spent 32 years playing a pivotal role in the California Department of Mental Health, helping patients receive assistance to transition back into jobs and the community. Like Gilbert, she saw her life’s work as a calling and ministry. She retired in 2001. In 2017, Walker received Baylor’s Medal of Service for Contributions to the Professions, Christian Ministry. The statues of Gilbert and Walker were a product of the report and recommendations by Baylor’s Commission on Historic Campus Representations.

Go Now Missions reported 854 college students from 38 Baptist Student Ministries participated in spring break mission trips. Serving in 11 locations, they presented the gospel 8,789 times and prayed with 6,150 people. They recorded 257 professions of faith in Christ and 80 Christian rededications.

The East Texas Baptist University men’s soccer team traveled to Spain and Portugal March 10-18 for the university’s 14th Tiger Athletic Mission Experience trip. The Tigers partnered with the International Sports Federation, served alongside Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board missionaries in Madrid, and worked directly with Cru in Lisbon. Half of the team worshipped at Nueva Esperanza Church in Madrid, while the other worshipped at Comunidad Moncloa. The entire group toured the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, home of the Real Madrid soccer club, and Civitas Metropolitan, the home stadium of Atlético de Madrid. The Tigers also competed against a team of semi-professional players from the area surrounding Madrid. In Lisbon, the Tigers visited Jorge Pena Academy, founded by former boxer Jorge Pena. The student-athletes and academy students rode a bus to Clube Oriental De Lisboa, a Division III professional team. The ETBU student athletes also watched the Real Madrid and Liverpool Champions League match and enjoyed dinner at Portuguese professional soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo’s restaurant. In Scavem, the Tigers competed against a professional division, Level Three club. Traveling to the coast of Lisbon, the Tigers spent time with IMB missionary Bethany Sharp from Minden, La., and helped distribute flyers and interact with community members at the local park to spread awareness of the church’s upcoming events. Since 2016, ETBU athletics has sponsored Tiger Athletic Mission Experience trips to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Serbia, Israel, Jamaica, Slovakia, France, Japan, Greece, Scotland and Australia.

After a four-year hiatus, the North Central chapter of the Singing Men of Texas once again will participate in an overseas mission trip to Europe with evangelist Michael Gott. The April 17-28 trip to Poland will be the first Eastern European trip for the Singing Men of Texas since they accompanied Gott to Hungary and Romania in 2019. They first served alongside Gott on a trip to Austria and Czech Republic in 2007, and they made five trips to Ukraine from 2010 to 2017. After traveling to concert venues in Olsztyn, Gdansk, Poznan, Lodz, Katowice, Auschwitz and Wroclaw, they will conclude with a concert in partnership with a Ukrainian church in Warsaw.

Fletcher Seminary named theological educator Fred Smith as its Houston regional director. Smith helped establish the Center for Leadership in Public Theology at Houston Graduate School of Theology. He is former associate director of the interfaith health program at the Carter Center. He was faith and health consultant and senior scholar for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare System and educational consultant to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center FaithHealth Division. Smith earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Harvard University, a Master of Divinity degree from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. in practical theology from Emory University.

Christopher Hammons, director of the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty at Houston Christian University, formerly Houston Baptist University, received the Daughters of the American Revolution Mary Smith Lockwood Founders Medal for Education on March 17. In recommending Hammons, HCU President Robert Sloan described him as “an ideal candidate for the award because his unselfish and tireless efforts to teach American history and political science and promote our nation’s founding principles far exceed his work with students, extending to numerous members of the Houston community and beyond.”

Buckner Retirement Services has engaged renowned chef Stephan Pyles as chief culinary adviser for its senior living communities. Pyles, a Texas-based James Beard Award-winning chef, will help enhance culinary experiences for residents at Buckner Villas in Austin, Calder Woods in Beaumont, Parkway Place in Houston and Buckner Westminster Place in Longview, in addition to his established advisory role with Ventana by Buckner in Dallas.

Collin Baptist Association is hosting a Pastoral Tax Seminar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12. Jerry Whitley, founder of Guardian Financial Group, will discuss revised tax law pertaining to ministers, recommended procedures for the upcoming year, the Top Five costly tax mistakes ministers make and ministerial financial planning. To register, click here.

Anniversaries

100th for Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center in Aquilla on May 6. Mike Wilson is camp manager. The anniversary event includes an outdoor barbecue, corn hole tournament, fishing, wagon tour and other camp activities. Featured speakers are Christian humorist Dennis Swanberg, Shane Pruitt from the North American Mission Board and David Hardage, retired executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The Branded Duo band will lead in worship. To register, click here.

100th for First Baptist Church in College Station. Troy Allen is pastor.

25th for David McQueen as pastor of Beltway Park Baptist Church in Abilene.

5th for Brazilian American Baptist Church in Plano. Romney Santos is pastor.

The East Texas Baptist University symphonic band and concert choir traveled to Israel as part of the Global Study and Serve program in early March. Concert tour leaders were Thomas Sanders, ETBU provost and vice president for academic affairs; Justin Hodges, dean of the School of Communication and Performing Arts; Nathan Phillips, director of bands; college organist Cathy DeRousse; and Lynette Vincent, assistant professor of music. In addition to three scheduled concerts at the Garden Tomb, the group also offered impromptu performances at the Mount of Olives and the Church of St. Anne. The ETBU musicians also led in worship at the Baptist Village at All Nations Church in Petah Tikva and at the Baptist Church of Nazareth. “Every mission trip takes preparation, but our students and faculty sacrificed weekdays and weekends to learn and prepare to lead in worship, including learning two anthems in Hebrew. They led in worship at ancient sites and in Hebrew-speaking and Arabic-speaking congregations, as well as a special concert at the Garden Tomb,” Sanders said.

The Soundings Project at Baylor University has received a two-year grant extension from the Lilly Endowment. Led by Darin Davis, clinical professor of moral philosophy in the Honors Program and director of the Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University, Soundings will continue to serve as a hub of innovation for 12 congregations as they reflect deeply and theologically about the nature of vocation. The grant-funded initiative is part of a national initiative, Called to Lives of Meaning & Purpose. Soundings, which received $1.5 million in funding from the Lilly Endowment in 2018, has worked throughout the first five years of the project to guide congregations through varying initiatives that all aim to deepen their biblical and theological understanding of calling. “It’s been a joy to walk alongside these churches as they develop models and approaches to understanding vocation that are specific to their congregation,” Davis said. “These churches are faithfully working to follow what their God-given callings are, not only individually, but collectively. There is a growing awareness that the whole notion of calling is so central to their mission and should be a guiding force in the way ahead.”

Ben Carson, the former director of pediatric neurosurgery at the John Hopkins Children’s Center who served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021, spoke at Dallas Baptist University as part of the Distinguished Gallup Lecture Series. Carson is founder and chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, an educational resource committed to preserving the founding American principles of faith, liberty, community and life. “Our history is so vitally important. We should learn from it, not erase it,” Carson said in his chapel address at DBU. “It is the basis of identity, and identity is the foundation for beliefs. If you interrupt this chain, you become like a leaf blowing in the wind.” At a luncheon for DBU faculty and staff, Carson emphasized the need to take personal responsibility to preserve America’s founding principles in the face of moral deterioration and increasing exclusion of God from public life. “God is looking for individuals who are willing to be used for his purposes,” Carson said. DBU established the Distinguished Gallup Lecture Series in 2003 to bring renowned leaders to campus to offer insights on faith, scholarship and public service.

“The Art of the Last Supper,” an exhibit featuring pieces from around the globe, is on display at Mabee Regional Heritage Center on the Wayland Baptist University Plainview campus through April 29. “The exhibit features a collection of artworks depicting the biblical scene of the Last Supper of Jesus on earth before his betrayal, arrest, crucifixion and resurrection from the dead,” said KayLyn Bean, who directs the three museums that are part of the Mabee Regional Heritage Center. The Mabee Regional Heritage Center is open Tuesdays through Fridays and on Saturdays after April 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museums will be closed for Good Friday on April 7.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host its 84th annual Easter Pageant next week. Performances of the student-led pageant are scheduled at 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on April 5 in front of Luther Memorial on the UMHB campus. All performances will be free and open to the public. The pageant will be available live online on the UMHB Facebook page and at umhb.edu/live.

The second annual Big Country Hymn Sing is scheduled at 2 p.m. on April 4 in the newly remodeled Logsdon Chapel at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. The afternoon of worship will include singing favorite hymns such as “To God Be the Glory” and “Blessed Assurance.” For more information, email cassie.mattern@hsutx.edu or call (324) 670-1017.

Anniversary

20 years for Steve Wells as senior pastor at South Main Baptist Church in Houston.

East Texas Baptist University has partnered with Marshall Independent School District to create the Mav PATH Program. The agreement, signed Feb. 28, will give selected paraprofessionals the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in elementary education. Marshall ISD will identify 15 paraprofessionals who have served within the district at least one year to enroll in the program and will pay each student’s tuition and course fees. The pathway allows paraprofessionals in the district the opportunity to acquire job-embedded experience as a classroom teacher while completing college credits through ETBU to obtain a college degree with teacher certification. “The most exciting part of MAV Path is the multi-dimensional impact of this educational opportunity for children, teachers, schools and communities, not to mention the impact on the livelihood of these graduates for years to come,” said Tommy Sanders, vice president and provost at ETBU. “This program is a family and community systems changer.”

Hardin-Simmons University’s Cowboy Band marks its centennial anniversary April 28-30. Events include a reunion banquet, a panoramic photo of returning band alumni, a concert at Paramount Theatre and a worship service at Logsdon Chapel, along with other meal functions and informal gatherings. Cost is $50 per person, which includes the cost of breakfast at the band hall, the Cowboy Band celebration dinner at the Motis Building and a commemorative T-shirt. The registration deadline is April 14. To register, click here.

“Mercy triumphs over judgement,” Katie Frugé, director of Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission, told students, faculty and staff during a March 8 chapel address at Wayland Baptist University. Using John 8:3-11 as her Scripture text, Frugé—who also directs Texas Baptists’ Center for Cultural Engagement—told listeners, “Mercy has the ability to cut into the human heart and transform it.”

The Texas Baptist Women in Ministry board named Jill Hudson as the organization’s new coordinator, effective April 3. She is a 2005 graduate of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary and also holds a master’s degree in education and educational psychology from Baylor. She was ordained by Crosscreek Baptist Church in Pelham, Ala. She and her husband Brandon, pastor of First Baptist Church in Abilene, have two children.

 Jennifer Eames, founding director of the physician assistant program at Hardin-Simmons University, was named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. The distinction is earned by less than 2 percent of the academy’s membership. Eames has led multiple global medical mission trips with students, serving most recently in Kenya. She is an elected board member of the Physician Assistant Education Association and a past president of the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants.

Retirement

Gary Morgan as pastor of The Cowboy Church of Ellis County in Waxahachie, where he has served since May 2001, and after 34 years in the gospel ministry. His retirement party is scheduled at 5 p.m. on April 2 in the church’s worship building.

Buckner Children and Family Services marked the opening of its Buckner Family Hope Center in Midland with a Feb. 28 ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception. The Family Hope Center offers classes and services to strengthen families in the Permian Basin region. Midland Mayor Lori Blong presented a proclamation declaring Feb. 28 as Buckner Family Hope Center in Midland Day. “Buckner builds families, and families are where we believe children belong and where God intended them to be,” Buckner Children and Family Services President Henry Jackson said. “The Family Hope Center works on three levels—engage, equip and elevate. The result is that we are teaching parents to break generational cycles of poverty and neglect. Our model emphasizes building sustainability for our families to move them from dependence to independence.”

East Texas Baptist University hosted a Feb. 18 Congreso Experience in partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The event included a worship rally featuring a sermon by Sergio Ramos, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas. “Texas Baptists’ Congreso collaborates with universities like East Texas Baptist University to reach the next generation for Christ by equipping them with tools and resources to share the gospel,” said David Gonzalez, Congreso coordinator for Texas Baptists. “Students are able to get a taste of what the main Congreso event has to offer by attending this free one-day event.” Each year, Texas Baptists host the three-day Congreso conference for Hispanic youth and young adults. “ETBU is always excited to partner with Congreso in advancing the kingdom,” said Jeremy Johnson, vice president for enrollment. “The Congreso Experience provides an opportunity to live our mission of shaping Christ-centered servant leaders.”

Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone will be the next chair of the American Council on Education board of directors. Her term will begin April 2, after the council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University, and will serve until September 2024. Livingstone currently serves as vice-chair.  “It is a privilege to take on this important role at ACE, a dynamic organization which serves the entire diverse landscape of American higher education. I look forward to promoting the generational impacts that our colleges and universities have on so many people, as well as on cities, regions and states across the country,” Livingstone said. ACE is the major coordinating body for the nation’s higher education institutions, with a diverse membership of more than 1,700 colleges and universities, related associations and other organizations in America and abroad.

Nurses holding registered nurse certification soon will be able to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online from Wayland Baptist University in less than one year. The RN to BSN degree program is one of 26 academic programs recently approved. Based at the university’s San Antonio campus, the Wayland School of Nursing now extends its global reach with this program, which is entirely online.

Dallas Baptist University marked the release of two books by Travis Dickinson, professor of philosophy, during a recent book signing held on campus. Dickinson discussed putting into practice a Christian worldview and finding faith amid doubt, the subjects of Logic and the Way of Jesus and Wandering Toward God.

East Texas Baptist University students participated in three days of worship, prayer and reflection during the annual Spiritual Renewal event, Feb. 20-22. With Ephesians 6:11-12 as the Spiritual Renewal focus and “Stand” as the theme, guest speaker Chad Poe, lead teaching pastor at Grace Bible Church in Lake Jackson, challenged students to cling to Jesus in resisting temptation. Songwriter Jared Wood from Dallas led in worship.

Baylor University dedicated the Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice during a March 3 event honoring the clinic’s namesake, Mary Jo Robbins, and her husband, William K. “Bill” Robbins, of Houston, who made the lead gift in her honor. The new Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice is part of a $2.5 million expansion  of Baylor’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, part of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The clinic—located on the second floor of the Cashion Academic Center—will support individuals whose lives have been affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. “We celebrate the continued generosity of Bill and Mary Jo Robbins, and we are grateful for their support in expanding Baylor’s resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders research. This wonderful space will enhance the academic experience for our faculty and students while benefiting the community for generations to come,” said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone.

Three University of Mary-Hardin Baylor alumni—a surgeon, an attorney and a physical therapist—discussed their career journeys as part of the university’s Vocaré Week. Dr. Zayde Radwan, an orthopedic surgeon in Houston, talked about the daily reminder of his calling written in the back of a Bible he received when he graduated from medical school: “I treated them, but God heals them.” Radwan, a 2009 UMHB graduate, said he prays for his patients every night, and he asks God to guide him as he scrubs in for surgery each morning. Other Vocaré speakers were Kirstie Wallace, an attorney in Dallas, and Dr. Hannah John, who works as a physical therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Dallas. “I feel like God has given me big dreams in this area, and I feel his purpose for me inside it,” John told students. “But my calling is to glorify God, and that is so much bigger than my job.” UMHB launched the Vocaré: Meaningful Life Initiative in 2015 to help students explore and find their calling and purpose in life using their unique gifts, talents and abilities. The vision of Vocaré is to enable students to live meaningful lives that fulfill God’s will and contribute to the common good, which Wallace emphasized in her presentation. Finding meaning and purpose is a “lifelong pursuit,” she stressed. “Trust God, yourself, your mentors and your loved ones,” Wallace said. “You’ll find your way, and the journey—no matter how circuitous—is a critical part of the process.”

The School of Music at Baylor University received the largest gift in its 100-year history. Harold W. Dunn of Ballwin, Mo., an alumnus and retired elementary music teacher, gave the entirety of his estate—valued at about $6 million—to support the Baylor School of Music’s Center for Christian Music Studies. In recognition of the gift and in memory of Dunn, who died last December, Baylor announced the naming of the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies. “We are humbled by Harold Dunn’s transformational generosity,” said President Linda Livingstone. “We honor his life of incredible impact, and we celebrate his purposeful planning that inspired him to leave his estate to Baylor to support Christian music education for future generations. This gift leaves an incredible legacy that honors his decades of music teaching and his family’s commitment to Christian education. We are truly grateful for Harold’s generosity, and we are honored to share its impact with our Baylor Family.”

East Texas Baptist University inducted 71 students into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society during a Feb. 21 ceremony. Invitations to join the national honor society are extended only to students who obtain a 3.5 GPA or higher during the first semester of their freshman year. The university has inducted 202 members since the installation of the ETBU chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta in March 2021. “Conventional wisdom and research show that when students start strong in their first semester and year, they are more likely to finish and finish strong,” Provost Tommy Sanderssaid. “ALD celebrates the strong start of our freshmen students.”

Anniversaries

10 years for Wes Terry as lead pastor of Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene.

20 years for Toby Henson as pastor of First Baptist Church in Clyde on March 23.

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.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced the largest planned gift in the university’s history. The future estate gift from a Central Texas family who wish to remain anonymous will be unrestricted and currently is valued at $50 million. “The magnitude of this planned gift to UMHB is overwhelming. We are grateful to God for how he continues to bless Mary Hardin-Baylor through friends like this family who love the university and believe so passionately in Christian higher education on our campus,” said UMHB President Randy O’Rear. “I’ve never met more humble people, and I thank God for their unbelievable generosity. This family wants to ensure that our university’s future is strong, and this transformational gift will unquestionably impact UMHB students for generations to come.”

The board of governors of B.H. Carroll Theological Institute approved a statement on diversity for the institution, which is slated to be embedded within East Texas Baptist University as B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary. In part, the statement declares each human being to be “a unique creation of God regardless of gender, ethnicity, level of wealth, religious creed, nationality, or physical or mental disability.” Since the faculty and staff of the institution do not share “a single, uniform opinion on the role of women” in pastoral ministry, the statement says, “Those differences of understanding the scriptural qualifications for pastor are purposefully excluded as barriers to fellowship with churches of differing perspectives.” The statement says the school “abides solely by the biblical witness with respect to its understandings of human sexuality and marriage as reflections of biblical cosmology and biblical morality, as well as the historic witness of the church faithfully teaching both.” It declares marriage as “a God-ordained institution solely between one man and one woman.” President Gene Wilkes said the statement was necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Association of Theological Schools, the institution’s accrediting body. ATS requires the statement to be readily accessible to students, staff, faculty and members of the general public as part of its standards on institutional integrity. B.H. Carroll’s diversity statement was adopted by the seminary’s academic council after a lengthy drafting and editing process. It then was disseminated to a larger group of faculty, staff and students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and genders for review and comment.

Dallas Baptist University named Jonathan Fechner as executive director of The Institute for Global Engagement. In addition to his administration of the institute’s lecture series and digital resources, Fechner also will assist President Adam C. Wright as the university’s chief of staff. Prior to his new leadership roles at DBU, Fechner served nearly five years as the executive director of BridgeBuilders, where he will continue as president. BridgeBuilders is a nonprofit organization that provides after-school programming, career development and transitional housing for South Dallas. He holds a Master of Arts degree in international studies from DBU and currently is working on his Ph.D. in leadership studies at DBU. He and his wife Casea have one daughter, Collins.

Texas Baptist Men has named David Hardage, who recently retired as executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, to lead the missions organization’s efforts to engage churches in TBM ministries. Hardage will help churches across Texas serve through TBM, including disaster relief ministries, water impact efforts, volunteer builder projects and discipleship initiatives. “Dr. Hardage is widely respected for his passion to help congregations take the gospel into their communities, across the state and around the world,” said TBM Executive Director/CEO Mickey Lenamon. “We are blessed to have him and excited about the future as more and more people share God’s love through TBM ministries.” As Texas Baptists’ executive leader, Hardage helped more than 5,000 churches focus on the Great Commandment of loving God and loving others, as well as the Great Commission to share the gospel—guiding principles that shape TBM. “For years, I have supported and encouraged people to get involved in TBM ministries,” Hardage said. “TBM volunteers are the first to meet needs after disasters. They follow God’s calling to give people access to clean drinking water around the world. They share the gospel wherever they are. That’s what Christ calls his followers to be about. I’m excited about joining TBM in their mission to share God’s love.” Hardage was BGCT executive director from 2012 to 2023. Previously, he was director of development for Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, led Waco Regional Baptist Association and served as pastor of several churches in Texas and Oklahoma. Hardage earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Kathleen have two grown children.

Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers are serving at several sites in Central Texas after the ice storms that paralyzed the state for several days. On Feb. 6, five chainsaw crews and several large equipment operators were working in Austin, Round Rock, Canyon Lake, Temple and surrounding areas. A shower and laundry unit, a feeding team, assessors and a site coordinator were deployed to Manchaca Baptist Church in Austin to support the chainsaw crews.

The 2023 Martin Luther King Commemorative Council in Lubbock recognized Ray Travenia and his business, R&J Detail Shop, for outstanding longevity and continued service to the community. Travenia is pastor of St. John’s Baptist Church in Littlefield.

Anniversary

100th for First Baptist Church in Santa Rosa on March 19. A catered lunch will follow the 10:30 a.m. worship service. All former pastors, former members and other guests are invited to the homecoming celebration. Reservations are requested. Call the church office at (956) 636-1603, Lowell Bookout at (956) 200-4852 or Marie Bookout at (956) 373-0007.

Retirement

Michael Holster as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Levelland, effective March 31. He completes 20 years at the Levelland church on March 16, and he retires after 40 years in the gospel ministry.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who also served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, spoke at Dallas Baptist University Jan. 26 as part of the Leadership Lecture Series. The event was sponsored by DBU’s Institute for Global Engagement, in partnership with the World Affairs Council of DFW. Liz Brailsford, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of DFW, served as moderator for a discussion focused on Pompeo’s new book, Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love.

Todd von Helms, author of Before You Leave: For College, Career and Eternity, will deliver the 2023 Willson Lectures at Wayland Baptist University. The annual lecture series begins at 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 with an invitation-only dinner at the university’s Plainview campus, where von Helms will speak on “Embracing the Gift of Prayer.” It concludes with a chapel lecture at 11 a.m. on Feb. 22, in Harral Memorial Auditorium on “Made for Eternity.” The chapel lecture is open to the public. In addition to the featured addresses, von Helms is scheduled to present lectures to classes in the School of Languages and Literature and School of Christian Studies. He is a Senior Fellow at The King’s College in New York, an adjunct professor and the Presidential Scholar of Christianity and Culture at Dallas Baptist University and a Senior Fellow for the Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

East Texas Baptist University entered a Christian education partnership agreement with Colegio Bautista de Temuco in Chile. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn and Colegio Bautista de Temuco Rector Juan Luis Salinas Urrutia signed an agreement Jan. 26 providing students from the Latin American school a pathway to pursue an education at ETBU. Founded in 1922, Colegio Bautista de Temuco began with 20 students on a property outside of Temuco, Chile. Today, it serves 1,024 students with 100 teachers and 80 staff.

Houston Christian University—formerly Houston Baptist University—is among the first of eight universities offering mentorship opportunities to students through PartnerUp Houston. Greater Houston Partnership launched the regional initiative in collaboration with Mentor Collective, a national mentorship organization. The program pairs students one-on-one with industry professionals from companies that have agreed to help students achieve their career aspirations. “Our mission at HCU is to instill in our students a passion for academic, spiritual and professional excellence, and our conviction is that interpersonal relationships and mentoring are indispensable to that kind of holistic formation,” President Robert Sloan said.

Anniversary

25 years for Raymond McHenry as pastor of Westgate Memorial Baptist Church in Beaumont on Feb. 12.

Retirement 

Joe Bailey after 20 years as pastor of Speegleville Baptist Church in Waco and 38 years in the gospel ministry, effective Feb. 26.

Buckner International announced two leadership promotions with Buckner Children and Family Services. Effective Jan. 1, Henry Jackson was named president, and Samela Macon was promoted to vice president of operations. Jackson has worked for Buckner since 1989, most recently as senior vice president of Buckner Children and Family Services. His additional roles included area vice president of international operations, administrator, director of residential services and human resources manager. Prior to Buckner, he was a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears in the National Football League. He earned an undergraduate degree from Angelo State University and a Master of Science degree from Amberton University. He is a licensed child care administrator and an ordained minister. Macon has about 25 years of child welfare experience, including 21 years with Buckner. Her most recent role was vice president of domestic programs and support services for Buckner Children and Family Services. She also served as foster home developer, foster home development supervisor, and program director of foster care and adoption. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lamar University and a Master of Science in leadership and human resource development from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Macon is a licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator, and she received the Buckner Leadership Award in 2014.

Within 24 hours after an outbreak of tornadoes in the Houston area and Southeast Texas, two Texas Baptist Men disaster relief crews already were serving, and multiple assessors were working throughout the region. A regional chainsaw team was removing limbs and fallen trees from structures in the Orange area. A box unit was distributing containers to help homeowners in Deer Park gather and contain their possessions. TBM anticipated deploying additional crews to the area.

In partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, two Texas Baptist universities are hosting Congreso Experiences in early February. An event is scheduled Feb. 4 at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview and Feb. 18 at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. Specifically designed for Hispanic students grade six and older, the Congreso Experience will encourage students to live out the call of God in and through their lives now and in the future. Activities include workshops, group activities and worship. There is no cost to participate. To learn more and register, click here.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor entered a partnership with the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University. The collaborative initiative allows medical students to earn a Master of Public Health degree from UMHB while completing their Doctor of Medicine degree requirements at TCU’s medical school. “We could not be more excited about partnering with the Burnett School of Medicine to assist in training future physicians who value a preventative, proactive approach to medicine necessary in a world plagued by chronic disease,” said Ariane Secrest, director of the UMHB public health program. UMHB’s Master of Public Health degree is a 42-credit hour program.