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.

Baylor University and Texas Baptists representatives held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Baptist Student Ministry building that will be built on the corner of South Fourth Street and Daughtrey Avenue in Waco. “[The new building is] going to benefit our students, contribute to their spiritual growth and prepare them to be effective Christ-followers while they’re at Baylor and then long beyond that as they go out into the world,” said Baylor President Linda Livingstone.

Fellowship Southwest, a regional ministry launched by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in 2017, has rebranded as FaithWorks to reflect its expanded scope both geographically and denominationally. The organization, incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 2021, takes its new name from James 2:14. The name FaithWorks, leaders said, removes any geographical constraint and clarifies they are action-oriented and faith-based.

Dallas Baptist University will host its second Global Religious Freedom Gathering Oct. 20 and 21. Pastors from Texas and advocacy experts from around the world will share their motivation as Christians to advocate for people around the world. Representatives of persecuted Christians from Turkey, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan will provide insight on suffering taking place due to religious beliefs.

Houston Christian University board of trustees voted Sept. 16 to approve the repurchase of University Place, a residential complex adjacent to its main campus. The repurchase is set to take effect in or about July 2026, under the terms of a right of repurchase agreement with Memorial Hermann Health System.

A reception at Wayland Baptist University for painter Zhuocai Ouyang, celebrating the opening of Tranquility and Being as the newest exhibit at Abraham Art Gallery, is set for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4. The reception will be held in the gallery with refreshments served in the atrium. The exhibit includes his original paintings and will be open to the public through Dec. 5. The gallery is located on the lower level of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Learning Resources Center on Wayland’s Plainview campus.

Howard Payne University will host the inaugural James Shields Speaker Series in spiritual formation on Oct. 21 and 22. This series, named for the former professor of Christian Studies, will be centered on the theme of spiritual formation. The lectures will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of the Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center and Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. during HPU’s chapel service in Mims Auditorium.

The Texas Tech Baptist Student Ministry will celebrate 100 years of ministering to Texas Tech on Oct. 3 and 4 in Lubbock. Texas Tech University first opened its doors to students in October 1925 with an enrollment of just over 1,000 students. Texas Tech BSM was organized that same month and has been a vital student ministry ever since. It is the oldest continuous religious student organization on the Texas Tech campus. The anniversary celebration will include a Friday night fellowship and a luncheon program on Saturday.

Wayland Baptist University has been selected to be featured in an upcoming episode of Empowered, hosted by Meg Ryan, a nationally broadcast Public Television program that showcases institutions and individuals blending relevant academics with value-driven learning. A production crew will be on campus Wednesday, Oct. 8, to film major portions of the show. The feature will highlight Wayland’s approach to education—integrating relevant academics with Christian values, guiding students toward lives of purpose and service and fostering a sense of community that sets it apart from secular universities.

Hendrick Hospice Care, a service of Hendrick Health, offers two bereavement programs in Abilene, serving children and teens grieving from the death of a loved one. The weeklong summer camp, Camp Courage, gives kids a chance to grieve through activities such as yoga, breathing exercises, outdoor carnival games and a visit to the Abilene Zoo. Club Courage, the precursor to the summer camp program, is a support group offered twice a year for children and teens. Volunteers are trained to lead children in small groups based on age and to engage them in exercises, grief education and ways to express themselves. The group meets one evening a week for six weeks.

Howard Payne University celebrated 135 years of the student experience in recognition of the first day of classes held in Brownwood Sept. 16, 1890. The morning began with 135 minutes of prayer from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m., which led into a chapel service for Encounter Week. Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends were invited to utilize a prayer guide during that time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, pray for the current student body and administration, and look to the future of what God will do.

Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary announced an all-time enrollment record for the fall 2025 with 476 students enrolled in for-credit, graduate-level classes at the school. It represents an increase of more than 18 percent over last year, which underscores a sustained four-year trend of fall-to-fall enrollment growth. According to statistical data provided by Truett’s Office of Student Services, Truett Seminary enrolled 117 students in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program this term. Truett Seminary also reported an 11 percent increase in Master of Divinity (MDiv) enrollment as compared to last year. Todd Still, dean of Truett Seminary, said that Truett Seminary is “committed to theological education for the long haul.”

“Truett Seminary is committed to theological education for the long haul, both ‘in season and out of season. Yet, we are thrilled regarding the record-shattering enrollments, both in the entering class as well as in overall headcount, we are enjoying this fall. This continues an upward enrollment trend for Truett and is attributable to any number of factors, including the good work and good will of so many. We are grateful for the strategic opportunity and sacred stewardship of preparing in increasing numbers God-called men and women for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit,” Still added.

Houston Christian University announced record-breaking enrollment for the fall 2025 semester, with 954 freshmen, up from 701 in fall 2024 and a 6 percent increase in new transfer students. New data from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities confirmed “30 evangelical colleges and universities showed significant year-over-year enrollment increases in 2024.”

Preacher and retired seminary professor Joel Gregory will be the featured speaker at Parakaleo Leadership and Calling Conference at Wayland Baptist University Monday, Sept. 29. Breakout sessions will address student ministry, evangelism, discipleship, technology in worship and caring for those facing difficult issues. A special track will guide high school and college students exploring a call to ministry. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the conference runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wayland’s Plainview campus. The $20 registration includes lunch from Weekends BBQ. Scholarships are available and admission is free for students.

Houston Christian University students Logan Henderson and Lyssa Ann Buerano were awarded national Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society scholarships. Delta Mu Delta scholarships are highly competitive with only around 50 awarded nationally each year based on academic excellence, character, leadership, and the quality of the application.

Howard Payne University will celebrate seven individuals for their accomplishments and service during Homecoming, Oct. 10-11. The honorees for 2025 are Trey Oakley, distinguished alumnus; Marshal McIntosh, outstanding young graduate; Donnie Auvenshine, medal of service; Tim Whetstone, grand marshal; Joanne (Cunningham) Crawford, coming home queen; Salome Guzman, José Rivas distinguished service award; and Candy Smith, JAM faithful servant award.

Hendrick Medical Center rededicated its Millard Jenkens Chapel on Sept. 15. Jenkens had the vision of what a mission-driven healthcare institution could be. The chapel’s four art glass windows were a gift from First Baptist Church of Abilene, where Jenkens served as pastor. The rededication included a new plaque outside the chapel.

Hardin-Simmons University invites the community to experience Legacy of the West, a new exhibition at the Ira M. Taylor Memorial Gallery that celebrates the enduring spirit of the American frontier. The exhibition is from Sept. 15 to Oct. 9. Timed with HSU’s annual Homecoming, the exhibition brings together six Texas artists—Jack Moss, David Godfrey, Matt Rush, Gary Ward, Bob Penny and Charlie Bullock—whose paintings, drawings and bronze sculptures pay tribute to the grit, grace and grandeur of Western life.

Wayland Baptist University student Joslyn Salazar of Lubbock recently was recognized as a recipient of a $4,000 scholarship from the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, South Plains Chapter. Salazar, an accounting major, was honored during the chapter’s Sept. 16 meeting held at the Texas Tech University McKenzie Merket Alumni Center in Lubbock.

Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen framed remote home builds in their parking lot for transportation to families in the Rio Grande Valley Saturday, Sept. 20. The home build is a part of Buckner’s Healthy Housing Program. Church members built a four-bed, two-bath home for a family of seven, and a three-bed, one-bath home for a family of four.

Representatives of Corteva AgriScience joined Wayland Baptist University students, faculty, staff and administrators Aug. 5 to dedicate a new recycled-material bench on the north side of the Mabee Laboratory Sciences Building. The bench was made possible through Corteva’s donation of plastic lids collected by employees at the Plainview facility, along with financial support to cover transportation and production costs. The project reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility between the university and Corteva.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced a $1 million gift to establish the Marek-Smith Special Education Endowed Scholarship by donors who wish to remain anonymous. The scholarship will support UMHB Bachelor of Science in Education students seeking special education certification. The university opened the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation in spring 2024. This state-of-the-art facility houses innovative classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, resources, equipment and tools for training special education teachers.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, UMHB is hosting the 10th annual Latino Fest on Friday, Sept. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Luther Memorial on the UMHB campus. The Fiesta en la Calle event is hosted by UMHB Kingdom Diversity and Hispanic Student Association.

Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas has partnered with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Baptist Student Ministry to host Career Coaching, an annual event where Park Cities members offer career guidance to students in both a classroom setting and one-on-one meetings. Some one-on-one sessions have resulted in mentorship after the students graduated. The Park Cities team will be on-campus for career coaching on Nov. 11-14.

Howard Payne University is pleased to announce the creation of the Center for Faculty and Student Research. This new center embodies HPU’s mission to equip the whole person for intellectual inquiry, integrity and service to God and humanity. Dennis Gibson, director of research and associate professor of chemistry, will oversee this new initiative. The Center for Faculty and Student Research is designed to elevate the student educational experience by cultivating a vibrant culture of critical thinking and innovation.

Hardin-Simmons University and Baylor University were recognized among the nation’s top academic institutions, earning a spot on The Princeton Review’s list of “Best Colleges: Region by Region” for 2026. They were among only 41 colleges in the Southwest—spanning Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas—to earn this distinction. In total, The Princeton Review recognized 631 colleges across seven zones (Northeast, South, Southwest, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, West and International), representing about 26 percent of America’s four-year institutions.

Howard Payne University announced the creation of the Center for Faculty and Student Research. The new center embodies HPU’s mission to equip the whole person for intellectual inquiry, integrity and service to God and humanity. Dennis Gibson, director of research and associate professor of chemistry, will oversee this new initiative. The Center for Faculty and Student Research is designed to elevate the student educational experience by cultivating a vibrant culture of critical thinking and innovation.

Delesa Franklin, School of Education online department chairperson and assistant professor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Houston Christian University, has been honored with the Houston Texans’ BOLD Award—recognizing her as a Bold Outstanding Leader and Doer in the Greater Houston Community. As part of her selection, Franklin and four fellow award recipients will have a chance to direct a $5,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice.

Christina Sandlin, senior business administration major at Wayland Baptist University, has been named the first intern at Western Bank’s new Plainview location. WBU and Western Bank have partnered to create new opportunities for students. Frances Barerra, president of Western Bank in Plainview, serves on Wayland’s Board of Trustees and the financial institution has many ties to the university.

Houston Christian University Master of Fine Arts students, Julia Marcucci-Wood and Chloe Hudspeth, were selected to showcase their work in Future Forward, a prestigious juried exhibition spotlighting emerging artists from across Texas. Selected through a competitive statewide open call, the HCU art students were among 15 emerging undergraduate and graduate artists recognized for their innovative exploration of material, identity and narrative, working across a diverse range of disciplines including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and textiles.

Skye Perryman is the 2026 award recipient for the T.B. Maston Foundation. Presented every two years, the award honors individuals or groups demonstrating leadership in Christian ethical practice. The Foundation recognizes Perryman for her work as president and CEO of Democracy Forward, a national legal organization advancing democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, education, and regulatory engagement. The Foundation promotes the life and ethical teachings of Jesus Christ as exemplified by Maston. The award will be presented at the T.B. Maston Foundation Awards Dinner, scheduled Feb. 26 at First Baptist Church of Arlington.

Texas Baptists’ Memorials Committee creates a video each year for the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting to honor recently deceased Texas Baptists. The committee has asked Texas Baptists to submit names and photos for consideration. Friday, Sept. 26 is the last day to submit an entry.

Abraham Art Gallery on Wayland Baptist University’s Plainview campus opens the 2025-2026 season with Something Like a Hello: Celebrating the Picture Book Art of Loren Long. The exhibit from the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature features 83 original acrylic paintings and colored pencil and graphite sketches is open through Sept. 27. Located on the Atrium level of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Learning Resources Center, the Abraham Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday; and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday.

Lauren Daigle’s Sept. 12 concert at Baylor University’s Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion is officially sold out at Waco’s new premier concert venue. On the heels of her latest single, “Let It Be a Hallelujah,” Daigle will take to the stage at Foster Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, as the headline event for Family Weekend. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.