UMHB Life - Fall 2018

LIVING ON CAMPUS—THEN AND NOW • NEW MODULAR MASTER'S

B I G P I C T U R E | St u d e n t s j o i n e d i n t h e t ra d i t i o n a l A l o h a Pa r t y at t h e B a p t i s t St u d e n t M i n i s t r i e s to k i c k o f f t h e s c h o o l ye a r w h i c h , f o r t h e 10 t h c o n s e c u t i ve ye a r, h a s a r e c o r d - b r e a k i n g f r e s h m a n c l a s s . Fr e s h m a n e n r o l l m e n t i s 875 — up 16% f r o m l a s t fa l l.

UMHBLIFE FA L L 2 018 | V O L U M E 3 8 , N U M B ER 1 PRESIDENT Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. EDITOR-IN- CHIEF Paula Price Tanner, Ed.D. EDITOR Christi Mays GR APHIC DESIGNER Lauren Mendias PHOTOGR APHERS Jessica Rodriguez Matt Lester Randy Yandell ’99 Steven Neaves CONTRIBUTOR Sarah Harborth James Stafford Jon Wallin UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS. UMHB Box 8431 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 1-800-727-UMHB life.umhb.edu

Letters and comments can be sent to: umhblife@umhb.edu

ALUMNI LIFE IS COMPILED BY THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS. Please send any information for publishing or change of personal information to: Alumni Relations UMHB Box 8427 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513

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Or update online: alumni.umhb.edu alumni@umhb.edu

UMHBLIFE F A L L 2 0 1 8 | VOLUME 38, NUMBER 1

D E P A R T M E N T S

5 | C A M P US L I F E Five health science programs unified into one college 10 | PHILANTHROPY New freshman residence hall named after Lord family 13 | AT H L E T I C L I F E Haston Adams voted ASC Male Athlete of the Year 24 | A LU M N I L I F E Check out what’s happening in the lives of alumni and their families

F E A T U R E S S TAY I N G O N TA R G E T |14 New technology launches this fall to help students stay on track toward graduation.

L I F E O N C A M P US T H E N A N D N OW |18 Even though the rooms have changed over the years every "dorm" room is still a "home away from home."

M O D U L A R M A S T E R ' S |22 The new Modular Master's offers business students ways to build their master's degrees to fit their career goals.

O N T H E COV E R |Ch l o e G i l b r e at h , a s o p h o m o r e c r i m i n a l j u s t i c e m a j o r, u s e s t h e G ui d e s t u d e n t a p p to ke e p up w i t h w h at ' s g o i n g o n a r o un d c a m p u s .

Photo by Steven Neaves

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Register today at

umhb.edu/homecoming We c a n ’ t w a i t t o s e e y o u !

Nursing Alumni Reunion October 26 | 2-4 pm

This year marks the 50-year anniversary of the Scott & White School of Nursing, and we are excited to celebrate our incredible nursing alumni. There will be an alumni panel at 2 pm where a group of seasoned nurses will answer questions of current students. Following the panel, there will be a Nursing Alumni Reunion starting at 3 pm in the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center.

Carnival & Food Trucks October 26 | 4-11 pm

Join us for a free and fun time for the whole family on King Street.

There will be bounce houses, carnival rides, lazer tag, trampolines, and more. Food trucks will also be stationed at the Carnival on King Street in front of the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House with a variety of food for purchase, and Bawcom Student Union will be open as well.

Stunt Night & Pep Rally October 26 | 7-9:30 pm

Enjoy the continued tradition of Stunt Night as classes compete against each other in Walton Chapel. Alumni can receive a free ticket, but you must register and add on your ticket. After Stunt Night, head to our annual Homecoming Pep Rally where you will see the lighting of the letters and fireworks.

Dessert Party

October 26 | 9:30-11 pm Come and have fun at one of our highlight events of the weekend!

There will be sweet treats for you to enjoy while connecting with alumni and students on the lawn of the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House.

Alumni Tailgate

October 27 |11 am -1 pm

Join us on the lawn of the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House for a barbecue tailgate catered by Miller’s Smokehouse.

Enjoy spending time with friends before finding your seats in Crusader Stadium to cheer the Cru. Be sure to register online for your tailgate ticket.

Cru Kids Day

October 27 | 11-11:15 am

Spend time on the field in Crusader Stadium with the mascot, cheerleaders, Sader Bells, and members of the Crusader Football team. This event is for registered Cru Kids only, so sign up your Cru Kid today at umhb.edu/crukids.

Game Day Scoop & Football October 27 |11 am -1 pm

Join us at the Musick Alumni Center at the Parker House for Game Day Scoop and enjoy some Crunilla, Dark Chocolate, Big Red Float, and Golden Cotton Candy ice cream. After you enjoy some ice cream, cheer on the Cru as they take on the War Hawks in an exciting Homecoming match up. There will be special awards presented at halftime.

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Health sciences now under one college Mayborn College of Health Sciences named for longtime philanthropist, supporter In June, the university unified five health science programs to create a new college in its academic structure: the Mayborn College of Health Sciences.

The new college is organized into three schools: • The Scott & White School of Nursing offers both the undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduate degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels. Dr. Sharon Souter retired from the deanship in August, and Dr. Michele Hackney is serving as interim dean.

• The School of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) offers five undergraduate degrees in exercise and sport science specialties as well as two master’s-level degrees.

Dr. Cliffa Foster has been named dean of the school.

• The School of Health Professions includes three graduate degree programs: the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, and the Master of Arts in Counseling. A fourth graduate program will be added when a new Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree program is launched in spring 2021. A dean for the new school will be selected at a future date.

Coordinating the efforts of the college as a whole is Dr. Colin Wilborn, who was promoted to the new position of executive dean of the Mayborn College of Health Sciences.

“The unification of our healthcare programs into a single college

marks the emergence of UMHB as a leader in Christian healthcare education, dedicated to meeting the need for highly trained, compassionate caregivers at all levels of the healthcare system,” said President Randy O’Rear. “We expect the Mayborn College of Health Sciences quickly to become known as the source of the finest healthcare professionals to be found. It is going to be exciting to watch that happen!”

The university named the new college in honor of Mrs. Sue Mayborn. "Sue shares our commitment to educational excellence, and she has played an important role in the expansion of our healthcare education programs at UMHB,” said O'Rear.

In 1988, Sue Mayborn established the Frank W. Mayborn Chair of Arts and Sciences at UMHB. She was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities by UMHB in 1991, in recognition of her dedication to the university and her commitment and volunteer efforts in Bell County

and the State of Texas. Her passion for UMHB’s Christian mission has been demonstrated through her partnership over the years in the construction of the Frank & Sue Mayborn Campus Center, the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center, and the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, as well as in the establishment of endowed scholarships for students.

“Sue served as a member of our Board of Trustees from 2008 through 2016, and her vision, leadership, and philanthropy have not only provided essential support to our university but have also inspired others to follow in her footsteps,” said O’Rear. “She is a person who uses her abilities to change people’s lives for the better, which makes her a wonderful role model for our students, particularly those who seek to help others through a career in healthcare. This is another reason why we are proud that this new college will carry Sue’s name.”

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is one of the many health programs now unified as the Mayborn College of Health Sciences.

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Vocalists compete at national semifinals Ruben Ortega, Gerald Nicholas, Matthew McKinnon, and Cardarious Bonner with College of Visual and Performing Arts Associate Professor Guy Wilson (center).

Four vocalists competed this summer in one of the country's most prestigious singing competitions—the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

UMHB students Cardarious Bonner, Matthew McKinnon, Gerald Nicholas, and Ruben Ortega were selected

by audition to compete in this year’s National Semifinals. Nicholas, a 2014 graduate, won third place in Graduate Men Classical Division. Bonner graduated in December and won fourth place in the Junior/Senior Men Division. Nicholas and Bonner are the first UMHB students to place in the National Finals of NATS. Nicholas works

as a Middle School Choral Director in Killeen and Bonner is a graduate student at William Patterson University in New Jersey.

Each year NATS hosts regional conventions and Student Auditions in the fall, and finalists from each region are eligible to sing in the Semifinals of the National Auditions held every two years at the National Conference.

Fifteen students are selected in each category from all Twelve NATS Regions to compete in each category. Categories range from High School Level to Graduate School Level and include Classical and Music Theater.

UMHB, Temple College sign articulation agreement Temple College students now have a seamless path to UMHB after they complete their associate’s degree.

In July, the presidents of both campuses gave their official approval to a plan that will help students save time and tuition dollars as they pursue their educations. Dr. Glenda O. Barron, president of Temple College, and Dr. Randy O’Rear, president of UMHB, took part in a signing ceremony to mark the completion of a new articulation agreement between the neighboring institutions.

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their associate degree at Temple College to transfer into completing a bachelor’s degree at UMHB,” said Dr. John Vassar, UMHB provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “By analyzing the content of the freshman- and sophomore-level courses offered at both schools, we can now offer students a pathway of courses at Temple College that will fulfill degree requirements when they transfer to UMHB to complete their studies.”

“We are thrilled to facilitate for our students a seamless connection to programs offered at the University

Dr. Randy O’Rear and Temple College President Dr. Glenda O. Barron shake hands at the close of the signing ceremony. of Mary Hardin-Baylor,” said Dr. Susan Guzman-Trevino, interim vice president of academic affairs at Temple College. “This agreement will ensure our students can stay close to home and complete their degrees efficiently.”

New museum exhibit represents connections between past and present As the university continues to change and evolve, it’s important to stop and take a look back at where we came from every now and then.

That’s exactly what Associate Director of Alumni and Museum Beth Norvell had in mind with a new exhibit at the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House. Through February, a rotating exhibit “Represent” juxtaposes the old with the new to show how things like clothing and technology have changed over time and what that means to us today.

“Our goal was to create a display that’s informative historically, but also reminds us that our involvement at UMHB isn’t based on when we were born or when we were in class. It’s to recognize generations and traditions

that became ours and to reconnect,” said Norvell, who is associate director of alumni relations and museum. “I want current and past students to reconnect with each other and realize that they’re not that different – that we connect through our traditions and the campus that we walk on.”

The exhibit includes a white graduation dress from the early 1900s, displayed alongside today’s black cap and gown. Also featured is a pair of tiny ladies' lace-up boots from the 1800s, displayed next to Dr. Bawcom’s famous purple shoes; an antique Underwood typewriter next to a new computer; a wallmounted pay phone next to a new cell phone.

Also on display are some of the old Bibles that belonged to the past

UMHB presidents.

“We also want to show things that haven’t changed, like our love for the Lord,” Norvell said.

The exhibit offers a fun interactive element where museum visitors can post a picture to social media to be pulled into the exhibit. “We're all a part of UMHB, past and present,” Norvell said.

“With this display, we want to recall to our minds and retain in our hearts that we are part of something bigger here at UMHB,” she said. “We represent a part of something bigger in our past, present, and future.”

The “Represent” exhibit is on display now through February in the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House.

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Dr. Joan Berry promoted to dean of College of Education

Dr. Joan Berry became the new dean of the College of Education on June 1.

Berry has been a member of UMHB’s education faculty since 2007, teaching courses in child development, classroom management, diverse populations, and curriculum design.

She served as department chair from

2014-16, associate dean from 201617, and most recently as interim dean of the college from 2017-18.

Berry attended the University of North Texas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in art and English education. She continued her education at the University of Texas in Austin, completing a Master of Arts in English with a reading specialist endorsement. She earned her doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University.

Before coming to UMHB, Berry taught in schools in Austin, Round Rock, and Temple, worked at the Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco, and taught at Austin Community College.

New dean selected for College of Visual and Performing Arts

Dr. Kathryn Fouse is the new dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She came to UMHB from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where she served as professor of piano and associate dean for the

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nationally accredited Division of Music since July 2011. Prior to her time at Samford, Fouse served on the faculties of University of North Texas, Texas Wesleyan University, Collin County Community College, and Lon Morris College.

Fouse holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from the University of North Texas. Her dissertation is entitled Surrealism in the Piano Music of Representative Twentieth-Century American Composers.

She earned her Master of Music in piano performance from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and her Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Baylor University.

Burns joins staff as dean of students

Michael Burns joined the UMHB staff in June to serve as the new dean of students. Within this role, he will be the primary judicial officer and provide support to faculty and staff in responding to student conduct and behavioral issues.

Burns holds a Bachelor of Arts in religion from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Education in student affairs from the University of Oklahoma. He is currently working toward earning a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies with emphasis in higher education from Oklahoma State University.

He comes to UMHB after serving as director of residential life and housing at Oklahoma City University. He also previously served at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he led the areas of residential life, housing, and student activities.

"I love student life and the opportunities Christian higher education provides," Burns said. "My hope is to serve students, challenging and supporting them as they go through the learning processes that UMHB affords."

Larry Locke named a Fulbright Scholar Larry Locke, associate dean of the McLane College of Business, has been accepted into the Fulbright Specialist Roster. This group of educators and professionals from the United States engage in exchanges with host institutions around the world.

This past May, Locke served at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania. He worked with the university to develop a new international business law curriculum for its international business majors. The first step in that process was to create and teach an undergraduate course in business law on a comparative basis for the European Union and the United States. He also trained a local lawyer to serve as faculty for future offerings of the course. Locke’s course was attended by students from both LCC and UMHB. During his time in Lithuania, Locke

also delivered a lecture on recent developments in U.S. financial regulatory policy to the Lithuanian American Chamber of Commerce in Vilnius.

Locke holds a J.D. from Harvard

Law School, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a MATh from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He has been teaching at UMHB since 2010.

New VP for campus planning takes helm Marv Ee is the university’s new vice president for campus planning and support services.

Ee graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1994, from the Air Force Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in Engineering and Environmental Management in 1997, and from Trinity Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry in 1998.

He comes to UMHB following an impressive career with the United States Air Force, where he supervised $8.1 billion in infrastructure development while leading various divisions

of support services including facility engineering, design, construction, operations, maintenance, master planning, emergency management, firefighting, environmental programs, communications, human capital, sustainment services, logistics, acquisitions, and security forces around the globe.

After 24 years of active military service and achieving the rank of colonel, Ee is looking forward to civilian life and using his expertise to further the mission and reach of UMHB. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 20 years and have four children: Japhia, 19; Micah, 17; Joy, 13; and Malachi, 7.

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New residence hall named in honor of Lord family

The three-story, 46,000-square-foot freshman residence hall opened this fall. It features 212 beds and a model room for visitors to see.

A new freshman residence hall has been named “Lord Hall” in honor of Griff and Kathy Lord, Michael and Sharon Lord Daggett, and their families.

“The Lord family has faithfully supported UMHB for many years through gifts to capital projects and to the Ida Myrtle Roberts Manning Endowed Scholarship,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, president of UMHB. “This residence facility will house freshman students who are just beginning their educational journeys, so it seems very appropriate that it be named for the Lords, who have helped so many young men and women come to UMHB for their educations. They are wonderful friends

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of the university, and we are delighted to be able to honor them in this way.”

Sharon Lord Daggett established an endowed scholarship in 1996 in memory of her grandmother, Ida Myrtle Roberts Manning, who attended Baylor College for Women (now UMHB) in 1905. In the years following, Sharon and her brother, Griff, and their families have made frequent personal gifts to the endowment and facilitated the awarding of grants to UMHB from the Grogan Lord Foundation, established by their father.

Through their gifts, the Lord family has provided significant support for campus facilities such as the Parker

Academic Center (Lord Conference Center), the Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center (Manning Chapel), and the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center (Main Stage). And today, the Ida Myrtle Roberts Manning Endowed Scholarship is among the university’s largest endowed scholarships and has helped more than 326 students pay for their educations.

The 46,000-square-foot residence hall opened this fall on the north side of the campus between Crusader Way and Hardy Hall. The three-story facility offers dormitory-style housing for up to 212 students.

Carpenter Foundation awards UMHB $80,000 for occupational therapy The university received a grant for $80,000 this summer from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation for the purchase of a driving simulator for use in the university’s new occupational therapy master's program. The equipment will be housed in a special laboratory where occupational therapy students will learn how to evaluate the cognitive and physical skills necessary for driving and how to help patients attain or regain those abilities, whether they have had an accident, stroke, surgery, or any other condition such as autism that makes driving difficult.

“Driving is one of the most complex skills to be mastered when individuals who have physical or cognitive limitations are working to acquire or regain their independence,” said Dr. Giulianne Krug, director of UMHB’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. “This state-of-the-

art simulation system will enable our students to learn the latest techniques for assessing and training individuals of driving age and will also generate data for continuing research in the field of occupational therapy.”

The Carpenter Foundation’s grant will make it possible for UMHB to purchase a driving simulation system and the software needed to equip a special lab in the new occupational therapy wing being added to Hardy Hall.

The wing is adding 15,000 square feet of laboratory, classroom, and office space to the building, which was already extensively renovated in 2015 to house the school’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Plans call for the new graduate program in occupational therapy to begin in the spring of 2020 and produce its first cohort of graduates in 2022.

“We are extremely grateful to the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter

Foundation for this generous grant,” said President Randy O’Rear. “The Carpenter Foundation has been a steadfast friend of UMHB, investing more than $700,000 in our university since 1991 in support of capital projects and Conservatory of Music programs and scholarships. With this grant, the foundation is once again making it possible for us to offer students a first-rate educational experience, one that will prepare them to provide the best patient care available in the years to come.”

Dr. Krug is currently researching which simulator will best meet the teaching, research, and service aims of the program and hopes to have the new system in place by the spring semester.

Above, a driving simulator like this one will show students how to help their future patients learn to drive.

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Kemp family receives Parker Award for four generations of Crusaders Attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has been a tradition in the Kemp family for the last four generations. There now have been at least 17 individuals in their family who have been a part of the Cru family.

During last April’s Charter Celebration, the family was recognized for this loyalty with the Parker Award – an award given to families with multi-generational or multi-member alumni who have demonstrated loyalty, support, and commitment to the university.

“The Kemps have supported the university and the alumni association in so many ways,” said Alumni Board President Justin Gaidusek ’04,

who presented the award. “They are actively involved in events on and off campus. Many have served as faculty and staff members of the university.

Many volunteer to help lead their classes, and a phenomenal percentage of them serve in ministry, using their gifts to glorify God.” The Parker Award was established in 1991 by the Alumni Association of UMHB to be given in honor of former UMHB president and first lady, Bobby E. and Marietta Parker. The Parkers lovingly shared of themselves, taught the value of the Mary Hardin-Baylor family, and encouraged alumni to send their sons and daughters to UMHB.

Several members of the Kemp family gathered for a picture at the Charter Celebration. Pictured are, from left, Kevin Wilburn ’01, Donna Kemp ’86, Dane Kemp ’16, Tim Kemp ’87, Dr. Jean Kemp ’56, Honorary Alumnus Dr. Leroy Kemp, Kaci Chandler Kemp ’18, Kayla Kemp, and Brandon Kemp ’18.

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Garza honored for longtime loyalty to university Cheryl Garza is the recipient of the 2018 Honorary Alumni Award, which goes to individuals who exhibit love and loyalty to UMHB as if it was their own alma mater.

In recognition for her 16-plus years of service in the Office of Alumni Relations, Garza received the award when she left UMHB in May. The award gives honorary membership in the Alumni Association to an individual who, although not a former student of the university, exhibits love and loyalty.

“Cheryl has faithfully served the alumni and university as if it were her own,” said Jeff Sutton, director of alumni relations and museum. “In her 16 years of serving, she quietly witnessed the tradition of alumni and seniors singing ‘Up With the Purple.’

Now that she’s an honorary alumna, she can finally join them in singing the song with passion and pride.”

Haston Adams voted ASC Male Athlete of the Year Defensive tackle Haston Adams was voted the 2017-18 American Southwest Conference Male Athlete of the Year. Adams is UMHB's 11th ASC Athlete of the Year, more than any other conference school.

Adams, a senior defensive tackle from Beckville High School, earned ASC Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the Cru to a 14-1 record and an NCAA Division III National Runner-Up finish. He was named All-America by three different publications after recording 4.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 47 total tackles this season. Adams added three pass break-ups and a forced fumble for the conference’s top defense and national leader in scoring defense. He is a twotime All-American, two-time All-Re-

CRU students win scholarathlete medals of honor

Sarah Rempe

Zane Boles

gion, and three-time ASC All-Conference selection. Adams played for four ASC Champions and four NCAA postseason qualifiers during his career and was a key member of the 2016 NCAA Division III National Championship team. He finished his career ranked among UMHB’s top four all-time in both sacks and tackles for loss. The Cru posted a 51-4 overall record in his four seasons with the program. Adams was invited to the Arizona Cardinals rookie minicamp this spring.

“Haston is obviously a great football player, and his impact on our team was significant,” UMHB Vice President for Athletics Randy Mann said. “More importantly, he is as great a person as he is a football player.”

Women’s soccer player Sarah Rempe and football player Zane Boles were named the UMHB winners of the American Southwest Conference Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor. The ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor is presented to one male and one female member of the graduating class who have compiled the most outstanding record in academics, athletics, and leadership.

Sarah Rempe, who was a cellular biology major and member of the Cru women's soccer team, graduated in May with a 4.0. Rempe was named to the United Soccer Coaches’ All-America Second Team and earned First Team Academic All-America honors.

She was voted American Southwest Conference Midfielder of the Year after scoring six goals and adding five

Haston Adams assists for 17 total points. She helped lead the team to a school record for victories and the first NCAA Division III National Championships appearance in program history.

Zane Boles, who was a pre-physical therapy major and the punter for the Cru football team, graduated in May with a 3.97. He became the first student-athlete in ASC history to win back-to-back NCAA Elite 90 Awards and was an Academic All-District selection this season. Boles averaged 38.6 yards per punt with 10 kicks of 50 or more yards. He put 15 kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line and had a long boot of 71 yards. Boles was voted the ASC Football Distinguished Scholar-Athlete this season and was a two-time ASC Academic All-Conference selection.

ATHLETIC L I F E

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New technology launches this fall to help graduate more students....in less time and at a lower cost. By Christi Mays

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t’s not uncommon for students to end up with more hours than they need to graduate. That’s exactly what happened to Katie Bonner when she was a student. Bonner, who is now the director of student success at UMHB, struggled to find the path she wanted to take and ended up changing her major several times, costing her valuable time and money.

“I tell the students I advise that I didn’t get an award at graduation for having all these extra hours,” she said. On a mission to help students avoid such mishaps and stay on track toward graduation, Bonner has led the charge in rolling out new gamechanging technology this fall. UMHB has partnered with the Educational Advisory Board (EAB) to offer the Student Success Collaborative (SSC), a comprehensive technology that links administrators, faculty, staff, and advisors in a coordinated care network to support students from enrollment to graduation and beyond.

“This partnership will enable us to analyze our course data over the last several years and then use that information to help us advise students going forward,” said Dr. John S. Vassar, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

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The new software uses sophisticated algorithms to identify patterns to help predict future behaviors, which can allow for early intervention to help students get back on track – and stay on track throughout their college careers.

• Maybe it’s a struggling student-athlete who needs immediate intervention to pass this semester.

• Maybe it’s a first-generation freshman who doesn’t know how to get involved and ends up falling through the cracks.

• Maybe it’s a scholarship recipient on the cusp of losing his funding due to falling grades.

The new software is designed to streamline processes and facilitate communication among students, professors, and advisors through a twopronged application – the “SSC Campus” platform and the “Guide” student mobile app.

“The new student app will assist the university in communicating with them,” Vassar said. “It will help them to connect more easily with their professors, and will prompt students for various deadlines.”

While the student app virtually connects students

to every office on campus, the SSC Campus platform gives faculty and staff a window into a student's college journey so they can proactively help along the way, as needed.

“In the SSC Campus platform, every student has a profile in the system. As they move through their time at UMHB, we have a digital trail to keep up with them,” Bonner explained. “Now, anytime students meet with an advisor or any campus office, those notes will be put in their electronic file. It really gives them a footprint so they don’t have to retell their story to office after office.”

She offered a typical scenario: “Let's say a student came into my office and said, ‘I really want to stay at UMHB. I have a mediocre GPA, but I’m not on probation. My parents have said if I want to stay here, I need to have a 3.0, and I need a plan to do it.’”

Using the new Campus platform, an advisor would open a ‘case’ for the student, create a plan of action, and coordinate cross-campus resources, so everyone involved is collaborating to help the student work toward raising his GPA. “If part of that plan is meeting with tutors, then the tutors are putting notes into his ‘case,’” Bonner said.

“If the student needs to meet with an advisor in his department more often, then that advisor is putting notes in there. The faculty and staff will keep track through the platform to see where the student has been helped, so we don’t send him back down the same path.”

The interconnected student mobile app also plays its part in helping the student reach goals by providing helpful information and giving students easy access to schedule appointments with advisors, tutors, faculty, and staff. Students can also connect to student life, financial aid, and counseling and testing.

A convenient feature allows students to connect to event calendars and create to-do lists and reminders when class assignments are due.

Through the app, the students are now able to receive push notifications directly on their phones, in addition to emails, which sometimes get overlooked.

“Before, students often got information overload,” Bonner said. “Information was coming at them from every direction – emails, word of mouth, social media – and a lot was getting missed. Up until now, we haven’t had a collective way to get out what is important.”

Senior Sarah Harvey was thrilled to hear about

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the new one-stop-shop concept. With numerous to-dos to check off prior to graduation in December, she is thankful the app is helping her keep track of it all during her last semester here. When she heard about the app, she downloaded it immediately and sent the link to all her friends.

“I get a million emails in my UMHB email inbox.

Eventually all my senior stuff just kind of flutters off, and then I’m left wondering what I need to do,” she said. “With this app, it’s all right there. It just adds so much more to the experience at UMHB.” When Bonner first began looking at bringing the new technology to UMHB, she assembled a panel of members from various departments and colleges throughout campus. The panel included students to make sure they had a voice in what they consider important. “This is truly a collaborative effort to figure out how to best serve our students,” she said.

The team has been working together for over a year. Compared to other schools the size of UMHB, Bonner said, when it comes to technology, she thinks we’re on the “more advanced end of the spectrum.”

“The Guide mobile app is new even to EAB, so we’re one of the first to use it,” Bonner said. “We looked at how the larger schools like Baylor, Texas State, and Texas Tech are using these tools, and for a

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university our size, we are on the front end of using advanced technology.”

When UMHB began looking at this initiative, the goal was to further increase strides toward improving retention rates, which ultimately will help increase graduation rates.

They wanted to help answer questions like: • Why are some students not being successful, and what information are they missing that could help them succeed?

• What information are students missing to cause them to lose or miss out on scholarship money?

• What other resources could we point students to if their GPAs drop?

As part of the partnership with UMHB, EAB is analyzing 10 years of UMHB’s historical data to help find creative ways to reduce attrition rates after the first year. According to the EAB, 52 percent of attrition occurs after the freshman year.

“All of our programs and advising models up until now have been focused on first-year retention, which has helped bring our freshman retention rate up to

nearly 74 percent, but we’ve never taken our efforts past the first year,” Bonner said. Not only will the EAB analysis help her team discover new ways to retain even more freshmen, but it will also find ways to help sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Second-semester sophomore Makayla Pendley said the app will help incoming freshmen make an easier transition from high school. “I was completely disorganized when I came in,” she said. “This app makes it so much easier.” At the beginning of this semester, she used the app to input all of her class assignments and set up reminders for major deadlines. She particularly likes the ease of scheduling an appointment with her advisor. Prior to having the new app, students typically had to walk over to their advisor’s office and sign up for advising sessions on a schedule taped to the advisor’s door.

“Now, I just go on the app and electronically sign up for a time slot, and then the app sends me a reminder!” Pendley said.

With sophisticated algorithms, the new technology offers alerts that help advisors identify students who aren’t necessarily on anyone’s radar but could use a little more guidance.

“It’s easy for students to get on a track where they’re really not on anybody’s radar,” Bonner said.

“They may come into their advisor’s offices and tell them they are ‘doing great’ when, in reality, they aren’t.” For instance, a student with a 2.2 GPA may not be on probation, but that grade point is too low for him to be accepted into the Scott & White School of Nursing or the McLane College of Business. This typically means having to switch majors midstream.

With the new EAB technology, advisors and teachers can help identify those students early before costly mistakes are made.

Eventually, advisors will also have historical data on hand to help students make well-informed career choices. “We will be able to look at data and say to them, ‘historically, UMHB students with your background at this point will be successful in XYZ majors,” Bonner said. “It’s not to take away their dreams if they have other ideas in mind; it is to help them make realistic decisions.”

Bonner said they are off to a great start this year and over time will continue to add more customized features.

“This is just a start, but the capabilities are so vast,” she said. “It’s almost overwhelming!”

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No matter what decade it is, students make themselves at 'home' at UMHB.

By Christi Mays

a Quiet place: Alexys Wharton studies in her campus apartment bedroom.

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eggy Albin '58 remembers the day she moved into her room at Burt Hall more than 60 years ago. A twin-sized iron-frame bed was pushed against the wall. Its mattress sagged in the middle. The concrete floors were cracked and rough. They had been painted a reddish-brown at some point, but the paint was worn in spots from years of foot traffic. For light, a bare bulb dangled from a cord in the center of the room. There was a bookshelf, a wooden desk and chair, and a dressing

P

table, but not much else. She was one of the “lucky ones” to get a rocking chair in her room. There was a small bulletin board above her desk and she decorated it with photos, plaques, and a Mary Hardin-Baylor pennant. A small radio she brought from home delivered some entertainment and her morning alarm for class.

Albin's room had two closets that were “quite small” – one in her bedroom and the other in the dressing room. There were no closet doors, so she improvised and hung up a curtain rod and curtain to conceal her clothes. For extra hanging space, she innovatively turned the extra bed in her room on its end and hung her large petticoats from the metal frame. All of the rooms had two beds at the time, but because enrollment was down, she had the bedroom to herself. There were only three residence halls on campus. Back in those days, most halls had community showers, but Burt, with its Jack-and-Jill style bathrooms, was considered architecturally ahead of its time. Albin and her suitemate's private bathroom had a claw-foot tub and toilet, and each room had a lavatory. There was no air conditioning, so during the hotter months, Albin kept the window open, hoping for a breeze.

A steam radiator provided heat in the cooler months.

"

“The dorms were nothing fancy,” Albin said. “But back then, just the idea of being away from home to go to school and being partially on my own made it all OK.” Fast forward 60 years to Alexys Wharton’s campus apartment at Farris Hall. At around 1,000 square feet, this four-bedroom, four-bath apartment features all the amenities and conveniences of modern-day living: wi-fi, walk-in closets in each room, woodplank vinyl flooring, a washer and dryer in each unit, and a full-working kitchen, complete with disposal and dishwasher. The 168-square-foot open-concept kitchen and living room features an island large enough to prep food and seat four.

Alexys’ room on the fourth floor features a large picture window overlooking part of campus. Just like the rooms back in Albin’s day, Alexys’ room came furnished with a bed and large desk to accommodate computer and printer. Alexys brought additional comforts from home to make her room even “homier,” including a large comfy chair where she curls up to study.

“I was very surprised that this is an on-campus apartment,” said Alexys, who is a junior nursing major from Huntsville. “It actually feels like a home. I don’t feel like I’m in a dorm.”

I was very surprised that this is an on-campus apartment. It actually feels like a home. I don’t feel like I'm in a dorm.

"

—Alexys Wharton junior nursing major

comforts of home: Alexys Wharton feels right at home having her own bedroom and bathroom, just like she did when she lived back at home in Hunstville before moving to college.

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That is exactly how Donna Plank '85 wants students to feel when they live on campus. As associate dean of students, she oversees residence life. She pointed out that most universities, including UMHB, no longer formally refer to their on-campus housing as “dorms” but rather as “residence halls.”

“Dormitory is an older term that connotes an older facility,” she said. “It reminds people of barrack-type living with cots and concrete floors.”

Plank, who has worked at UMHB for 34 years, says the university makes it a priority to create an enjoyable and comfortable experience for on-campus residents, with features like keyless entry doors, modern furniture and decorations, free laundry access, and indoor and outdoor recreational areas with pool tables and places to hang out with friends.

UMHB’s first residence hall was located next to the academic building in Independence, Texas. President John Hill Luther’s wife, Annie, served as matron of the college home. In addition to caring for the students’ daily needs and nursing the sick, she saw that the residence was furnished comfortably, despite limited means. She improvised by sewing bags of ticking filled with hay to use as bed springs and

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hanging calico curtains from shelves for make-shift wardrobes.

In the early 20th century, almost all students lived on campus except for a handful of area commuters.

With the new freshmen residence hall, Lord Hall, that opened this fall, there are now seven residence halls, campus apartments, and campus houses on campus with a total of 2,058 beds. With slightly more than half of the student population living on campus, it takes 14 resident directors and 74 resident assistants to run the halls and watch over the students.

“One of the university’s initiatives is to have a robust residential program and to grow the campus population so we’re not just a commuter school,” said Plank.

Understanding students’ wants and needs in a housing experience is important, said Plank, and the university makes it a priority to keep that in mind as it builds new halls and updates existing ones.

Alexys couldn’t wait to move into the on-campus apartments since they have full kitchens and she loves to cook.

“That is definitely one of the biggest perks to living

there,” she said. She and her three roommates each know how to cook and participate in meal prepping each week and keep a weekly schedule of who is cooking. “I love cooking spaghetti because it makes lots of leftovers,” she said. “We also make homemade pizza and anything with the crockpot.”

Even though the social aspect plays a huge part in life on campus, she likes the privacy and convenience the apartment offers when she needs to study. She just shuts her bedroom door, curls up in the overstuffed chair and pulls out her laptop.

“I love living with roommates, but I prefer studying by myself,” she said. “It’s nice to have my own room to do that in.”

Just like Albin did 60 years before, Alexys also lived in Burt Hall when she was a freshman. Because enrollment is booming these days, she had a roommate and two suitemates. If she needed to be alone to study, she would just find a quiet place at Bawcom Student Union or at a local coffee shop.

Having grown up with her own bedroom and bathroom, Alexys said the hardest part of living with three other girls was learning how to communicate.

“When I first came here, it was a learning experi-

ence for sure,” she said. “We learned that communication is key, especially when it was time for room check. We quickly learned to divide and conquer, and as long as we continued to communicate with each other, it wasn’t that bad.”

Living in a residence hall offers a unique and engaging experience, no matter what generation it is.

“Dorm life was very important,” Albin recalled.

“We’d keep our door into the hallways open most of the time, except at night, so we’d see everyone walking by. We were in and out of each other’s rooms all the time. I never even had a key to the door. We just closed the doors when we went off to class and never had any problems.”

Alexys said she plans to live on campus all four years because it’s convenient and fun.

"I’m really involved in a lot of different organizations on campus. If I lived off campus, I might not be able to go to as much stuff as I would like," she said.

“Plus, I walk to class. That’s another bonus of living on campus – not having to worry about parking!”

Wide Open Spaces:

Residence halls today feature modern amenities like keyless entry doors, free laundry access, and indoor and outdoor recreational areas where students can hang out.

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New Modular Master's lets students build degrees to fit career goals

By Christi Mays

MBA programs are everywhere. Many universities have them. In fact, several programs are offered within driving distance of UMHB. When looking at ways to make UMHB’s program stand out, the question became, "what’s different with our MBA that would make students want to come here?” said Dr. Kirk Fischer, associate professor of accounting.

Several years ago, he and other professors began looking at ways to reinvent the master’s programs to offer something unique and appealing to potential students who need ultra-flexibility while juggling school with busy careers and family life.

This fall, the McLane College of Business rolled out the Modular Master’s program, which offers business students a whole new way of pursuing a degree. From a mix-and-match menu, students first

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pick one of three degree programs: the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Science in Information Systems, or the new Master of Science in Accounting. Next, students choose a concentration from a selection of choices, including accounting analytics, information systems, international business, and management. In the summer of 2020, three new concentration choices will also become available – health care administration, not-for-profit management, and supply chain management. Lastly, the student selects one of six start dates a year – either the A or B term in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

“The cool element is that it will be delivered in a hybrid delivery format,” said Professor Larry Locke, associate dean for the McLane College of Business.

Instead of either the traditional classroom setting

or an entirely online delivery, the “hybrid delivery model” requires students to come to campus for one day at the beginning of each term to meet their professors and classmates, to build rapport with them.

Held always on a Friday or Saturday, this “residency” day gives students a chance to know their professors personally and connect with their fellow classmates.

Students return for one day at the end of the term for the final exam. The rest of their coursework is done online.

“This new hybrid approach offers the ideal combination,” said Dr. Nancy Bonner, associate dean for graduate programs and program director for the MBA. She pointed out that students still get the flexibility of working online from home, but also get the support provided by professors and fellow students in a live classroom setting.

“It offers a cohort model where students get to know each other through face-to-face time,” Bonner said. “That really enriches the program because students are exchanging ideas in the classroom.

When they get to meet in a classroom setting and begin forming relationships, it helps them feel more comfortable in sharing their experiences. That’s an important piece.”

The MSIS and MSA degrees began utilizing the new hybrid delivery model this fall. The MBA, which currently is offered at night, will begin using the new hybrid format next fall, but will also keep the nighttime MBA, allowing students even more flexibility.

For students who choose to go the nighttime MBA route, it’s optimal for them to live within a shorter driving distance, since they will be on campus multiple times each week. “But with the new hybrid model, it will allow students to come from as far away as Dallas and Houston, since they will only need to be on campus two times each term,” Locke said.

When Nolanville resident Shannon Ramsdale began looking into the possibility of going back to school to get a master’s degree, she was thrilled to learn about the Modular Master’s program starting this fall. It’s been 16 years since she graduated from

college and a lot has changed in her life – she’s gotten married, bought a home, works full time as an office manager, and takes care of three energetic dogs. The hybrid format works perfectly for her schedule – still allowing her to keep her job, run her household, and study at night.

“I love the flexibility,” she said. “Not everyone can afford to quit their job and go to school full time.

NEW!

"Hybrid Delivery Model "

"

The hybrid approach offers the ideal combination. It offers a cohort where students get to know each other through face-to-face time.

"

-Dr. Nancy Bonner

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New Master of Science in Accounting offers more efficient path to CPA exam

Shannon Ramsdale, along with Jottie, studies when and where she wants. She was one of the first students enrolled in the new Modular Master’s program to get her Master of Science in Information Systems.

I like the fact that I can still maintain my full-time position and not be bound by classroom time. I can study in the evenings and on weekends but still have the ability to reach out to my instructor.”

As the office manager at a busy nursing facility in Belton, from the time she walks in the door in the mornings until the time she leaves work, she’s “going 90 miles-an-hour in every direction.” In addition to keeping the office running smoothly, Ramsdale has become the official in-house computer systems guru, which helped spur on her desire to pursue an advanced degree in information systems.

“I started installing some software and hardware, and then did some troubleshooting, and it’s just sort of progressed from there,” she said. For her, returning to school “just made sense” because of the fact that technology is forever changing and advancing. With a master’s degree, she says she will not only have the skills she needs to stay on top of her current job, but will also give her the differentiating salability she needs if she decides to drive her career forward.

“I’m super excited about this direction,” she said. “I like to be moving forward. I like to have a direction. Now, I have a direction.”

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A new Master of Science in Accounting degree also launched this fall as part of the Modular Master’s program. This 30-hour advanced accounting program offers a more efficient path for students who plan to work as certified public accountants.

“An MS in accounting is a very valuable degree for accountants because the classes are focused on preparing them for the CPA exam,” said Professor Larry Locke, associate dean for the McLane College of Business.

Historically, the undergraduate accounting degree is 124 hours, but in order to take the CPA exam, students need 150 college hours.

“To get all the hours they need to sit for the CPA exam, many students end up getting a five-year undergraduate degree, which is a bit wasteful,” Locke said. “Or, they would get a Master of Business Administration, which would give them a lot of classes that don’t have anything to do with accounting, so it’s not optimal in preparing them for the CPA exam.”

The new MS in accounting keeps students laserfocused on advanced topics they need, such as auditing, tax, cost accounting, fraud examination, not-for-profit accounting, and ethics. It’s the only degree that requires an undergraduate degree in accounting or the equivalent coursework.

“Our undergrad accounting graduates have jobs in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas,” said Dr. Kirk Fischer, associate professor of accounting and program director for the MSA. “We want to offer them a graduate program they can complete while living elsewhere.”

1

CHOOSE A DEGREE PROGRAM • Master of Business Administration

2

• Master of Science in Accounting

ADD A CONCENTRATION (ELECTIVES)

Choose any four courses from the list of electives; if all four electives are from a single concentration, your conferred degree will reflect that focus.

• Accounting Analytics

• Management

• Health Care Administration*

• Not-for-Profit Management*

• Information Systems

• Supply Chain Management*

• International Business

3

• Master of Science in Information Systems*

*Begins Summer 2020

WORK FROM HOME, BUT NOT ALONE Online programs offer the flexibility needed to balance your studies with your career and personal life, yet many people miss the support provided by professors and fellow students in a live classroom setting. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid delivery model for these master’s degrees.

Students come to campus for one day at the beginning and at the end of each term to meet their professors and classmates and build rapport with them. Held always on a Friday or Saturday, these “residency” days give you a chance to know your professors personally and connect with your fellow students.

Six start dates per year: all semesters – fall, spring, and summer – are divided into two terms (A and B). Terms last six to eight weeks, and students can begin or end their degrees in any term.

for more information about the MSA, visit

umhb.edu/modular

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A LUM N I LIFE ’03 ’02

Ted Smith was recognized as the TASSP Region 12 Assistant Principal of the Year. He now serves as principal of Salado Junior High. Ted and his wife, Allison '01, live in Belton with their children, Avery and Natalie.

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Kristin Zastoupil recently became the executive director of marketing and communications for Forney ISD. She was previously the webmaster for Corsicana ISD and the executive director of the Corsicana Education Foundation. Kristin and her husband, Brendan, live in Forney with their children, Bryton and Kolton.

’04

Janell Simmons is moving to Naivasha, Kenya, in 2019 to volunteer with the Naivasha Children’s Shelter, a rescue and rehabilitation center for street boys.

A p l u m e of c o l o r f i l l s the sk y as students converge for the a n n u a l C l a s h of C o l o r s competitions during We l c o m e We e k .

Got news?

We want to hear what's going on in your life! If you have news to share that's happened since July 1, 2018, submit online at life.umhb.edu or send it to: Alumni Relations, UMHB Box 8427, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513 or alumni@umhb.edu.

To make a memorial gift, please contact: Development, UMHB Box 8433, 900 College Street, Belton, Texas 76513, 254-295-4601, or give online at giving.umhb.edu

in a Digital World. He is a principal in Orange, CA, where he lives with his wife, Gabrielle Brooke Hollatz ’05, and their children, Eden and Adelaide.

’16

’08

Kyle '08 and Kaily Luckett Tubbs '09 along with their two-year-old son, Emmett, are relocating to the Atlanta area in September, where Kyle will serve as the new church starts manager for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship at the CBF Global offices in Decatur.

’13

Jacob Hollatz has authored and published a book titled Faithfully Connected: Integrating Biblical Principles

Kristin Critz graduated with a Master of Arts in Psychological Research from Texas State University.

’17

Emery Atkisson has been named the new head varsity baseball coach for Salado High School.

He will continue his role as an assistant football coach in addition to teaching at Salado High School. Emery previously taught sixth grade English at Salado Intermediate.

He is currently pursuing his master’s in education in sport administration from UMHB.

WEDDINGS Amanda Dickinson ’04 and Stephen Sequeira, Nov. 25, 2017, in Georgetown.

Amanda is a vice president of community relations, and Stephen is a data analyst.

Kimberly Jones '10 and Tim Wells, May 19 in Waller.

Kimberly is the children’s pastor at First Baptist Church Baytown, and Tim is the children’s pastor at Rollingbrook Fellowship.

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Mandy Elizabeth Tirella ‘13 and Joshua John Hetzel, Nov. 25, 2017, in The Woodlands.

Mandy is a kindergarten teacher, and Joshua is a captain in the US Army.

Brittany Read ’17 and Wesley Bailey ’17, March 16 in Dripping Springs. Wesley is an account manager for GSP Retail, and Brittany is an Estée Lauder makeup artist.

Kaci Ann Chandler and Brandon Wyatt Kemp ’18, June 2 in Salado. Brandon is the associate to the student pastor at First Baptist Church Salado, and Kaci is a current UMHB student studying to be a physical therapist.

BIRTHS Scott Mallory ’04 and his wife, Pamela, announce the birth of their son, Weston Wallace, June 18.

Clayton and Angela Presswood ’06 announce the birth of their daughter, Abigail, July 15.

She joins big sister Avery.

John ’08 and Kristin Bate ’08 announce the birth of their son, Logan Michael, Oct. 20. He joins his big brothers, Ethan and Owen.

Wes Bull ’08 and Lesslie Howie ’10 announce the birth of their son, Wyatt Paul, Sept.19. He joins big brother Eli and big sister Brooke.

Kaci Hodge ’09 and her husband, Todd, announce the birth of their son, Liam, February 28.

Katie Tumlinson Johnson ’10 and her husband, Cort, announce the birth of their son, Duke Randall, May 24.

Brooke Rawlinson ’13 and her husband, Brandon, announce the birth of their son, Connor, March 24.

Matthew ’13 and Molly O'Dell Mastrilli ’13 announce the birth of their daughter, Heidi Mae, March 2.

Clint ’14 & ’16 and Cassie Brown ’17 announce the birth of their daughter, Holly, May 15.

MEMORIAMS Florence Osvath ’45. April 2018, in Albuquerque, NM. After graduating from UMHB, Florence moved to Los Alamos, NM, to work in the laboratory there.

She and her husband, Frank, were active members of First Baptist Church from the beginning of their marriage. Throughout her life, Florence devoted herself to church service. She was an exceptionally kind and caring wife, mother, friend, and volunteer.

She treated others with unconditional acceptance and love—always reflecting the face of her Lord, Jesus Christ.

Anne Upham Keith ’52. July 7, in Benbrook.

Anne was born in Midland.

She was a homemaker, devoted wife and mother, and a member of continued on page 31

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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT

Shelton living her dream as professional singer As a member of her high school choir in Cleburne, Kathleen Shelton '11, had very little awareness of opera as an art form, nor did she see it as a potential career. But the trajectory of her life changed when Kathleen’s high school choir director asked her to sing for the UMHB opera conductor who was visiting her school. Even after she was recruited to UMHB, she had no idea how good she was and felt too self-conscious to enroll as a music major. That all changed when she auditioned for her first college musical and landed the female lead, Aldonza, in “Man of La Mancha.” She had never before been cast in a leading role, but it proved to be the first of many at UMHB, giving her more stage experience than any of her peers once she entered graduate school at Florida State University where she earned a Master of Music degree. Having that advantage, along with an incredible amount of talent, is helping her live out her dream as a professional musician dedicated to singing opera, musical theater, and sacred works all across the country and world.

“My life as a performer is full of so many amazing moments,” said Shelton. “I've had a lot of thrilling experiences so far.”

This past year alone, she’s traveled to Germany to sing for agents and to Denmark for an audition.

One of her most memorable moments came when she was working with the Sarasota Opera in Florida, where she was hired to cover for the lead, if needed, as Dorabella in Mozart's “Cosí fan tutte.”

“I received an email that I might be in the final performance,” she said. “So that night, I sat in bed with my music and made sure I knew all the blocking (stage

Kathleen Shelton portrays Nicklausse from Offenbach's “Les Contes d'Hoffmann” with St. Petersburg Opera.

movements) and remembered where the conductor was taking any tempo liberties. On Friday morning, I got the call that they needed me to go on!”

She showed up early to the theatre where they had made a custom wig for her that morning. Her name was now on the dressing room door and her costumes were waiting inside.

“All the cast I would be singing with, whom I never had worked with before, stopped by to wish me luck!” she said. “We performed for a Friday night audience of over 1,000 people. What a rush!”

Working as a professional musician can be grueling, she said. “Every audition is the opportunity to perform one character at a set point in time. Therefore, you have to keep re-marketing yourself to potential employers.”

Just like a professional athlete, Shelton’s training never stops. “If I get sick, I can't sing well, so staying healthy is always on my mind.”

Even on the most demanding days, Shelton said it’s all worth it because she loves sharing her talent with others.

“You must be prepared to give your life to the character, the show, the audience, in hopes of giving someone else the transcendent experience of live theatre.”

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ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT

Advocating for 5.4 million Texas school children Colby Nichols’ professors encouraged him to seek a career in politics and admission to law school. Now, a successful attorney in Austin, the 2008 graduate works as a lobbyist, advocating for public education entities and seeking to ensure they are treated fairly throughout the legislative process.

“I get to work with some of the best people in the world – educators!” said Nichols. “It is extremely rewarding to have just a part in the public education realm which does so much for so many.”

Using a vast network of political resources, Nichols connects school districts with state personnel to help them achieve their goals. He works with state legislators to inform them of the issues and solutions that schools face.

“Every day is different,” he said. “On any given day, I could be lobbying at the Texas Capitol for a bill to protect children, helping with an employment matter, assisting with a bond issue, or even reviewing a student issue. The variety is very exciting and keeps me on my toes!”

Coming from a family of educators, his decision to help children comes naturally.

“It was hard not to learn about the process of loving and teaching children when your grandfather and mother were talking about school finance in front of you at the age of 7!” he said. “I truly believe public education is the silver bullet for our society. It is the only thing that can effectively pull entire groups of people out of poverty. It solves so many issues that the world faces.”

When Nichols looks back, he says UMHB gave him an individualized education specific to his needs. He considered going to a larger school, but once he was at UMHB, it became clear to him that he wasn’t just “another student at a larger university.”

“UMHB showed me how to use my strengths – and weaknesses – to be successful,” he said. “Most of all, this school showed me that we are all here to serve a greater purpose and to help others, no matter what career we choose to pursue.”

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Colby Nichols lobbying at the Texas Capitol for public education entities.

Nichols is married to Kallie ’10, who is an advanced placement biology teacher at Lake Travis High School.

They have two children, four-year-old Lydia and Quinn, who is 1.

Knowing that the direct benefactors of the school system – the children – often aren’t able to advocate for better education, he feels it is his duty to ensure they have the representation necessary to effectively engage stakeholders.

People often tell Nichols that it’s rare to work in a job that is also your passion, but he is convinced it is what God called him to do.

“It’s not always easy, as the legislative session is often long and arduous,” he admitted. “However, I know I am extremely lucky to get to do something that I am passionate about and that makes a difference. Just to be in the Capitol building and the environment is such an honor for a small-town kid from Centerville, Texas!”

continued from page 28

First Baptist Church in Benbrook. She served as the church librarian.

Myrna J. Sherburne ex ’62. July 1, in Bethany, OK. Myrna attended UMHB from 1960-62. She had numerous jobs throughout her life. She was a very talented artist. Several of her murals can be seen around the Oklahoma City area. She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed each day. Her motto was to take one day at a time. No matter how gloomy life became, she always stated, “It will be ok.”

Nelda Irene Whitis Shipp ’66. July 3, in Tyler. She attended Belton public schools for 12 years and graduated in 1963. She graduated from UMHB with a teacher certification and earned a master’s degree with numerous other certifications from Texas A&M Commerce. After graduation from UMHB, she moved to Mineola to begin her teaching career. She taught for more than 50 years at Mineola High School. She was a member of the PEO Club, a DECA sponsor, and an FFA and FHA advisor. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Mineola where she taught Sunday school for many years. Memorial gifts may be made to the Nelda Whitis Shipp Endowed Scholarship fund at UMHB. L’Tisha L’Jeanne Carpenter ’93.

June 22, in Taylor. She was an honor graduate of Taylor High School and received her bachelor’s degree from UMHB in accounting. She enjoyed her life in the Taylor community. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Taylor.

Renee Alisa Rodriguez ’98. July 11, in Waco. Renee was a beautiful woman who encouraged others through her many gifts. She loved working with

special needs and underprivileged youth, giving back to those who could give nothing in return. She had a passion for serving the Lord and always shared her faith with others.

Cheryl Ann Tippit Blake ’09. July 4, in Waco. Cheryl was a dedicated teacher who loved music, art, and technology. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her children. She loved helping them with their activities. Cheryl was loved and will be missed by many.

Martha Smirl Cooper Walt and Pam Manly Sue Quesenbury McBrayer Everett Minh Duong Khang and Cara Scott Duong

Karen Keith Gilbert Lee and Cindy Weaver Willis Nancy Graham Lee and Cindy Weaver Willis Ernestine Morgan Key James Dennis Key

Emily Atkinson Wilson ’12. June 24, in San Diego, CA. She attended Angelo State University before transferring to UMHB to finish her bachelor of nursing degree. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse.

Margaret Cochran Kiefer Rick, Dianne, Elizabeth, Richard,

Kelsey and Phillip Dusold Shirley Cowan Sommer

M E MO R I A L S

Betty Lou McEver Robin Aiken Avolonte Study Club Jim Calhoun Virginia Jones Calhoun Leesa Calhoun Green Donald and Jan Grobowsky Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Shirley Cowan Sommer Nancy Calhoun Stalmach

Jean Ann Akin Jim Calhoun Virginia Jones Calhoun Leesa Calhoun Green Nancy Calhoun Stalmach Patricia Kay Anderson Richard and LaWanda Akin Bailey Byron and Gloria Neie North Debbie Beaty Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Betty Donnelly Bell Ray Bell Helen Louise Hannan Berryhill Ruth Hannan Jones Jacqueline Book Alice Marie Bell

Mary Farrow Long Dr. William and Kathryn

Fagan Long

Jerry Melton Joyce Lee Melton Reynolds Thomas and Effie Sullivan Melton Joyce Lee Melton Reynolds Tom Melton Joyce Lee Melton Reynolds Wayne Miller Molly Cagle Stephanie Barth Nash William and Laura Nash Collins

Janice Muehlstein Caldwell Barbara Muehlstein

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Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. John Reynolds Joyce Lee Melton Reynolds Blair Starke Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Doris Watters Wood Mary Jane Wood

I N HO N O R Dorothy Jane Bush Aiken Eula Woodyard McKown Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

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Dr. Terry Bawcom Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Claudia Nunez Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Betty Sue Craven Beebe Kathleen Kruse

Jerry Pate Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson

Jack and Sue Purcell Bounds Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Marjorie Frank Ferrill Dr. Kay Schwertner Psencik

Penny Renfro Mike and Janis Frazier

Cheryl Garza Cathy Burkett Cornelio Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Cindy Selman Mike and Janis Frazier

The Honorable Henry L. Garza Cheryl Garza

Rondy Gray Anne Wiese Halbert Deborah Jones Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens

Carol Robinson Mike and Janis Frazier

Katrina Gibson Simons Dianne Burkes Dr. Dillard and Karolyn Whitis Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Jack Whitis Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens

W

hen I was looking at colleges, I was interested in some of the bigger ones in Texas. My mom wanted me to check out UMHB, and as soon as we visited, it felt like home and a safe place. I knew this was where I was supposed to be.

Getting involved has really helped me find my place at UMHB. I’ve been involved in First Year Council, Baptist Student Ministry, Easter Pageant, Student Foundation, and Welcome Week. This year, I have been chosen to portray Jesus in UMHB’s 80th Easter Pageant in Spring 2019. When I told my mom, she went crazy!

As for careers, I want something that involves working with people, and that’s why I chose to major in social work. My goal is to become a school social worker so I can help students get resources and be an encourager to them.

I’m so thankful for the Loyalty Fund Scholarship I received. It has helped take some of the pressure off of paying for school. Every donation helps, no matter what that looks like – money, time, or even prayer. It means a lot to students, and I hope that I am able to pay it forward some day!

Joseph "Joey" Mainini Senior, social work major Boerne, Texas

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900 College Street • Belton, Texas 76513

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