Divine Design
Professor uses art to illustrate the story of the Bible
VOCARÉ INITIATIVE ● CRU COMMUNIT Y CLINIC ● BEACH VOLLEYBALL
B I G P I C T U R E | St u d e n t vo l un te e r s c h e e r a n d wave a s f r e s h m e n a n d t h e i r fa m i l i e s a r r i ve at L o r d H a l l d ur i n g M ove - I n D ay 2020.
UMHBLIFE FA L L 2 02 0 | V O L U M E 41, 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 Blair Dupre ’18 Gavin Green Randy Yandell ’99 CONTRIBUTOR James Stafford 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 umhb.edu/life
Letters and comments can be sent to: umhblife@umhb.edu
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UMHBLIFE F A L L 2 0 2 0 | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 1
D E P A R T M E N T S
4 | C A M P US L I F E New CRUflex hybrid-flexible approach offers more class formats during uncertain times. 9| PHIL ANTHROPY COVID-19 Student Relief Fund reaches over $106,000 with help of two matching grants. 10 | AT H L E T I C S Beach volleyball becomes 16th varsity sport.
F E A T U R E S T H E VO C A R É I N I T I AT I V E |12 Vocaré initiative helps students find deeper understanding of "calling." O N E -S TO P S H O P |16 New CRU Community Clinic offers multidiscipline care for OT, PT, and mental health services—all in one location. T H E B I B L E P R O J EC T |20 Artist and Professor David Hill creates 66 ceramic tiles to represent each book of the Bible.
O N T H E COV E R | P r o f e s s o r D av i d H i l l , a s s o c i a t e professor of ar t, is creating a composition made up of 66 individual ceramic tiles, each with l ow - r e l i e f s c u l p t u r a l e l e m e n t s t h a t correspond with a book of the B i b l e . Photo by Blair Dupre '18
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C alendar of E vents
Guest Artist Series: The Queen's Cartoonists October 8, 7:30 PM Crusader Stadium
Vocal Event: UMHB Student Showcase Oct. 20, 7:30 PM Baugh Performance Hall Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center
Texas Guitar Conference Winners Circle (Virtual) November 7, 2:00 PM Baugh Performance Hall
{
Art Gallery Events
Dean's Series: Joseph Palmer, Guitarist November 7, 4:00 PM Baugh Performance Hall
Baugh Center for the Visual Arts
Dean's Series: UMHB Faculty Art Show August 17 - October 9
Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center
Instrumental Event: UMHB Student Showcase November 10, 7:30 PM TBD
Virtual Artists' Talk September 21, 5:00 PM Senior Art Exhibit October 14 - November 19
A Virtual Very Mary Hardin-Baylor Christmas TBD
Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center
Pottery Sale
}
College of Visual and Performing Arts All events are closed to the general public. The campus community may participate in person, following social distancing and other safety protocols.
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November 18 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Lobby Baugh Center for the Visual Arts
Event dates and times are subject to change.
TICKETS & INFORMATION
umhb.edu/arts
Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center TICKET OFFICE: 254-295-5999
Ticket Office hours: 12:00 - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday and one hour prior to events.
Hi-tech classrooms New CRUflex modality plan utilizes hybrid-flexible approach Foreseeing that a second wave of COVID-19 could significantly impact class attendance this fall, administrators worked this summer to develop new ways for students to keep moving forward with their studies, no matter the situation. They knew they needed a new pedagogical approach that could adjust quickly should the pandemic force students, faculty and staff back into working and studying at home. Administrators knew the question from students, parents, faculty, and staff alike would be, “How can we hold classes and keep everyone safe?” They knew they needed a flexible plan that would keep students in school while accommodating all possible scenarios during a current pandemic— an option that would allow students to drop in and out of the classroom, if needed, but remain enrolled throughout the entire semester.
Thus a new hybrid-flexible approach was born, called CRUflex, for most class offerings. CRUflex courses are designed to run face-toface, be available simultaneously for remote viewing via Zoom, and also have assignments and video lectures available for online study 24/7. Students have the choice to attend any or all of these formats each week. The new approach to instruction meets the needs of students who: • were healthy and eager to return to UMHB for a face-to-face experience. • were eager to return, but whose life circumstances prevented them from being on campus for the full semester. • were unable or unwilling to return to campus and chose to take their courses online.
Both semesters of the 2020-21 academic year will utilize the hybridflexible approach, said Dr. John Vassar, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “We need to teach students where they are,” he said. “CRUflex seems to offer promise as a way in which we can best meet their diverse needs as well as provide a platform for faculty to continue offering the exemplary coursework and support that our students expect.” To prepare for the new approach, 101 classrooms were outfitted with high-tech web cameras, interactive 85-inch TVs, and instructor stations. Sophisticated lecture software was also installed to allow students to watch classroom lectures in real time, and to record and upload lectures. The new software offers a relatively easy interface, a basic editing tool, closedcaptioning, the ability to catalog and share videos between faculty members, and other features. “I would say that we’re very hi-tech compared to other schools across the state,” said Shawn Kung, director of information technology. He and his team were quick to start ordering the equipment in the spring, but they still faced a shortage and had to order from Canada and Puerto Rico to find enough to equip all the classrooms before the fall semester began. Classrooms, labs, and common areas also had to be redesigned to allow for social distancing to help keep students safe.
Building Access Controller Technician Philip Thornton installs a camera inside one of the 101 classrooms accross campus that were outfitted with high-tech web cameras.
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Welcome Week with a twist Orientation Week a huge success, even though it looked a little different this year
As organizers began planning Welcome Week activities for Fall 2020, it was evident that events would look vastly different this year than ever before. “The emerging pandemic demanded that we rethink the Welcome Week experience, but the purpose never changed,” said Dean of Student Leadership and Engagement Mike McCarthy. The traditional event welcomes new students into the UMHB family, introduces them to collegiate life, and teaches them what it means to be a Crusader. Every activity had to be
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“rethought” to keep students safe from exposure to COVID-19. “Essentially, we went back to the drawing board and began designing everything from scratch,” said McCarthy, who planned Welcome Week with Katy Hartt, advisor for the event, and a committee of 12 student volunteers. Specific changes ranged from small things like Move-In Day shifting from a Wednesday to a Saturday, to more challenging tasks like figuring out how to create a sense of connection among freshman class members while
still maintaining social distancing requirements. “We had to rethink meal times, how to do the Spirit and Traditions program without a marching band, and even the dubbing ceremony,” McCarthy said. “One of the key changes we made this year meant that students spent more time in small groups with their Cru leaders. This additional time allowed students to get to know each other on a deeper level, and participation in these small group times was higher than ever before.”
McCarthy credited Hartt and her team with pulling off a phenomenal event and creating an amazing experience for incoming freshmen who, by and large, had their senior year of high school “stolen from them by the pandemic.” “Katy never stopped pushing forward because she knew how important the transition from high school to college is for these students, and she wanted to make sure they had the best Welcome Week ever!” he said. Around 660 students participated
A "New Normal" Shifting to a virtual educational experience came fast and furious mid-semester in the spring after the state shut down due to COVID-19. As the campus opened back up for summer and fall classes, things around campus continue to change to accommodate the “new normal” of social distancing and other precautionary measures UMHB has implemented to help students, faculty, and staff stay safe. Teams and individuals have worked diligently to make sure classrooms, residence halls, and commons areas are safe for everyone.
in activities, which was only about 100 fewer than years past. “We were pleasantly surprised that many students participated in Welcome Week, even with a mask on!” Hartt said. Typically, during Welcome Week, students gather in Walton Chapel for the kickoff and other events. But this year, in order to maintain safe distances between students, most activities took place in Crusader Stadium. “This turned out to be a great venue for welcoming in all the new
MORE THAN
Equipped
students and having enough space for each event,” she said. Planning for Welcome Week usually requires many in-person meetings between the logistical staff and the planning committee made up of 12 students. This year, most of the meetings took place virtually though Zoom calls. “The student volunteers were so flexible, patient, and understanding as things were shaping up to look very different,” she said. “Things were different, but I would say Welcome Week was a success.”
6,000
COVID-19 safety signs displayed on campus
OVER
188
400 faculty and
REARRANGED
classrooms, event and meeting spaces, and
staff
101
classrooms & labs with webcams for online learning
MOVED
OVER 60
classes
throughout campus to accommodate social distancing
commons areas
1,129 online this spring
purchased
During the 2020 spring semester,
24,208
23,679
of hand sanitizer
there were
online assignments
and during the spring and summer semesters, there were
1,891,668
page views
for online assignments
ounces
5,120 gallons
of disinfectant
10,600 disposable masks
9,500 pairs of
disposable gloves
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Building community in higher-education New Dean of College of Humanities and Sciences
Dr. Stephen Baldridge
Dr. Stephen Baldridge joined UMHB in June as the new dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. A native of Lubbock, Baldridge earned both a Ph.D. and master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington; he earned his bachelor's in social work from Lubbock Christian University in 2001. "Dr. Baldridge is a gifted administrator who combines a love for his community with a passionate dedication to Christian higher education," said Dr. John Vassar, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "We are excited about his contributions to our academic leadership team at UMHB. The College of Humanities and Sciences plays a foundational role in students' core learning experience at 6
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UMHB, and Dr. Baldridge's ability to build community and provide leadership to the college will serve us well." Baldridge comes to UMHB with nearly 20 years of experience, including roles in non-profit organizations, public schools, and professional consulting. His passion for teaching and educating led him to join the faculty at Abilene Christian University in 2009. He served as director of the undergraduate social work program for 10 years, and in 2018 also took on duties as assistant dean for the College of Education and Human Services. In that position, he worked closely with the dean in fundraising, strategic planning, recruiting, interdisciplinary curriculum development, program monitoring, and personnel issues. During his time at ACU, the undergraduate social work program grew by approximately 60 percent, including a record-high 2019-20 admitted class. While serving as program director, the School of Social Work increased undergraduate research, implemented an internal grant program for research, and continued a high placement rate and licensing pass rate for graduates. "As an administrator, I take pride in working collaboratively with colleagues, relying on the strengths and knowledge of others to work toward common goals," he said. "While the achievements of the School of Social Work over the past nine years are exciting and extremely positive, it is the result of endless collaboration and coordination with those around me."
Baldridge is a licensed master social worker in Texas and a current member of the Council on Social Work Education and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors. Baldridge says his decision to go into social work stemmed largely from his calling to a life of service: “I believe God has called us to serve in everything that we do, and this can be done both professionally and personally.� One of the most meaningful experiences he and his family of six has had was when they moved into Abilene Hope Haven's emergency homeless shelter to help begin a new program of "radical hospitality." For a year, he and his family lived intentionally in community with neighbors who were experiencing homelessness—an experience he says taught him how to lead as a servant. "That year taught us more about service, God, humility, and grace than any other experience in our lives," he said. "The experience transformed our family and our approach to service." He says the time at the homeless shelter gave him a unique perspective and appreciation for people, which has helped prepare him for leading and guiding students. "I often tell students that your story is written for you and you alone. If you don't live it, no one else will,'" he said. "I believe this value lines us perfectly with UMHB's dedication to diversity, individualism, and student dignity and worth." Baldridge is married to Hollie, and they have two sons, Hobson, 14, and Penn,12, and twin six-year-old daughters, Izzie and Andie. All are excited about joining the UMHB family.
Frank W. Mayborn Chair of Arts & Sciences Named Dr. Sean Benson was named as the Frank W. Mayborn Chair of Arts and Sciences in June. Benson comes to UMHB from the University of Dubuque in Iowa, where he chaired the department of language and literature and directed the liberal studies program. Benson was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Iowa and earned his Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. A Shakespeare scholar by training, his literary criticism includes three books on Shakespeare, the most recent of which, Heterodox Shakespeare, published in 2017. He has published more than a dozen essays on film as well as on American and Renaissance literature in arts, philosophy,
Vernon to direct Church Relations Dr. Steve Vernon joined UMHB in January as the new director of church relations and professional in residence for the College of Christian Studies. A well-known leader among Texas Baptists, Vernon retired from the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) after more than 40 years of service, which culminated in his role as the associate executive director of the BGCT for the last 11 years. In his new role, Vernon will act as UMHB’s liaison with churches throughout Texas; serve as a resource for churches looking for full-time, interim,
and literary journals. Benson’s article, “Augustinian evil and moral good in Lolita,” won the Joseph M. Schwartz Memorial Essay Prize in Renascence in 2014. He and a coauthor are working on 5 Rules of Reality: Anti-Realism in America, a book that examines the corrosive effects of social constructivism in American thought and life. Benson served as a Fulbright Scholar in Barbados in 2016. He has received two awards from the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in national seminars on art history and classical Greek literature. He also regularly reviews books for a number of journals, including Shakespeare Quarterly. He has taught a variety of
or supply pastors from the university’s faculty and staff; and coordinate internship opportunities for Christian Studies majors. “I want the churches to see our people not just as professors at the school but as human beings who have gifts and talents in ministry,” he said. “Dr. Vernon brings a wealth of experience both at the local church level and in one of the largest Baptist organizations in the world,” said Dr. John Vassar, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His decades of experience will enrich the lives of our students through their internship work, and he will serve as a vital connection point between UMHB and churches throughout the state.” A native Texan, Vernon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and religion at Baylor University, then went
Dr Sean Benson
courses from medieval and Renaissance literature to film noir and screwball comedy. Benson’s wife, Jennifer, is a math and science professor. They have two children: Derek, a senior at Amherst College, and Gabi, a junior at Belton High School.
Dr. Steve Vernon
on to complete his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was also awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree by Dallas Baptist University in 2013.
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Singing Sensation
Freshman places second in national singing contest
Freshman Christopher McCloskey placed second in the 2020 National Student Auditions during the acclaimed National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) Virtual National Conference this June. Over 750 participants applied to be considered for the singing competition. As a freshman, Christopher was entered in the Lower Music Theater category. To apply, he submitted three performances via YouTube. On May 27, he learned that he had been selected as one of 14 semifinalists. Then on June 21, when NATS announced the three finalists in each category, he learned he had made the cut. “It’s pretty incredible and very humbling,” Christopher said. From the age of seven until high school, Christopher had to endure 15 different surgeries. Medical conditions and injuries left him in a wheelchair from fifth through eighth grades. After a hip replacement, he regained the ability to walk and was able to attend a public high school. A friend, who had heard him singing inside a Whataburger, encouraged Christopher to join the choir. “God was tugging at my heart, telling me, ‘This is how you’re going to bring me glory,’” he said. Christopher made the most of his high school choir experience. As a senior, he auditioned for and was invited to be a part of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Choir, where he first encountered
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representatives from UMHB. The following year, he found himself at UMHB, studying voice under Penny Hogan, who he calls 'Mama Hoagie.' “I love her so much,” Christopher said. “It’s been a blessing getting to know her more and working with her on my voice.” “He has this natural gift,” Hogan said. “I just try to help him keep that wonderful, unique sound.” Despite seeing his potential, Hogan was reluctant to push him to audition for NATS this year, as he was already involved in choir, One Voice, and the spring musical. “I could tell that he wanted to do it,” Hogan said, “but I know he felt overwhelmed.” Christopher says he made the decision to participate just two weeks before the deadline to enter. The competition required each vocalist to select three pieces and submit them via YouTube. He quickly chose “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady and “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” from 70, Girls, 70. He was already familiar with
those songs, having used them in a previous singing competition. For his third piece, he chose “Go the Distance,” from Disney’s Hercules. The goal he said was to feature everything his voice could do, from classic, vibrato-filled Broadway to, what he calls “pure, belty contemporary.” In a typical year, the semifinalists would be invited to perform live during the NATS National Conference. Due to COVID-19, however, this year’s conference was moved online. Semifinalists were judged on the same three YouTube videos. For the final round, each finalist selected just one of his/her videos to be played, judged, and ranked during a live-streamed broadcast. Before he learned the results of the competition, Christopher enjoyed getting to watch each of the other finalists' performances, especially those of the older students competing in the Upper Musical Theater category. “It was just so encouraging to see people a little further along in their college career and see what they’ve achieved,” Christopher said.
Local companies offer matching grants to help support COVID-19 relief for students To assist students who have suffered financial losses due to the pandemic, in June, the UMHB Office of Development created the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund. After only one month, with the help of local companies offering matching grants, the UMHB COVID-19 Student Relief Fund reached over $106,000. Pictured at top, members of Baird Williams Construction, along with Tucker Glaske, senior director of development, and bottom, members of Beronio Wealth Planning Solutions, donate a total of $20,000 in matching grants to the relief fund.
Funky ‘Found Friday’ New podcast shares fun facts about UMHB past
Ever wanted to know some of the bestkept secrets of UMHB? Now you can! A new podcast called “Found Friday” brings entertaining tidbits of fun and funky history to listeners every Friday. Led by Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Museum Beth Norvell and Director of Alumni Relations and Museum Jeff
Sutton, the podcast offers fascinating untold stories that have been buried deep within the archives of UMHB's 175year history. A recent podcast explored one of the most unusual things within the museum walls—a small piece of 130-year-old wedding cake from the wedding of Zollie Luther in 1890. “A lady
named Grace Rogers, who was an art teacher here, kept the cake," said Norvell. "There was a tradition where the single ladies would save a little piece of their cake and put it under their pillow at night, and it would help them dream of their future husband.” In other broadcasts, Norvell and Sutton have discussed the dairy cows that used to call the UMHB campus “home,” and the squirrels who serve as “unofficial” UMHB mascots. “As we research different events on campus, we unearth all of these stories about people and old items that are just a lot of fun,” Sutton said. “We only have so much space to share a story inside the museum, so through the podcast, it’s just a new way to share.” The podcasts can be found on the UMHB Alumni Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. PHIL A NTHROP Y
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In pursuit of a lifelong dream Landon Dieterich signs with Washington Nationals Former UMHB baseball standout Landon Dieterich signed as a freeagent with the Washington Nationals in June. From Riesel High School, Dieterich was a four-year starter for UMHB, splitting time between first base and right field. Dieterich was an American Southwest Conference All-Conference selection in 2019 after leading the Cru with a .312 batting average and adding four home runs and 32 runs batted in (RBI) as a junior. He closed his UMHB career with a .269 batting average, 27 doubles, seven triples, 10 home runs, and 83 RBI. Dieterich had two homers and four RBI in 13 starts when the 2020 season was cut short. He was also a two-time Academic AllConference selection. He graduated
in August with a degree in sports management. “I am just ecstatic! I went through every emotion you can think of when I first got the call,” Dieterich said after signing. “God has definitely blessed me with this opportunity. I knew I would have another chance to play, but I am so glad that things worked out this way. I am so thankful to Coach
[Mike] Stawski for the opportunities he gave me, and I am just so excited to have this opportunity to continue to pursue a lifelong dream of mine.” Dieterich expects to start his professional career in rookie ball but will have to wait for his report date and location. The minor league baseball season has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beach volleyball becomes 16th varsity sport The UMHB women’s athletic program announced in August that it is expanding once again, adding women’s beach volleyball as the 16th varsity program. The new program will begin recruiting in the fall of 2021 with the first competitions slated for the spring of 2022. Cru Head Volleyball Coach Mark Pryor will also serve as head coach of the new program as he begins to build the first NCAA Division III women’s beach volleyball program in the state of Texas. The sport has been growing in Texas over the last few years and UMHB will have a variety of options for scheduling with the increasing
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numbers of programs in the region. “We will be able to compete against programs at all levels,” Pryor said. “We have opportunities to compete against NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and even junior college programs within our region. With the Southland Conference (Division I) beginning the sport a few years ago, as well as Lone Star programs (Division II) adding it, this allows us to play a tough regional schedule that will give the student-athletes a great competitive experience, while allowing them to not miss multiple days of class due to travel to and from matches. With the NCAA and AVCA now hosting national championships for beach
volleyball, it shows that there is a large amount of national interest in the sport and a desire to see it grow.” The American Southwest Conference does not sponsor beach volleyball as a conference sport, so the Cru will compete as an independent, similar to UMHB’s acrobatics and tumbling team. The NCAA sponsors a joint championship in women’s beach volleyball with nearly 100 member schools now sponsoring the sport. There are also 25 NAIA schools sponsoring beach volleyball programs, and the new Cru beach volleyball team could help attract 12 or more new students to campus next year.
Soccer goalie leads with strength Senior soccer goalie comes back stronger after frightening accident Senior soccer goalie Emmy McMaude is thankful every time she steps onto the soccer field. All her doctors, nurses, and medical personnel told her she was lucky to be alive after a terrifying golf cart accident during her freshman year that left her with a brain bleed and five skull fractures. But Emmy defied all odds and made a remarkable recovery, proving to be unstoppable ever since that Christmas Eve ride that almost ended her soccer career and her life. Emmy was visiting her grandparents in Georgetown that fateful weekend with her older brother and sister when the trio decided to take a spin on the golf cart. They were laughing and having fun swerving around the corners of the golf course when suddenly Emmy flew out of the cart and hit her head on a cement block. She was rushed to a nearby hospital with a large split in her skull where blood and spinal fluid were pouring out. Doctors were about to rush her into emergency surgery when the bleeding stopped. A CT scan showed the five skull fractures, the worst of them, measuring three to four inches from her left temple to behind her ear. “The crazy part was, the hospital let me go home the next day,” Emmy said. But things didn’t seem right with Emmy to her mom that night. Emmy was in agonizing pain, so her mom rushed her to the emergency room at a different hospital. Upon assessing her, doctors determined she needed to be transferred to a children’s hospital where pediatric trauma experts could
“I'm stronger than I think I am, and I can get through whatever I need to get through because of this.” —Emmy McMaude treat her. Seven days later, Emmy finally awoke. She didn’t remember anything from the last eight days—why she was at the hospital or that she had a serious head injury. Doctors diagnosed her with post-concussive syndrome, a complex disorder in which symptoms—such as headaches and dizziness—last for months after the injury. Three years later, Emmy still has debilitating headaches and issues with memory. But her most bizarre side-effect of the accident was losing all sense of taste and smell.
“Food for me is just a texture now,” she explained. “Seafood is kind of gross because the texture is so squishy. When I eat lettuce, or especially spinach, my brain tells me it feels like I’m eating grass.” She misses the tangy spice of pizza, pasta’s robust flavors, and the savory taste of Chick-fil-A nuggets. “But the thing I miss the most is coffee, which literally just tastes like hot water now,” she said. “And also having an occasional soda, which just tastes like carbonated water.” After the accident, Emmy had to sit out from soccer for about five or six months. Until that point, she had never had a broken bone or an injury since she started playing at three. Sitting out from the sport she loved was torture, she said. Even though skull fractures tend to heal very slowly, Emmy experienced a remarkable recovery, and doctors cleared her to play again after about six months. That year, she was able to play on the USA D3 team that went to Brazil. Even though this year’s fall soccer season was pushed to next spring, due to COVID-19, Emmy is thankful to be able to play her final year at college and is serving as a leader on the team as one of the captains. “On the bad days, I have to remind myself what I have been through and that I am still here, and I need to be thankful,” she said. “When I start asking God, ‘Why me? Why do I have these bad headaches? Why can I not taste or smell anything?’ He reminds me that I can handle it, and I will be able to get through it. I’m stronger than I think I am, and I can get through whatever I need to get through because of this.” ATHLETIC L I F E
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Calling, purpose, meaning New Vocaré initiative helps students find deeper understanding of ‘calling’ BY CHRISTI MAYS
A
shley Boutte '20 has always known she was meant to be a missionary. “When I was a little girl, I heard the Bible verse about how Jesus would come back to Earth after the Gospel had been preached to all the nations (Matthew 24:14),” said Ashley, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies. “I knew I wanted to go tell people about Jesus who hadn’t heard about Him.” This summer, she began working to save up money to prepare to do long-term mission work and church planting in Japan, which has one of the largest
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unreached people groups in the world, with less than 1% of Japan's population being Christian. “When I knew God was calling me to become a missionary, I didn’t know anything about unreached people groups,” she said. “It was a calling I’ve had on my heart since I was a kid, and it’s been confirmed as I’ve learned more about it. There’s never been anything else I’ve wanted to do in my life.”
WHAT IS ‘CALLING’? For many young college students, finding their calling and knowing their purpose in life may not be
Opposite page: Ashley Boutte '20 feels like she is living out God’s purpose for her life by becoming a missionary to Japan. She believes everyone has a calling and purpose in life, even if they don’t work directly in ministry.
bigger than that, although for many people, their occupation or career is an expression of their calling, Carrell says. “Calling is something that stays with you all your life, no matter what you’re doing at any given time,” he said. “It expresses the idea that ‘meaningful living’ stems from an awareness of a guiding, moral purpose that forms a person’s identity and links that identity to social goods and community needs.”
FROM WHERE DOES ‘CALLING’ COME?
“It was a calling I've had on my heart since I was a kid, and it's been confirmed as I've learned more about it. There's never been anything else I've wanted to do in my life.” —Ashley Boutte '20
as cut and dried as Ashley’s experience. That’s why leaders at UMHB have been working to develop the Vocaré initiative, a program designed to help students do just that. Closely related to the word for “voice” in Latin, “Vocaré” literally means “to call.” “Vocaré represents the belief that every person has a call or calling in life and that, if you find and live out that call, you’ll have the best life you could possibly have,” said the director of Vocaré, Dr. Bill Carrell. “Finding your calling is about two things—it’s about self-discovery and the discovery of how you can make a difference in the world.” Calling is not just a job or an occupation; it’s much
“At UMHB, we believe that calling comes from God. As a Christian university, UMHB is grounded in the view that God created and cares for the world, and that he has a purpose for every person in the world,” he said. “That purpose grows out of every person’s unique gifts, talents, and abilities. That purpose involves each person in God’s care for the world.”
IS ‘CALLING’ A ‘CHRISTIAN THING’?
Evangelism isn’t an overt or primary objective of the Vocaré initiative. Carrell stresses that Vocaré is not indoctrination, but “invitation”; it represents the best of the Baptist vision for higher education. “Many students who are already believers in Christ may have little or no sense of a personal life purpose; many students who are non-believers may be open to conversations about meaning and purpose, but have no interest in direct, evangelistic approaches,” Carrell said. “So a basic approach of the Vocaré initiative is to engage students with the questions surrounding meaning and purpose rather than prescribed answers.” Some of the questions students can explore in finding their “calling” include: Who am I? What are my gifts, passions, and abilities? What is truly important? How can I make a difference in the world? “We certainly hope that through the Vocaré initiative many students will find God and come to know
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Jesus Christ, but if they do not, they may still enhance the quality of their lives and make positive differences in the world,” Carrell said.
IS IMPLEMENTING VOCARÉ EASY?
Employing the principles of the Vocaré initiative isn’t like looking into a crystal ball. Sometimes students think they will automatically find their calling by taking courses and completing a college degree. Larry Locke, associate dean for McLane College of Business, says it’s not always that easy, and sometimes the ambiguity in finding their “true calling” can plague them. “Students struggle with the uncertainty that comes with being 18 to 22 years old and not knowing what will happen in the future,” Locke said. “They don’t know what they will do for their careers, where they’re going to live, how they’ll make money, or if they’ll have a spouse or family.” Through all their anxiety about what the future holds for them, Locke pointed out that God wants students to learn to walk in faith and obedience in the midst of their uncertainty. Any career— whether it’s teaching business courses at a Baptist university in a small Central Texas city or cleaning latrines in Botswana—can be meaningful and have purpose in serving the kingdom, he said.
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Freshman Caleb Guenther is excited about the Vocaré initiative at UMHB and believes students don’t have to wait for their careers to begin living their calling. “College students can have meaningful lives too, even if they haven’t started their careers,” said Caleb, a music business major. “For instance, we can change our lifestyles to better fit a Christian lifestyle. I think it’s important because that’s where the foundation of your career can come from.”
HOW DID THE INITIATIVE BEGIN?
The idea to create the campus initiative began to take shape in November 2015 when former Provost Dr. Steve Oldham called a small group of faculty and staff together to discuss how to help students think more intentionally about purpose and vocation. The vision was to help enable graduates of UMHB to live meaningful lives that fulfill the will of God and contribute to the common good. “Through Vocaré, we want to help foster a campus culture of meaningful life exploration,” Vassar said. “The goals of the initiative also include training faculty and staff to engage students in conversations that explore life purpose, providing opportunities for students to explore and experi-
ence potential life callings, and shaping our curriculum to help students consider the spiritual, moral, and societal commitments that produce meaningful lives.” In the Fall of 2019, the Vocaré initiative was awarded a NetVUE grant, which was used to create workshops and trainings for staff and faculty. “There is much enthusiasm for the initiative and a growing awareness of its goals across the campus,” Carrell said. According to a Freshman Seminar report from the fall of 2019, 68.9 percent of students moderately or strongly agreed that they have a specific calling in life. “It is clear that the majority of first-year students are at least receptive to the language of ‘calling,’” Carrell said. “From this, we know it’s prudent that we give them regular opportunities to identify and reflect on their own personal strengths and gifts.” Yvette Shackelford, assistant to the vice president for student life, said working alongside students and helping them see their gifts and talents has given her own life and work meaning and purpose. “I love helping give students a sense of direction,” she said. “I love to serve other people and work alongside the students and see them happy.
That truly makes me very happy.” Dr. William “Bill” Tanner also finds meaning and purpose in his work as a professor and department chair of computer science, engineering, and physics. He is excited to share the initiative with his students to help them on their journeys to find “calling.” “I have always felt that there is a need for folks to be able to work with students in a way that they can become aware of their potential and to achieve that,” Tanner said. “I really enjoy being a part of that process.” Even though someone’s calling may evolve and change as they get older and go through life, Carrell says the process is essentially about discernment. “It’s our hope that while at UMHB students will listen thoughtfully, read broadly, and think deeply about calling,” he said. “So when they discover their gifts, develop their talents, and explore their passions, they can go out and make a difference in the world.” Opposite page: As a worship leader for the UMHB Chapel services, Freshman Caleb Guenther says God called him into music several years ago. Center: Dr. Bill Tanner, department chair and professor of computer science, engineering, and physics, says he feels called to be a professor. Above: Yvette Shackelford, assistant to the vice president for student life, loves working with students, and it helps fulfill her calling.
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One Stop Shop The
New clinic offers community help for OT, PT, and mental health. BY CHRISTI MAYS
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eople once walked through the doors of the Pearl Street church building to feed their spiritual needs. Now, the landmark building serves as a place where people can get help with their physical, occupational, and mental health needs as well. In 2019, work began to transform the building, which once housed the Baptist Student Ministry, into the new Cru Community Clinic. The renovated space provides a dynamic and innovative setting for students studying physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling to get real, hands-on training in an interprofessional environment. Each of the three programs provides integrative pro-bono services to the community while giving students opportunities to work with actual patients.
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“Clinic experience is priceless, and we are so blessed to have this opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Giulianne Krug, program director and professor for the new Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, which welcomed its first cohort in January. “I have seen firsthand how bringing the book and classroom work to life in the clinic facilitates professional reasoning and evidence-based practice like nothing else. It prepares students for excellence as entry-level occupational therapists.” Dr. Barbara Gresham, program director and professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, said before the clinic opened this summer, they brought volunteers to the lab to act as “patients” and have simulated interactions with students. “Now they can get real practice with real
Occupational therapy student Zahida Dewji serves as a pretend patient at the arm therapy station with the help of fellow student Melanie Ostrander (left) and Amy Boyd, assistant professor and academic field work coordinator.
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patients before they go into their clinical experiences,” Gresham said. Dr. Ty Leonard, professor and director of the Professional Counseling Program, said the goal of opening a clinic with all three practices together is to provide students with integrative practical experiences so they can learn to work with different professions as a team when serving clients. He gave an example of a patient who might qualify for all three services: “We may have a client who is struggling with an injury, has chronic pain, has possibly lost the ability to work, and is having to start over,” he said. “That person would need physical therapy for the injury, occupational therapy to learn how to adapt and adjust to his or her new life, and counseling to deal with the emotional and mental issues that go along with that. If we work together as a team, we can more integratively serve the client in a way that provides continuous care.” Renovations to the Cru Community Center turned a chapel space into a large, open OT and PT therapy gym. Former office spaces were turned into private treatment rooms for OT and PT, and into counseling rooms, including a group therapy
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“We are committed to providing the best education to our students and pouring into our community while providing that education, and this clinic allows us to do just that.” — Dr. Giulianne Krug room, a play therapy room for pediatric patients, an observation room, and a sand therapy room with miniature figures that help trauma patients going through counseling. The new clinic also provides a fully functioning kitchen and laundry for training and retraining in home management skills. There’s also a hand therapy area for individuals who need occupational therapy after a hand or upper extremity injury, including physical agent modalities and splinting capability. OT students are also able to provide sensory-based therapy in the pediatric lab in Hardy Hall as part of the Cru Community Clinic.
“All of this is in addition to being able to provide the same high-quality occupational services that are provided at most outpatient rehabilitation clinics,” Krug said. The spacious therapy gym also includes specialized equipment that typical PT and OT clinics use, including a treadmill, elliptical and weight machines, training stairs, and a traction device. “The cool thing about the clinic is we can use it as a lab space as well,” Gresham said. “For instance, if we’re trying to show students how to use a specific type of equipment, we can use the equipment at both locations (Hardy and the CCC) and divide students into smaller groups.” Before the new clinic opened with all three disciplines, counseling services had been provided in a nearby building called the Community Life Counseling Center, which opened in 2005. Over the last 15 years, the center had become a primary support service for people in need of counseling, and the program had long outgrown its space in the old facility. “There’s a large and underserved population of people who can’t afford therapy except through social services,” Leonard said, explaining that the
Cru Community Clinic targets clients who are either uninsured, underinsured, or have used up their insurance benefits. “The administration's support of this new clinic has been phenomenal. They really believe in giving back to the community and living their Christian mission.” Leonard, Krug, and Gresham say the new center has become a unique selling point for each of their programs. They are also enjoying working with each of the other programs to help fill the gaps for those clients who are unable to receive the full spectrum of therapy services. “The Cru Community Clinic really helps make our OT program here in Central Texas stand out!” Krug said. “We are committed to providing the best education to our students and pouring into our community while providing that education, and this clinic allows us to do just that. I am beyond excited to have this space and programming available, and we can’t wait to see more and more referrals come rolling in!” Far left, doctor of physical therapy students use the new OT/PT therapy gym. Center, Dr. Wen-Mei Chou, coordinator of the Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling Program, demonstrates sand therapy with her son, Jett. Above, occupational therapy students Tiffany Nguyen, left, and Madison Rhew demonstrate play therapy with Barrett Woeller.
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DIVINE DESIGN The goal of Associate Professor of Art David Hill’s “Bible Project” is to depict how Christ is revealed throughout scripture and in each book of the Bible. In this tile, Hill’s illustration is meant to show how John describes the incarnation of the divine Logos. 20 A L L
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The Bible Project Through his art, professor lives out God's call to be an 'image-bearer of my Creator' BY CHRISTI MAYS
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avid Hill was sitting in church one day, and it came to him that he needed to use the artistic talents God gave him to serve his
church. His church, Vista Community Church in Temple, was building a new worship space, and Hill, associate professor of art, “Whether I am started sketching out his idea. He wantcreating a Bibleed to give the church a piece of art that could engage and even enrich faith, both inspired sculpture or as a learning tool and as an expression a simple mug for daily of faith, and the “The Bible Project” was born. use, I believe I am The Bible Project is a large composiliving out God’s call in tion made up of 66 individual ceramic my life as an imagetiles, each with low-relief sculptural elements that correspond with a book bearer of my Creator.” of the Bible. The tiles are designed to be — David Hill installed together on a wall to form one unified work of art. Each tile has a stylized cross, and once all 66 pieces are arranged together, a larger cross is formed by the orientation of the smaller crosses. “The big idea behind this is that each book individually tells part of the story of Jesus and the Gospel. The full image of the cross can only be appreciated when viewing the totality of scripture,” Hill said. Instead of using words, Hill’s goal was to communicate with images and
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symbols to tell the story of the Bible. He didn’t just want to simply illustrate the stories, however. “There is plenty of Bible illustration out there,” he said. “I would rather allow images and symbols to speak to the deeper themes of who Jesus is within each book.” He also wanted to show a connection to the history of the church and the Bible. He said he wanted to show others how Christ is revealed throughout scripture in each of the books: as creator in Genesis, as Alpha and Omega in Revelation, as our temple in Ezra, as our fortress in Nehemiah, and so on, he said. For instance, on the tile that represents Genesis, to illustrate God as creator, the tile depicts the solar system. Hill also has plans to include a silhouette of Adam and Eve on the Genesis tile as well, to represent the creation of humanity. On his piece for the book of Ruth, Hill wanted to show how God is seen as our provider and kinsman redeemer, so he molded and painted ears of barley growing in the sun. Hill started working on the Bible Project in 2014, but he’s only been able to work part-time because it is such a massive undertaking, and he has had to prioritize his job as an educator and practicing artist with an active exhibition record. The process of researching and creating the 66 tiles has been long but worth it, because he has “learned more about who God is, as revealed in His Word.” Hill grew up as a self-described “missionary kid” in the mission field with parents who were part of the International Mission Board in Manila, Philippines. Even though he says he spent his entire life going to church and reading the Bible, Hill said this project has allowed him to discover things in the Bible he didn’t know. “Finding the connections between the different books and how the history moves through the books— you don’t necessarily learn about the Bible that way in Sunday school and church,” he said. “I enjoyed learning about the interesting connections between the books and the historical details of the Biblical figures. This project has fed my desire to continue reading and stay in the Bible.” He says the title “The Bible Project” is only a working title since he typically doesn’t title an artwork until
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“This project, in particular, has allowed me to provide students with an example of how art can engage issues of faith as well as serve the church and the community at large.” — David Hill
it is finished. His dedication to meticulous research is evident when you look closely at the intricate detailing of his work. “My ideas for imagery came quickly for some of the books, but other books have been much harder and have taken a lot of reading through the Bible, as well as various Biblical commentaries and art history books,” he said. “Early on, I set some challenges and limitations for myself to direct my research. I wanted to communicate primarily with images and visual symbols rather than words because I firmly believe that images speak to people in unique and often powerful ways, even if that is simply seen in communicating across language barriers.” As a professor, he often uses his artwork and creative practice as a teaching tool. “This project, in particular, has allowed me to provide students with an example of how art can engage issues of faith as well as serve the church and the community at large,” he said. In addition to the tiles, Hill also loves making bowls, mugs, and other functional vessels to be used to eat and drink. Even though his art is not always explicitly about the Bible or Christianity, Hill’s faith has been an integral part of how he sees the world and what he values, so in a sense, his artwork is always influenced by his faith, he said. “I find value in hand-made items that are used daily for sustenance as well as to build community,” Hill said. “So whether I am creating a Bible-inspired sculpture or a simple mug for daily use, I believe I am living out God’s call in my life as an image-bearer of my Creator.”
BIBLICAL INSPIRATION Instead of using words, Associate Professor of Art David Hill’s goal was to communicate with images and symbols to illustrate the story of the Bible.
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ALUMNI NOTES
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SARA HAMILTON ‘09
A Heart to Help
While on a mission trip to Uganda, Sara Hamilton knew God was leading her to start a home for abandoned, abused, and orphaned children.
While at UMHB to get her nursing degree, Sara Hamilton went on a medical mission trip to Uganda and knew God was calling her to help orphaned children there. In 2010, she opened Rafiki Africa Ministries.
Missions Emphasis Week was always Sara Hamilton’s favorite week at UMHB. She couldn’t wait to talk to the full-time missionaries and hear about their real-life adventures in the mission field. While at UMHB, just before going into the nursing program, she was able to go on a two-week medical mission trip to Uganda; she recalled that the East-Central African country felt like home. “God showed me without a doubt that I was supposed to be in Uganda after finishing nursing school,” she said. With more than three million orphaned children living there, due to poverty, war, disease, and malnutrition, Sara’s heart yearned to help them. “I felt God leading me to start a home for these abandoned, abused, and orphaned children,” she said. Soon after graduation, at the age of 23, she moved to Uganda and, on a leap of faith, opened Rafiki Children’s Home in January 2010 in the village of Namugongo. What started in a three-bedroom rented home with only two staff members and four children, has today, 10 years later, grown into a ministry that cares for between 20 to 25 children of all ages. The ministry provides access to education, quality medical care, nutritious food, and
clean water, as well as shelter in a large family-style home. The home’s primary goal is to serve as a transitional, emergency care home while social workers diligently try to find family members who can reunite with the children. “We fully believe that an orphanage is no place for a child to grow up. We desire for each child to grow up in a loving family where they are cared for by parents, relatives, and the community,” Sara said. “It is an exciting time when children who were separated from their families are reunited.” Through a monthly sponsorship program, supporters come alongside the ministry in prayer, encouragement, and finances, which aids the children in food, medical care, shelter, and schooling (which isn’t free in Uganda). Rafiki Africa Ministries works closely with the police and probation and social welfare officers (PSWO) of Uganda to protect children. Once they are temporarily placed at the home, the children are spiritually mentored and loved as they grow up. “The hope is for them to become responsible Christians and productive Ugandan citizens,” Sara said. “We designed Rafiki to continued on page 29 ALUMNI L I F E
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IN MEMORIAM 1930s
1950 s
Sybil Leonard Armes ’34, June 29, 2020, in Dallas, TX. Well known in Texas Baptist circles for her poetry and writing, Mrs. Armes was 93. She and her late husband, Woodson Armes, lived in Dallas for 10 years, beginning in 1968, when he was a denominational executive for Texas Baptists. Over her long career, she wrote four books of religious poetry as well as hundreds of devotional poems for various church and denominational publications. In 1969, she was named alternate poet laureate for the State of Texas. She was also the author of two books of religious meditations. During her college years at Baylor College for Women (now UMHB), Sybil was a debater, a college beauty queen, and a recipient of the Stella P. Ross Medal as the student who had the greatest Christian influence on campus. After graduation, she taught in public schools, with future Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry as one of her students. In 1938, she married Woodson Armes, a student at Southwestern Seminary. They were married for 61 years before his death in 1999. She was also a frequent speaker at Baptist religious meetings, a hymn composer, and a violinist at church concerts and musical programs. She composed hymns, several of which were published. In 1961, she was the UMHB convocation speaker, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree. She also served as a UMHB trustee from 1972 through 1981. In 1976, she received the university’s Outstanding Alumni Award. She was also listed in Who’s Who in American Women. After they retired in 1977, Woodson and
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Sybil often served at area churches— he as an interim pastor, and she as a violinist. In 1987, they were honored at a ceremony in Independence, TX, with the Texas Baptist Elder Statesman Award.
Ruth Stribling Fowler ’35, April 19, 2020, on her ranch on Riley Mountain, southeast of Llano, TX. Shortly after graduating from high school, Ruth attended UMHB, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. There is no doubt her father was proud of her: he made a gift of $50,000 to her alma mater to build a new dormitory, Stribling Hall, which was named after her grandmother. With her degree in hand, Ruth relocated to the family ranch in Rotan, TX. For a short while, she taught school in Nolan County, then transferred to teach in the Rotan school district in Fisher County. During World War II, she remained on the ranch in Rotan and kept the operation moving by working cattle, plowing cotton, repairing fences, repairing windmills—doing everything needed to keep the ranch functional. Ruth was a remarkable lady in all respects; she was greatly respected and dearly loved by her entire family.
Barbara Ann “Bobbie” Wellman ’50, June 23, 2020, in Conroe, TX. She went to Mary Hardin-Baylor College and graduated with a degree in physical education. Bobbie met Harold Duane Wellman, and they were married in 1951. Bobbie worked for the YWCA, Troy High School, and Joseph Magnin during her life. She also did volunteer work with disabled children. She lived an amazing and blessed life. Nancy Louella (Evans) White ’51, June 13, 2020, in Texarkana, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Lonnie Joe White. Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UMHB in 1951. She taught school for 25 years at Miami High School in Texas and Memphis City Schools. She was a member of the National Education Association and the Tennessee Education Association. She was named teacher of the year and was listed in Who’s Who Among American Women and Who’s Who Biographical Record— Child Development Professionals. Nancy was a member of First Baptist Church Moores Lane and was an active member of the Grace Sunday school class.
Marion (Speck) Robnett ’57, March 10, 2020, in Dallas, TX. She graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1956, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education. Marion taught school in the Dallas Independent School District in the early years of her career. During this time, Marion met and married the love of her life, Dr. John Robnett, DDS, on June 14, 1958. Marion joined Dr. Robnett’s practice as his office manager after spending time at home with her three sons. She was a member of First Baptist Dallas for over 60 years, and faith was at the center of her life. Billie J. Compton ’58, Feb. 1, 2020. Billie J. Compton of Shelby passed away at age 83. She was married to her husband, Bill Compton, for 34 years.
1960 s Martha Ann (Watson) Fortner ’60, June 17, 2020, in Longview, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Fortner. Martha earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1960. She worked in bookkeeping, substitute teaching, and special education for many years. She loved flowers, reading, and being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandma. She was a kind and loving lady.
Delphia “Dee” Ann Ford Adcock ’63, March 29, 2020, in Waco, TX. Early in life, Dee made a personal decision to trust Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and she was baptized by her dad, the Rev. Marion Ford, at Oaklawn Baptist Church in Bellmead, TX. On Oct. 27, 1967, Dee married the love of her life, Jimmy Dwaine Adcock. A graduate of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Dee began her life-long career in public education. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Riesel. She loved Brown Pig sandwiches, Big Red, and Blue Bell Ice Cream, but the greatest of Dee’s joys was picking up her grandson and granddaughter from Riesel ISD each day and caring for them in the afternoon. Amalia “Molly” Guadalupe (Herrera) Grimaldo ’66, May 29, 2020, in Bryan, TX. Molly earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1966. She was a dedicated school teacher for 41 years. She retired with 27 years of service at Bryan Independent School District. Molly was active in church ministry since she was a young girl. She served faithfully at Christian Faith Baptist Church in Bryan, the church that her husband of 27 years, Leo Grimaldo, founded. James Preston Smith ’68, June 22, 2020, in Charlottesville, VA. He was the first male graduate of Mary Hardin-Baylor, which had been an
all-female college. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Genevieve. Entering the Army as a draftee in 1953, he decided to make a career in the military, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1973. While in the Army, Jim earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1968. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After retiring from the military, Jim began a second career at the University of Virginia, serving as associate director for operations in the physical plant, retiring after 20 years. Jim served as church administrator at Christ Community Church for several years, where he also served as an elder until his death. Jim was very active in ministry for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He taught Sunday school, led Bible studies in their home, was a leader of the local Full Gospel Businessmen’s chapter, and for two decades faithfully led Bible studies with his wife, Genny, and the Good News Prison Ministry at the local jail.
1970s Jeannette (Mayfield) Kelley ’76, April 12, 2020, in Belton, TX. Jeannette was raised in Texas, where she met the love of her life, John Thomas Kelley. They married Oct. 16, 1959, after knowing each other only three days, with the marriage lasting 58 years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from UMHB, completing her degree in three years and graduating summa cum laude. Jeannette was listed in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges and was a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship ALUMNI L I F E
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Society. She served as a UMHB Board of Directors President and a Teacher Center board member. In 1995, Jeannette received the Distinguished Alumna Award. She worked as a special education teacher at Miller Heights Elementary School for seven years, a vice principal at Central Elementary School for two years, a principal at Miller Heights Elementary School for one year, and a principal at Lakewood Elementary School for 13 years. She became a local leader in Project Angel Tree, which provides Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated parents. She also created Project Apple Tree, which provides school supplies and an outfit of clothing for needy Belton ISD children. Additionally, Jeannette served on the Belton ISD School Board for seven years. She was also heavily involved in Bundle of Joy and the Hope Pregnancy Center. Jeannette was a member of First Baptist Church in Belton, where she was involved in several ministries.
1980s Larry Wayne Clowers ’85, June 2, 2020, in Temple, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Kimberly Pagel Clowers. Larry married Kim Pagel on June 25, 1983, in Killeen, TX. He graduated from UMHB in 1985, earning his teaching degree. Larry was a math teacher for over 25 years, and he retired from Temple Independent School District in 2016. He was an avid golfer and member of Wildflower Country Club in Temple. He also officiated high school and college football for more than 30 years and was still an active member of the Temple chapter of Texas Association of Sports Officials. 28
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Jean McCormick ’86, April 2, 2020, in Saint Petersburg, FL. Jean lived in many places growing up in the military. Her love for her county was only matched by her love of education. She received her bachelor’s degree from UMHB in 1986. She was on the Vice President’s Honor Roll from 1984-86 and received the History Honor Grant. She was included in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, honoring our nation’s most respected teachers. She spent time teaching at the Air Force Academy elementary school on base in Colorado Springs and Annapolis, MD. Jean taught at Safety Harbor Elementary and Northwest Elementary in Pinellas County Schools. She recently retired after teaching over 32 years. Time outside education was spent enjoying life, rescuing dogs, and spending time with her grandson.
President’s Honor Roll and was a member of Bell Chorus. He is survived by his wife, Shannon. He always smiled and lived joyfully with thanksgiving and praise.
1990 s
James Robert Gallagher, Jr. ’98, April 3, 2020, in Vilonia, AR. He earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies at UMHB in 1993. He retired from the US Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal W/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Ribbon Numeral 2. He also retired from the US Postal Service. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Belton, TX. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Donna Lynn Gallagher, of Vilonia.
The Rev. Joseph Taekkeun Lee ’92, May 18, 2020, in Warrenville, IL. Joseph dedicated himself to God and His work while he was in fifth grade. He was ordained as a pastor on Jan. 4, 1991. He served as associate pastor at Fullerton Korean Baptist Church in California and as senior pastor at LaCrosse Korean Baptist Church in Wisconsin. In 2001, he moved to Illinois and served as the senior pastor at the Lighthouse of Truth Baptist Church until his passing. In May 1992, he graduated from UMHB, majoring in religious studies and church music. While at UMHB, he was on the Vice
Connie Ann Gillmore ’93, May 22, 2020, in McKinney, TX. Connie attended UMHB where she was a member of Alpha Chi and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1993. She worked as a school teacher for 27 years at Rogers Independent School District in Rogers, TX, and at Bethany Elementary in Plano, TX. Connie married Steve Gillmore on Aug. 23, 1973, in Independence, TX. She was a long-time member of the Church of Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, TX. Connie is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Steve Gillmore, of McKinney, TX .
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not only help meet the needs of orphaned and suffering children but also transform their lives.” To do this, Sara has built a strong team that cares for the needs of the children and families and helps empower them. “Our goal is to show these children the hope and love of our Heavenly Father,” she said. Sara, who has four daughters, Abigail, 9; Zoe, 7; Naomi, 4; and Zuri, 3, says Rafiki Children’s Home is like their second home. “The aunties and uncles (employees at the Children’s Home) are their other parents and have helped to raise them,” she said. “Their best friends are the children at Rafiki. At this time, they are mostly just children, but they do go out and serve on outreach ministries. They especially love going to the other babies’ homes in Uganda to love on all the babies.” Sara felt the calling to full-time missions when she was a young
girl, although she admits she had no idea at the time what that would look like. “I knew I needed to trust God to reveal his plans for my life in time,” she said. “I have always loved children and being a part of children’s ministry in my hometown church in Pflugerville, Texas. God grew my heart’s desire over the years as I grew up and went to UMHB, where God revealed to me the purpose for my life.” Sara said she has had the pleasure of working with other UMHB students who have come to serve at her children’s home while on mission trips. She also feels like she has “come full circle,” because she now often participates in the UMHB Missions Emphasis Week, showcasing Rafiki Africa Ministries to other students, just like her. “It has been such a blessing to come back to UMHB as an alumna and be on the other side
“I knew I needed to trust God to reveal his plans for my life in time.” —Sara Hamilton ’09
of Missions Emphasis Week,” she said. “I know how students who are called into missions are feeling, and it is encouraging to speak with them.”
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MEMORIAL GIFTS March 2, 2020 - June 3, 2020 Lawton Albin Peggy Bass Albin
Shirley Cowan Sommer Carol Treible Drs. Bob and Grace Richardson Whitis
Volney “Bubba” Alston Anne Wiese Halbert Howard and Velma Thill Bass Peggy Bass Albin
Judy Boyd Colville Glen and Glenda Dennis Cosper
Betty Secrest Bohlin Kathryn Bohlin Bobby Bridges Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Avolonte Study Club George and Ruby Barrett Pat Beasley M.L. and Susan Bolton Russell Bridges Glen and Glenda Dennis Cosper Mark Gunn Drs. LeRoy and Jean Kemp Calvin and Donna Graham Lee Theda Maxfield Bill and Ann Messer Marsha Overton Mikulencak Norma Jean Monell Robert Moore and Ariel Hoover Edward Neill Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Dr. Linda Hood Pehl Ruth Powell Carolyn Owens Pruitt Renee Quinn RVOS Accounting Department Carol Clark Smith
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Hildegard Burtchell Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
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Jim Covington Terri Covington Donna Stapp Curb Janice Andrews
Molly Herrera Grimaldo Philip and Christine Schneider Berkland Kathy Bohlin Michael and Cathy Burkett Cornelio Elizabeth Walters Higgins Vicki Higgason McKay Julia Woodyard Nation Dr. Rebecca O’Banion John Hagler Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Diane Greiner Hall Kyle and Robin Payne Betty Payne Huber William and Anna Turner
Camille Munk Dillard Sue Getterman Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore
Jeanette Mayfield Kelley Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Dr. Jerry and Vicky Bawcom Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Shirley Cowan Sommer
Noman Dobias Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Reagan Little Kelly and Mindy Boggs
Elaine Battles Easterling Ruby Lee Wyche Thomas
Bernice May Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Frank O’Banion Edna O’Banion Guy and Stephanie O’Banion Dr. Rebecca O’Banion Bruce and Rhonda Roberts
C.B. Devoy Charles and Janice Robinson
Ernestine Owens Goldston Ruby Lee Wyche Thomas Joyce Bingham Goza Patricia Hart Barclay McCort J. Oaks Gerald and Bobbie Reihsen
Donna Orsag Ron and Debbie Brown Dr. Rebecca O’Banion
Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear Dr. and Mrs. Steve Theodore
Henry LeRoy Paige Ikey and Cynthia Taylor Tryon
HONORARY GIFTS Dr. Edna Penny Bridges Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens Carol Treible
Gloria Ray Moore Eula Woodyard McKown
Class of 2020 Dr. Rebecca O’Banion
Penny Renfro Mike and Janis Frazier
Gloria McGregor Combs Eula Woodyard McKown
Dr. Aida Smith Sapp Dr. Bill and Kathryn Fagan Long
Lt. Col. Charles Screws (Ret.) Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Dr. Sonjanette Bailey Crossley Wayne and Kay Finch Johnnie LaVan-Rayson
Keshia Donsha Sauls Ikey and Cynthia Taylor Tryon
John H. Shannon Sr. Donald and Patsy Deere
Reina Davison Brent Davison
Helen Steinmeyer Kent Owens Dr. Kerry and Kathy Owens Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Ken DeWeese Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Amy Bawcom Dr. Bill and Kathryn Fagan Long
Marilyn Jackson Wright Patricia Lockridge Shannon
Clay and Lacey Keath Drs. Seth and Jane Witcher
Hayley Ann Parker Marietta Parker Jay Schultz Joel and Jessica Amos Russ and Christy Blum Justin Schultz Joel and Jessica Amos Russ and Christy Blum
Jennifer Ramm Mike and Janis Frazier
Patricia Lockridge Shannon Donald and Patsy Deere Margie King Thomas Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson Dean Winkler Dr. Stephen and Mary Nash Walker
In celebration of our 175th anniversary this year, we want to hear from you, wherever you are! Check in on our interactive map at UMHB.edu/175!
So far: More than 600 alumni have checked-in From 19 countries and 40 states
517 check-ins from Texas 168 cities in Texas represented Graduates from 1955-2020
ALUMNI L I F E
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W
hen he was a freshman in high school, Drew Dixon began working with neglected and abused foster children at a summer camp. Volunteering alongside a camp psychologist, he witnessed the mental health specialist make a strong impact on children who were seriously struggling. Drew said that is when his love for helping children began. That love grew when Drew attended UMHB, majoring in psychology. He remembers a guest speaker who told his class about his work with children who suffer from terminal illnesses and helping them come to peace with life. The words impacted Drew so deeply that he knew his calling in life was to also work with children with terminal illnesses. “It was definitely a strong God moment that I won’t forget, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since,” he said. “My goal now is to help children and their families be at peace and enjoy the time that is left through whatever therapies work for them.” Drew, who graduated from UMHB in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, is now working as a mental health technician and attending the University of Texas at San Antonio graduate program working toward becoming a clinical psychologist. Drew said UMHB donors helped pave the way toward achieving this dream through the scholarships he received while attending UMHB. “I really appreciate and want to thank all of the donors who gave me the opportunity to get my degree and grow within this university.”
Drew Dixon '20 BS in Psychology Liberty Hill, Texas
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