TOTAL ECLIPSE OVER CRU COUNTRY
Students get ready to enjoy the total eclipse during a campus-wide event in celebration of the momentous event.
UMHB LIFE
SUMMER 2024 | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 3
PRESIDENT
Randy O’Rear, Ed.D. ’88
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Rebecca O'Banion, Ed.D. ’93
EDITOR
Christi Mays
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Lauren Mendias
PHOTOGRAPHER
Hannah Van Beusekom
CONTRIBUTORS
Michaela Adcox
India Dunn '21
Jillian Hernandez
Michelle Greenway, C. Chelle's Visuals
Keely Mills
Dakota Powell ’24
Ashley Smith ’03
Jeff Sutton '07
UMHB LIFE IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY THE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT.
UMHB Box 8431
900 College Street
Belton, Texas 76513
1-800-727-UMHB go.umhb.edu/life
Please send any change of personal information to: Alumni Engagement
UMHB Box 8427
900 College Street
Belton, Texas 76513
Letters and comments can be sent to: umhblife@umhb.edu Or update online: umhb.edu/alumni alumni@umhb.edu
UMHBLIFE
SUMMER 2024 | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 3
DEPARTMENTS
02 | CAMPUS LIFE
Hundreds attend dedication and ribbon cutting of new Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation.
03 | CAMPUS LIFE
“Called Week” helps bring awareness to students about importance of finding their calling and knowing their purpose in life.
09 | SPORTS
UMHB Acrobatics & Tumbling, Beach Volleyball and Dance teams bring home national championship titles.
Watch this year’s 85th Easter Pageant highlight video by scanning this code.
FEATURES
BECOMING BELIEVERS | 12
Students share how coming to UMHB helped them find their faith.
BEHIND THE SCENES | 18
A look at the year of preparation leading up to the 85th Easter Pageant.
ALUMNI PROFILE
JACOB CHESSER '19 | 24
Alumnus shares his amazing adventure with World Race and his trek to provide mission work across eight countries in 11 months.
ON THE COVER | A RADIANT REMINDER
After a downpour during the final performance of this year’s 85th Easter Pageant, Jesus (portrayed by senior Dillon Moore) emerged from the tomb just as a double rainbow appeared over him, reminding all of God’s promises and sovereignty.
PHOTO BY Hannah Van Beusekom
A Game Changer
UMHB Dedicates Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation
UMHB celebrated the dedication of the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation with a special ceremony and ribbon cutting. Hundreds attended the event, which was held in front of the facility near the campus entrance at 1013 N. Pearl Street.
“This amazing and beautiful building is another game changer for UMHB. It raises the bar for teacher education and reflects our commitment to offer exceptional academic programs,” said UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear.
Dr. Kris Ward, a UMHB alumna, director of special programs, and professor in UMHB’s College of Education, provided an overview of the program. “In this building, we serve a purpose: to teach undergraduate education majors how to be teachers. It’s not an easy task. Teaching is hard, but it is a calling. In the special education world, we address several factors, not only their academic skills. We also address their sensory needs, language needs, communication, and social skills. All of those are part of what we will do in the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation.” She went on to explain that she knows of no other facility like this anywhere else in the country. “We are very proud to be the only university with an undergraduate program such as this.”
The ceremony also included remarks from Amy Smith, proud mother of Evan Smith.
“As we rise each day, let us remind ourselves that there may be a person who needs us today, whether they have a large or small need. We can make a conscious decision to notice others,” she said. “You were born at this time and living in this area of the world for a reason. You were meant to work; you were made to serve; you were created to love. In loving and serving others, you will find joy and purpose.”
Molly Kate Elkins, daughter of UMHB alumni Tiffany and Barry Elkins shared a testimony about her experiences at the special needs lab. “I love the special needs lab and my college friends I get to make there. At the old lab, my wheelchair could not go through the same door as everyone else. I had to use a different door. With the new lab, I can go through the same door as my friends. The new lab is so cool! The very best part is the immersion room. I want to say thank you to all the people who helped us get a new lab. I can’t wait to play more!”
Members of the Marek and Smith families join Logan Marek and Amy Smith for the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation.
A Week of Purpose
Called Week Encourages Students to Explore God's Purpose
For many young college students, finding their calling and knowing their purpose in life is an integral part of their years in college. That’s why, several years ago, UMHB leaders developed an initiative to help students do just that. The UMHB Meaningful Life Initiative helps students uncover the remarkable potential God has for their individual callings.
To bring awareness to the cause, UMHB hosted “Called: A Week of Purpose” this semester in February. The week-long event featured interactive activities, classroom discussions, art displays, and signs throughout campus to help spark thought and deepen their understanding of purpose.
“The purpose of Called Week is for our campus community to set aside time to be more intentional in how we understand and carry out the calling each of us has on our lives,” said Dr. Brandon Skaggs '03, vice president for Student Life. “The entire campus is actively participating in helping students better understand their call and purpose.” Skaggs went on to say he believes
it’s important for students to learn the many ways each of us is called: “Whether a direct calling from God, like Moses and Abraham, or a general calling to glorify God’s name through our work and actions, we are all called to something. It’s important for us to have a common language and help students understand that our calling is much more than simply the work we are called to do; it is how we are called as leaders, community members, neighbors, etc. We are made for a life of meaningful purpose.”
Dr. Emily Prevost, associate provost for academic engagement, loves that Called Week reminds students, faculty and staff to pay attention and listen for what God might be doing around us and what role we have to play.
“I’m confident that God was whispering, inviting and nudging individuals to become a part of something greater than themselves,” she said.
25th Annual Spring Revival Reminds Students They Are Called By Name
Hundreds of students gathered inside a large white tent in the middle of campus for the 25th annual spring revival at UMHB in April. This year’s theme was “Called by Name,” and Shane Pruitt, who serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB), was the featured speaker. Jimmy McNeal and Austin Stone Worship led worship for the three-day event.
“Revival 2024 has seen more than 100 students respond to calls to salvation, rededication and repentance. In addition, 29 students accepted a call to serve in ministry leadership roles,” said UMHB’s Dean of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain Jason Palmer. “Students have been uniquely responsive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction during this year’s revival.”
Come One, Come All!
UMHB recently upgraded the letters at the front of campus with ramps and sidewalks to make the display accessible to all students. These letters at the heart of campus have become a popular photo backdrop for graduating seniors, but the old configuration made the letters difficult to access for some students. A recent project not only updated the font of the letters, but also created a sidewalk that allows all students to capture memories of their time on campus. Graduate student Taylor Scruggs and her service dog, Henry, were one of the first to pose with the new letters—something she was unable to do when she received her bachelor’s degree in 2019.
New Dean Named for Scott & White School of Nursing
Dr. Shanna Akers is the new dean of the Scott & White School of Nursing and officially begins on June 1.
Akers is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in executive leadership and education. She spent 13 years at Liberty University as a professor, chair, associate dean and administrative dean, and five years as dean. She spearheaded numerous initiatives in curriculum development and strategic planning. Her leadership spans online and residential programs at all levels of nursing higher education, from undergraduate to doctoral offerings.
OT Collaboration
UMHB occupational students collaborated with the Belton High School Theatre Department to offer a sensory-friendly performance of the musical “The Little Mermaid” this spring. OT students created a quiet area and used their skills and knowledge to help children with sensory issues before and during the performance. Pictured above are some children enjoying the quiet space.
She has also demonstrated versatility in her expertise by most recently serving as the provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs at Covenant Journey Seminary/Academy, leading the design and implementation of a K-12 curriculum.
Akers has been actively engaged in accreditation efforts across various disciplines, including nursing, healthcare simulation, respiratory therapy, forensic science and social work, and has contributed to SACSCOC accreditation and reaffirmation processes. With nearly 30 years of experience as a registered nurse, her dedication to excellence in nursing education is evident.
PHOTO CREDIT:
C. Chelle's Visuals
A Champion for UMHB
Davis Awarded Honorary Doctorate for Dedication to UMHB
During the 168th commencement ceremony, UMHB awarded Dr. Wallace E. Davis with the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree for his many contributions to the university. Upon receiving this award, Davis delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of 2024.
He advised the students, "When the commencement stage once again lies silent, and the look and feel of the campus begins to slip away bit by bit, only the memories like recurring notes from a favorite tune will linger on."
Davis is a native of Olney, Texas. Davis earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Baylor University and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he worked for the Corpus Christi ISD and Corpus Christi State University (now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi). Davis served for nine years as president of Wayland Baptist University and was named the university's first chancellor and then chancellor emeritus when he retired in 2002.
After moving to Salado, Davis and his wife, the late Patsy Lewis Mayfield Davis, became involved with First Baptist Belton and connected with UMHB, where he consulted on strategic planning initiatives. As a generous and faithful donor to UMHB for the past 17 years, the Davises established the Dr. Wallace and Patsy Davis Endowed Scholarship at UMHB in 2011.
"The highest award we can bestow upon those who have faithfully supported and served UMHB is an honorary degree," said University President Dr. Randy O'Rear. "Dr. Davis is a tremendous champion for UMHB and Christian higher education. He is a great friend of our university, and we are proud to recognize him with this distinguished honor and officially make him a member of the UMHB family."
Dr. Wallace E. Davis (center) receives the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Dr. John Vassar, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Randy O’Rear, president and CEO.
This year’s Purple Gives Gold Giving Week at UMHB raised more than $150,000 for student scholarships from hundreds of donors. Thank you to everyone who gave generously!
One Voice at TMEA
One Voice was one of the college ensembles selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association showcase this year. More than 29,000 people attended this year’s annual event.
Honorary Alumni Named
Bruce Fletcher was given an honorary alumni award during a recent visit to campus. Bruce, along with his wife Debbie '76, exemplify true dedication and support for UMHB. They actively mentor students and participate in alumni events.
SHARING MEMORIES FROM THE PAST
More than 150 alumni and friends gathered to share special memories of the past at this year’s Charter Celebration on April 20. Fifteen members of the Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th anniversary with induction into the Heritage Club. Celebrating her 70th anniversary, this year’s keynote speaker Nelda Sanders ’54 shared about how her alma mater taught her to love and accept all people as God’s people. Members of Historical Phila, Royal Academia and the Campus Boys also gathered for annual reunions to share their special memories. During a celebration lunch, Alumni Board member Susan Cody ’72 welcomed the group into the Heritage Club with a challenge: “We’re old, but we have something to do here. We have young students to influence. We have people in all walks of life that we need to touch. The time is short and we need to be in the field, harvesting.”
Class of 1974
Fifteen members of the Class of 1974 were inducted into the Heritage Club during their 50th class reunion and four members of the Class of 1964 gathered to share memories of their time on campus 60 years ago.
“We’re
old, but we have something to do here. We have young students to influence. We have people in all walks of life that we need to touch. The time is short and we need to be in the field, harvesting. I welcome you to the Heritage Club, and I ask you to focus on what’s beyond today. What does God have for you today? What is His plan for you?”
—Alumni Board Member Susan Cody '72
UNVEILING OF SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
After induction into the Heritage Club, members of the Class of 1974 presented a check to UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear toward an endowed scholarship in honor of their class. As part of this year’s reunion, a special scholarship was also unveiled, honoring three Heritage Club members who were also friends and classmates of reunion attendees—the Minten sisters, Esther La Fern Minten ’52, (right) Janie Marie Minten ‘70, who holds a picture of the late Dorothy Ruth Minten ’49 who passed away in 2022.
BY LAUREN TURNER
A Taste of Traditions
Cru Kids Experience the Traditions of UMHB
This year, Cru Kids have gotten to experience many of the activities and traditions that current UMHB students experience throughout the year.
“We took a different approach because we wanted all of the Cru Kids to experience some of the UMHB traditions, said Director of Alumni Engagement Jeff Sutton '07. Cru Kids is a club for children and grandchildren of UMHB graduates who sign up for an authentic experience, enjoying some of the same Crusader spirit that their parents and grandparents grew to love as UMHB students.
This year’s events included the Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant, Crusader Knights and the Easter Pageant. They were also invited to help out with the Big Event, joining groups of students going out in the community to participate in volunteer work throughout Bell County.
“Last year, we focused more on athletics and they got to
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Acrobatics & Tumbling
For the first time in its five-year history, the UMHB Acrobatics & Tumbling team competed in the 2024 National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association National Tournament as No. 5 seed after making history this season as the first Division III team to ever compete there.
"What's awesome about Division III is that none of these athletes are on scholarship," said Head Coach Raffaela Scotto
who was named NCATA Coach of the year across all divisions. "These athletes chose every single day to show up because they want to be here. This is a testament to the work they put in. The fact that we played and scored so close to a Division I team is really special. It shows how hard these athletes have worked all year. "
Just two weeks earlier, the team won the 2024 NCATA Division III Tournament Championship and won 14 titles.
Beach Volleyball
With only three seasons under its belt, the UMHB beach volleyball team went undefeated this season to win the American Volleyball Coaches Association Small College Beach DIII national championship title in April. The team, which played in its inaugural season in 2022, made its first appearance in the AVCA tournament last season and won all of its 20-plus matches this season.
"For our program to go undefeated for the season against Division III and NAIA programs with wins over DI and DII programs that finished fifth at nationals has been unreal," said Head Coach Mark Pryor. "This weekend was just a statement of what playing hard, being a great teammate and just being selfless can actually accomplish."
Dance Team
This year’s UMHB Dance Team beat out 12 other teams to claim the title of DIII National Champions in Pom at the College Classic in Orlando.
A Season of Purpose
Donors Enjoy Night of Appreciation and Gratitude
More than 200 donors in the President’s Leadership Circle were celebrated at an indoor picnic on April 23 that recognized and thanked them for their faithful generosity to UMHB. The evening included a barbecue dinner, special music and a photo opportunity sitting on a gigantic purple Adirondack chair built for the picnic. Dr. John Vassar also shared the meaning behind the UMHB rally cry “Live on Purpose.”
Commendation Award
Nanako Tingleaf '64 Receives Commendation from Consul General of Japan in Houston
Alumna Nanako Hyakutake Tingleaf ’64 recently received a Commendation Award from the Consul General of Japan for her longtime service and leadership of Ikebana International and her dedication in sharing Japanese culture while living in Houston. The Honorable Hirofumi Murabayas presented the prestigious award to Tingleaf, and on behalf of UMHB, Dr. Jerry Bawcom, president emeritus and longtime friend of the Tingleaf family, presented greetings from President Dr. Randy O’Rear and the UMHB family.
Bawcom shared about Nanako’s experience as a student in 1960, traveling to Belton from Tokyo, Japan, and earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1964.
“Nanako was an active student at Mary Hardin-Baylor, serving as vice president of the international student club, international student representative to the Baptist Student Union, and treasurer of the Delta Psi Theta honors math club, and was an honored member of the Royal Academia Society,” Bawcom said.
Consul General of Japan Hirofumi Murabayashi gives 1964 alumna Nanako Hyakutake Tingleaf a Commendation Award.
While a student at UMHB, Nanako spent time raising funds for missions, and treated her classmates, faculty and staff to traditional Japanese songs and her Ikebana flower arrangements, Bawcom added. In 1963, Nanako met her husband, Dale, who was serving at Fort Hood and taking an Asian culture course at UMHB.
Bawcom also expressed his appreciation for Nanako’s longtime university volunteer service and for the couple’s generous endowed scholarship for Japanese students. They also donated funds to complete the President Arthur K. Tyson endowed scholarship, gave to the Class of 1964 endowed scholarship and many other campus programs and projects.
While living in the Houston area, Nanako served as past president of Ikebana International, held leadership roles in the Japanese American Society and its Language Culture-Kai, served on the board of the Herman Clark Conservancy and Japanese Garden, volunteered at the Institute of International Education, was past president and associate professor for the Okemoko Society of Texas and served on the board of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Nanako and Dale also volunteered in countless activities at the Consulate General of Japan in Houston. UMHB is proud of Nanako and her tremendous accomplishments.
Not every student who ends up at UMHB comes as a believer in Christ. There are students from both ends of the belief spectrum—and everywhere in between. Some have never set foot in a church and have no idea how to look up a Bible verse until they walk into their first Old Testament class. Others seem so mature in their walk with Jesus that it's hard to believe they're only in their teens. There are also students, like 2023 alumnus Isaiah Johnson, who came to UMHB with more questions than answers about their futures and faith but leave changed, healed and saved.
UMHB FEATURES BY CHRISTI MAYS
FROM FOOTBALLtoFaith
One Sunday morning, when Isaiah Johnson was 7 or 8 years old, his mom took him to church and told him to give his life to Christ and get baptized. The preacher dipped the youngster under the baptismal water, the congregation cheered and the family went home to celebrate.
Years later, Isaiah found himself celebrating on the football field, where the defensive tackle helped UMHB bring home the 2018 NCAA DIII National Championship title. Isaiah loved every second of playing football here and earning his massive NCAA Championship ring, but his time at UMHB gained him something he treasures far more. On Sept. 30, 2022, #66 Isaiah Johnson became much more than a warrior on the football field; he became a warrior for Christ.
COMING TO JESUS
Isaiah realized he had been living a lie since his baptism as a child. He knew he had simply "gone through the motions" that day, and even though he had been a prayerful man up to that point, he wasn't saved, and he wasn't living for Jesus.
Looking back now, Isaiah, with a huge smile lighting up his face, just shakes his head when he recalls the journey God laid out for him that led to UMHB and that "miraculous" day on Sept. 30, 2022—the day he (actually) gave his life to Christ.
"I was so lost," Isaiah said, remembering the months leading up to that fateful day. Isaiah recalls his dilemma after graduating with his associate's degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where he played defensive tackle for two years. He wanted to continue his football career but decided going into the Air Force was a better decision financially. His brother-in-law laughed at the thought and said, "Isaiah, you're not going to the Air Force. You're gonna go play football."
He was torn and remembers getting on his knees and praying long hours that night for God to help him. God answered his prayer the next day when UMHB Coach Steven Thrash, a Northeastern alumnus, called Isaiah and told him that if he came to Belton, he would win a national championship.
Taking a leap of faith, Isaiah scraped together money for a plane ticket to Texas and hasn't looked back since.
WALKING WITH CHRIST
"From that point on, my journey restarted with Christ," he said, but it took a lot of long nights before he figured this out. "I was so lost, I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night crying."
As a starting defensive tackle for UMHB, Isaiah, who was #97 that year, became part of the legendary team that brought home the 2018 national championship trophy.
For his senior season at UMHB, Isaiah wanted to switch his football number to #66, which was the number he wore for the Northside Eagles when he helped lead the team to the Georgia High School Association 5A State Championship his senior year of high school. Even though it wasn't a typical number for a defensive lineman, Isaiah was thrilled to wear the number again for his senior year of college. One afternoon, strolling through campus,
Alumnus Isaiah Johnson ’23 came to know Jesus while he was a student athlete at UMHB.
UMHB FEATURES
he passed 1974 alumnus Bobby Johnson and the pair struck up a conversation.
"He sat me down and said, 'Isaiah, you've done so much for UMHB. Now, let's do something for you. What's your relationship with Christ?'"
"Um, I think it's pretty good," Isaiah responded. "Then, Mr. Bobby asked me the famous question that still sits fresh on my mind to this day, 'Isaiah, if you were to die today, where would you go?' And I just kind of froze."
"'I think I'll go to Heaven,'" Isaiah said. "Then, he asked me if I'd like to give my life to Christ to ensure I'd go to Heaven. He told me to go home, pray on it, and talk to my family."
Excited to share the conversation, Isaiah told his girlfriend, MaryAlice Hernandez, who works as the catering manager for Sodexo at UMHB, and she was amazed as well.
On Sept. 30, 2022, Bobby invited Isaiah to talk with him and UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear and Dr. Steve Theodore, chief operating officer and senior vice president for Administration. The trio led Isaiah to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
"It changed me. It changed me to this day. I am a warrior for Christ."
A couple of weeks later, MaryAlice also gave her life to Christ. Bobby Johnson had the honor of marrying the couple on May 27, 2023, and then baptized both on Nov. 12, 2023. Bobby still disciples Isaiah weekly, and the young family attends church every Sunday with their baby boy, Isaias Johnson.
Isaiah no longer wakes up crying in the middle of the night. He has a peace.
"Without Christ, there is no structure. You just live in pure fallacy."
Even though he wasn't saved before that incredible September day, Isaiah says there were so many moments in his life that God showed Himself—like the time shortly after he chose the #66 as his new football number. He had no idea the significance of that until one day someone told him there are 66 chapters in the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, and he was floored.
"It's in subtle moments like this when suddenly God steps in and shows you His love."
Jackson Tingley and his fiancé, Macy Sabrsula, who graduated this May, take advantage of a warm spring day to have a Bible study.
SEEING
theLight
Jackson Tingley and his four siblings competed at a high level in sports throughout their teenage years. With their weekends filled with traveling to endless sporting events, the family stopped attending church when Jackson was little.
"Being in sports, we kind of got away from God," he said. "Sports did teach me to be a great person, morally and ethically, and I feel like I was surrounding myself with good people."
Friends invited him to church activities, and he attended Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life.
"I didn't know anything about Christianity. It was just fun to be with my friends doing fun stuff. So, I thought I was a Christian since I was doing Christian things," Jackson said.
When it came time for college, he had the opportunity to play Division I football at Stephen F. Austin University but chose to play at UMHB instead. "I knew I didn't want to play in the NFL, so I wanted to go somewhere I could make an impact. Little did I know that the real purpose for me coming here was coming to Christ," he said.
During his freshman year at UMHB, Jackson still devoted all his time to football, postponed looking for a church home and dreaded going to weekly Chapel services. At the same time though, he slowly started noticing the football players he hung out with were different.
"I realized they really looked like they have a purpose in their lives," he said. Then he met Macy Sabrsula (who is now his fiancé) and noticed she was different as well— like they all "had a light in them," and he learned their "light" came from their love for the Lord.
"I realized there's a much bigger picture here than just sports—something much more fulfilling and impactful. I realized that this was what I had been chasing the whole time. I realized my purpose and that I'd never be able to fulfill it through sports. I witnessed this through them—their excitement, their love and their desire to learn and grow toward Christ. It was a whole different kind of love. This is what I've been missing out on the whole time!"
The summer after his freshman year, Jackson gave his life to Christ and was baptized.
Afterward, one of his best friends and fellow team member, Ryan Redding, gave Jackson his first Bible inscribed with words of encouragement and important verses highlighted for the new believer.
"I was still so unsure of everything, and I felt like I didn't know anything. However, one thing I did know was that I wanted to publicly profess my faith and show everybody that I have a new purpose in life. That's when I realized that was why I came to UMHB. I didn't come here for sports. I came here because I was supposed to find my purpose. It's changed my life, and I haven't looked back."
Jackson acknowledges that his walk with Christ—or any Christian’s walk—will never be perfect.
"It took me a while to realize that. I think a lot of
people think that you have to be perfect," he said.
Even though he says he still has much to learn, he has already seen how dedicating his life to Christ has changed its trajectory.
"There's nothing else in this life that's as fulfilling as Christ, and when I realized that, I felt like it took so much pressure off. I just have to follow the path God set for me, and everything will be alright. Sometimes, I'll stray off the path, but He's going to direct me right back to it."
UMHB WELCOMES ALL
Dean of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain Jason Palmer says Jackson's story of coming to Christ while at UMHB is not uncommon and is a beautiful reflection of UMHB's spiritual influence on students, along with the partnership of local churches.
“Jackson has become a remarkable spiritual leader during his time at UMHB and is on track to demonstrate servanthood in his future endeavors and his upcoming marriage,” he said.
UMHB welcomes all students, no matter where they may be in their walk with God, he added.
But why do non-believers choose to come to a Christian school? Some students say it feels safe. Some come to play sports. Jason says for many, it’s the combination of our programs and love of Christ.
“I've seen the reputation of our academic programs, with particular distinction to our health science curriculums, draw students into an academic endeavor here that is often complemented by a spiritual journey that we take them on because we have an identity that we won't compromise on. And, we try to do it in a winsome way that draws them into a love relationship with Christ,” he says. “I welcome students coming to UMHB who are not currently Christ's followers because we believe that when they are around those who genuinely know Christ, that the love of Christ will be a beautifully contagious experience for them where they get to see Jesus and they get to know that He loves them also. That's beautiful.”
UMHB FEATURES
GETTINGBaptized (AGAIN)
When Shelbie Meyer was in the fifth or sixth grade, she watched several of her family members making the decision to get baptized, and she thought she needed to be baptized as well.
"I didn't want to be the only one left out," she said, so she was baptized along with them. Shelbie said she did all the "churchy" things she thought Christians were supposed to do, and when she got to college, one of the first things she did was set out to find a church.
However, from the first day she stepped onto campus, she noticed that the atmosphere and people at UMHB were different. "The world has a general, generic view of the way they think Christians should act, which I was used to, but the people at UMHB were different," Shelbie said.
She loved going to Chapel services and got involved in serving at her new church. After just a few months, she realized something had changed in her. She realized she hadn't been saved that day at her church back home. She wanted to ask Jesus into her life and profess her love for Him again, but this time, she was sure she was doing it for the right reasons.
"I hit that point where I actually knew why I'm doing this," said Shelbie, who is now a junior in exercise and sport science. "And now my life is definitely better!"
"I hit that point where I actually knew why I'm doing this. And now my life is definitely better!" - Shelbie Meyer
Junior Shelbie Meyer shows a tattoo she got after giving her life to Christ to remind her that “God is greater than the ups and downs.”
Jesus BY HER SIDE
Alone is a feeling Emily Crocker never has to experience again. Since she found Christ during her freshman year at UMHB, she now sees God in everything.
"He's not just in the Bible. He's everywhere. He's in the people I'm around, and I feel His presence constantly."
There was a time when she didn't.
"I was in such a dark place, and I just felt so alone," Emily said. "I didn't really have very many friends, and the ones I did have drove me to get caught up in the drama, and that pushed me into being really anxious and depressed. I felt so alone, and when things would happen, I blamed God, like it was His fault."
Emily believed there was a God, but she didn't grow up going to church regularly and didn't know much about Him. She's thankful all of that changed after coming to UMHB, where she found God everywhere—in church, her classes and Revival.
Emily looks back now and can see how God laid out
a plan for her to come to UMHB. It all started on the many trips she took with her parents from Cedar Park to Waco to visit her grandparents—passing the green highway sign on I35 for the turnoff to the "University of Mary Hardin-Baylor." One afternoon during her senior year, Emily's mom, who had gone to Baylor University, announced they were going to stop for a visit to check out UMHB. Emily protested. She knew nothing about this "little school in Belton" and wasn't interested in stopping. But her mom insisted, and the second they arrived on campus, Emily liked what she saw.
"This is my school," she announced. "This is where I'm supposed to be!"
When she arrived, she and her roommates went "church hopping," and she soon landed at Vista Community Church, which she attended every Sunday. She also fell in love with her Old Testament classes.
"All the stories were so interesting, and I wanted to learn more," she realized. She and her roommates often met with UMHB Chaplain Jason Palmer to bombard him with their questions about scripture and get suggestions on reading passages. "It was overwhelming. I kept
"He's not just in the Bible. He's everywhere."
- Emily Crocker
thinking, 'Wow, this is amazing! Where has this been my entire life?'" she said. "It really opened my eyes to see the world completely differently."
After attending church regularly during her first semester and then experiencing UMHB Revival her second semester, she knew there was no going back.
"I thought it was so amazing. There was no way I could go back to how I was before. This is going to be how I'm living now. I have to have this relationship! It was just eye-opening to realize I'm not alone."
Her moment of conviction came one morning while sitting in church when she finally realized everyone goes through hardships, but she didn't have to be alone during hers. With tears pouring down her face, she knew she was "finally not alone."
"'I can grow from these hard times and be strong from this with the help of Christ,'" she remembers thinking.
On a Sunday soon after, Chaplain Palmer baptized Emily during a morning service at her church.
She realized admitting she needed Christ in her life wasn't something to be ashamed of and wanted to share her love for Him with everyone.
Emily, now a junior exercise and sport science major, is thankful her mom convinced her to detour off I35 that day to check out the campus where she now has good friends and enjoys the activities and traditions, especially Easter Pageant which brings up overwhelming feelings about how she felt about God.
"I can never be in the Easter Pageant. I can't. I've already been there where the crowd is yelling and cursing at Jesus and saying all these terrible things to Him while He is on the cross. I've already said all of those things, and I can never go back and do that again."
Junior Emily Crocker cross-stitched a plaque that hangs in her apartment after she gave her life to God.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A Look INSIDE THE YEAr of PrEPArATIoN for EASTEr PAgEANT
This year marks the 85th anniversary of one of UMHB's most treasured traditions—the Easter Pageant—where the grounds around Luther Memorial transform into Golgotha, and 350 students bring the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection to life in front of thousands. Ask anyone who has ever seen the reenactment, and they’ll likely say the hour-long show is an experience they’ll never forget. However, what transpires in the days, months and year leading up to the event is the most awe-inspiring aspect of the pageant.
TAKING DIRECTION
Playing the role of Jesus in this year’s 85th Easter Pageant, Dillon Moore, talks with Mike McCarthy, who has served as advisor for the pageant for more than 20 years.
What truly helps make the Easter Pageant special is what takes place for an entire year leading up to the show—things that deeply impact those involved. “What happens the day of the show is amazing, but all the stuff that people don’t see is huge—everything that happens behind the scenes,” said Mike McCarthy, who has served as advisor to the pageant for more than 20 years.
Here's a look inside what goes on each year behind the scenes of the UMHB Easter Pageant.
What happens the day of the show is amazing, but all the stuff that people don't see is huge—everything that happens behind the scenes.
Mike McCarthy '99, M.Ed. '13 Dean, Student Leadership & Engagement
A YEAr IN THE MAkINg
Those who have been around UMHB for even a short time probably know the president hand-selects two students, based on their strong Christian faith and character, to play Jesus and Mary, as well as the pageant director. The selections are made an entire year ahead of the following year’s show, and there’s good reason for this. Not only does it allow the student playing Jesus time to grow out his hair and beard, but more importantly, it gives that student time to prayerfully select the students who will act as his disciples. Mary also chooses a group of women to serve as her mourners.
PrEPArINg HEArTS AND MINDS
Playing the parts of Jesus and Mary are big shoes that can never be filled, but part of what the students do leading up to the pageant is work on preparing their hearts and minds for their roles, said Mike.
“They walk around campus and are identified as Jesus and Mary. The student portraying Jesus will get introduced as ‘Jesus,’ and that builds up a lot of pressure,” Mike said. He and other mentors offer the students playing Jesus and Mary one-on-one discipleship for the entire year to help them embrace the roles.
“When I disciple the student portraying Jesus, a big part of our discussion is how to handle that. We also discuss walking alongside his disciples for an entire year and interacting with them. They get to see all of the stuff that Jesus experienced. It’s not written down in the Bible. All the disciples didn’t love each other when they first got to know each other. There was infighting, and people got annoyed with each other. So, he gets to walk through that for a year and kind of see what that might have been like.”
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
At top, during a practice session, Dillon kneels to talk with one of his disciples, Thomas “Sweet T” Doege. Center, this year’s Mary, played by senior Tori Hernandez, talks to the crowd during the performance. Bottom, after the final performance of this year’s pageant, the disciples gather for an emotional group hug.
NoT JUST A BIBLE STorY
Some students have heard the Easter story their entire lives, and it plays through their heads like a rerun of their favorite TV show. However, from the first day of rehearsals, Mike makes sure they see it for what it truly is. “We’re able to shift it to where they think about it in more of a realistic way, and that’s big,” he said. On the contrary, some students may have never heard these stories before. For those students, walking through the scenes is very similar to what it would have been like the day that Jesus was living, and it’s a chance to really infuse them with the Gospel, Mike said.
The Easter Pageant is open to participation from any student, regardless of acting capability or level of faith. From students who are mature in their walk with Jesus to those who are just hoping to get out of class for pageant practice, Mike says it’s an “awesome opportunity to walk through the red letters of the Gospel with them.” That’s why each day before rehearsals begin, he plans a devotional to help the students envision the upcoming scenes in a way they may have never before. They can ask questions and then break into groups for discussions.
“By doing this, they’re spending some time contemplating what the scene actually means and what the people would have been going through. It’s cool from a production standpoint but priceless from a human component.”
For those students, walking through the scenes is very similar to what it would have been like the day that Jesus was living, and it's a chance to really infuse them with the Gospel. Mike McCarthy " "
ALL HANDS oN DECk
Prior to each pageant, students aren’t the only ones preparing. For weeks leading up to the event, members of the Physical Plant focus all their time on preparing the grounds and building the set. The team also spends time praying over the set. Associate Director of Museum and Alumni Engagement Beth Norvell remembers how it rained all morning one year before the pageant. Shortly before the first performance, when the rain stopped, the entire campus came out to get things in shape before guests arrived.
“Physical Plant was cleaning off the bleachers, and administration had towels wiping down the seats. Everyone was making it possible for people to come and experience Easter Pageant,” she said.
EMOTIONAL JOURNEY
At top, Dillon Moore, who played Jesus in this year’s pageant, greets children in this year's pageant. Center, in last year’s Easter Pageant, Nick McDaniel, who played Jesus, meets with an audience member who became emotional during the performance. Bottom, Liam McCarthy journals about his experience playing Judas.
LIVES ArE CHANgED
People from all levels of faith attend the Easter Pageant, and every single year, lives are transformed, and people are saved. “Lots of children over the years have come to know Christ, either from being in the pageant or seeing it,” Mike said. “During last year’s show, there was a little girl who was really upset and crying after Jesus was crucified. Nick McDaniel (who played Jesus in 2023) met with the little girl and kneeled to talk to her. He was in no rush to get back out there and just spent time with this little girl.”
Mike also recalled a show from about 15 or 20 years ago when a student gave his life to the Lord in the middle of the performance. “It was during the earthquake scene when everyone runs off. This guy, who was portraying a Roman soldier, was just lying flat on his face in the middle of the field in front of the cross. We continued to go through the show, and he eventually got up and made his way over. We found out he had an encounter and gave his life to Jesus right then and there in the middle of the show! It’s hard to miss God moving in that way, but I think He’s moved a million different ways.”
Mike said it’s not uncommon to see changes in the students who have had to portray Judas. “That role is really rough because the 12 disciples have become a friend group, and then there’s the one friend, Judas, who betrays Jesus. You have to be pretty strong in your faith when everyone around you starts yelling at you. It’s a difficult role.” Each year, Mike encourages the student playing Judas to keep a journal of their experience to help them process their feelings through this challenging role. “They will be learning lessons from this forever and are usually unpacking it for years.”
MAGNIFICENT RAINBOWS
A PICTUrE No oNE EVEr TAkES
When Jesus is nailed to the boards of the cross and lifted to hang, the students playing his disciples are usually stationed behind the set. Everyone is focused on Jesus at that point, so no one ever sees their reactions, which are raw and real. “They are crushed,” said Mike. “It’s hard seeing this guy (Jesus) that they’ve supported for six or seven months since he’s selected them. They’ve become this really tight group, and seeing him hang is tough; they are demolished. Just in that moment, it becomes very real.”
This year, during the final performance, an unexpected downpour drenched the audience and performers but the show went on, and just as Jesus rolled the rock away and emerged from the tomb, a double rainbow appeared over his shoulder —reminding us of His promises and sovereignty. “When the rain paused, the clouds opened up, and those magnificent rainbows appeared. I felt like God was saying, it’s not about the rain, it’s about Me,” said UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear. “It is safe to say everyone in attendance at that performance was impacted by God’s goodness.”
BONDED IN BROTHERHOOD
Above left, while all eyes are on Jesus being crucified, it’s an emotional time for the students playing his disciples.
JUST LIkE JESUS
Over the years, students selected for the Jesus and Mary roles have often created unique challenges, themes or activities for their disciples and mourners to help them grow closer to each other and in their roles. Many years ago, a student preparing to play Jesus received one of Christian author Max Lucado’s books, “Just Like Jesus.” He read and studied the book, leaving notes in the margins to help him understand his role. After the pageant, he passed the book along to the upcoming Jesus and thus became a tradition. Each year, the student playing Jesus writes a letter to the next Jesus and passes it along. This went on for so many years that the book started falling apart and had to be retired to the museum archives; however, a second copy of was purchased to keep the tradition going.
MAkINg IT THEIr oWN
This year’s Jesus was Dillon Moore, a senior general studies major, and Victoria “Tori” Hernandez, a senior biology major, played Mary. They both wanted to choose
disciples and mourners in different stages of their faith and said they trusted the Holy Spirit to help them pick the right people who God wanted to grow. Dillon said he also spent some time with his group before deciding which disciple each would portray. On the Sunday night before their first practice, Dillon called a meeting with them at his house, and each one took turns carrying a handmade cross across campus to Luther Memorial—a distance about the same length Jesus took on the Via Dolorosa when carrying the cross to His crucifixion. As each disciple arrived at Luther, he prayed with Dillon, and then Dillon carried the cross back. This lasted for about three hours until each disciple experienced the trek. Back at the house, Dillon handed each one a letter that revealed the disciple they would portray in the pageant. “I didn’t tell them until right before practices started because I wanted them to just focus on the fact that they were chosen, and you are a disciple, and it doesn’t matter who you are.” Dillon also took his disciples camping when it was 32 degrees outside. “The intention was to put them in an uncomfortable situation that’s not UMHB, so they could grow and get to know each other,” Dillon said. “That kind of established there won’t be growth in this journey if you’re comfortable.
Everything was connected to three words we reflected on—prayerful, intentional and personal. I was trying to give these guys things that will grow them and that they can reflect on later in life and see what this taught them about Christ. For Tori’s challenge, she had each of her mourners find a big rock and write their burdens on the rock. Each of them carried their rock in her backpack for two weeks. “It was meant to symbolize the weight of your burdens and what it’s like to carry that on your own and not lay it at the feet of Jesus.” The day after the Easter Pageant, each student laid her rock at the foot of the cross.
THE NIgHT BEforE
The night before the pageant is a special time of worship and prayer. Around 8:30 p.m., participants assemble at Luther Memorial for a worship service, followed by a guided prayer that continues throughout the night until the next morning—the day of the pageant. Instead of the main characters staying to pray, Mike encourages others in the cast and crew to take shifts praying, which he believes gives them a chance to cultivate an even higher level of connection and participation.
SHArED EXPErIENCE
Everyone experiences Easter Pageant in their own way, including the loved ones of those performing. “The mother of the student who plays Christ gets to see what it was like for Mary, who watched her Son go through that. The parents of whoever’s portraying Mary get a glimpse and realization of who Mary was,” said Mike.
The impact of Easter Pageant continues to reach far and wide. More than 6,000 people attend the three-show event, and since the performance began live-streaming several years ago, it’s now available to view worldwide, which opens the door for many more to hear the Gospel story.
As the famous lines of scripture boom through the loudspeakers and Jesus, Mary and the entire cast reenact the most revered story in history, it is an emotional journey the cast and crew never forget.
“It’s a play, but it’s also so much more than that,” said Jeff Sutton '07, director of Alumni Engagement. “It’s this thing that transforms the lives of our students. We will never know the full impact of the Easter Pageant.”
ALUMNI NOTES
RACE FOR MISSIONS
Alumnus Jacob Chesser ’19 tells of his amazing adventure of mission work to eight countries in 11 months with World Race.
ALUMNI LIFE
JACOB CHESSER ‘19
A Race Like No Other
Alumnus Participates in World Race, Visiting 8 Countries for Mission Work
Jacob Chesser ‘19 has long felt the call on his heart to foreign missions and was able to go on many trips while he was a student at UMHB. But it was during Missions Emphasis Week he heard about the World Race, an opportunity that changed his life.
World Race is an 11-month missions program where one travels to a new country each month.
“In each country, you partner with local pastors and missionaries and come alongside the work that they are doing. It is meant to be a journey similar to that which the Disciples went on when Jesus sent them out in Matthew Chapter 10,” Jacob said.
He describes the whole trip as a means to get out of one’s comfort zone and wholly let the Lord provide. The participating missionaries live out of a backpack for these 11 months. “Some months are called ‘Ask The Lord’ months, where we were dropped off in the country with no lodging or host set up for you ahead of time,” Jacob said. “That way, you can trust totally in the Lord to guide your steps to the right people and places.”
When the opportunity arose to go on World Race, Jacob said he was very prayerful about it and felt a call from the Lord to participate.
“It seemed like a great way to experience many different cultures
and see how to do ministry in a variety of contexts and formats,” he said, “I hoped and prayed that the Lord might show me if one of these countries was where he wanted me to go back and be a missionary fulltime.”
Through this, God was preparing him to be a missionary and using it to fulfill his call to begin his story with overseas mission work. Due to pandemic restrictions in various parts of the world, Jacob’s team only traveled to eight countries instead of the planned 11, including Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Albania, Romania, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Jacob said he was ecstatic to participate in the race, and the Lord worked in countless miraculous ways. The most notable memory happened in Lesotho, a country in southern Africa.
“I stayed with a South African missionary and some other local Basotho pastors,” he said. “They have mapped out 50 villages that were deep in the mountains that they believed had not been reached by any missionaries and did not have active churches.”
Jacob’s group journeyed with these missionaries to the inhabitants of these villages to advance the Gospel and trust that the Lord would provide a place for them to stay since they didn’t bring tents. God provided in various ways, and
Jacob and his team ministered to the villages and shared the Jesus film. They got to know these remote people who had never heard the good news of Jesus before. The most remote village they traveled to was a five-hour trek from the closest road. Before arriving at their destination, which had no running water, cell service or electricity, Jacob said they had no idea what they would encounter. On the way there, they asked the Lord for guidance and prayed for a place to stay. By His grace, the villagers and the chief were very kind to them when these foreigners showed up unannounced.
“We had the privilege of sleeping on the floor of the chief’s mud hut. This was a Village of only about 10 shepherds who wandered the mountainside with their sheep. They were so hospitable to us, and it was amazing to be a part of sharing the Gospel with these men for the first time. We also were able to establish a contact so the local pastors could continue to go back and disciple them,” Jacob said.
Jacob witnessed God do numerous miracles throughout his time in the World Race.
“There were many moments when I felt in over my head, unequipped or unprepared for challenging situations, but every time, God made a way for me to share His love in the craziest circumstances,” he said, “Because of COVID, we
continued on page 31
IN MEMORIAM
1940s
Gene Stone '44
January 1, 2024
Shirley A. Fountain '46
November 6, 2023
Helen F. Hillman '46
December 28, 2023
1950 s
Sylvia McLelland '55
November 7, 2023
Claire Adams EX '56
December 17, 2023
Edythe Jean Porter '56 December 13, 2023
Anita E. Hoelscher '57
October 31, 2023
Yvonne Johse '58
October 23, 2023
Janet Erwin '59
January 7, 2024
1960 s
Janice Schiftner EX '60
February 15, 2024
Ruth M. Dale '61
January 11, 2024
Joan Yost '63
January 8, 2024
UMHB profoundly mourns the loss of our alumni, faculty, staff, students and retirees. We express our deepest sympathy to their family and friends, and honor each of them here.
Brady J. Vardemann ‘64
October 27, 2023
Carol R. Smith '67
February 5, 2024
Jerry A. Vitek '67
January 9, 2024
Jo Ann A. Cagle '69
December 17, 2023
1970 s
Esther Kudyba EX '71
November 28, 2023
Nelwyn J. Johnson '72
December 16, 2023
Linda G. Schaub '72
January 6, 2024
Linda Dodgion '74
November 24, 2023
James L. Culver '76
December 12, 2023
Diane M. Wilson '76
December 8, 2023
1980 s
Sherley J. Skeen '80
November 27, 2023
J. Carlton Godfrey '85
January 1, 2024
Kathleen L. Bartek '86
November 20, 2023
LaVerne F. Haag '86
January 15, 2024
Nancy J. Murray '87
February 20, 2024
1990 s
Roger L. Hoelscher '92
January 8, 2024
Sadie Rhymer '92 November 6, 2023
Tara L. Haberl '93 October 31, 2023
Jan K. Brewer '95 December 6, 2023
2000 s
Angela E. Burk '04 February 12, 2024
Candice H. Lynn '05
January 10, 2024
Michelle P. Putman '05
December 16, 2023
Friends of the University
Harold Gene Kimes UMHB Retiree
November 16, 2023
Margaret S. Petrek UMHB Retiree
November 19, 2023
Ernest E. Roberts Former Trustee
January 26, 2024
Loren M. White Former Trustee December 18, 2023
MEMORIAL GIFTS
October 23, 2023 - March 31, 2024
Clair Rice Adams
Annette Craddock Howse
Maxine Alcorn
Mary Schumacher
Brad Anderson
Cynthia Schwertner Jackson
Kay Anderson
Ann Hoelscher Saur
Evelyn Ashbrook
Mr. and Mrs. Hal Anderson
Elizabeth Ann “Bettie” Sears Atha
Dan Atha
Steven Barnes
Dillard and Karolyn Norwine Whitis
Jackie Haynes Bartee
Kathleen Kruse
Julia Woodyard Nation
Lester “Speedy” Beadle
Kent Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Jack Bennett
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Kent Owens
Darius Moore
Tommy Bennett
Dan Atha
Amy Blundell
Suzie Blundell
Betty Secrest Bohlin
Kathryn Bohlin
Larry Booth
Kent Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Curtis Breaux
Dan Atha
Mary Lou Robinson
Jeffrey Broadhurst
Kelley & Associates
Glenn Burchell
Robert and Edie Cornett King
Eduardo and Elizabeth Avila Lara
Mary Burgess
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Emma Jean Cain
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Janice Muehlstein Caldwell
Kara Lanning
Staci Sutton Worden
Barbara McDonald Chaney
Dan Atha
Marie Gardner Clark
John and Marna Clark Appleman
Jack Claycomb
Carol Holcombe
Jim Coyle
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Wesley and Malissa Craddock
Annette Craddock Howse
Roy Craft Sr.
Kathy Owens
Kent Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Dale Cutler
Jeff and Lisa May Bennett
Sue Allison May
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Dannelley Sr.
Thomas Dannelley Jr.
Dr. Thomas Dannelley Sr
Dan Atha
Keith and Mary Sue Davis
Jean Hejl
Silvia Duckens
Terrie O’Hara
Jennifer Caldwell Dulgher
Valerie Boyle
Jerry Caldwell
Kara Lanning
Ken and Judy Maggard
Hilda Eubanks
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Dr. Iva Mildred Fussell
Lissette Ferlet Carpenter
Marie Miles Gammie
Morris Tyson Sr.
Elizabeth Bailey Geyer
David and Linda Pennington
Margie Barnes Gibbs
Kathy Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Thomas Hamilton
Betty Reinhard Hamilton
Delois Ann Culp Hannon
Ron Sutton
Dr. William Harlow
Dan Atha
Jennifer Richey Spiegelhauer
Cliff Harper
Kathy Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Cleva Bristow Helm
Annette Craddock Howse
Penny Hersha
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Dr. Lewis Hilley
Dan Atha
Roger Hoelscher
Kenny Driska
Phil and Ann Hoelscher Saur
Kenny and Jana Driska Zajicek
Terry Mack Hood
Dan Atha
Marshall and Penny Renfro
Genevieve Morgan Howse
Annette Craddock Howse
Anna Huckabee
Kristal Rychlik
Cameron Jennings
Larissa Kistler
Nicole Wycislo
Donald Jernigan
Tim and Jana Jernigan Heath
Ruth Hannan Jones
Cornelius Jones
Evelyn Kelarek
Kent Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Dr. Gene Kimes
Thomas and Teri Allen
Marilyn Burres
Louis and Charlynn Casey
Christopher Daniel
Don Ringler Chevrolet
R. Doug Davis
Barbara “BJ” Finch
Ted and Kathy Floca
Cliffa Foster
Tucker and Karli Glaske
Jane Haywood
Andi Hughes
Bill and Lynn Johnston
Carolyn LeMaster
Tom Niskala
Rebecca O’Banion
Randy and Julie Wheeler O’Rear
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Linda Hood Pehl
Alison Reynolds
Robert and Ellen Reynolds
Jimmie and Janey Roush
Jimmy and Dianne Rowton
Bob and Sara Shull
Will and Kay Steeves
Pam Flournoy Stubblefield
Steve and Grace Coulter Theodore
Gan Wang
Randy and Kim Kittredge Yandell
Ron Kingsberry
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Bonaventure Kouakou Koffi
UMHB Faculty Council
Bob Kuryla
Kent Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Angel and Elvira Lara
Eduardo Lara
Katherine Blair Lawler
William Lawler
Elton Lawson
Jenny Lawson
Unorna Lee
Walt and Pam Manly
Gayle Lindner
Dan Atha
Bob McElroy
Beverly Norwine Adams
Dr. Dan McLallen
Julia Woodyard Nation
T. Edward Mercer
Betsy Dabbs Polgue
Arthur Lee Miles
Morris Tyson Sr.
Bernia Tyson Miles
Morris Tyson Sr.
Antonio and Betty Morales
Tony and Rose Torres Morales
Caleb Morgan
Sue Dance
Donna Kay Wright
Mary Beth Morris
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Sylvia Moya
Beverly Norwine Adams
Jeb Mullen
Chad and Christian Hammonds
Dan and Kandy Kirkley
Carrie Shipp
John “Red” Murff
Dan Atha
Nancy Jean Hoelscher Murray
Phil and Ann Hoelscher Saur
Mike and Nadine Saur
Evelyn Saur
Joan Marlowe Myrah
Carolyn LeMaster
Greg Nance
Mr. and Mrs. Hal Anderson
Robert and Lynda Myers
Wes and Kristen Nance
Lynn Owens
John and Marna Clark Appleman
Gloria Palen
Tammie Wilson Salazar
Tillman “Jack” Prater III
Joyce Brammer
Kerry and Sherry Briggs
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Stacey Price
Glenna Roscoe Pearce
Imogene Morgan Roberts
Annette Craddock Howse
Jerry Roberts
Dan Atha
Isaac Salazar
Tammie Wilson Salazar
Teresa Pascoe Salyer
Barbara Schlotzhauer Murdock
Yvonne Sampson
Jane Potter
Betty Jo Bounds Sanders
W. George Bartels
Rex and Doris Shannon
Dillard and Karolyn Norwine Whitis
Gerald Skidmore Sr.
Jeff Heckathorn
Carol Clark Smith
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Evan Smith
David and Susie Cosper Marek
Logan Marek
Kirsten Spradlin
Marshall and Penny Renfro
Mike and Janis Frazier
Tucker and Karli Glaske
Rebecca O’Banion
Randy and Julie Wheeler O’Rear
Steve and Grace Coulter Theodore
Ron and Susan Owens
Jane Chaney Sterling
Kent and Dorothy Parham Donaldson
Judy Nelson Stout
Renette Snowden Cranford
Wayne Stroud
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Kent Owens
Sue Allison May
Dr. Michael Thomas
Dan Atha
Cary Torgeson
Janice Oldham Torgeson
Rolando Torres
Tony and Rose Torres Morales
Lou Ellen Cooper Truesdale
Charles Truesdale
Glenda Shelton Turner
Annette Craddock Howse
Joyce Williams
Arla Ray Tyson
Morris Tyson Sr.
Dr. Arthur K. Tyson
Connie Irons Hooks
Morris Tyson Sr.
Thomas L. Tyson
Morris Tyson Sr.
Bobby Underwood
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Don Vardeman
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Jerry Vitek
Kathy Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Ken Von Gonten
Jake and Deanna Sallee
Steve and Grace Coulter Theodore
James Wentrcek
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
HONORARY GIFTS
Spencer Allen
Nathan Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Hal Anderson
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Dan Atha
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Sue Angloch
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Dr. Dan Atha
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Deane Webb
Betty Sue Craven Beebe
Nelda Cook Perry
Dr. and Mrs. Jon Bergstrom
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Tom Bergstrom
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Lou Beth Birdwell
Julie Alexander
Debbie Burns
Joy Hensarling
Nancy Lovell
Marina Black
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Martha Brasher
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Linda Breaux
Mary Lou Robinson
Dr. Kindyle Brennan
Vivian Baker
Dr. Edna Penny Bridges
Janice Andrews
Catherine Burkett Cornelio
Calvin and Donna Graham Lee
Jared and Natalie Till Briggs
Gilda Ladner Crabtree
Dr. Grace Richardson Whitis
Dan Atha
Robert and Edie Cornett King
Ronald and Delores Chupik Williams
Betty Whitlock
Jeff and Lisa May Bennett
Kent Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Gordon Wiggers
Tucker and Karli Glaske
Rowena Miller
Roy Wilson
Tammie Wilson Salazar
Ethelyn Morgan Woodruff
Annette Craddock Howse
Ashley Payne Casey
Kyle and Robin Wilson Payne
Dr. Stan Casto
Dan Atha
Center for Academic Excellence
Peer Tutors & Mentors
Jason and Shanon Camp Gish
Michele Schaller Clark
Jason Comstock
Class of 68
Dillard and Karolyn Norwine Whitis
James Cohagan
Dan Atha
Criminal Justice Student Association
Christine Nix
Dr. Matt Crosby
Dani Beth Crosby
Dr. Matt Crosby/One Voice
Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Teresa Edler Crothers
Bill and Cindy Townsend
Randy and Kim Kittredge Yandell
Martha Daniel
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Rev. and Mrs. Andy Davis
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Dr. Wallace Davis
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Kaden DeBerardinis
Eric and Regina Boutte
Jewell Dusuau
Sandy Heller
Molly Kate Elkins
Mike and Melanie Wheatley
McCarthy
Cody Ellis
Sandy Owings
Ian Fischer
Elaine Simpson
Patrick Fischer
Elaine Simpson
Randi Fishbeck
Ken and Rebecca Smith
Ted and Kathy Floca
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Dr. Cliffa Foster
Dan Atha
Bill and Lynn Johnston
Keith Gentry
Maria Gentry
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Guido
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Ashlyn Haney
Rebecca O’Banion
Effel Randall Harper
Aaron Seals
Mac Hickerson
Dan Atha
Edna Penny Bridges
Jeremy Hobratsch
David and Jessica Hobratsch White
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Hoffman
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Rick and Nancy Hoxworth
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Dylan Jones
Sonia Tilley
Dr. Mickey Kerr
Dan Atha
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Dr. Mary Carroll Konrad
Todd and Kelly Kunders
Dr. Paul LaBounty
Todd and Kelly Kunders
Cindy Latham
Catherine Burkett Cornelio
Carey Leech
Dan Atha
Betty Muzzy Lumbley
John and Marna Clark Appleman
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Alden and Haley Baldock
Alan and Kelly Brooks
Wes and Kristen Nance
Kelsey Stapp
Susie Cosper Marek
Zephyr Marek
The Marek Family
Kent and Sherry Elliott
Kristen McBee
Jane Bogan
Thom McClendon
Morris Tyson Sr.
Will McClendon
Morris Tyson Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Drayton McLane Jr.
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Mrs. Daniel Miller
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Rochelle Emeigh Miller
Rebecca O’Banion
Dr. Amy Millsap
Morgan Raines
Amy Wright Moore
Rebecca O’Banion
Jaycie Moore
Rebecca O’Banion
Dr. and Mrs. Gary Morton
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Kevin Mottram
Patricia Mottram
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Myers
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Kevin Neal
Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Emily Northern
Sandy Owings
Katie Novak-Lenoir
Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Dr. and Mrs. Randy O’Rear
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Mike and Janis Frazier
Larry and Nancy Madsen
Dr. Randy O’Rear
Jeff Smith
Carolyn Allison Owens
Dan Atha
Rhonna McGaugh Carter
Sara Bowdoin Stout
Kathy Owens
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Kent and Karlee Owens
Darius and Avery Moore
Brandon Payne
Kyle and Robin Wilson Payne
Maegan Payne
Kyle and Robin Wilson Payne
Dr. Linda Hood Pehl
Dan Atha
Mary Lou Robinson
Jennifer Stork Peloquin
Heath Peloquin
Dr. Jodi Pilgrim
Todd and Kelly Kunders
Jennifer Ramm
Mike and Janis Frazier
Penny Renfro
Mike and Janis Frazier
Todd and Kelly Kunders
Ross Renfro
Penny Renfro
Dr. Camille Rex
Todd and Kelly Kunders
Cindy Breaux Roberts
Mary Lou Robinson
Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Rosenblad
Jason Huffman
Jimmy C. Rowton
Conrad Rodriguez
A Race Like No Other continued from page 24
were rerouted at the last minute from Colombia to Albania. We got dropped off in a small, remote town in the coldest part of winter without knowing a single word of the Albanian language.”
Since going to Albania was a last-minute decision, they had yet to make plans about what they would do there. Jacob said they began walking through the town daily telling anyone they approached about the salvation in Jesus. When
Jerry and Ann Secrest
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Pat Lockridge Shannon
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Mary Wilson
Dr. Shawn Shannon
Clint and Melissa Forehand Morris
Cynthia Doherty Shisler
Richard Shisler
Joel and Erin Young Shoemake
Brenda Shoemake
Joel Shoemake
Michael and Liz Ball
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Judy Ashbrook Simpson
Rick and Nancy Ashbrook Hoxworth
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Abby Spurgin
Mark and Betty O’Hair Anderson
Dr. and Mrs. Dean Steele
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Joshua Stewart
Women’s Wednesday Club
Student Foundation
Jeff Sutton
the Lord led them to a soccer field, they met some young men who spoke English. Jacob and his team started building relationships with these people and sharing their life stories.
“By the end of the month, we saw 15 of these young people decide to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior! Training, programs and strategies are great, but ultimately, all God needs is our simple obedience to go out and try.”
Emma Sturdivant
Nevaeh Trevino
Judy Westlake Summers
William Lawler
Jeff Sutton
The Hon. Henry Garza and Cheryl Garza
Rhonda Breaux Troutman
Mary Lou Robinson
CW5 Morris Tyson II US Army (Ret.)
Morris Tyson Sr
Dr. Kris Lowe Ward
Kent and Sherry Elliott
Craig and Megan Hammonds
Riley and Carolyn Allison Owens
Jeff and Lisa May Bennett
Dr. Darrell Watson
Eileen Kennedy
Caroline West
Jerry and Vicky Bawcom
Dr. and Mrs. Raleigh White
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Auja Williams
Sonya Austin
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Woerner
Jim and Jan Lundbeck
Jacob learned countless incredible things during the World Race. One of his main takeaways from the adventure was what it takes to live as a missionary. He also realized that some moments that seem much like an interruption or useless to their “mission” or goal are actually very useful to the Lord. “The beauty and power of God's presence awaits us in these spontaneous moments.”
By Keely Mills
Why I GIVE to UMHB
Morris S. Tyson Sr. Shares Why He’s Proud of His Family’s 104-Year Connection to UMHB
Many alumni know the name Dr. Arthur K Tyson and his legacy as UMHB president from 1954 to 1966. What most may not know, however, is that the Tyson family has been connected with the university for more than 100 years, starting in 1920 at Baylor Female College and continuing today with Dr. Tyson’s son, Morris S. Tyson Sr.
In honor of the 104-year Tyson relationship with UMHB, the 82-year-old recently made a generous donation to two presidential endowed scholarships bearing his family’s name and shared stories about the multi-generational involvement with the college his father once helped save from financial ruin.
UMHB SPOTLIGHT
MORRIS TYSON
kitchen table when they lived on campus.
NEARLY 105 YEARS AT UMHB
Bernia Tyson (President Tyson’s oldest sister) started the longstanding family relationship with Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1920 when the university was Baylor Female College. As a first-year student, Bernia lived at Luther Hall for two years (nine years before it burned to the ground in an earlymorning fire in 1929). She studied here for two years, left for two years to teach school (which one could do in those days without a degree) and later returned to finish earning her bachelor’s degree in 1926. Next came Bernia’s younger brother, Thomas Luther Tyson, who served as a trustee of Mary HardinBaylor College from 1938 to 1949 when he died unexpectedly. Then, Morris’ mother, Arla Irene Ray, attended the school for a year in
At left, Morris S. Tyson Sr. holds a photo of his parents, UMHB President Dr. Arthur K. and Arla Irene Tyson. Above, a photo from the 1964 Bluebonnet yearbook shows Dr. and Mrs. Tyson and their son, Morris, having their daily devotional at their
1939 before leaving to join her younger sister the following year at Baylor University. In 1947, Bernia’s daughter, Bernia Marie Miles, followed in her mother’s footsteps as a student at UMHB and graduated in 1951. Shortly after, the elder Bernia returned to Mary Hardin-Baylor to work on the staff and then faculty, teaching elementary education and retiring in 1968. During her time here, the school hired President Tyson in 1954. When he stepped in as president, the college was in a financial crisis. With only around 200 students, he began working to put measures in place to save the university—increasing enrollment, raising enough money to make payroll and lining up financial aid. One of the first things he did was find the money to pay some professors who had worked for a few months without being paid. He also built Luther Memorial and added the Goodman Gymnasium and Townsend Library.
“In the 12 years dad was there, he made a lot of improvements,” said Morris, who also attended UMHB as a student from 1960 to 1962. Since UMHB didn’t turn co-educational until 1971, Morris left to attend Howard Payne University in his junior year and then Baylor University in his senior year to finish his degree in business in 1964. Morris worked for two years in the insurance business before the U.S. Army drafted him and sent him to the Vietnam War, where he fought in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Like many soldiers serving in Vietnam, Morris was exposed to Agent Orange during his six years of service there. In 2022, when the U.S. Congress passed the PACT Act, which expanded VA healthcare benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances, Morris sent in his paperwork to apply for disability benefits from exposure to Agent Orange.
He waited for months to hear back from the government, and during that time, he experienced a life-threatening health condition that he wasn’t sure he would survive. While in the hospital, Morris prayed.
“I made a deal with the Lord that if I got this money, I was going to give it away,” he said.
When God answered his prayer, and he returned home, he soon received his first disability check and called UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear and said he wanted to place the money in his family’s two presidential endowed scholarships, in the names of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur K. Tyson and Bernia Tyson Miles.
“Christian education is so important,” Morris said. “I am so proud of these two scholarships in memory of my family and am happy to contribute to them.”
Morris has fond memories of growing up on the UMHB campus where he moved with his family as a seventh-grader attending Belton Junior High. Morris recalls witnessing his father’s love and dedication to the university many times. He has many memories of
his father giving money to help students, many of whom came from meager means, with their tuition and fees.
“Every time he would come home from a speaking engagement or preaching at a church or a club and get money from that, he would turn it into the business office with a note to apply it to a particular student’s tuition or fees or whatever they needed,” he said.
After Morris returned from the Vietnam War, he enjoyed an exciting career investing in car dealerships throughout the Southwest and later buying and selling collector cars. He has two children, Morris “Mo” Tyson II and Melodee Tyson, and lives in Georgetown with his son and daughter-in-law, who both recently retired after 30 years with the U.S. Army.
Morris says he is proud of the 104-year relationship with UMHB and that his father played a role in its success today. Even though his father’s name is memorialized on an Independence Village residence hall, Morris knows the money his father gave to help students and the donations he is making now will have an even greater impact—an eternal impact in advancing God’s kingdom—and that is the best reason to give, he says.
“It’s wonderful! I wish I could have done it sooner!”
