HBU.edu/60th President’s Message

here are key moments in life the most valuable experience I had was to encourage upperclassmen to live that call for reflection—thinking listening to faculty and staff as they shared on campus, this state-of-the-art facility about the past and considering what they loved most about the University represented a significant step toward the milestones and turning points and also talked about the pressure points, creating a more residential culture at HBU. Tthat have enabled us to get where we are the day-to-day things that they thought Those early listening sessions led today. Such reflection can especially help needed to be changed to improve the to other important changes, including us learn from our successes and failures, HBU experience for our students. revisions to our student recruiting and plan for the future, and gain the energy we I learned a lot from those sessions, advising processes. These improvements need to seize opportunities for growth in which turned out to be foundational allowed us to enroll and retain larger the days ahead. Birthdays, anniversaries, for what we’ve been able to do in the freshman classes—a critical factor in and the beginning of a new year are all following years, especially the creation fulfilling our mission and maintaining our examples of these opportune moments. of our vision document, the Ten Pillars, financial health. Over time, we also greatly At HBU, the celebration in 2020 of the which has shaped so much of our work expanded our Graduate School programs, 60th anniversary of our founding gives us to this day. After the listening sessions, which led to the fulfillment of another a significant opportunity to reflect on the we began a study to move from a quarter major milestone for HBU—becoming a past as we look to the future. academic calendar to a traditional, two- comprehensive University. This means This issue of The Pillars points to semester calendar. This change proved to that we offer not only undergraduate and some of the important milestones that be very significant, since we implemented master’s-level degrees, but also doctoral have energized positive change at the it in the fall semester of 2008, just in time programs, which continue to excel as they University. There’s much to be thankful for to allow us to recover from the devastation attract outstanding students. as we can see the hand of the Lord upon us of Hurricane Ike and avoid the financial ruin These kinds of changes grew out of HBU’s and celebrate the work of so many people that would have resulted from being on a rich traditions. The University historically over the years—faculty, staff, deans, quarter system. As it was, we were able to has had outstanding leaders, from its donors, vice presidents, presidents, alumni, fulfill the class attendance requirements founders and earliest Board members to trustees, coaches, and students. And as for the semester, and thus, did not lose the its current trustees, and has always had we reflect on their contributions, we can fall term. an adaptive personality—a willingness identify certain key factors of leadership We immediately began also, based to change—and an entrepreneurial spirit. and commitment that have made HBU on those listening sessions, to plan for These characteristics have allowed the the vibrant Christian university it is today. our Honors College, which opened in University not only to adjust to the highly I’ve been asked to reflect upon the topic 2008 and continues to draw exceptional dynamic marketplace that is a rich part of of leadership in general but especially to students to HBU. We also recognized the Houston community, but also to grow point to some of my favorite moments— the need to improve facilities for our in the worldwide marketplace of higher important instances of change—in my 14- School of Fine Arts, which led to the education. I have learned a lot about HBU’s plus years as a member of the HBU family. significant decision to build the University tradition of flexibility since my earliest days A leader new to an institution must Academic Center. The spacious UAC at the University. learn about and appreciate its history and opened in the fall of 2008, as did the new Amid all these developments, we have tradition before trying to effect change. Lake House dormitory, now known as simultaneously and strategically built a When I arrived at HBU in the fall of 2006, the Hodo Residence College. Designed great leadership team involving faculty,

2 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS deans, staff, and other dedicated leaders at a record attendance at HBU. And the program generously supported by Pinky multiple levels throughout the institution. same is true of retention. Those numbers Pampell. We now have more than 1,300 Nothing significant ever happens because continue to improve almost every year, students in our online division, and this year of a single leader. Positive change results thanks in large part to the Student Success we could well pass the 2,000 student mark. from teamwork, and it is gratifying to say staff, the Looper Learning Commons, our Starting this initiative years ago allowed us that the Executive Council members remarkable faculty, and our Student Life to adapt quickly when the pandemic hit last I’m privileged to serve with are the staff. spring and we were forced to offer classes most outstanding of my career in higher We’ve seen major successes in other remotely. Which reminds me of another education. areas as well. For example, because significant change in HBU over recent The same could be said for the faculty of the hard work of our outstanding years—our vastly improved use of digital and staff of the University. The changes Advancement team, not only have we technology all across the University, in every we’ve experienced over the years are now reached the 98% level with respect sphere of our operations and activities. usually not the kinds of things that occur to our capital campaign (the goal is There is so much else to note—and at a certain moment or on a single date. $136.5 million), but we have received I really cannot do justice to it here. Instead, they’ve flourished over time. The over the last seven or eight years three However, I must mention the constantly historic and always growing commitment of the most significant gifts in the history growing strength and influence of our of faculty and staff to the mission of HBU— of the University. Dr. Stewart Morris Alumni Association, the quality (spiritually, through teaching, research, mentoring and his family have always been major academically, and competitively) of our students, and community service—is a contributors to HBU, and they continue NCAA athletic programs, the outstanding significant part of our rich history, and I that tradition to this very day. They’ve been services on behalf of students led by the continue to be amazed at the unity of heart joined by Archie and Linda Dunham, Jim Office of Career and Calling, the many and purpose I see here. That has become and Sherry Smith, and many others. Having life-changing discipleship programs that especially evident in recent days as our these kinds of major gifts has increased fall under the umbrella of Kaleo, and the faculty and staff have been forced to adapt our public visibility, energized significant numerous outreach programs for Houston rapidly to different ways of delivering growth in our donor base of individuals and the world led by different people and

Amid all these developments, we have simultaneously and strategically built a great leadership team involving faculty, deans, staff, and other dedicated leaders at multiple levels throughout the institution. education and fulfilling the University’s and foundations, and led to major steps departments all across the University. work during the pandemic. forward in financial stability for HBU, Finally, I must reflect with thanksgiving As I reflect on my years at HBU, I recall allowing us to offer our students improved on the core convictions of HBU. With all many other developments that have facilities and expanded programming. And of our adaptation and growth, we remain made a huge difference. For example, though I haven’t space here to mention faithful to being a university where we were able—through the leadership other names, we have been generously character, integrity, excellence, honorable of our Board of Trustees—to re-enter the supported by a great host of contributors citizenship, liberty and justice for all, NCAA at the Division I level and then add who have given sacrificially according to virtuous behavior, and religious freedom— football to our athletic programming a and even beyond their means. all generated by our deep roots of faith few years later. These changes have made In the fall of 2018, we added the College in Christ—continue to matter. So many a powerful impact on the involvement of Engineering, which has now merged into universities have lost their moorings and of our alumni and the visibility of the the College of Science and Engineering. have become little more than institutions University nationwide. The amazing $20 million pledge by that homogeneously reflect the prevailing We’ve also experienced days of financial Jim and Sherry Smith toward a STEM culture. At HBU, on the other hand, we challenge, but each of these times of building, representing the largest single not only have adapted and pushed challenge—whether because of Hurricane gift in the history of HBU, is enabling forward with academic excellence and Ike, the Harvey flooding, or the ups and us to move forward boldly with a creative ways of delivering a cutting-edge downs of the economy—has pushed us facility that will support our historically educational experience, but have done so to adapt. We now have a stability, based excellent programs in pre-professional without losing our soul. upon some debt restructuring and other healthcare—pre-med and nursing—as Please continue to pray for us and factors generated by the leadership of well as our new and dynamic engineering support us in your circles of influence. HBU’s Financial Operations team and programs. We now need the help of all HBU makes a huge difference for students Board of Trustees, that has positioned University friends so that we can match this and for us all. the University to have significant financial generous $20 million gift. strength. The University has further expanded its I’ve already mentioned the changes academic offerings—and demonstrated in our student enrollment practices, and its ability to adapt to changing market Dr. Robert Sloan now for the eighth year in a row, we have conditions—by instituting a major online HBU President

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 3 TABLE OF University Presidents and CONTENTS

Key University Leaders. . . . . 4 Their Accomplishments

HBU Growth Through Time ...... 5

HBU Turns 60 ...... 6

Distinguished Professors of HBU ...... 10

Academic Programs. . . . . 12

Student Success & The McNair Center ...... 13

HBU Online Reaches More Learners ...... 14

Conclusion of “Ten Pillars Vision” ...... 16

HBU Is Making Disciples...... 20

History of HBU Athletics ...... 22

Sled Team & Bands ...... 26

International and Veterans Office ...... 27 Dr. William H. Hinton Dr. Edward D. Hodo Dr. Robert B. Sloan President 1962-1987 President 1987-2006 University President Mission Metacognition . . . . . 28 Chancellor 1987-1991 President Emeritus 2006-2016 2006-Present Morris and Smith Families ...... 30 cross six decades of history, Houston Restaurant, the Husky Village Apartments and Baptist University has had only had three the Glasscock Center. Additionally, construction Endowed Scholarships . . . . 31 presidents, Dr. William H. Hinton, Dr. began on the Morris Cultural Arts Center. Edward D. Hodo, and Dr. Robert B. Sloan. HBU’s influential presence in the city of VOLUME 56/NO.4 AEach of them have brought distinct leadership Houston, and its emphasis on faith, continued to The Pillars is the news magazine of styles and have guided the University through be hallmarks of the institution. Houston Baptist University and is times of change, growth and advancement. Dr. Hodo emphasized a strong financial standing, published quarterly . When Dr. William Harwood Hinton was seeing the school’s endowment increase under appointed as the president of then-Houston his leadership. EDITORIAL OFFICE Baptist College in 1962, John F. Kennedy was the Dr. Robert Bryan Sloan assumed leadership The Pillars, Houston Baptist University, president of the United States, and what is now of HBU in September 2006. Since that time, 7502 Fondren Road a bustling Highway 59 adjacent to the campus University enrollment has grown by nearly Houston, Texas 77074 was only a future plan. As founding president, 2,000 students. Dr. Sloan is known for his role in Main: 281.649.3000 Dr. Hinton had the unique task of overseeing facilitating The Ten Pillars Vision, a guide that has Undergraduate Admissions: 281.649.3211 the establishment of academic programs and served to grow the institution academically and in Graduate Admissions: 281.649.3269 traditions that would form the institution for years strategic areas for the last dozen years. During his Alumni: 281.649.3413 to come. presidency, the University has improved physical Update your address and subscription With a dedicated board, faculty and staff, Dr. building assets and added important new ones preferences at HBU.edu/PillarsMail. Hinton envisioned what the 200 empty acres including the Morris Cultural Arts Center, the Hodo could be. During the following 25 years, HBC Residence College and Belin Tower. POSTMASTER: Send address morphed into HBU, a distinguished university in an HBU returned to Division I athletic competition changes to The Pillars, Houston international city with about 2,600 students. and expanded athletic programs. The school Baptist, University, 7502 Fondren Road, Dr. Edward D. “Doug” Hodo, the second president became a comprehensive university with the Houston, TX 77074 of HBU, served as a University leader for almost addition of three doctoral degree offerings. The To update your address or 20 years. During his tenure, the school’s physical University launched the Pampell Online Division unsubscribe, please plant was expanded with the important additions in 2017, enabling more learners to benefit from call 281-649-3413 or email of the Hinton Center, the Baugh Residential HBU’s unparalleled education. [email protected].

4 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS The Nature of the Institution he Houston Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and the perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. Founded under the providence of God and with the conviction that there is a need for a university in this community that will train the minds, develop the moral character and enrich the spiritual lives of all people who may come within the ambit of its influence, HOUSTON BAPTIST TUNIVERSITY shall stand as a witness for Jesus Christ expressed directly through its administration, faculty and students. To assure the perpetuation of these basic concepts of its founders, it is resolved that all those who become associated with Houston Baptist University as a trustee, officer, member of the faculty or of the staff, and perform work connected with the educational activities of the University, must believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible, both the Old Testament and New Testament, that man was directly created by God, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, as the Son of God, that He died for the sins of all men and thereafter arose from the grave, that by repentance and acceptance of and belief in Him, by the grace of God, the individual is saved from eternal damnation and receives eternal life in the presence of God; and it is further resolved that the ultimate teachings in this University shall never be inconsistent with the above principles. –Preamble to the Bylaws of HBU, Amended by the Board of Trustees February 22, 1974

Houston’s Population Growth Houston’s growth has been consistent for the past century. The city has grown from just over 44,000 people in 1900 to the more than 2 million it is today. The greater Houston area comprises more than 7 million residents!

HBU’s Record Growth In America’s Fourth-Largest City

4000 3963

3500

3160 3000

2727 2597 2500 2519

2296 2256 2209

2000 1996

1500 1520

1143 1000

624 500

239 0 1963 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 HBU Graduates as of December 2020: 23,101 Alumni

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 5 HBU Turns 60 A Conversation with Dr. Don Looser

ew people have a richer history with Standard that a Baptist college was opening Houston Baptist University than Dr. in Houston,” he said. Don Looser. His involvement and While still a graduate student in 1962, he attachment with the University began interviewed for a faculty position at the newly Fat the institution’s inception and carried formed Houston Baptist College, which would on throughout the years. He authored the not accept its first students until 1963. In the comprehensive book, “An Act of Providence: fall of 1964, he joined HBC as an assistant A History of Houston Baptist University,” professor of music. At that time, there were published in 2010. A treasure of knowledge only freshman and sophomore classes in and a champion of the University, Dr. Looser the new school. He initially taught piano and well remembers the decades that formed organ and accompanied the College Singers. the school. “We didn’t have any athletic programs A native of Lufkin, Texas, Looser ventured yet, so the Singers were used to raise the as a college student to Rice and Baylor visibility of the new college in the community. universities, and then on to Northwestern The first year, we performed 105 concerts University in Chicago for his master’s all across the city. Because many were for degree in music. While there, he learned of noon meetings of service clubs, the students a new Baptist institution being planned. “My unfortunately were out of class a lot,” Looser dad sent me an article out of the Baptist said.

1957 1960 Houston developer Following several Frank Sharp offers to years of work by sell 390 acres of land HBU’s founding near the Southwest fathers, and pledges Freeway to the Union of support, Houston Baptist Association Baptist College is College Committee chartered

6 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS HBU Turns 60 A Conversation with Dr. Don Looser

The initial group of HBC students were hallway in the administration building. “We ownership from your own creative brand particularly invested in the school, Looser worked closely with one another to ensure on it.” remembers. They had taken a risk in students would have the best curriculum The critical-thinking skills required in the trying a completely new higher education and academic experience. The College curriculum helped develop students who institution. As a result, they are among the required a double major and three years of were especially capable. Graduates were most supportive alumni. “It’s intriguing why interdisciplinary courses taught by teams impressive, earning high acceptance rates students elected to come because there of faculty. The degree program, capped in graduate school and medical school. was nothing for them to see when they off by two senior seminars, was innovative. “The students were extremely literate in were being recruited. At first, there was no Those first students credited these every sense of the word. They were broadly campus, no curriculum, no faculty, and no interdisciplinary courses as some of the versed and competitive.” Hard work and student organizations; it was just bare dirt. most valuable aspects of their education,” the dynamic relationships with coworkers They were really pioneers,” he said. “The he said. Faculty members worked together and students stand out from that time. same is true for the faculty that first came to write curriculum and sequence four In 1965, Looser became engaged to – they were operating on faith.” Most had years of degree programs. “Everything was Elsa Jean Albritton, a member of the come from positions of leadership at their new; you inherited nothing,” Dr. Looser said. College English faculty. “I was thrown in the previous colleges. “There were no forms, no word processing, quadrangle fountains just like the rest of the Like their students, faculty members also and nothing like email or cell phones – it young guys who got engaged,” Dr. Looser shared a special bond. Looser describes was telephone and typed notes. When said. “We were the first faculty couple their offices as virtual closets lining a you’re a pioneer, you have a sense of to marry.” (In recent years, the beautiful,

1962 1963 Dr . William Harwood Houston Baptist College Hinton is named accepts its first class and the first president welcomes the Rev . Billy of Houston Baptist Graham for the inaugural College; construction convocation; the Reuben begins on the Brown Philips College for Men Administrative and the Rebecca Bates Philips College for Complex Women open

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 7 commemorative Looser Fountains were a grandfather, he felt fulfilled when he gather both a historical and engaging built in the Bettis Quadrangle honoring his reviewed the decades of his life and account of the school’s history. He kept his many years of service.) service. However, there was one project extensive research notes in Excel format In 1967, the Loosers both took a year’s that he couldn’t get off his mind. He wanted to facilitate access by future staff and leave for Don to begin his doctoral study. to record the history of the University. researchers. He earned his doctorate at Florida State Looser states in the epilogue to his book, Dr. Looser wrote “An Act of Providence” in University while Elsa Jean was a member “I felt we needed a written history. It had chronological order with the color of many of the English faculty there. He returned been such an intensive 50 years. It was a stories infused. “The book is detailed and to HBU as assistant to the president for timely opportunity – integral people were encyclopedic because we wanted it to be Academic Affairs, charged with laying the still around to be interviewed, and the a reference to be used,” he said. “I tried to groundwork for curricula and developing mantle came to me because I was virtually support everything in the book by crediting long-range plans for campus facilities. In the last man standing. Dr. Hodo and I both sources of origin. Moreover, I wanted to one of his most lasting contributions to the felt the history needed to be written. He make it a reflection of recorded history University, Dr. Looser composed the music was a strong advocate for that, and then Dr. rather than my own personal perspective.” of the alma mater to a text by Dr. Hinton. Sloan made the research and publication True to history, there were moments in the Throughout the course of his tenure at HBU, possible.” University’s timeline that were challenging Looser filled several roles supporting the At his retirement as academic vice – financial shortfalls, disappointments, University. He served as the founding dean president, Dr. Looser was named vice personnel issues, ideas that didn’t pan out of the College of General Studies, then vice president emeritus of the University by – and moments that gave voice to multiple president for Administrative Affairs, and the Board of Trustees. He stayed on at the perspectives including those of alumni, finally, vice president for Academic Affairs University with Dr. Sloan for three years to faculty and board members. “There were from 1983 until 2007. thoroughly research and write the history negative things that happened, but the Around the time that former president, of the University. He conducted interviews, ultimate purpose was to relate them in a Dr. Doug Hodo, prepared to retire in 2006, combed through yearbooks, student way that one can see the positive outcome Dr. Looser was also near retirement. Now newspapers, and committee minutes to later on,” he said. “We’ve occupied a

1964 1967 The Frank and Lucille President Hinton Sharp Gymnasium awards the first 59 and the Atwood diplomas to the I building are graduating class dedicated of Houston Baptist College

8 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS Don’t miss this beloved HBU tradition!

2021 HBU Spirit of Excellence Gala Celebrating HBU’s 60th Anniversary Thursday, November 11, 2021 On HBU’s Campus

Benefitting both the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty and the HBU Fund, the Spirit of Excellence Gala will honor pillars of the HBU community – University friends and benefactors. Tim Tebow will be our keynote speaker. He is a not only a world-class athlete but an effective Christian spokesman. unique place in the city. I think the people who have been a part of the campus have a very special kind of relationship and joint Spirit of Excellence Award commitment.” The finished book, published in 2010, is Esther Wong exceptional. Providing an enjoyable read and an important account, Dr. Looser captures the spirit of the University that President’s Award continues to carry its mission today. “I think Colonel Newton Cole the title describes the creation and history of the school. It was providential. We’ve Dr. Barbara Taylor-Cox ’81 & Ray Cox ’81 had very specific spiritual direction and a statement of mission from the outset of the institution based on the clarity of Houston Baptist University Legacy Award the original founders about what they The Joella & Stewart Morris Family Foundation wanted to build,” he said. “I do think fondly about our earliest trustees and our first faculty and staff. I have such respect for them because they committed to an idea Sponsorship information is online at HBU.edu/spiritofexcellence. and came here to invest themselves. I For additional information, email [email protected], really entertain that thought frequently. I don’t think they would be surprised at or call 281.649.3049. all to see how the University has grown and developed enormously from its beginnings. And still, it is a family.”

1968 1969 The Moody Library Dr . Stewart Morris Sr ., founding father, and Joella opens Morris give 10 granite pillars to the University; the statuesque pillars were salvaged from the historic Galveston County Courthouse that survived the hurricane of 1900; Mingo becomes the University mascot

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 9 Distinguished Professors of HBU

rom the earliest days of out who love Jesus and we aren’t just contributors to their respective fields HBU history, the University trying to send out students into the of study; many are internationally has drawn professors who world who are excellent in their field. recognized ”. are not only academically We have to have faculty who are Dr . Rhonda Furr, Professor of Music Fdistinguished and accomplished in capable of being that themselves . and University Organist, is known for their fields, but are known for their They are excellent in their field and her love for students and her broad care for students . HBU professors are love the Lord ”. musical expertise . “One of HBU’s professionals, scholars, authors and Adjunct professors play an greatest qualities is a faculty that artists in their own right who share important role as well, Covington said . cares about each individual student,” their expertise to educate and mentor “Not many private institutions are she said . “Teaching is relational! I HBU students . Their dedication to the located in a large metropolitan area . have devoted my life to learning how Christian faith is just as important as We’re able to bring in professionally to effectively engage students in their subject-area expertise . qualified adjuncts who bring such their journey of growth, learning, and Rita Tauer, Associate Provost for depth of experience,” she said . creating. In the final analysis, I ask Academic Operations, said it is partic- Dr . Craig Evans is known beyond myself if I have helped each student ularly notable how HBU professors academia for his work as a New to make the most of their God-given incorporate faith in learning . “We Testament scholar . He teaches in the talents and opportunities . My highest have a broad spectrum of Christian Master of Divinity Program offered honor is their success ”. faith traditions represented . Our through HBU’s Houston Theological Small class sizes allow professors professors have managed to Seminary program . Dr . Evans has to better reach and connect with integrate faith into their classrooms written hundreds of articles, and students, Dr . Taiya Fabre, Associate across disciplines,” she said . “They published more than 80 books . Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the have to have a love for students too; He’s appeared in and contributed College of Science and Engineering, they get to know our students and it to about 100 documentaries and said . “The family atmosphere of HBU makes a big difference.” news programs, which have reached is one of its biggest assets . The faculty The University goes through a millions of viewers . One of the most not only mentor students but other thorough process to select professors well-known television projects in faculty as well, which enhances the who are the best fit for HBU. “When which he participated is “The Bible” HBU experience,” she said . “I look for we’re interviewing faculty, we ask miniseries . professors who are excited about the them the hard questions up front,” “I make available to our students mission and vision of HBU and who will Tauer said . “We want somebody who the opportunity to study in Israel, serve as role models to students . This is prepared to be accountable ”. participate in archaeological exca- allows students to obtain, not only a HBU Director of Assessment and vations, and view and study ancient great education, but a reaffirmation of Compliance, Lisa Covington, said, manuscripts,” Evans said . “HBU faculty – and sometimes first-time exposure “We aren’t just trying to send students are accomplished scholars and to – the Christian faith ”.

1971 1973 Memorial Hospital The institution’s (Hermann) name is officially announces the changed to Houston purchase of a tract Baptist University; of land on the five academic southwest side of colleges are formed campus

10 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS Dr. Greggory Keiffer ’96 MBA ’97, learning content,” Sharp said . returned to HBU to teach after two “Students don’t just graduate with a decades in the corporate world . He degree, but are invited into a lifelong is the Interim Dean for the Archie W . community of learning together Dunham College of Business . He with their professors and fellow and many other professors bring classmates . As a result, we’ve seen business acumen to the classroom . collaborative projects in the public “That experience enables me to marketplace of ideas come out of present our academic business this unique HBU community ”. concepts in multiple lenses with Dr. Jeff Green, HBU Graduate tangible connections to the ‘real School Dean, said Christian world,’” he said . principles and broad opportunities Biology Professor, Dr . Jackie for study are part of HBU’s winning Peltier Horn, said professors’ formula . “An HBU education is professional connections benefit special because we robustly their students . “I was trained in the integrate faith in our curriculum,” he The Piper Professor Program Texas Medical Center and was a said . “Additionally, our curriculum predoctoral fellow at MD Anderson is comprehensive . For example, honors outstanding Texas faculty Cancer Center; I continue to nurture in the Graduate School, we have members who are known for their these relationships . I have served programs in nursing, fine arts, teaching abilities, their subject- as president of the MD Anderson business, ministry, philosophy, matter expertise, service, and UT Health Graduate School of education, counseling and many their scholarship . There are 10 Biomedical Sciences Alumni group,” others ”. awardees in the state of Texas she said . “I serve on career panels, While many aspects of HBU draw annually . HBU professors have speaking to the graduate students students, it’s often the professors been among the top 10 educators about teaching as a profession . who make the difference, said Dr. in the state seven times! This also gives me an opportunity Kristie Cerling, Associate Dean HBU PIPER PROFESSOR: to discuss our students with the for the College of Education and 2020 graduate school dean and work Behavioral Sciences . “Professors Levon Hayrapetyan to find opportunities for them. It sacrifice personal time to follow also reminds the graduate school up and to work with students . that we are a place to find good As I walk across campus, I see 2008 students . Our students have the professors meeting one-on- Linda Brupbacher opportunity to know the faculty as one with students – sometimes people who care about them and they are discussing academics, 1991 their life goals . We pray for them, sometimes a new game that came Doris Warren celebrate their accomplishments, out, and sometimes a spiritual and encourage them to use their matter,” she said . “A student gifts from God ”. recently shared that a professor 1982 A leader, author and ministry offered prayer and problem- Marion Webb founder in the field of Christian solving help during a difficult time apologetics, Assistant Professor in the student’s life . The student 1976 Mary Jo Sharp brings unique told me she transferred to HBU Marilyn Sibley insights to students . Learning at for the excellent academics and HBU has benefits that last long the personal care that professors after a student graduates, she says . display . Professors are committed 1972 “We greatly value collegiality to the growth of learners, and I Joyce Fan and community in our programs, know students are given every alongside the excellence of the opportunity to succeed at HBU ”. 1970 Calvin Huckabay

1975 1976 A $1 million grant The J .E . and L .E . from the Cullen Mabee Foundation Foundation paves the provides a grant to way for the Cullen construct The Mabee Science Center Teaching Theater

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 11 HBU Academic Programs

UNDERGRADUATE Family Studies (BA) Mathematics (BS) Social Studies (4-8) with Teacher DEGREES AND MAJORS Finance (BBA) Mathematics (4-8) with Teacher Certification (BS) Graphic Design (BFA) Certification and ESL (BS) Social Studies (7-12) with Teacher Accounting (BBA) Certification and ESL (BS) Great Texts (BA) Mathematics (7-12) with Teacher Allied Health (BS) Certification and ESL (BS) Spanish (BA) History (BA) Biblical Languages (BA) Medical Humanities (BA) Spanish (EC- 12) with Teacher History (7-12) with Teacher Biblical Studies (BA) Certification (BS) Certification and ESL (BS) Music (BA) Biochemistry-Molecular Biology (BS) Studio Art (BA or BFA) Interactive Media and Digital Design Music Education Biology (BS) (BFA) • Instrumental (BME) Theological Studies (BA) Chemistry (BS) Interdisciplinary Studies • Vocal/Keyboard (BME) Vocal Performance (BM) Christianity (BA) • Business (BA) Music Theatre (BM) Writing (BA) Christianity/Divinity (BA-MDiv) • Humanities (BA) Nursing (BSN) Cinematic Arts (BFA) • Math & Science (BA) Organ Performance (BM) GRADUATE DEGREES Classics (BA) International Business (BBA) Philosophy (BA) Master of Arts in Apologetics Computer Science (BS) Keyboard Performance (BM) Physical Science (7-12) with Teacher • Philosophical Apologetics Emphasis (MA) Criminal Justice (BA) Kinesiology Specialization in Sport Certification and ESL (BS) Cyber Engineering (BS) Management (BA) Physics (BS) • Cultural Apologetics Emphasis (MA) EC-12 Art with Teacher Certification Kinesiology Wellness Management Piano Performance (BM) Master of Arts in Biblical Languages (MA) (BS) (BS) Political Science (BA) Electrical Engineering (BS) Kinesiology with EC-12 Physical Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Practical Theology (BA) (MA) Elementary Education (EC-6) Education Teacher Certification (BS) Pre-Law/Legal Studies (BA) Master of Arts in Christian Leadership • With All-Level Special Education Latin (BA) Pre-Professional Art Therapy (BA) (MA) Certification and ESL (BS) Life Science (7-12) with Teacher Psychology (BA) Master of Arts in Christian Psychology • With Bilingual Certification (BS) Certification and ESL (BS) Psychology (MA) • With ESL (BS) Management (BBA) • Christian Counseling Tracks (BA) Master of Arts in Classics and Early English (BA) Managerial Studies • Marriage and Family Track (BA) Christianity (MA) English, Language Arts & Reading • International Business (BA) RN to BSN (BSN) Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health (4-8) with Teacher Certification and • Marketing (BA) Counseling (MA) ESL (BS) Science (4-8) with Teacher • Management (BA) Master of Arts in History (MA) English, Language Arts & Reading Certification and ESL (BS) Marketing (BBA) Master of Arts in Human Services (7-12) with Teacher Certification and Science (7-12) with Teacher Counseling ESL (BS) Mass Media Arts (BA) Certification (BS)

1977 1978 The Master Marilyn McAdams of Business Sibley, former professor and department chair, Administration publishes an early history program, the of HBU: “To Benefit a University’s first University: The Union graduate offering, Baptist Association begins College Property Committee, 1958-1975”

12 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS Student Success Department Helps Your Students During College and Beyond HBU.edu/StudentSuccess Startup Starts Here! The McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise Academic Success Center Success Coaching at Houston Baptist Tutoring, Coaching, Study Individual Coaching for Student University was founded in 2016 by The Robert and Janice Facilities Learning Outcomes McNair Foundation . The Center’s mission is to educate capable people in the foundations of entrepreneurial leadership and free Academic Advising TRIO Student Support enterprise – including teaching and modeling the principles of Advisors for Degree Services individual responsibility, limited government, and principled Requirements, Campus Program for First-Generation, entrepreneurship . Resources and Vocational Low-Income or Disabled Offering a Master of Science in Management and Interests Students Entrepreneurship (MSME) and providing key local business mentorship to budding entrepreneurs are key components of Summer Launch Office of Career & Calling the McNair Center . Prepares Learners for the Helps Connect HBU Students Learn more at HBU.edu/McNair Rigors of College & Alumni with Employers

• Addiction & Recovery (MA) • Biblical Language (MDiv) Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA) • Crisis Response and Trauma Care (MA) • English Language (MDiv) Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA) • Human Sexuality (MA) Master of Education Master of Liberal Arts - General (MLA) • Marriage and Family Track (MA) • Bilingual Education (MEd) Master of Liberal Arts - Accelerated (MLA) • Military and Veteran Care (MA) • Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) Master of Liberal Arts with Specialization • Professional Life Coaching (MA) • Curriculum and Instruction with 7-12 Certification • Education (4-8 or 7-12) (MLA) Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MA) (MEd) • Education (EC-12 Art, Music, Physical Education, or Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA) • Curriculum and Instruction with Certification in Spanish) (MLA) All-Level Art, Spanish, Music or Physical Education Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling • Education (EC-6 Core) (MLA) (MEd) • Addiction & Recovery (MA) Master of Science in Human Resources • Curriculum and Instruction with Certification in Management (MS) • Crisis Response and Trauma Care (MA) EC-6 and Special Education (EC-12) (MEd) Master of Science in Kinesiology Specialization in • Human Sexuality (MA) • Curriculum and Instruction with Certification in Sport Management (MS) • Marriage and Family Track (MA) Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies (4-8) (MEd) Master of Science in Management and • Military and Veteran Care (MA) • Curriculum and Instruction with EC-6 Bilingual Entrepreneurship (MS) Certification (MEd) • Professional Life Coaching (MA) Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Master of Arts in Philosophy (MA) • Curriculum and Instruction with EC-6 Certification Practitioner (MSN) (MEd) Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) Master of Science in Nursing – Pediatric Nurse • Curriculum and Instruction with English Language Practitioner (MSN) Master of Arts in Psychology Arts and Reading Certification (4-8) (MEd) • Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (MA) Doctor of Education in Executive Educational • Curriculum and Instruction with Specialization in Leadership (EdD) • Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (Re- Instructional Technology (MEd) specialization) (MA) Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership in • Educational Administration (MEd) Mental Health and Human Services (EdD) Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA) • Educational Diagnostician (MEd) Doctor of Education in Special Education Leadership Master of Business Administration • Higher Education – Business Management (MEd) (EdD) • Accounting (MBA) • Higher Education – Christian Studies (MEd) *This list is as of December 2, 2020 • Entrepreneurship (MBA) • Higher Education – Counseling Specialization • General Management (MBA) (MEd) • International Business (MBA) • Higher Education – Educational Technology (MEd) • Marketing (MBA) • Professional School Counseling (MEd) HBU.edu/Majors • HBU.edu/Admissions • Organizational Development and Change (MBA) • Reading with Reading Specialist Certification (MEd) [email protected] • 281.649.3211 Master of Divinity Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

1983 1984 The Atwood II Construction building opens; HBU begins on the Cullen junior Rickie Thompson Science II building becomes the first NCAA to accommodate National Champion in growth University history by winning in the high jump competition

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 13 HBU Online Poised to Reach Even More Learners

Houston Baptist University has been identified as one of the best online Christian graduate schools in Online Christian Colleges’ recent ranking.

he proliferation of online program in the ’70s, and HBU partnered with area businesses allowed the University’s education has meant an even Memorial Hospital (now Memorial Hermann highly regarded graduate business greater opportunity for HBU to Hospital) for its nursing program training. program to reach local professionals with reach learners eager to obtain The Southwestern Baptist Theological courses at the places of their employment. Ttheir degrees. Even before anyone had Seminary of Fort Worth established a Professors taught from the HBU studio, and ever heard of online education, HBU branch on HBU’s campus around the same students in satellite locations responded demonstrated a willingness to reach time. in real time. A courier van driver delivered students outside of its regular reach. In the early 1980s, HBU offered selected books and papers to participating students In the early 1970s, HBU partnered with graduate classes through East Texas and picked up completed assignments. area school districts to offer a concurrent Baptist College, the University of Mary A partnership with North Harris Montgom- program in which high school seniors could Hardin Baylor, Howard Payne University, ery Community College in the ’90s, served enroll at HBU and complete their senior Wayland Baptist College, Bergstrom Air students in the north Houston area with an year of high school and their freshman year Force Base and Reese Air Force Base. HBU education. In that period, the University of college at the same time. In the same decade, HBU began produced television programming for the Dynamic partnerships continued to telecasting graduate courses through the Trinity Broadcasting Network. shape HBU. Local media professionals Texas Region IV Educational Service Center Today, the University maintains partner- helped develop a mass media degree Network. And an innovative partnership with ships with school districts in which local

1985 1986 The Glasscock A new campus entrance Gymnasium is is constructed on dedicated Fondren Road using stately columns and architectural elements formed from the same Texas granite as the 10 columns given by the Morris family

14 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS educators may earn graduate degrees at University knowledge in online education amazing instructors,” he said. “The online their district site with the help of a visiting proved especially useful when the COVID-19 program works wonderfully for me. It is set HBU professor. Students in The Academy at pandemic forced HBU to move nearly 800 up in a way that anyone can use it. I have HBU earn college credit during high school. residential classes to remote delivery in definitely made the right choice in schools, And theology students may learn from one week. The time emphasized the need not only because of the great instruction, Second Baptist Church campuses, to name for digital programs for career professionals but also because of the way the school has a few programs. and traditional students alike. been able to help me grow my faith even in These examples of innovative approach- es and community partnerships have HBU Online Student Enrollment been HBU’s characteristic approach for 1500 decades. In recent years, it was clear to 1434 HBU leadership that an online format was 1200 needed to continue to serve students near and far. HBU President Robert Sloan’s vision 1141 was to carry on HBU’s distinctive approach 900 to educational excellence in a far-reaching 830 way. 600 By 2016, HBU had dabbled in the online format, and Dr. Sloan assembled a task force 465 300 to study opportunities to reach learners through a major digital education initiative. 69 The same year, Houston philanthropist Pinky 0 Pampell gave $5 million for the planned 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 expansion of HBU’s online academic “The last year has presented challenges the short time I have been attending HBU.” platforms. for everyone that have only reinforced the Kirbi Kidder of Stephenville searched for In February 2017, Dr. Steve Peterson and need for flexibility and convenience for a criminal justice program and saw an ad Dr. Jay Spencer joined the University as VP students as they pursue their education,” for HBU. “I requested more information on and Associate VP, respectively, for Online/ Peterson said. “With our online degree the school, and from my very first phone Digital Learning. The two had a combined opportunities, many students have been call, I knew this is where I belong,” she nearly 50 years in higher education, and able to continue uninterrupted work toward said. “Everyone was so great and genuinely success operating and expanding online their degree or begin working on a new helpful through the whole admissions programs at Liberty University. degree, despite these challenges.” process.” “At the time, HBU had a few programs The Online Division makes learning and Kidder plans to become a police officer online and less than 60 online students,” degree completion easier for learners like and investigator. “I am a busy single mom Peterson remembers. “The Pampell Online Marisa Mullens of Tomball. She is earning a of three small children, and I work full-time. Division established an organized online degree in psychology. Online education gives me the flexibility and digital learning department that could “My biggest reason for going back to to complete my classes at night or on manage marketing, enrollment and online college was a pull from God. When looking weekends,” she said. course development at HBU. In its inaugural for a college, I wanted a school that believed HBU Online now offers 26 programs of year, HBU Online enrolled over 300 students in me and what I stand for, and that I could study, including two doctoral degrees. and established almost 16 programs of believe in as well. HBU’s mission statement Peterson said, “The launch of the Pampell study. From the beginning of HBU’s online and focus on Jesus Christ as Lord is what Online Division and expansion of our initiative, the goal was to provide the same ultimately helped me decide where I wanted program offerings would not have been quality faith-based education that occurs to earn my degree,” she said. “The online possible without the generous donation of on campus in an online format. The Pampell format works the best for me. I work 40- Mrs. Pinky Pampell in 2016. HBU intends Online Division partnered with deans and plus hours per week and need the flexibility to continue our work in developing and faculty members to create high-quality, online gives me.” expanding our online program to honor her rigorous, eight-week online courses. The Dalton Houser of Katy is completing a vision for the University through continued goal was to serve a student population that Bachelor of Business Administration in academic excellence and the preservation needed flexible class schedules to earn Management degree to help further his of our Christian values that set HBU apart their degree.” career. from other institutions.” The Pampell Online Division continued to “I was very nervous about returning to HBUonline.com grow and serve students in Texas, the United school after a 15-year hiatus, but I was set [email protected] States, and even around the world. The up for success with a great program and 1-855-428-1960 1987 1989 Dr . Edward Doug The former men’s Hodo is named the gymnastics team second president of becomes #1 in the HBU nation in NCAA competition

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 15 University Reaches Conclusion of Ten Pillars Vision Period

hen Dr. Robert Sloan people to associate HBU with the arts, Kingdom of Christ and what part we could became the HBU president with culture, as a place of debate and play in our calling as a University.” in 2006, he brought his intellectual undertakings.” Charles Bacarisse, Vice President of visionary leadership. Dr. Sloan hosted forums in which Major Gifts for HBU, was drawn to the WThe University was nearing its 50th faculty, staff, alumni and supporters University in 2008 precisely because anniversary, and several years into the shared their ideas. “Anybody connected of the vision outlined in the Ten Pillars. new century, Dr. Sloan and others felt it to the University had the opportunity to “Hunter handed me a copy of the Ten was time to set a fresh course for HBU’s come to those meetings and people did. Pillars Vision and he said, ‘Read this. If continued success and growth. Creating There was a great deal of interest,” Baker you can’t get excited about coming to a University vision was proposed – one said. “Dr. Sloan and I would madly take HBU after you’ve read this, you don’t which would chart a path to 2020. It was notes.” need to be here.’ That was a Friday. I took a year that seemed a distance away, but From the conversations, Baker boiled that document home and read it over one that would be a significant point in the key topics to nine to 10 main themes. the weekend and was so enthralled,” history. “Then I started thinking about the campus Bacarisse said. “I followed my wife Dr. Hunter Baker remembers that time and there’s the 10 columns, the 10 pillars around the house reading parts of it. well. He joined HBU as a Director of on campus,” he said. “And I thought I could not get over the fact that an Strategic Planning, Special Assistant to maybe these themes that have come out academic institution would create such the President, and an Assistant Professor of the meetings are the ‘Ten Pillars.’” a strong declaration of principles and a of Political Science, in 2007. The season With a back-and-forth exchange of guidepost for where we want to go as a followed a time of paring down in ideas with Dr. Sloan, the points were Christian institution. I could so appreciate University history. Practical needs had completed. They included addressing what this vision was calling the University been the focus for a time, Baker said. academics, the arts, the surrounding to accomplish.” Dreaming big again took a shift. community, the centrality of Christian Like for Bacarisse, the Vision served Baker, now Dean of the College of faith, recruitment, the Houston community to inspire potential faculty and staff Arts and Sciences for Union University, and more. The final version was adopted members, students and supporters. remembers, “Dr. Sloan had this vision by the HBU Board of Trustees in February The tenets provided the outline of what that HBU could really determine what 2008. success would look like, and how the it means to be a Christian University in “I looked at it as an adventure,” Baker University would reach further than it ever a major US city. Another big thing was said. “It was a tremendously exciting time had. It gave an outlet for the giftings and to make the University sort of a cultural to take some of the first steps toward interests of employees, students, alumni center for Christians in the city for the future and to think in terms of the and friends.

1990 1995 The former women’s Groundbreaking gymnastics team ceremonies are earns a national held for the Hinton championship Academic Center, a new centerpiece of the campus

16 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS University Reaches Conclusion of Ten Pillars Vision Period

CHALLENGES, SUCCESSES AND program, and the development of The are being formulated. LOOKING AHEAD Pillars retail area adjacent to campus. The Bacarisse said of the Ten Pillars Vision: No one foresaw how necessary a results of the vision are quantifiable in “It was an aspirational vision when we guiding vision would be to light the way some areas, but immeasurable in others, adopted it and it remains aspirational forward for the University like a beacon in as HBU has grown in influence in the today. It doesn’t really expire. It calls us to a storm. A few months after the Ten Pillars Houston community and beyond. big things. We are amazed at what God Vision was made official, Hurricane Ike tore The Ten Pillars Vision proved to be much has done as work has begun on the next into the Houston area and damaged the more than a collection of ideals. “A lot of vision.” HBU campus. For a time, the iconic Brown times people put together a university Ritamarie Tauer, HBU Associate Provost Administration Building was no longer a vision and you go through the exercise and for Academic Operations, said, “Our current central gem of campus, but an uninhabited you make a big hullabaloo and it’s over,” 10 Pillars Vision has done a beautiful job eyesore surrounded by a chain link fence. Baker said. “But this one has been used as of guiding the University over the past Other areas of campus had to be repaired. a guide and a direction to strive toward. I 12 years. I am eager to see the results of Bacarisse remembers, “It really think the University has made progress on the research done to prepare the new impacted our recruitment of students and every single one of the points. University vision going forward.” really challenged the HBU community. We The vision is the spirit of the place: ‘This While no one can perfectly imagine the were first hammered by Ike, and then the is what we want to be, this is what we’re future, leaders are creating a plan that world economic crisis hit. We had these striving toward. If you also want that, then bolsters the success of HBU, students and amazingly challenging headwinds, but we come and join us.’ I think several people alumni, and continues the success of a never lost sight of the vision in the storm. were drawn by the vision and still are.” University 60 years in the making. I give tremendous credit to Dr. Sloan and In October 2019, the University compiled “Houston is a special place to run a the University leadership.” the results of the accomplishments toward Christian university,” Baker said. “There’s a Some of the results of The Ten the Ten Pillars Vision in the last dozen lot of big cities in America where the city Pillars implementation included the years. The results were telling; major would not necessarily be that supportive of establishment of the Honors College, the strides were made in every area. a school like HBU, but I think that Houston realization of the University Academic With so much to celebrate, University really has been ever since the beginning. I Center to house fine arts, the recruitment leadership again visited the idea of a think HBU is much more well-known now of world-class faculty members, the new vision for 2020 and beyond. In the than it was before the Ten Pillars Vision implementation of doctorate programs, fall of 2019, Dr. Sloan again held listening was enacted. I think the University has the reentry of athletics into Division I status, sessions to determine what the future of made progress on every single one of the the start of a football and beach volleyball HBU will look like. Plans moving forward Vision fronts.”

1997 1998 A groundbreaking The Bible in America for the Baugh Center Museum (now the is held; students Dunham Bible move in the newly Museum) opens to constructed Husky the public Village Apartments on campus

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 17 1999 2001 The “Legacy Evening General Norman with Lady Margaret Schwarzkopf is the Thatcher” brings the featured speaker former prime minister of for the Spirit of Great Britain to HBU; the M . Catharine Mest Wing Excellence Dinner is added to the women’s dormitories

18 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 1: BUILD ON THE CLASSICS • Change of core curriculum (Smith 8: EXPAND OUR COMMITMENT TO THE College to Liberal Arts Core The Ten CREATIVE ARTS: VISUAL, MUSICAL, Curriculum) AND LITERARY • “Expanding online learning offerings Pillars Vision • UAC Art Studios and Galleries for the core curriculum as well as • MCAC and outside groups utilizing full undergraduate and graduate the space degree programs” Attainments • New Academic programs include n Initiation of Distance Education n Drama in summer 2013 BM Music Theater (fall 2019) n Pampell Online Division launched n Filmmaking in fall 2016 BFA Cinematics Arts (fall 2015) n Creative Writing 2: RECRUIT FOR NATIONAL INFLUENCE MFA Creative Writing (fall 2019) • Diverse student population 4: ESTABLISH A RESIDENTIAL SOCIETY • New undergraduate and graduate • Increase in national recruiting OF LEARNING degrees in fine arts • Larger endowed scholarship fund • The Hodo Residence College 1. BFA Graphic Design (fall 2019) • Honors College established • Faculty-in-Residence 2. BFA Interactive Media and Digital • Services for First-Generation • Java City Design (fall 2017) Students • Wireless capabilities 3. BFA Cinematic Arts (fall 2015) • Academic Success Center 4. BA Mass Media Arts (fall 2015) 3: EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE OF established • Writers Conference CHRISTIAN GRADUATE EDUCATION • NCAA Division 1 Sports • Launched School of Engineering • The addition of football and beach 9: CULTIVATE A STRONG GLOBAL n Launched in fall 2018 with a BS in volleyball FOCUS Cyber Engineering, BS in Electrical • Bradshaw Fitness Center • Veteran & International Student Engineering, BS in Computer Center established Science 5: INCREASE OUR CULTURAL IMPACT • China Trip • Professional training in: THROUGH OUR FACULTY • Formation of the McNair Center for n Ministry • Faculty publications, performances, Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise 1. MA Classics and Early Christianity and artistic endeavors • “Missions Major” (spring 2019) • Sabbaticals MA in Intercultural Studies began 2. MA Christian Leadership (fall • Trips to National Conferences fall 2019 2016) • Academic Centers established on • Growth of mission trip opportunities 3. Master of Divinity (spring 2016) campus n Various Fine Arts 1. Center for Christianity in Business 10: MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL AS AN 1. MFA Creative Writing (spring 2. Center for Exploring Ministry Careers INSTITUTION 2020) 3. Institute of Christianity and • Growth 2. MFA Screenwriting (spring 2020) Scholarship n Number of students n Healthcare 4. Morris Family Center for Law & Largest freshman class and highest 1. Master of Science in Nursing (fall Liberty enrollment in University history 2017) n Increase in faculty 2. RN-BSN (fall 2015) 6: RENEW OUR CAMPUS, RENEW OUR n Number of graduate programs n Education COMMUNITY As of fall 2020, 40 graduate 1. MEd Higher Education (spring • Landmark: Belin Tower programs 2017) • The Pillars Shopping Center n Number of lectures on campus 2. Doctoral Programs (see Pillar 10) • Morris Cultural Arts Center, Hodo • Doctoral Programs n Psychology Residence College, and University 1. EdD Executive Educational 1. MA Christian Psychology fall 2019 Academic Center all completed Leadership (fall 2016) 2. MA in Human Services Move to the Next Level with Counseling (fall 2018) 7: BRING ATHENS AND JERUSALEM SACSCOC 3. MA in Pastoral Counseling (fall TOGETHER 2. EdD Special Education Leadership 2017) • Apologetics Growth (fall 2018) 4. MA Marriage and Family Therapy 1. MA Apologetics (spring 2013) 3. EdD Mental Health and Human (fall 2017) 2. HBU Apologetics Conference Services (fall 2019) (This list of attainments is not comprehensive) 2002 2005 The iconic Ornogah HBU is Ranked yearbook wins first place with distinction from the among “Best Associated Collegiate Press, Universities” offering the Texas Intercollegiate Press master’s degrees in Association, and the Baptist Press Association, as well the Western Region as a silver medal from by U .S . News & the Columbia Scholastic World Report Press Association

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 19 HBU Is Making Disciples

ince HBU’s founding in 1960, the the Gospel with others. Colette Cross, Director of HBU Discipleship, Christian mission of the University Sammy Ramos ’04 is the Founding and along with faculty, who influenced him has been inseparable from the Lead Pastor of Cistern Church in southwest toward faith as a college student. academic component. HBU Houston. He explains what discipleship “My time at HBU helped solidify a Founding Father Dr. Stewart Morris, means to him: “Discipleship is the intentional foundation of faith that I had received from SSr. said, “I have believed in HBU throughout process of submitting our lives to the my parents and home church growing my life as being a Christian university righteous rule and reign of King Jesus. It up,” Ramos said. “My faith was not only where students get a great education, and involves everything from how we think challenged and strengthened, I was also are encouraged to love the Lord and their about God to what we do in our everyday given numerous opportunities to put my country.” lives,” he said. “Discipleship includes reading faith into practice.” From the beginning, he wanted to help Scripture and great books, but it’s so much Shannon Rutherford ’03, is now the ensure that HBU was, and would continue more. Discipleship really comes to life in the Director of Baptist Student Ministries for the to be, a Christian institution where “Jesus context of community, with brothers and University of Houston. At HBU, Rutherford Christ is Lord.” He said, “Every staff and sisters in Christ fully devoted to becoming was a Christianity and psychology major, faculty member has to accept Jesus Christ the people God created us to be.” was involved in the BSM and other and believe the Bible. I was so determined At HBU, Ramos majored in Christianity and organizations, and served as a chaplain to set and keep that standard.” music, and was involved in several student intern. The relationships she formed helped But more than just adherence to the organizations including the Baptist Student carry her through her own challenges. Christian faith, University leadership, faculty Ministry and the Ministry Leadership Council. “I owe so much of my foundation as a and staff have endeavored to create He remembers staff members like Saleim minister to my time at HBU. The education disciples who would live faithfully and share Kahleh, University Associate Minister, and I received was of the highest quality.

2005 2006 (Continued) US Dr . Robert Bryan Representative Sloan is named the J .C . Watts speaks third president of at the Spirit of HBU Excellence Gala

20 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS Professors poured their knowledge and wisdom into my life, and they Kaleo shaped the way I thought about the world and about God,” she said. “Even more than the educational gain, I learned how to be a minister Discipleship through their constant care and outpouring into my life. During my sophomore year I was diagnosed with cancer. The Lord surrounded Q&A with me with an amazing community who prayed for me and walked with me through it.” Colette Cross Now Rutherford inspires others. “I have the opportunity to work with an amazing staff and student-led team who are seeking to share the HBU Gospel with and make disciples of the 47,000 students who attend UH. We do that through outreach, Bible studies, worship, discipleship Director of groups, activities and mission trips,” she said. “Each day is unique in what we do and who God calls us to meet or invest in. UH is the Discipleship second-most diverse university in the US, so we get to minister to the world by walking across the street or hosting students at our building. What is the history and mission of Kaleo The best part of ministry is seeing college students come to know Discipleship at HBU? Jesus and grow in their faith. What was ‘entrusted to me’ at HBU, I now In 2015, HBU began a cross-campus initiative to further get to ‘entrust to others.’” integrate the University’s mission statement that “Jesus For Mark Edworthy ’83, the biblical calling to make disciples took Christ is Lord” into every aspect of campus activity, culture, him across the world. During his time at HBU, Edworthy was a track and process . Through a generous three-year grant given athlete, soccer player, cheerleader, and served in several Christian by Terry and Doris Looper, HBU began to focus a large organizations and at church. portion of student programming and engagement on “Being at HBU helped me with scriptural foundations, challenged personal relationships meant to further enhance student me, and it was a stage in life transition. I learned a lot about leadership,” development through a continued focus on helping he remembers. students understand the purpose of Christ in education Edworthy and his wife, Susie, went on to earn degrees at Southwest and everyday life . This initiative had three elements: a) Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. After serving in a church, an updating of the first floor of the Moody Library into a they joined the International Mission Board and they and their three learning commons space designed for student community young children moved to Poland in 1991. They served in Europe, learning and spiritual formation; b) providing resources that focused Polish and Czech, planting churches and supporting missionaries. on spiritual formation and vocational spiritual integration for In 2020, the Edworthys returned to Texas. Mark is working with students, faculty and staff; and c) an intentional focus on CityRise as a Network Director and teaches at HBU. student spiritual growth as well as leadership development . “A disciple is one who patterns his life after his master; you know you are a disciple when you are making disciples,” Edworthy said. What are the programs and activities “Discipleship is not knowledge-based, it is obedience-based. associated with Kaleo? For Tiffany Charles, HBU Assistant Director of Campus Visits and An annual Student Life Leadership/Discipleship Events for Undergraduate Recruitment, being a disciple means being Retreat; intentional discipleship with students, faculty and a servant. She teaches a women’s Bible study at HBU. staff; access to Biblical-based study resources; mission “It’s not my words or my opinions that impact the lives of others. It’s opportunities; individual/group Bible studies; Covenant me knowing the Word of God, coupled with my personal experiences Fellows, a scholarship program for students in Christian- in God, that has changed the course of the lives I’ve encountered in related majors; and much, much more! discipleship. It has challenged my prayer life, study life, as well as brought me to another level of accountability,” she said. “I love what I How can people support Kaleo Discipleship? do, and I have seen lives changed for the glory of the Lord.” As we celebrate the joys of God’s work through Kaleo, we Lesli Fridge, Assistant Professor of Education, said, “In an informal are grateful for the generosity of the Loopers and the Looper manner, I feel like I disciple all my students through prayer and Foundation . College is a time when students make decisions devotion in each class. I include Christian worldview assignments in that affect their future and eternity. If you are able to share the syllabus and I openly talk about my relationship with God and in this celebration of God’s work through discipleship on our share personal testimony as appropriate. I like to encourage others to campus, please go to Give to Kaleo: HBU .edu/GiveKaleo become involved in discipleship opportunities at HBU. Take advantage Please know that we are grateful for you . of the freedom you have to share Christ with others!”

2007 2008 The Joella & Stewart Dr . Sloan and the HBU Morris Cultural Board of Trustees adopt Arts Center, with the “The Ten Pillars,” a 12-Year vision for the future of the Dunham Theater University; the University and Belin Chapel, is Academic Center and dedicated; the Honors Hodo Residence College College begins (formerly the Lake House) open

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 21 History of HBU Athletics By Russ Reneau

season under Gerald Myers, who would go on to have success as both a head coach and athletic director at Texas Tech. Then, HBU made the jump to NCAA Division I for the 1973-74 campaign. HBU had some exciting players during the early days, including Eddie Brown, who remains the school’s all-time leading scorer. Brown was inducted into the Hall of Honor and has since been joined by teammates Jim Skaggs, brothers E.C. and Mack Coleman, and Robert Paige, who would go on to be drafted to the NBA by the Golden State Warriors and enjoy a long career as a Harlem Globetrotter. The program had not experienced much Men’s Basketball 1983-1984 team success until a young Gene Iba came to town. The son of longtime Tulsa BU fielded its first program found different ways, but it’s never been head coach Clarence Iba and nephew when it suited up a men’s less important with any of our steps along of legendary Oklahoma State and US basketball team for NAIA at- the way.” Olympic head coach Henry Iba made large competition for the “Dr. Sloan, having come from Baylor, his own mark when he led the Huskies H1963-64 season. Since then, the Huskies where they were in the midst of big-time to the 1980-81 Trans America Athletic have added programs, lost programs, college athletics, certainly understands Conference (TAAC) regular-season title. reclassified – four times – and changed the value of having an athletic department Three years later, HBU would be put on conferences on more than a few occasions. that is representative of your university the national map by winning its second Today, HBU fields 17 NCAA Division I sports and can get the name of your university TAAC regular-season title, then finishing programs, competing in the Southland out there on a wider basis – getting the job it had started by also claiming the Conference full-time since 2014, as well as publicity that you couldn’t possibly buy,” conference tournament championship the Western Athletic Conference in men’s Director of Athletics Steve Moniaci said. and advancing to the school’s first-ever soccer since 2013. “Of all the presidents I’ve worked with NCAA Tournament appearance. The 1983- The history is certainly interesting over the years, obviously, he’s far and 84 Huskies squad was led by HBU Sports and definitely worth celebrating as the away the most supportive of athletics Hall of Honor inductees Anicet Lavodrama, University turns 60. Much of the credit and understands Division I athletics, more Boone Almanza, Terry Hairston, Matt goes to the leadership that understood the than anybody I’ve ever come across in England and Fred Goporo, then the entire importance of athletics in building school a president’s role. If he wanted to be a team was inducted in 2014. spirit and camaraderie. Division I athletic director, he would be Around that same time, a lad from “HBU Athletics has been fortunate to an absolutely great one, and there would Scotland named Colin Montgomerie found have three presidents (Dr. William Hinton, be no learning curve. You can’t say that his way to the HBU men’s golf team. He Dr. Doug Hodo and Dr. Robert Sloan), all about most college presidents.” would lead the Huskies to three-straight of whom were tremendously supportive TAAC Championships and the first three of of athletics and what it could mean to the THE EARLY YEARS five-straight NCAA Championship berths. University,” Ron Cottrell, Associate Athletic Men’s basketball was the only varsity Montgomerie would go on to become Director and James Sears Bryant Head program at first, with others competing one of the most decorated European Men’s Basketball Coach, said. “We’ve at the club level. Dr. Ed Billings was the professional golfers in history and PGA had administration that, from the very athletic director at HBU from 1966-90, Hall of Famer, who is still competitive on beginning, were unbelievably supportive providing stability as times continued to the PGA Champions Tour today. and allowed for athletics to be what it is change. The Huskies reclassified from “Back in the 80s, from my seat at Rice, today. It’s grown, molded, changed and NAIA to NCAA Division II for the 1967-68 we thought of HBU as, in many cases,

2009 2010 Construction is Former President George completed on the W . Bush speaks at the Spirit of Excellence Gala; $1.5 million Sherry Dr . Don Looser, Vice and Jim Smith President Emeritus, Letourneau Organ in publishes “An Act of Belin Chapel Providence: A History of Houston Baptist University, 1960-2010”

22 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS to-back TAAC championships in 1984 and THE NAIA DAYS 1985 by All-Americans Carlos Gil and Jorge Cottrell began the rebuild of the men’s Cruz. HBU had very successful men’s basketball program with the 1991-92 and women’s gymnastics programs that season, then would also serve as athletic began competing in 1977, the men’s tennis director from 1994-2009. He is now the program competed from 1977 to 1989 and fifth-longest tenured among active head the women’s tennis program competed coaches in NCAA Division I basketball as from 1979 to 1986. he embarks on his 30th season this winter, The Huskies’ track program provided and is HBU’s all-time winningest basketball one of the school’s all-time memorable coach with 491 career victories. performances as Ricky Thompson “I was grateful to have the opportunity won the high jump at the 1983 NCAA to be part of the program – I was young Championships, becoming HBU’s first and excited to be a head coach and to be national champion. back to what I considered to be my home The men’s gymnastics team had several growing up,” Cottrell said. “To be at a faith- All-Americans, including Paul O’Neill, who based school that really agreed that what won the national championship in the rings we could do off the court mattered as much Colin Montgomerie 1983-1987 in 1987. HBU was one of the top programs as what we could do on the court was big better athletically than we were, with the in the country, achieving a No. 1 ranking in for me. To see us kind of restructure the exception of not having football (at the 1988, but NCAA rules violations eventually department and bring sports back slowly time),” Moniaci, who previously spent 26 led to the dissolution of the program. The and establish our name at the NAIA and years as Senior Associate Athletic Director women were also very successful, with the become national powers at that level in all at Rice University, said. “There were many 1990 team claiming a Division II national the sports that we had was tremendous. years HBU’s basketball team was better championship and the entire team being “We were a small department at the than Rice’s, the track team was on par inducted with the inaugural Hall of Honor time, but we slowly grew it; the support and the tennis team was competitive. The we had to be able to be successful at that baseball team always gave Rice a good level was great. Our coaching staffs were game every time they played. From the all very, very close. We were all young, gymnastics standpoint, HBU was national working together and making a way for caliber and the golf team was much better our sports, so that was a lot of fun. I’m very than Rice’s. In a number of areas, they were happy to see where we were able to take much more competitive than we were it from when I first came to when we made there, and when you thought of HBU, you the step to Division I.” thought of its athletic department. Living After the first two campaigns, Cottrell in Houston, I didn’t know much about guided HBU to 14-straight winning HBU other than their athletic prowess and seasons, 11 20-win seasons, two 30-win success in several sports.” seasons, and coached 15 All-Americans. The men’s golf program was the second The Huskies won the first of nine-straight sport on the scene, as it began competition Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) in 1966, followed by the women’s golf championships in 1998 and advanced to program in 1973. In the early days, Bob the NAIA National Tournament. HBU had Seligman earned two berths to the NCAA its best season in 2002-03, as Cottrell was Championship (1971 and 1974), then Ken named the national coach of the year. Led Kelley earned a berth and finished sixth by national player of the year Rod Nealy, at the 1982 NCAA Championship. Sherry who averaged 28.9 points per game, the Donovan, Stephanie Farwig and Debbie Caroline Pierce 1982-1986 Huskies went 31-3 and were ranked No. 1 Skelly were the core leaders of six-straight in the country, before being upset at the AIWA National Championship appearances class in 1997. NAIA National Tournament. from 1976-81 on the women’s side. Following the NCAA rules violations, Volleyball also had a tremendous run Caroline Pierce became the first female to the athletic department took a year hiatus in the RRAC, winning nine-straight titles, qualify for an NCAA Championship in 1984, from varsity competition, then rebooted including eight undefeated conference turning in an 18th-place showing. and returned as an NAIA program in 1991. seasons, and garnered eight individual All- During the 1980s, HBU sponsored When the Huskies returned to play, they America honors. In 2002, the Huskies went 10 varsity sports. Men’s soccer began fielded four programs – men’s basketball, 47-3 overall and advanced to the NAIA competing in 1979 and was led to back- baseball, softball and volleyball. National Championship match, finishing

2011 2012 HBU is fully Pulitzer Prize- admitted back winning columnist, into NCAA Division I Dr . Charles Athletics membership Krauthammer, and announces speaks at the Spirit of acceptance into Excellence Gala the Southland Conference

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 23 the campaign ranked second in the nation. baseball coach with 387 victories. Moon led “I thought it was great for us to be in the Husky alumna and Hall of Honor inductee the Huskies to an appearance at the 2007 Great West, because it gave us the ability Kaddie Mahoney Platt was the head coach NAIA World Series, just prior to the move to to play for a championship, even when from 1995-2011 and posted 499 career NCAA Division I. we were going through the transition and wins. Women’s basketball was added for also helped get our name out nationally – Softball has been led by head coach the 1999-2000 season and experienced we were playing in New Jersey, we were Mary-Ellen Hall since 1992. She enters her immediate success with a 25-9 record and playing in Utah, we were playing in Chicago, 30th season in the spring and is HBU’s all- the first of seven-straight RRAC titles. The we were playing all over the country, so the time winningest coach, in any sport, with Huskies had eight players earn all-America HBU name was being taken into homes in 817 career victories. She led the Huskies to honors during the NAIA era. Additionally, places where we had not been otherwise,” nine-straight RRAC titles from 1999-2007. two-sport standout in women’s basketball Cottrell said. “I think that helped all of our Laura Hess was named the national pitcher and volleyball, Elinor Smith, and men’s recruiting. All of us benefitted from that of the year in 2004 and was one of 18 All- basketball’s Charles Fordjour were and the name got out there quicker than Americans during that era. inducted into the inaugural RRAC Hall of it would have if we had just jumped right Fame in 2020. into the Southland right off the bat. Then, “When I got here, they were tremendously I think the right move was made to get us successful at the NAIA level and I think that into a regional conference, where we could helped with the transition,” Moniaci said. develop rivalries with the schools that are “There was an expectation of winning and in Texas and Louisiana, so I think that’s all of our sports were fully scholarshipped. been important for us as well.” It wasn’t like we were going from Division III, While in the Great West, the men’s golf we had people who dealt with scholarships team won the first team championship in and knew how to give scholarships – all of 2009. The women’s golf team then won that was in place. four-straight championships from 2010 “The biggest initial hurdle was starting to 2013, with Gaia Olcese claiming the the necessary number of sports and, individual title in 2010 and Kelsey Lou-Hing unfortunately, bringing a lawsuit against winning in both 2011 and 2013. Women’s the NCAA to get them to uphold what it soccer claimed a conference title in 2010, had written in its handbook. Once we got with softball following with a championship over the hurdle of meeting the minimum in the spring of 2011. Volleyball won a share number of sports to meet NCAA standards of the GWC regular-season title in current for Division I, then it became a matter of head coach Trent Herman’s first year putting in the correct processes that you at the helm of the program in 2012. The have to be a Division I athletic department men’s golf program moved to the America and follow all of the rules. As I told Dr. Sloan Sky Conference and won the league’s when we first visited about this, is the two championship in 2013 to advance to the areas that can get you in trouble are either NCAA Championship, the first postseason in your medical area or rules compliance, appearance by an HBU program since 1988. and so we agreed we would have to be Baseball won the last-ever championship well-staffed in those two areas. One of the the Great West held in 2013, before the main reasons we do what we do is to create league dissolved. a positive image for the University, so you Steve Moniaci became the athletic don’t want to take any risks in generating director in 2009, continuing HBU’s transition negative publicity.” back to NCAA Division I, but would soon lead the Huskies into a new era. Rod Nealy 2002-2003 RETURN TO THE NCAA “Entering the Southland, from the With HBU moving back to NCAA Division beginning, was probably our goal being Baseball won nine RRAC championships I competition, came the return of the men’s right in the middle of the footprint of the between 1998 and 2007 and had 25 All- and women’s soccer programs in 2006, conference,” Moniaci said. “Having the America selections. Former HBU catcher followed by the men’s and women’s golf ability to get in was huge and it was just as and Hall of Honor inductee Jared Moon programs and the men’s and women’s significant that they told us they would not has been at the helm of the program since cross country and track and field programs take us without adding football. 2006, heading into his 16th season this in 2007. The Huskies competed in the Great “As I’ve said all along, if you are a spring, and is HBU’s all-time winningest West Conference from 2007-2013. university in Texas, in Houston, and you

2014 2014 Legendary coach (Continued) The first- Lou Holtz speaks ever home football at the Spirit of game is played in Excellence Gala Husky Stadium on Dunham Field; the McNair Plaza is constructed

24 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS are not playing football at some level, the shortened, four-game 2020 season, people want to know why. If you’re not he threw for 1,833 yards, 15 touchdowns, playing football, you’re not going to be in only one interception, and nearly led the much of the ‘water cooler’ conversations Huskies to an upset of Texas Tech. His in the office on Monday morning and that’s 458.3 passing yards per game were on important for the visibility of the University. pace to set the FCS record. While it’s taken us a while to get to the For all of its success on the field, HBU level of competitiveness that we would has also prided itself in standing out have liked to see on day one, I think we’re academically. HBU won the Southland there now, and I think every one of our Conference Academic Award four-straight sports is competitive within our conference times from 2016 to 2019. The Huskies and has a chance of winning a conference have also had 15 CoSIDA Academic All- championship.” Americans, the highest academic honor When HBU joined the Southland in the nation, with 10 of those since HBU Conference in 2013, football was added joined the Southland. and officially began competing in the “I’ve been so pleased to be a part of league in 2014. Men’s soccer also moved seeing what’s has happened at HBU to the Western Athletic Conference in through the years,” Cottrell said. “It’s 2013. Beach volleyball, now HBU’s 17th tremendous to have seen it as long as I’ve program, began competing in 2016 and the seen it and see it become what it is today, Southland Conference added the sport to Kaitlin Smith 2017-present but knowing all the steps along the way its championship lineup in 2020, although championship Saturday in back-to-back we’ve been very successful at every level its first championship was canceled due to seasons in 2017 and 2018. Tyler Depreta- and everywhere and had tremendous the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson won the ABCA/Rawlings Gold student-athletes that have represented Glove Award as the nation’s best defensive our University in a great way.” shortstop in 2018. Women’s golf captured back-to-back Southland Conference Championships in 2017 and 2018. Lexi Brooks won the individual title in 2017 and Kaity Cummings won in 2018. With the 2018 title, head coach David Shuster, who has led both the men’s and women’s programs, won his eighth Women’s Soccer 2016 conference championship since HBU returned to Division I. Women’s soccer knocked off top-seeded In 2019, Denim Rogers finished seventh Stephen F. Austin, behind the goalkeeping in the decathlon at the NCAA Outdoor of Tournament MVP Patty Walrath, to claim Track & Field Championships to claim HBU’s first-ever Southland Conference All-America honors. In 2020, Kaitlin Smith team championship and advance to the won the gold medal in the pentathlon at NCAA Tournament in 2014. The Huskies the Southland Conference Indoor Track then added a second title in 2016, with & Field Championships and Chris Welch Allison Abendschein scoring the lone entered the NCAA Indoor Track & Field goal in a 1-0 victory, again over SFA, in the Championships ranked sixth in the nation championship match to earn MVP honors. in the triple jump, before the event was Baseball set an NCAA record with four canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseball 2015 complete games by its starting pitchers In its short history, the football program at a conference tournament to win the has produced three all-Americans, with The history of HBU Athletics continues 2015 Southland Conference Tournament the late Garrett Dolan earning back- to be written every day. After enduring an championship. The Huskies shut out to-back honors in 2016 and 2017 and unprecedented shutdown and several Sam Houston, 6-0, behind the pitching national sacks leader Andre Walker and of this year’s sports moving to the spring, performance of tourney MVP Curtis Jones. Gamar Girdy Brito in 2019. Preseason All- 2020 and 2021 are sure to have their own HBU came out of the loser’s bracket to America quarterback Bailey Zappe has interesting chapters to add to the Huskies’ advance to the conference tournament’s set every passing record at HBU and in story.

2015 2016 HBU dedicates the Belin Wall Street Journal Tower, named for Dr . & columnist Peggy Mrs . J . Bruce Belin, Jr .; HBU announces the Archie W . Noonan speaks Dunham College of Business, at the Spirit of named following a $15 Excellence Gala million gift from Christian business leader Archie Dunham and his wife, Linda

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 25 HBU Sled Team an Focus and Refuge Important HBU Tradition Bands Lead Worship n the spring of 1969, the University welcomed its first mascot, Mingo, a tudents in HBU’s Focus and Refuge bands fluffy Samoyed. Later, in 1999, HBU was gifted with its first-ever Husky, a have the important job and privilege of leading dog named Wakiza “Kiza.” At her passing in 2010, HBU welcomed Kiza II, students and others into adoration and praise and at Kiza II’s retirement, the school brought in Kiza III in late 2017. of God. The two campus worship bands have IKiza is a regular around campus, interacting with students and visitors, and Sbecome an integral part of Spiritual Life and the campus appearing at sporting and recruiting events. She’s captured many hearts with community at HBU. her warm demeanor. Integral to her care is the HBU Sled Team. Refuge is the official HBU worship band that plays at The Williams and Trozzo families established an endowment for the care convocation and other HBU functions. Focus plays for of the University mascot several years ago. Jared and Payne Trozzo have Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) on Thursday nights, continued the program to honor the memory of their mother, Dawn Trozzo, and for outreach events such as church Disciple Nows. in collaboration with their father, Clay Trozzo, MBA ’96, and grandparents, Dr. Refuge is comprised of a violinist, guitarist and rhythm Diane, ’93, and Stanley Williams. The scholarship program supports students guitarist, bass player, keyboard player, drummer, and who serve on the Sled Team in the mascot program. vocalists. Focus includes lead and rhythm guitarists, a “Back in May of 2020, I took over the role of head musher from Carissa percussionist, a keyboard player, and vocalists. Hadsell. Since then I have been taking care of Kiza. During the semester I Nathan Mahand HBU Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) am responsible for making sure Kiza goes to events, goes on walks, attends Director, oversees the bands, but he emphasizes that vet and grooming appointments, etc. I participate in the Sled Team because the talented groups are student-led. “It adds an element I enjoy seeing the students and faculty interact with Kiza. With how close of student identification with what’s going on onstage Kiza is to myself and my family, we think of her less as the HBU mascot and that wouldn’t be there if it was faculty or staff-led, or more as a member of our pack. I think that Kiza’s significance is twofold. On directed by someone from the outside,” he said. one level, I know that many of my fellow students are missing their dogs Junior Abigail Rodrigue serves as a current keyboard throughout the semester, and seeing Kiza reminds them of home. On another player and vocalist for Focus. “There is a special level, I think that Whit Goodwin, Associate Provost for Student Life, phrased connection I think between the student congregation it well when he said that Huskies are hard-workers, good-natured, and smart and the bands,” she said. “The bands are made up of – meaning they accurately represent many of my fellow students at HBU.” students that we see every day. They are people like you – Nathan Ewest, Head Musher and me. Through these bands, HBU shows that it does not matter what your background, major, or appearance HBU.edu/Sledteam is, we all have a heart to pursue the Lord.”

2016 2017 (Continued) HBU offers its first HBU launches the doctoral program, the Doctor of Education in Executive Pampell Online Educational Leadership, making Division, named for HBU a national, comprehensive university; the McNair Center benefactor Pinky for Entrepreneurship and Pampell Free Enterprise, named for philanthropists Janice and Robert C . McNair, is established

26 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS International and Veteran Student Services Assist Students tudents have unique journeys to HBU. The University “The staff of the HBU Veterans Affairs Office always put your welcomes students of diverse regional, educational needs first. The staff has walked me through the process of and experiential backgrounds. Among HBU’s treasured transitioning to college life and has given me a home away students are veteran and international students, who from home. They have given me a space to grow my character Senrich HBU. and helped me through the process of class scheduling and Shannon Bedo, Director of International and Veteran Student organizing,” Harrington said. “My plans are to continue to work Services, directs the office as it serves the needs of these specific alongside veterans and help them transition to civilian life after student groups. “In my role, my duty is to help international and service and to open a business to put my community to work. veteran students; however, many times, they actually minister I will use the skills I’ve learned at HBU and in the military to to me,” Bedo said. “They have life and cultural experiences that become a servant leader in my community.” bring a unique perspective to the classroom and campus life.” International student Seraphine Muthoka is also earning a The department assists students with needed paperwork degree to better serve others. The Nairobi, Kenya native chose including international visas, Department of Veterans Affairs HBU because of its faith component and its Doctor of Education Applications for Benefits, and more. The department works with in Executive Educational Leadership program. students to connect them with other HBU departments and with After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kenya, and resources to help them succeed. serving in a supervisory role at a bank, Muthoka sought out a Students like Antonio Aranda come to HBU via an untraditional program that would further her leadership capabilities. Muthoka

Antonio Aranda Seraphine Muthoka Cody Harrington

route. Aranda enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 and served in decided upon HBU, and worked with the HBU International roles including as a field artillery cannoneer, an embassy guard Office to help her enroll and transition. Now, she is thefirst in Cuba and Columbia, and as a helicopter crew chief. international HBU EdD candidate. “While serving overseas at two different embassies, I got to see “There are so many things I want to do with my doctorate,” how the State Department and other agencies interacted with Muthoka said. “The person you are when you start a doctorate its host country,” Aranda said. “I got interested in international is not the same person you are when you finish. It’s supposed to relations and figured I better learn how my own government make you a better person; every day you’re learning something. works before I try and understand another.” Also, it makes me a better mother to my daughter. I wanted to At HBU, Aranda studies political science. “I really enjoy the open up my mind to possibilities in the world and to motivate work ethic of the HBU staff and professors,” he said. “Their women back in my country and here in America.” willingness to work with me as a veteran has been a great Muthoka interns in the HBU International Office where she is experience thus far. They’re approachable, professional, patient working on graduate assistant programs that would help HBU and appreciated.” better compete with other university programs. She’s also Biblical studies major Cody Harrington chose HBU’s Christian paving the way for other international students after her. approach to education to earn a degree in biblical studies. He “I think God predestines us for places, Muthoka said. “I think enlisted in the US Army in 2004 as an airborne mechanic, served HBU chose me. I think God predestined me for this exactly at in Alaska, and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Harrington the right time.” is now the chaplain of the Husky Veterans Association and is a HBU.edu/Veterans team leader for the Navigators ministry of HBU. HBU.edu/International

2018 2018 “Fixer Upper” (Continued) Sherry and star Chip Gaines Jim Smith, Sr . provide $20 million toward the speaks at the Spirit of construction of classroom Excellence Gala and laboratory facilities to be utilized by the College of Science and Engineering and the School of Nursing and Allied Health

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 27 HBU to Embark on “Mission Metacognition”

BU endeavors to produce by assessment to improve student “I am very proud graduates who are know- learning. They want you to get down in of the new QEP ledgeable in their fields and the weeds on a particular need that will who are well-rounded citizens impact students directly, and it needs to as I firmly believe Hand lifelong learners. While improving be measurable. Sometimes you start with the trajectory of students’ lives, University something that’s too broad, but we must do that improved leadership is also committed to continually something in which quantitative measures metacognitive learning improving and becoming more effective at of improvement can be seen.” serving students. A Quality Enhancement For the first QEP requirement in 2012, skills will help many Plan, required of institutions by SACSCOC HBU submitted “Writing for Wisdom” to the (Southern Association of Colleges and accrediting body. The organization directed more of our students Schools Commission on Colleges), HBU’s HBU to focus the program in specific classes be successful in their accrediting body, carries HBU’s mission and areas in order to better target the plan’s even further. goals. Over the next several years, HBU courses, and that they Ritamarie Tauer, Associate Provost for implemented the program, helping grow Academic Operations, said the SACSCOC students’ abilities in writing organization and will even help those requirement for a QEP is that the topic be grammar. who are doing well to a result of each university’s assessment The difference between student writing of institutional effectiveness. The QEP is pre-tests and post-tests was marked, Tauer get to higher levels of centered on an area that stretches standard said. “We had students say they couldn’t emphases and creatively improves the get over the improvement in their writing.” learning.” education that students receive. One student wrote concerning the program, – Dr. Saul Trevino, “From my perspective, they’re looking to “This course has helped my writing more Associate Professor of Chemistry put some pressure on institutions to focus in this single semester than all my years of Member of the QEP Implementation on a real issue related to student learning. high school combined.” Committee That’s why they make the implementation Lisa Covington, HBU Director of five years – that’s a long time,” Tauer said. Assessment and Compliance, said the “The focus is on a real need as identified results were encouraging. The first QEP

PTIST U BA NI N VE TO R 2019 S S 2020 U IT A ceremonial O Y HBU celebrates 60 H groundbreaking is held years and record- for the Morris Family setting enrollment, Center for Law and Liberty along with academic thanks to a more than 6060 $10 million gift from the program growth A N Joella and Stewart HI IO GH T Morris Foundation ER EDUCA

28 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS helped the University understand what While each of the seven proposals had processes worked well. unique strengths, the committee believed “Having authored “It’s beneficial when we can clearly the concept of learning how to learn is so part of the original measure a difference between when foundational to students’ achievement students come in and when they leave,” that it was a clear direction. The QEP QEP plan, I am very Covington said. “We are making sure Development Committee put together students are getting the educational “Mission Metacognition,” a QEP that would proud of ‘Mission components they need.” assist students in receiving, understanding, Metacognition.’ The SACSCOC accreditors were impressed retaining and retrieving important inform- with the “Writing for Wisdom” results ation. Importantly, the curriculum is QEP Development too. They chose the program to be a QEP applicable for both in-person and remote example in their resource room and asked learning. Its measures of success include and Implementation Tauer to present on the program at a increased student retention, pass rates and Committees have done conference. graduation rates. With a successful initial QEP experience, Whaley explains, “Online modules that a great job shaping the Tauer assembled a second QEP teach the metacognitive skills described Development Committee in the fall of in Bloom’s Taxonomy, the learning QEP into a campus- 2018 that would serve as a cross-section of approaches described in ‘The Study wide program.” the University. The Committee members Cycle’ popularized by Dr. McGuire’s book, – Dr. Lisa Ellis, were Dr. Brenda Whaley, Chair of the and ideas of growth mindset will be used Assistant Professor of Biology Committee, SACSCOC Administrative to convey the curriculum in Freshman Chair of the QEP Action Plan Assessment Officer, and Professor of First-Year Experience classes. This will be Subcommittee Biology; Vicki Alger, Assistant Professor supplemented with in-person instruction of Psychology; Allyson Cates, Director from faculty when class size permits in of Graduate Admissions; Chris Hartwell, high D, F, W (drop, fail, withdrawal) classes. Assistant Professor of Cinema, Media Arts Follow-up assignments that reinforce and Writing; Page Hernandez, Director metacognitive skills will be assigned in What is a Quality of Alumni Relations; Jean Tarrats-Rivera, courses where the ‘Mission Metacognition’ Projects and Reports Analyst in the curriculum is taught. HBU students will Enhancement Plan? Registrar’s Office; Dr. Hannah Wingate, receive a consistent message concerning QEP, or Quality Enhancement Associate Professor of Biology and Faculty metacognition, the study cycle, and growth Plan, is a plan of action to Assembly President; and students Taylor mindset. Student Success coaches will also improve student knowledge, Kollmorgen, Jessica (Tran) Nguyen, Sidney reinforce this information when meeting skills, attitudes, values or Salazar and André Walker. with students. Finally, student tutors in the Abehaviors, or to impact the student The committee called for submissions Academic Success Center will be trained learning environment and student for the University’s second QEP in the to utilize this information during student success . spring of 2019. Campus constituents were tutoring sessions.” SACSCOC (Southern Association of asked to submit ideas for a project that A QEP Implementation Committee will Colleges and Schools Commission on would improve student learning outcomes help pilot the project in the fall of 2021 Colleges) defines the QEP as an integral and student success, and would serve to before its official launch in the fall of 2022. component of the reaffirmation of bolster the University’s next accreditation From there, “Mission Metacognition” will be accreditation process and is derived from reaffirmation. RFPs (Requests for Proposals) applied for the following five years. an institution’s ongoing comprehensive came in from across the University, “We’re thankful for everyone who has planning and evaluation processes . It reflecting ideas ranging from speaking to worked to formulate this plan and we look reflects and affirms a commitment to finances that would address an identified forward to its results in the years to come,” enhance overall institutional quality and need among the learning population. Tauer said. effectiveness by focusing on an issue Of the seven proposals the institution considers important to that came in, two of them improving student learning outcomes especially stood out to and/or student success . the committee. They were based upon Saundra Yancy A QEP has the following characteristics: McGuire’s books, “Teach • A topic identified through ongoing, Students How to Learn” comprehensive planning and and “Teach Yourself How to evaluation processes Learn.” At the invitation of Dr. Saul Trevino, Associate • Broad-based support of institutional Professor of Chemistry, a constituencies faculty learning community • Focuses on improving specific student of 16 members had spent learning outcomes and/or student the academic year studying success “Teach Students How to • Commits resources to initiate, Learn” and had become implement and complete the QEP champions of the concepts, Dr. Whaley said. • Includes a plan to assess achievement Learn more at HBU.edu/QEP

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 29 Morris and Smith Families Integral to the Story of HBU HBU’s history involves myriad personalities, leaders and contributors who have made HBU the world-class institution it is today. God’s sovereignty is evident in those whose influence have taken HBU far. Two family names particularly stand out in the annals of HBU: the Morris and the Smith families. Generosity defines them.

Morris Family Smith Family r. Stewart Morris, Sr. was key in the establishment of the University herry and Jim Smith, Sr. have long been friends when it was still only an idea. The HBU Founding Father helped of the University. Orrien Smith, Jim’s father, was secure funding in the late 1950s to purchase land for the new among the 25 men who each made a personal institution. His shepherding of the school continued as he helped donation to purchase land for the then-Houston Densure its guiding principles would honor Jesus Christ as Lord, and as he SBaptist College in 1958. These men are forever known worked to strengthen and grow the new college. as Founding Fathers of the University. Dr. Morris and his late wife, Joella, championed the University tirelessly. Jim and Sherry served in many capacities with HBU. They served in numerous capacities throughout HBU’s history. Their Their daughter, Tracey Smith Hassett ’09, earned a Master daughters, Carlotta Morris Coffman ’68 and Lisa Morris Simon ’76, and son, of Psychology degree from HBU, and their son, Jim Smith, Stewart Morris, Jr., attended HBU. Jr., has been involved with the University as well. The Morris name, and the Joella and Stewart Morris Foundation, are The couple brought the Belin Chapel to life with a one- represented on the HBU campus in the Morris Columns, the Joella and of-a-kind Létourneau pipe organ, the Smith Organ. They Stewart Morris Cultural Arts Center and in the Morris section of Husky were among the first donors of the University to fund Stadium. an endowed chair, the John Bisagno Chair of Christian In 2018, Dr. Morris and the Foundation established The Morris Family Origins in the School of Christian Thought. Center for Law & Liberty. The Center landmark will be modeled after In 2018, the Smiths provided a lead gift toward the Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The mission of the Morris Family Center construction of a state-of-the-art building for the for Law & Liberty at Houston Baptist University is to 1) educate all people College of Science and Engineering and the School about the principles that make America an exceptional nation; 2) train and of Nursing and Allied Health. The future Jim and equip teachers, lawyers and the business community to articulate and Sherry Smith STEM and Nursing Building includes defend our nation’s founding principles; and 3) facilitate civil discourse renovating the existing Cullen Science and Nursing among diverse groups about politics, public policy and the future of the Centers and adding additional classrooms, laboratories, United States of America. administrative offices and study spaces. The facilities The Morris family members share fondness for HBU. Carlotta remembers, are needed for degree programs with growing demand “I thoroughly enjoyed coming to HBU. There was a niche for somebody like in these areas. me who wanted to go to a small college and not get lost in the shuffle with Investment in HBU is about passing on important a big university.” principles to the next generation. Tracey said she Lisa said, “My father and mother’s legacy has been built into the history chose HBU for her master’s degree because she they’ve created. It is hard to have a conversation with dad in which HBU knew the University would honor the Christian faith in does not become the main topic. He is totally committed. He loves HBU its curriculum and instruction, and would not force her and what it stands for.” to compromise her beliefs. “For my family, HBU is a Dr. Morris recently celebrated his 101st birthday with a traditional generational legacy of carrying on a value system that celebration at HBU, and continues to be an ardent advocate for the should be innate in the educational system,” she said. University. His image lives forever on campus through a bronze statue “It’s a preservation of values that is more important now outside of the Morris Cultural Arts Center. than ever.” HBU.edu/Giving

30 WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS Endowed Scholarship Donors Leave Legacy

October 31, 1969

Dear Stewart,

It is with a great sense of satisfaction that we acknowledge your gift, which has established the first endowed academic scholarship at Houston Baptist College. This is a significant honor and represents a significant step in our academic maturity. Moreover, it is especially fitting that the first endowed scholarship carry the name of Stewart Morris. This gift is symbolic of the leadership you have long provided for us all, and one which, in addition to many other testimonies of your dedication, will long stand to represent the indispensable role you have niversity Founding Father, Dr . Stewart Morris, played in the life of this College. Sr., donated the first endowed scholarship in 1969 . His legacy paved the way for more than Please accept our most sincere thanks for this 240 HBU endowed scholarships today . The Uscholarships are established in honor of family, alumni, extraordinary gift to our students. friends, churches and others . For the 2019-2020 school year, HBU awarded more than $1 .6 million to students Sincerely, from this distinctive program . The trajectory of lives W.H. Hinton are forever changed through the generosity of others . HBC President Financial aid is a critical component of each student’s ability to attend HBU and complete their degrees . Learn more at HBU.edu/Endowedscholarship

The Guild Endowed Scholarship Recipient Emely Benitez ’19 graduated in spring 2019 with a bachelor’s students pursuing advanced degrees in degree in bilingual elementary education. education or theology.) I teach in Galena Park ISD at Woodland It is an honor to receive a scholarship Acres Elementary where I’m a Spanish, named after one of my own professors as Itwo-way immersion dual language third- an undergraduate. Something about Dr. grade teacher. Wilson that I always enjoyed was that she One of my own philosophies as an would start classes with a devotional. She educator is to always give the best quality of was always so strong in her faith even in instruction to every child I encounter. A goal the midst of her own health issues. She of mine has always been to pursue a Master encouraged us as future educators even of Education degree, and I’ve been given when I’m sure there were some hard days the opportunity to make that dream a reality. in dealing with her health. It was inspiring for Because of my close relationships during future educators and gave us an example to my undergraduate years and the dedicated do our own best every day. professors in the HBU College of Education This scholarship has made a difference and Behavioral Sciences, I was encouraged in my life. I’m currently obtaining a Master to come back to HBU for my graduate of Education in Reading with a Reading degree. I received the Dawn K. Wilson Specialist Certification. I plan to graduate in Endowed Scholarship. (Dr. Wilson passed 2022. My plans after I graduate are to work away in 2019 following a courageous battle in a classroom until the perfect opportunity with cancer. The scholarship was established comes to work as a bilingual reading in her honor by The Guild. The Guild has specialist, and hopefully move forward into awarded 60 endowed scholarships to a doctoral program.

WINTER 2020/2021 • THE PILLARS 31 For more information about Houston Baptist University, call 281 .649 .3000 or visit HBU .edu . Like us / Tweet us / Share us / View us NONPROFIT ORG MAIL-SORT INC. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

1957