Belton, Texas – On Friday, April 29, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held a special ceremony celebrating the career and retirement of Dr. Leroy Kemp. Kemp has served as a professor at UMHB for more than thirty years.
Dr. Timothy Crawford, dean of Christian Studies, opened the event by recounting some of Kemp’s accomplishments.
Kemp began his career at UMHB in 1964, serving as associate professor of religion and dean of admissions. After time away, Kemp returned to campus in 1987 and has now been teaching a total of 32 years.
Faculty members from the College of Christian Studies followed Crawford, sharing stories of the role Kemp has played on campus and in the community.
Dr. Carol Holcomb, a professor of church history, discussed that some concepts are difficult to grasp. As an example, she offered the term “Baptist Statesman.”
“I explain to my students that this is the kind of person who is unwaveringly loyal to Christ, and to the Church, and to the denomination. This is one who conducts himself in the spirit of Christian dignity, and charity, and integrity at all times,” Holcomb said. “Dr. Kemp is a Baptist Statesman.”
UMHB President Randy O’Rear shared that before he knew Kemp as a co-worker, he had experienced him first hand as a teacher.
“I had the wonderful privilege of knowing this man as a student, and certainly he made a great impact in my life,” O’Rear said. “Then I was privileged to start working here, and then the wonderful professor Dr. Kemp became a great friend.”
After his remarks O’Rear invited Kemp’s family to help unveil a plaque announcing an endowed scholarship in honor of the Kemp family.
“I do believe that our greatest days are still in front of us at Mary Hardin-Baylor,” O’Rear said. “but we will never be the same.”
