Belton, Texas – On Tuesday, August 16, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held its annual staff assembly. Faculty and staff members from across campus gathered in anticipation of the coming school year. Jack Phelps, recently retired associate pastor of Crestview Baptist Church and a member of the UMHB Board of Trustees, offered a presentation focused on the university’s vision statement.
Dr. Steve Theodore, Senior Vice President for Administration, opened the proceedings by offering a preview of this year’s enrollment. He said that this year appears to be on track to once again break records for both overall and freshman enrollments. This would be the eighth consecutive record enrollment for the university.
“Of the freshman that are coming tomorrow, about 35% are first-generation college students,” Theodore said. “We have a great opportunity to make a difference, not only in their lives, but in the lives of generations to come.”
Theodore also offered some insights into the university’s growing staff. He revealed that this year the staff has grown by 62, leading to a total of 508 positions.
Phelps focused much of his presentation on the UMHB vision statement, which declares that “UMHB will be the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest.”
“How will we achieve the excellence that is described in our vision statement?” Phelps asked. “It won’t be easy, and it won’t be accomplished by lofty rhetoric.”
Phelps offered three suggestions for making those goals a reality. First, he encouraged those in attendance to embrace the vision statement. Second, he challenged both staff and faculty to be nimble and bold.
“I believe that the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is one of the most innovative universities of its type in the southwest,” Phelps said. “Surviving and thriving in the coming educational environment is going to require innovation and willingness and ability to move quickly.”
Phelps’s last note was that nobody is a “just-a,” meaning that no faculty or staff member should ever feel limited by their position. He recommended that each member of the staff make a real effort to celebrate and encourage their co-workers in every area of campus.
Finally, Phelps shared the story of a friend who he had taken on a tour of the university. She was impressed by many elements of her visit from the appearance of the campus, to the welcome she received in the Doctor of Physical Therapy building, and the enthusiasm of staff in the campus store. When she decided to apply, Phelps said he asked what had convinced her.
“She said, ‘I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit,’” Phelps said. “For one outstanding young woman, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is the university of choice for Christian higher education, and it’s because of each and every one of you.”
