Belton, Texas – On Friday, October 13, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor celebrated the dedication of the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center. Hundreds attended the event, which was held in front of the facility, located near the entrance to campus on the corner of Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
“This building is beautiful, and it is a game changer for the arts at UMHB. It makes a powerful statement about our commitment to our students and our desire to offer exceptional academic programs that distinguish Mary Hardin-Baylor as a leading university,” President Randy O’Rear said.
During his remarks, O’Rear expressed gratitude to the donors. He thanked those in attendance for helping the university to open the facility debt-free. He also spoke directly to the students and faculty who will be making use of the center.
“You deserve this facility, and it was built with you in mind,” O’Rear said. “For many years your accomplishments have far exceeded our facilities. With this new building we are finally able to showcase your wonderful talents. I can’t wait to watch you perform here.”
Ted Barnes, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, spoke about the influence the new building will have on campus life.
“This facility will impact our students in many ways, and not just the students involved in our performance program,” Ted Barnes, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts said. “It will provide all UMHB students the opportunity to more fully experience a comprehensive education, one that includes strong cultural components.”
The Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center is a 40,725-square-foot building that features a 525-seat performance hall with a proscenium stage, fly space, and orchestra pit. The ingenious design of the center includes many multifunctional rooms which allow it to be used as a teaching facility as well as a venue for musical and theatrical performances.
