BELTON, TX – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held commencement services for the Spring 2026 semester today at Crusader Stadium. This was the university's 170^th graduating class, and an estimated 540 students were awarded degrees, including 386 baccalaureate degrees, 134 master's degrees, and 20 doctoral degrees.

UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear opened the ceremony by saying, "Tonight we are here to celebrate the members of the Class of 2026. Please join me in congratulating these graduates. Parents and family members, this is a big night for you, too, and we consider you part of our UMHB family. Thank you for entrusting your precious family members to us."

"In keeping with our tradition, before we move forward with the rest of the program, I want to share a few facts with you about this graduating class," he explained. "The majority of you are 22 years old. The youngest members of your class are only 20 years old (remarkably, there are 20 of you that are 20 years old – that's amazing!), and the oldest graduate today is 60 years young. Of those receiving bachelor's degrees, 22 of you are graduating with a perfect 4.0, and 105 of you are the first in your family to graduate from college."

After recalling several experiences that made their time at UMHB special, Dr. O'Rear encouraged the graduates by saying, "Today, you are graduates. But more than that, you are builders of community. You have collected the things that truly matter – relationships, faith, and purpose." He concluded his speech with, "Today is not an ending. It is a new chapter in the story God is writing through your life. And if you know the Author of the story, you can walk forward with confidence knowing He has a perfect plan for you. Scripture reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11: ' For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Thanks to higher education, you are all much smarter now. But the world does not just need smarter people. It needs grounded people. Faithful people. Godly people who know who they are and whose they are. In other words, the world needs people like you."

Student recognitions during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was awarded to 22 students who each graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Raquel Baker of Killeen, Amanda Baxter of Jarrell, Olivia Blank of Cuero, Tyler Bourland of Waco, Faith Clark of Bryan, Lexi Clements of Austin, Aleah Crouch of Pflugerville, Audrey Cummins of Pflugerville, Maricella Findley of Temple, Graham Fortune of Temple, Kenna Fuqua of Houston, Jordan Iverson of Kingwood, Brooke Norman of Southlake, Miriam Odle of Woodway, Hannah Presley of Allen, Braxton Richardson of Temple, Leah Sheffield of Austin, Alexa Smith of Killeen, Ali Steadman of Round Rock, Courtney Stewart of Dripping Springs, Naysa Watson of Waxahachie, and Haley Wilson of Hutto.

Alondra Barajas of Waco, Daren Sandoval of Harker Heights, and Robert Seigle of Burke, VA were commissioned as military officers during the graduation ceremony, and Peyton Hoyt of Timnath, CO was the scripture reader. The university also recognized four students who have successfully completed all the Honors Program requirements, including a senior research project: Raquel Baker of Killeen, Jordan Lefler of Natalia, Andrea Mendez of Temple, and Alexa Smith of Killeen.

The President's Award, presented to the graduating senior who has provided meritorious service to the university, particularly the senior class, was awarded to Cassidy Schnoor of Round Rock. She is a true example for the university and her peers, striving to represent Christ and UMHB. She was involved in the Student Government Association, University Ambassadors, Young Conservatives of Texas, and was a Resident Assistant. The Loyalty Cup, awarded to the student most representative of the university's ideals, traditions, and spirit, was given to Paige Jones of Austin. She was actively involved in Welcome Week, Easter Pageant, Student Foundation, Campus Rec, and the Student Marketing Team.

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) will honor its 170th graduating class during a commencement ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, in Crusader Stadium on the UMHB campus. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m.

An estimated 542 students will be awarded degrees for the Spring 2026 ceremony, including 387 baccalaureate degrees, 135 master’s degrees, and 20 doctoral degrees. Three commissioning officers will also participate in the graduation ceremony.

Bottled water will be provided for the graduates, but friends and family are encouraged to bring their own water. Concessions will not be open.

For anyone unable to attend, a live stream of the ceremony will be available at umhb.edu/commencement.

BELTON, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) honored students Grace Gifford, Kade Kubecka, Kennedy Wells, and Vaughn York with the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award yesterday during the final Chapel service this semester.

The award recognizes the students' extraordinary time and energy devoted to ministry and community service during their years of study at UMHB. The award is named for Mr. and Mrs. Gary Heavin of Waco, who established a generous endowment at UMHB to fund this recognition annually. The honor included a $1,000 cash award for each student, a portion of which could be donated to an organization of their choice.

Dr. Brandon Skaggs, UMHB's Vice President for Student Life, shared his admiration for the group, saying, "We are deeply proud of Grace, Kade, Kennedy, and Vaughn for the way they faithfully and sacrificially serve others both on campus and within the local community. Their passion and the clear calling God has placed on their lives stand as a remarkable example of servant leadership. It is a privilege to honor them with this award, and we are confident that God will continue to use them to change lives and further His kingdom in meaningful ways."

Grace Gifford is a senior majoring in Christian ministries from Comanche, TX. She attends Fellowship Baptist Church in Morgan's Point and is the daughter of Howard and Lou Ann Gifford. She has served as a resident assistant at UMHB and was named to the Dean's Honor Roll in the College of Christian Studies. She also participated in the Easter Pageant as a named role this year. Gifford was an intern with the Belton Hope House and a youth minister at her church. She plans to donate a portion of her cash award to the Belton Hope House.

Kade Kubecka is a junior mechanical engineering major from Inez, TX, who attends First Baptist Belton. He is the son of Wade and Leslie Kubecka. While at UMHB, Kubecka played UMHB football as a tight end and punter, served as an officer in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has been a member of First Year Collective, Cru Ballroom, and Delta Omega Phi. He also participated in the First Baptist Belton worship band and choir as a guitarist and vocalist. Kubecka is giving a portion of his cash award to the American Diabetes Association.

Kennedy Wells is a junior majoring in education from Montgomery, TX, who attends First Baptist Belton. She is the daughter of Robby and Bobbi Jo Wells. While at UMHB, Wells has served as a University Ambassador, Welcome Week Cru Leader, Easter Pageant student outreach committee head, Psalms event small group leader, won the best interview award in the Miss MHB Pageant, and played intramural sports. She will donate a portion of her cash award to the Belton Hope House.

Vaughn York is a junior clinical psychology major from Lago Vista, TX. He attends First Baptist Belton and is the son of Scott and Kristin York. During his time at UMHB, he has served as the Baptist Student Ministry student director, Easter Pageant kids committee head, Welcome Week Cru Leader, Revival small group leader, and as a student worker in the Admissions & Recruiting office. York also participated in Crusader Knights, Student Foundation, the chapel worship band, and First Year Collective. He's giving a portion of his cash award to Feed My Sheep Temple.

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) proudly presented Kay Scroggins of San Antonio with the prestigious John and Mary Hardin Visionary Leadership Award last night at the university’s annual donor event. She received this recognition for her generosity to the university, her support of Christian education, and the extraordinary career she built from a UMHB nursing graduate to the founder of one of the nation’s leading independent clinical research organizations.

Scroggins expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to UMHB students and future healthcare workers through scholarships and educational events at her alma mater. “It makes me feel very grateful,” she said. “I love that people from Mary Hardin-Baylor can benefit, and that maybe some people who couldn't otherwise afford to go to school here can through scholarship programs. It's such an honor, and I'm just really lucky.”

Scroggins earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1980 and began her career at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple as a research assistant in nursing education. Throughout her years as a nurse, she was drawn to the idea of improving how research was conducted and how patient data could better serve the greater good. After moving to San Antonio, her career steadily shifted toward clinical research, eventually leading her to a leadership role as director of clinical research.

With a vision to raise the standard of how studies were conducted, Scroggins took a leap of faith and launched Clinical Trials of Texas (CTT), Inc. Starting with nothing more than a one-paragraph business plan, Scroggins began the business as the sole employee.

Over time, CTT grew into one of the largest independent research sites in the country, powered by a dedicated team and a culture focused on developing people as much as business. After retiring and selling the business, Scroggins now returns to her alma mater to mentor other health students and professionals through events like the annual Kay Scroggins Healthcare Entrepreneur Summit, where she enjoys investing in future leaders and giving back to the institution where it all began.

“For Kay, leadership was not just about building a company; it was about building people, advancing healing, and creating a legacy that blesses others. By that definition, Kay Scroggins is one of the most successful leaders I know. Kay’s commitment to Christian higher education is clearly reflected in her meaningful support of UMHB,” Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB president, said last night. “Tonight, we celebrate Kay’s success, her generosity, and her amazing heart for nursing faculty and students.”

Scroggins felt honored to receive the award but attributes much of her success to the support and guidance she received from all her professors at UMHB, as well as the people she surrounded herself with in her business ventures. “When you're successful, it's not just you, typically – it’s all the people who lift you up and support you. That's truly why I was successful and then had the funds to be able to contribute to UMHB. To have that recognized in the manner that it's been recognized here has been really humbling. Everybody is so nice and so gracious here, and so it's been a privilege, a big privilege.”

John and Mary Hardin were prominent Texas philanthropists in the early 20^th century. Their generosity supported several Baptist universities, including UMHB, especially during the Great Depression, when staying open was not a certainty. They gave a $675,000 gift in 1934 to save the school, which would be equivalent to $16 million today. This gift was transformational for the college and is the reason the school’s name was changed to Mary Hardin-Baylor College.

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is the first institution in Texas to offer an innovative 90-hour Abridged Bachelor of Educational Studies degree, beginning in the fall of 2026. This reduced-credit-hour degree accelerates a student’s path to the classroom or to a post-baccalaureate certification program. Recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, UMHB’s new pathway prepares students for meaningful, purpose-driven careers in education.

“Texas needs teachers, and the demand has never been greater. Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in education, and UMHB’s new Abridged Bachelor of Educational Studies can help students get there sooner,” explained Dr. Craig Hammonds, UMHB’s Dean of the College of Education. “UMHB is a recognized leader in preparing high-quality educators, and we have strong partnerships and field opportunities with numerous local school districts. Local districts are excited about this reduced credit hour degree program and support us as the first institution in the state to offer it!”

This new accelerated 90-hour pathway provides focused, classroom-relevant coursework and post-graduation certification preparation, thereby enhancing classroom readiness. This model directly supports efforts to alleviate ongoing teacher shortages by accelerating entry into the educator workforce. Upon degree completion, graduates can begin working in a non-certified education role immediately or seamlessly enter UMHB’s Master of Education program to complete certification while teaching full-time.

“This 90-hour program has been designed in such a way that students can enter our one-year master’s program immediately upon graduation, while also working full-time and earning a great salary. We highly recommend students consider this pathway, where they can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years,” Hammonds said. “It’s the ideal pathway for students who know what they want—a more streamlined and accelerated route into the classroom.”

To learn more about UMHB and the degrees offered within the College of Education, visit www.umhb.edu.

BELTON, Texas — University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) students unveiled their undergraduate and graduate research projects on Tuesday, April 14, during the 2026 Watson Scholars' Day.

Sponsored by the UMHB Office of Research, Watson Scholars' Day requires students to complete all the steps necessary to present at a conference, including identifying a topic, conducting research, and ultimately explaining their findings publicly.

"This is the absolute highlight of my semester! I am amazed and pleased to see so many excited students discussing their research with other students and faculty members. Students have worked hard the whole semester, or maybe even two semesters, on their research project, and now they get to share their findings and enthusiasm with others. This is a wonderful way for UMHB to support students and their research interests," said the university's director of undergraduate research, Dr. Joni Ylostalo.

Participants included 143 students and 26 faculty sponsors. Award recipients are as follows:

Creative Works

1^st place Education

Scholar: Shelby Weaver

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Emily Smith

Title: Dental Visit Immersion Room Experience

2^nd place Education

Scholar: Jeana Green

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Caroline Pollard

Title: The Revival That Changed America

Podium Presentations

1^st place Humanities

Scholar: Vivian Barker

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Janene Lewis

Title: Women After War: The College Years of the American Literary Feminist Movement

1^st place Education

Scholar: Wilson Guenther

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Pilgrim

Title: Drivia: A Personalized Learning Platform for Diverse Learners

Poster Presentations

1^st place Christian Studies

Scholar: Yeslem Arredondo

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Michael Laminack

Title: The Christian Case of Law and Order: Reconciling Augustine's Pax Terrena With The Border Crisis

1^st place Education

Scholars: Sarah Heslip & Hayley Levin

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Emily Smith

Title: Influence of Clinic Experiences on Preservice Teachers' Perspectives Toward Working with Individuals with Disabilities

1^st place Education

Scholar: Bin Zhang

Classification: Graduate

Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Pilgrim

Title: Proactive Adaptation in an AI-Saturated Environment in Higher Education

1^st place EXSS

Scholars: Kolby McBee & Preston Blake

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito

Title: A New Financial Framework for Baseball: Using the NFL's Cap and Floor Model as an Approach to Bring Competitive Balance Back to the MLB

2^nd place EXSS

Scholars: Makaelyn Frei, Bennett Seal, Brenna Cook, Mathis Rollin, Jaci Kelly & Lem Taylor

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Ian Ekery

Title: The Effects of Carbon Fiber Insoles on Jump Performance in Division III Female Athletes

3^rd place EXSS

Scholar: Tyler Lesko

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito

Title: When the Puck Drops, Sales Pop: Texas Stars Theme Nights and Merch Revenue

1^st place Health Professions

Scholar: Angel Rodriguez

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Kristal Rychlik

Title: Sleep and Cancer: Could Sleeping More Delay its Progress?

1^st place Health Professions

Scholars: Kelby Been, Maddie Flores & Kaitlyn Bellinger

Classification: Graduate

Sponsor: Dr. Wendi Stewart

Title: The Role of Serotonin Modulators in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Comorbid Anxiety or Depression

2^nd place Health Professions

Scholars: Natalia Cardenas, Lillian Duran, Julia Huynh & Vivian Tran

Classification: Graduate

Sponsor: Dr. Wendi Stewart

Title: More Screen Time, More ADHD Symptoms?

1^st place Humanities

Scholar: Raquel Baker

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Karla Gonzalez

Title: Dual Language Models and Family Communication in Central Texas School Districts

1^st place Natural Sciences

Scholars: Julia Jurewicz & Mariah Saenz

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Mary Croos

Title: Impact of Azadiradione on DNA Oxidation

2^nd place Natural Sciences

Scholars: Kamren Griffin, Carson Gaido, Trystin Brown & Joseph Montez

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Paul Griesemer

Title: Sustainable Hydroponics

3^rd place Natural Sciences

Scholar: Emma Johnson

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Seena Mathew

Title: Do you want to make a bet? Exploring the Gender Differences of Gambling

1^st place Social Sciences

Scholar: Olivia Rakovalis

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Costello

Title: An Exploration of the Impact of Afghanistan and Iraq Deployments on Parent-Child Relationships in Adulthood

2^nd place Social Sciences

Scholar: Lily Perkins

Classification: Undergraduate

Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Costello

Title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Brief Workshop for Health Care Professionals on Identifying and Responding to Victims of Human Trafficking

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's (UMHB) College of Visual and Performing Arts is excited to present the spring musical, Little Women, in the Baugh Performance Hall at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center April 17 through April 19. Shows are at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19.

This production is based on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel about four sisters growing up in Civil War-era New England. Each young woman faces her own journey, shaped by ambition, love, loss, and the changing world around them. Jo dreams of becoming a writer and resists the pressures to conform. Meg desires a home and family of her own. Amy pursues beauty and success, and Beth provides a quiet strength that anchors them all. Little Women celebrates the dreams and resilience of young women determined to discover their purpose and place in the world, with warmth, wit, and wisdom.

"In an era when musicals typically rely on sensationalism or novelty for their appeal, Little Women cuts against the grain and proves (as the book did when it was published in 1869) that true stories involving relatable characters and events have a special power to move the heart in profound ways,” said Dr. Stephen Ash, UMHB visiting professor and stage director. “Little Women leads us out of the hectic pace of modern life and invites us to dwell on things that matter deeply, including family, friendship, purpose, and passion. Our students have worked diligently and are thrilled to share this production!"

Tickets are $16.50 each for adults, $11.50 each for seniors ages 65 and older, $11.50 each for children ages 6-18, and free for children ages 5 and under. Admission is also free for UMHB students, employees, and alumni with a valid Cru Card or Alumni card in person at the box office in the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

To learn more about the spring musical, visit www.umhb.edu/pac. To purchase tickets, please call the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at 254-295-5999 or email pac@umhb.edu. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is excited to expand educational opportunities to all incoming undergraduate students actively working to earn their four-year bachelor’s degree. Awarded automatically after completing 60 eligible credit hours toward their bachelor’s degree, embedded associate degrees are built-in milestones that are part of the UMHB bachelor’s degree plan.

“This new concept of a mid-degree academic credential sets UMHB apart in the landscape of higher education,” explained Dr. John Vassar, UMHB’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Starting this fall, UMHB students can earn two degrees in their undergraduate journey. An embedded associate degree that students earn along the way to their bachelor’s degree is a significant value-add for our students and comes at no extra cost. We’re excited to offer this to all incoming UMHB undergraduate students.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a worker’s educational attainment rises, their earnings increase. 2024 data shows that the median annual earnings for workers with an associate degree are $8,788 more per year than those of workers with only a high school diploma. The unemployment rate is also one-third lower for those with an associate degree compared to high school graduates. Completing a bachelor’s degree offers the greatest financial opportunity for students.

“While associate degrees are not the final destination,” Vassar said, “this new associate degree credential is an important demonstration of academic progress that our students will achieve during their educational journey with us. This addition enhances the value of a UMHB undergraduate degree and rewards our students’ progress and hard work toward graduating with a four-year degree.”

All incoming UMHB students will automatically follow a pathway that qualifies them for an associate degree after completing the required coursework, unless they choose to opt out. Each embedded associate degree will include 40 hours of general education and 20 hours of bachelor’s degree coursework, with at least 30 hours completed at UMHB.

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's (UMHB) Kingdom Diversity Office invites local congregations and the general public to attend their annual Multicultural Festival on Friday, April 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will take place on the UMHB campus inside the Bawcom Student Union.

The event is free to attend and will include food trucks, games, dancing, live music, performances, and a culture showcase. To learn more about UMHB’s Kingdom Diversity office and events, visit www.umhb.edu/kingdomdiversity.

BELTON, Texas—Thousands of people turned out to see the reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s 87^th annual Easter Pageant on April 1 in front of Luther Memorial.

The student-led tradition chronicles moments from the Gospel story, including Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Christ’s trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

The planning and production involved hundreds of students, children, and grandchildren of faculty and staff. This year’s three performances drew thousands of people to campus, and many more worldwide viewed via live stream. The video is still available to view on the UMHB Facebook page and on the UMHB website at www.umhb.edu. A Spanish version of the program is also available to view.

Each year, UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear selects a student to direct the pageant and two students to portray the key roles of Mary and Jesus. The students who play the two key roles are chosen based on their strong Christian faith and character.

Kinsley Jones, a senior educational advocacy major from Kingwood, took on the role of Mary. She said, “I have had the pleasure of being in the Easter Pageant every year I’ve been here. I got such different perspectives each year. Since I was eight years old, I’ve known the Gospel. But during one of those performances, I experienced the Gospel differently. I had so much joy! The Lord reminded me that we’re on this side of the Gospel – we get to walk in joy because yes, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but three days later He rose from the dead! I’m just so grateful.” When talking about this year’s experience preparing to play Mary, she said, “A couple of weeks ago, the Lord reminded me that I can’t do anything without Him. I started clinging to Him, and that completely changed my heart’s posture.”

Jonathan Diaz, a senior accounting major from Lubbock, portrayed Jesus this year. When asked about serving in this role, he said, “I’m so pumped for today!” He went on to say, “I have been blessed to be part of Easter Pageant for three years in three very different roles, which reminds me that we all play such different roles in our own lives and with Jesus. He calls us to simply say yes to Him. Saying yes to being uncomfortable and going outside of our comfort zone.” He added, “I wish I could get to know each person who attends the pageant this year, but obviously I can’t. Where I fall short as a human, the most powerful thing is that He does not. He’s looking at each and every one of you, and He knows you by name.”

Brynne Loya, a senior religion and public life major from El Paso, served as this year’s pageant director. Alec Saltzman and Carson Leedy have served as Loya’s assistant directors. Saltzman is a senior cybersecurity major from Ponder, and Leedy is a junior transformational development major from Round Rock.

Easter Pageant has had a life-changing impact on Brynne. When sharing about her journey, she said, “I have the privilege of being the director this year. I’m truly honored and humbled by it because the Easter Pageant has been a huge part of my testimony. When I came to UMHB, I was not a believer. In fact, I was a pretty angry person who didn’t think I needed God. But over time, people began to pour into me, and I eventually gave my life to Christ. My freshman self really had no idea what that meant, though. While I was serving on the makeup committee for Easter Pageant that spring, I finally understood the weight and wonder of the Gospel. It was the first time anybody had explained the Gospel story. I’d never seen it played out before.”

She continued, “What a joy it’s been for the past 11 months to put all the pieces together! Easter Pageant is amazing. If I hadn’t seen the Easter Pageant my freshman year, I don’t know that I would have the faith I do today. The Gospel transforms. It will change you. It changed me.”

The tradition of the annual Easter Pageant at UMHB began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Sunday. At that time, Mary Hardin-Baylor was an all-female campus, so all of the roles were played entirely by women. Over time, the production expanded to include male students and additional performances.