BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) Arts Academy is excited to launch its new youth visual arts program this fall, offering creative classes for children and teens. From hands-on art exploration for preschoolers to skill-building drawing classes for teens, students will have the opportunity to create, imagine, and grow as artists in a fun and encouraging environment. The new classes expand the Arts Academy’s growing art offerings and provide young artists with exciting opportunities to develop their creativity and artistic skills.

The UMHB Arts Academy exists to provide quality, innovative arts instruction and experiences for all ages within a Christian environment, teaching skills and techniques that will enhance not only the lives of the students but also the quality of life within the community.

Classes begin on September 8. Enrollment is limited, and classes fill up quickly. Register today at www.umhb.edu/arts-academy or call 254-295-4686 for more information.

BELTON, Texas— The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) celebrated the beginning of the school year and welcomed more than 700 new freshmen to campus during its 181st Fall Convocation service on Aug. 12. This year, the student body consists of more than 3,200 students.

After UMHB faculty processed into the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena, there was a parade of flags representing each of the 31 countries and territories around the globe and 34 states around the nation from which UMHB students have journeyed to campus this year. UMHB accounting major and reigning Miss MHB, Jessie Norvell, shared a passage of scripture from Psalm 27:1-6.

In opening remarks, UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear said that Convocation, which marks the official beginning of a new academic year, has been observed since 1845, when the college began in Independence. That year, there were just 24 students attending classes. He shared, “You’ll look back at these times you’re in right now as some of the best times of your life. The faculty and staff are here to help you and support you, and we look forward to watching you grow and develop the relationships that will be so meaningful for the rest of your lives. Thank you for choosing Mary Hardin-Baylor. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey. We couldn’t be prouder that you’re here, and we’re looking forward to a great year.”

UMHB welcomed alum and associate professor in the Master of Arts in Counseling program, Dr. Jude Austin, as the event’s keynote speaker. In his address, Austin shared a powerful message about facing the unknown with the courage to be formed by God. “The moment you have in front of you right now is all we have promised. Somewhere along the way, every single one of us will encounter moments that expose us. They aren’t interruptions to our education. Those moments are our education. And not because God delights in our confusion or struggle or fear, but because God so often meets us at the intersection of fear and formation,” Austin explained.

He went on to remind students of Adam’s encounter with God in Genesis 3 and connected it to their current season. “Fear changes our posture. What feels vulnerable and threatening, we distance ourselves from. Fear, vulnerability, distance. Adam doesn’t simply hide behind a tree; he hides from the one he was created to walk with. And thousands of years later, today, we’re still finding places to hide. Whether it’s behind achievement, perfectionism, humor, busyness, or carefully curated versions of ourselves on social media, fear has a remarkable ability to distort our reality. But scripture keeps telling us something else.”

After sharing more Biblical truths about walking through fear or the unknown, Austin ended with encouraging words. “So, this year, when fear finds you, because it will, meet it with courage, humility, and a teachable heart.”

In addition to his role as a UMHB professor, Austin serves as coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. He is an elder at the Vista Community Church and an award-winning educator, keynote speaker, and author. His research focuses on counselor education pedagogy, particularly helping counseling students develop therapeutic presence in clinical practice. Austin is the co-author of several counseling texts, including the recent ACA publication ‘Mind Your Business: Merging Financial Wisdom with Meaningful Work.’

To end the ceremony, Dr. Tim Crawford, dean of the College of Christian Studies, offered a blessing in Hebrew. He explained, “In 1978, archaeologists discovered a burial site in Jerusalem at a place called Ketef Hinnom. The site was remarkable because it was undisturbed since it was used in the days of the prophet Jeremiah around 600 BC. Among the findings in that cave were two tiny rolled-up sheets of silver. After they were carefully unrolled, they were discovered to be covered with writing. The writing was difficult to make out, but the researcher noticed that the name of God appeared three times in the few lines. It is the oldest piece of the Bible found to date and is sometimes called the ‘priestly blessing’ found in Numbers 6:24-26. This morning, I want to ask this blessing over us as we begin our new academic year.”

BELTON, Texas—On Saturday, Aug. 8, as part of this year's Welcome Week, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) students participated in Love CTX. The annual event is designed for students to discover service opportunities and grow closer to their Cru Groups by serving the community.

For the seventh year, UMHB's Love CTX event supported One More Child, which provides Christ-centered services to vulnerable children and struggling families. Nearly 400 UMHB students packed 28,000 meals and wrote notes for Belton ISD students. This year, the local H-E-B in Belton donated all food items for the meals, equaling more than $19,000 in donations.

“H-E-B is honored and excited to work with UMHB and One More Child to serve the Belton community again,” expressed Amy Flores, H-E-B's area community coordinator. “As a company committed to Texans Helping Texans, we are proud to work alongside these dedicated students who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and strengthening our community one meal at a time.”

“Strong partnerships make it possible to meet real needs in our communities,” shared Joanna LeMasters, director of initiative engagement at One More Child. “We are thrilled to work alongside UMHB and H-E-B once again to provide meals for Belton students and ensure more children have the resources they need to thrive.”

“This is one of my favorite parts of Welcome Week,” said Katy Hartt, UMHB's associate director of student leadership and organizations. “Seeing our new students jump right into serving their new community is really incredible. I love that we get to partner with One More Child and H-E-B to provide meals to our BISD students.”

The meals will go to Belton ISD's Project Heartbeat program to help students who may not have food at home and will be distributed throughout the school year. “Supporting our Project Heartbeat students, including those experiencing homelessness through the McKinney Vento program, students in foster care, and other underserved students, truly takes a community. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and generosity of One More Child, UMHB, and H-E-B,” said Christina Wilson, McKinney Vento liaison, coordinator for Project Heartbeat with Belton ISD. “Thanks to their support, we were able to provide food to students in pre-K through 12th grade across every Belton ISD campus last year, and we hope to do the same again this year. Their commitment has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families.”

Belton, Texas – On Wednesday, August 5, more than 700 new Crusader students traveled to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus for the start of this year’s Welcome Week. Students in this year’s freshman class range in age from 17 to 43 and represent 14 states and nine countries. Nearly 350 students, approximately 48% of this class, are first-generation students, which is a significant milestone for many families.

Campus came alive early this morning as new students and their families arrived for Move-In Day. They were greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic students, faculty, and staff volunteers eager to help them settle in and feel at home. For many families, the warmth and hospitality of the UMHB community stood out right away. “Today has been exciting, and the campus has been so welcoming,” shared Lola and Omar Battles, parents of freshman Chase Battles.

The efficient move-in process allowed students and their families to spend less time unloading and more time celebrating the beginning of this new chapter. “Move-in was so quick and easy. We loved the hype and seeing familiar faces that we call family,” said Justin Gaidusek, UMHB alum and local resident. “We are excited about our daughter carrying on the UMHB legacy and finding another legacy student as a roommate to share in the experience.”

As students settled into their residence halls, anticipation continued to build for the experiences ahead. “I’m most excited to see what it’s like to be in college,” said freshman Mason Miller.

Many students also credited UMHB’s student leaders with helping ensure a smooth transition to campus life. “My resident assistant has been super welcoming and helpful,” explained freshman Addie Gilliam. “She went the extra mile to help us get settled. She’s been so helpful with the transition to college – super stress-free and seamless.”

The move-in experience marks the beginning of Welcome Week, a series of events designed to help new students adjust to campus life, build friendships, and develop a strong sense of community before classes begin on Monday. To learn more about Welcome Week events, visit www.umhb.edu/welcomeweek.

“Welcome Week is the best week of the year on our campus! I especially love to see our returning students help welcome the new students to the UMHB community,” said Katy Hartt, UMHB’s associate director of student leadership and organizations. “The week is filled with fun events that showcase our university and really focus on making new UMHB students feel at home and excited to be here!”

BELTON, Texas— On Wednesday, August 5, new Crusader students will move into their residence halls at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) for the start of this year’s Welcome Week.

Throughout Welcome Week, students will settle into their rooms, participate in many traditions, and build lasting friendships as they join the UMHB family. The week is designed to ensure students feel at home, make connections, and begin to find community before beginning class on Monday, August 10.

Some Welcome Week highlights will include:

• Big Fair – an opportunity for students to explore all the available student organizations at UMHB
• Spirit & Traditions – an opportunity for students to learn about Cru spirit and UMHB traditions
• The Plug – an opportunity for students to connect with local churches and service organizations
• Love CTX – a service event where students pack meals for Belton ISD children in partnership with H-E-B and One More Child
• Dubbing Ceremony – new students are “dubbed” with a ceremonial sword by the university administration as “Crusaders Forever”

To learn more about Welcome Week activities, visit Welcome Week (umhb.edu).

BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is excited to announce the institution’s newest Chief of Police. Adam Carroll was sworn in this afternoon in a ceremony led by UMHB’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Administration, Dr. Steve Theodore.

“We are here today to swear in a new Chief of Police, but we are also here to acknowledge the sacredness of this responsibility. As a Christ-centered university, we believe what the Bible says about those entrusted with authority – that they are called to serve the good of others,” said Dr. Theodore. “Romans 13:4 states, ‘For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.’ At UMHB, being a leader is a calling to serve others with integrity, wisdom, and care. A police chief is responsible not only for safety and security but also for building trust, showing compassion, and leading with character. The role requires sound judgment, steady leadership, integrity when no one is watching, and a genuine concern for people.”

Chief Carroll most recently served as a sergeant with the Pearland Police Department. With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, he dedicated most of his career to serving the Pearland community. Throughout his tenure, he held a variety of leadership roles and supervised multiple divisions, including traffic and safety operations, investigations and special operations, crisis intervention and emergency response, and professional development and training. Chief Carroll has a BS in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University and a MS in criminal justice from Texas A&M International University.

“His extensive experience, education, commitment to public safety, Christian character, and proven leadership make him an excellent fit for serving as the Chief of Police at UMHB,” Dr. Theodore shared.

Carroll and his wife, Stacy, are the proud parents of three children: Rylie (23), Zachary (19), and Kenedy (17). A man of strong faith, he and his family were active members of New Hope Church while in Pearland.

BELTON, TX - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) held commencement services for the spring graduates on Saturday, May 9, at Crusader Stadium. This was the university's 170th graduating class, and the 432 confirmed graduates are listed below.

BELTON, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced that 478 students have been listed on the Spring 2026 Provost’s Honor Roll. To receive this recognition, a student must achieve a 3.85 grade point average (GPA) or better on a 4.0 scale.

In conjunction with this, 496 students were named on the Dean’s Honor Roll for Spring 2026. To receive this recognition, a student must achieve a 3.5 – 3.849 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.

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.