Baylor Regents Approve New Doctoral Programs in Church Music, Joint Degree in Divinity and Business Administration
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Regents also honor Baylor Stadium Founders and Meritorious Achievement Award winners
WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2012) - At its annual Homecoming meeting today, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved two new doctoral programs in the School of Music and a joint master's degree in divinity and business administration from George W. Truett Theological Seminary and Hankamer School of Business. Regents also honored Baylor Stadium Founders and recipients of the 2012-2013 Baylor Meritorious Achievement Awards.
Ph.D., DMA in Church Music
Only seven institutions accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music offer recognized doctoral degrees in church music, and only one of those seven institutions offers the Ph.D. in church music. Baylor's Ph.D. in church music - which will be only the second such Ph.D. program offered in the nation - is designed to foster in students the highest levels of knowledge and skill in the practice of church music and research, while the doctor of musical arts (DMA) degree will include the added component of strong performance skills. With Baylor already widely recognized as a national leader in church music at the bachelor's and master's degree levels - with a strong School of Music faculty and the renowned Center for Christian Music Studies - providing a DMA and Ph.D. will allow the University to respond to the significant needs of the growing and diverse field of church music.
"There is a serious need now and in the future for scholars and practitioners of church music who can work at the highest intellectual levels and help guide church musicians in their thinking about and practice of their art and ministry," said Will May, Ph.D., dean of the School of Music. "Such scholars and practitioners will train the next generations of church musicians through teaching, research and role-modeling. Prospective students and others in the field of church music are looking to Baylor to provide leadership in this area."
"One of the major responsibilities of Christian higher education institutions such as Baylor is to assume a leadership role in understanding and enhancing the work of the church," said Randall Bradley, DMA, The Ben H. Williams Professor of Music and director of church music program in the School of Music. "It is equally important that church musicians and those who train them have the technical knowledge, biblical perspective and philosophical understanding of the church's music and its important role in worship. The important place of music in the life of the church, and the fact that Baylor is one of the few places where such study is possible, make offering a doctoral degree in the church music a logical step."
The doctoral degree programs in church music are expected to begin in fall 2014.
Joint MDiv/MBA Degree Program
The joint MDiv/MBA will link the faculties, resources and education of Baylor's internationally recognized business school and seminary, offering to students an education that prepares them well for a multitude of leadership opportunities. As religious institutions continue to morph into complex organizations and nonprofits continue to proliferate, the constituencies of such institutions are seeking qualified, competent and well-educated individuals to lead them.
"These individuals need the skill set that is developed in the master of business administration program, but they also need the biblical, theological and ministerial formation gained through a master of divinity program," said Terry S. Maness, DBA, dean of the Hankamer School of Business. "The MDiv/MBA degree program will prepare ministers who can implement financial strategies, transform organizational behavior and ensure financial integrity in congregations and nonprofit organizations."
"As many churches have grown, the level of organizational and financial complexity has increased," said David E. Garland, Ph.D., professor of Christian Scriptures and The Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran Delancey Chair of the Dean of Truett Seminary. "Although these tasks often fall to the senior pastor, most do not have the time or expertise to address such matters. In fact, a number of congregations are hiring an 'executive pastor' to address financial, organizational and supervisory tasks. The MDiv will provide the biblical, theological and ministerial foundations for such a position, while the MBA will equip students with the business skills necessary for the position.
"In addition, leaders of religiously affiliated nonprofit organizations and those called to mission work overseas could benefit from this dual degree. Others who may view their business as a ministry calling also may find the theological study to be valuable," Garland said.
The MDiv/MBA degree program is expected to begin in fall 2013.
Baylor Stadium Founders Honored
On Thursday evening, Baylor Regents also honored Baylor Stadium Founders for their transformational leadership and financial support for the University's new on-campus football stadium during a private reception at the Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletics Complex. The $250 million on-campus stadium is under construction on a 93-acre site at the intersection of Interstate 35 and the Brazos River. When it opens in fall 2014, Baylor Stadium will be one of the most dynamic college football stadiums in America.
Regents recognized the following Stadium Founders, leaders who have stepped out boldly with significant gifts that have helped to make the dream of a new stadium a reality:
The McLane Family of Temple: Drayton, BBA '58, and Elizabeth McLane Jr., Drayton, BBA '96, and Amy McLane III, and Denton, BBA '99, and Amy McLane
John Eddie, BBA '76, JD '78, and Sheridan Williams, of Houston
Paul, BBA'79, and Alejandra Foster, of El Paso
Clifton, BBA '63, and Betsy, BA '71, Robinson, of Waco
"Two years from now, when Baylor University alumni and friends return to campus for Homecoming, our festivities will once again celebrate our storied history and honor our rich traditions. In 2014, we will also reclaim another proud Baylor tradition when the Bears take the field for their first season in Baylor Stadium," said Baylor President Ken Starr. "The new facility will return football to campus after a 77-year absence, transforming our community and engaging the entire Baylor family in a vibrant game-day experience. We are so grateful to our loyal, courageous and generous Baylor Stadium Founders - Drayton and Elizabeth McLane and their family, John Eddie and Sheridan Williams, Paul and Alejandra Foster, and Clifton and Betsy Robinson - and we honor them for their transformational leadership and financial support that have brought to life our dream of an on-campus stadium that will impact the University for generations to come."
Construction began this fall following a successful fundraising campaign, which continues, along with $35 million in TIF funding approved in August by the Waco City Council.
In addition to moving football games to the Baylor campus, the Baylor Stadium project is expected to help stimulate riverfront development, revitalize downtown Waco and bring jobs and economic development to the region.
Baylor Meritorious Achievement Awards Recipients Honored
On Thursday night, Baylor Regents recognized the recipients of the Baylor Meritorious Achievement Awards at a dinner in their honor held at the Mayborn Museum Complex. The awards acknowledge Baylor's important role in American higher education and recognize those who have made significant contributions in a variety of areas which reflect Baylor's distinct mission.
Thirteen individuals and two couples were selected this year as the recipients of accolades, including Baylor Alumnus of the Year, Baylor Young Alumnus of the Year, Baylor Medal of Service Awards (Pro Texana Medal of Service, Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service, Medals of Service for Business and Commerce, Business Leadership, Hospital Administration and Health Care Administration), Baylor Legendary Mentor, Baylor Legacy Awards, and the traditional Baylor University Founders Medal.
The 2012-2013 Baylor Meritorious Achievement Award honorees are:
John Eddie Williams Jr., BBA '76, JD '78, founder and managing partner of Williams Kherkher law firm, Alumnus of the Year
Jay Brown, BBA '95, senior vice president/CFO of Castle International Corporation and advisory board member for Living Water, Young Alumnus of the Year
Philip Gunn, BBA '85, Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, Pro Texana Medal of Service
Billy Graham, pastor and founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service
Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service
Ray Perryman, BS '74, founder and president of The Perryman Group, Business and Commerce Medal of Service
Danny Prince, BA '73, president of Paramount Healthcare, Business Leadership Medal of Service
Boone Powell Jr., BBA '59, retired CEO of Baylor HealthCare System, Contributions to the Professions-Hospital Administration Medal of Service
Jon Foster, BBA '84, president of HCA Southwest, Contributions to the Professions-Health Care Administration Medal of Service
Kim Mulkey, head coach, Baylor Women's Basketball, Baylor Legendary Mentor
Anita Collier Jones, BA '61, volunteer and member of the Board of Directors for Barnabas Foundation, Baylor Legacy Award
Ed Crenshaw, BBA '73, philanthropist and CEO of the Florida-based Publix Super Markets, and Denise Crenshaw, volunteer with Lakeland Regional Hospital Foundation and Peace River, Baylor Legacy Award
Paul Foster, BBA '79, executive chairman of Western Refining, and Alejandra Foster, president of Almacenes Distribuidores de la Frontera, Baylor Legacy Award
Mark Hurd, BBA '79, president of Oracle Corporation, Baylor Legacy Award
Drayton McLane Jr., BBA '58, chairman of The McLane Group, Baylor Founders Medal
Mulkey was unable to attend the dinner but was presented with her award Friday during the Board of Regents meeting. Along with receiving their awards, the honorees will be recognized on Saturday during the Baylor Homecoming Parade and at the Baylor-Kansas football game.
"It is an honor to recognize these extraordinary individuals and members of the Baylor family, who are making an impact in the world of business, ministry, government, law, education, health care and philanthropy in a manner consistent with Baylor's mission, which is to serve the Church and world in which we live. Together they are a remarkable reflection of the University's commitment to excellence and Christian faith, and they inspire all of us with their servant leadership and generous philanthropy that reflect the very best of Baylor," said Richard S Willis, BBA '81, MBA '82, chair of the Baylor Board of Regents.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.