Exemplary Leadership in Church Music
The Award for Exemplary Leadership in Church Music was instituted in 2005 and is given to a graduate of Baylor University who has contributed uniquely and significantly to some aspect of the broad scope of church music ministry. The award can be given for cumulative lifetime achievement or a singular contribution.
This summer we are excited to present the Award for Exemplary Leadership in Church Music to:
Don Cason
Don Cason is the former President of Word Music, noted Christian Music publisher. In his twenty-eight year career at the company he has been directly involved in the songwriting careers of Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen, Wayne Watson, Dennis Jernigan, and David Meece. He has written songs that have been recorded by Christian artists Bryan Duncan, Joni Eareckson-Tada, and Teri DeSario. Cason is the Editor for Keyboard Worship and Praise, a magazine produced by Lorenz containing the best of Christian music for today's church. Cason earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Baylor University in 1976 and completed studies toward a Master's Degree in Music History and Literature at the same university.Past Recipients
| Year of Award | Name | Baylor Alumni, Class of |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Wesley L. Forbis | 1956 |
| 2006 | Milburn Price | 1963 |
| 2007 | Buryl Red | 1957 |
| 2008 | Billy Ray Hearn | 1954 |
| 2009 | Hal H. Hopson | 1954 |
| 2010 | Mark Hayes | 1975 |
| 2011 | Joan Sutton | 1951 |
| 2012 | Sam Prestidge | 1950 |
| 2013 | O. D. Hall, Jr | 1957 |
| 2014 | Lloyd Hawthorne | 1966 |
| 2015 | Arnold Sherman | 1966 |
| 2016 | Nick Strimple | 1969 |
| 2017 | Robert Sterling | 1977 |
| 2018 | Benjamin Harlan | 1976 |
| 2019 | Thomas Coker | 1967 |
