University of Mary Hardin–Baylor

The University of Mary Hardin–Baylor (UMHB) is a private Christian university in Belton, Texas. UMHB was chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845[4] as Baylor Female College, the female department of what is now Baylor University.[5] It has since become its own institution and grown to 3,914 students and awards degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas[3][6] and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[7][8]

University of Mary Hardin–Baylor
Former names
Baylor Female College
Baylor College for Women
TypePrivate
Established1845 (as part of Baylor University)
Religious affiliation
Baptist
Endowment$59,550,762[1]
PresidentRandy O'Rear, Ed.D[2]
Academic staff
330
Students3,914
Undergraduates3,335
Postgraduates375
204
Location
Belton & Temple
,
Texas
,
United States

31.06650°N 97.46405°W / 31.06650; -97.46405
CampusSuburban, 170 acres (0.69 km2)[3]
ColorsPurple, White and Gold
              
AthleticsNCAA Division III – ASC
NicknameCrusaders
AffiliationsBaptist General Convention of Texas
CCCU
NAICU
MascotCRUnk the Crusader
Websiteumhb.edu
The Parker Academic Center at UMHB opened in 2002.

History

UMHB's history dates to the time before Texas became a U.S. state. Its original charter was granted by the Republic of Texas (prior to statehood) in 1845 as the female department of Baylor University. Classes began in May, 1846, in a small wooden building on a hillside at Independence in Washington County. The first class consisted of 24 male and female students[9][10] While it was a coeducational institution, the classes were still separated by gender.[11]

Baylor College’s coeducation lasted only until 1851, when it was divided into a Female Department and a Male Department.[5] Each began occupying separate buildings about a mile apart at the Independence campus.[10]

The changing demography of Texas and relocation of the local railroad made it increasingly difficult for college students to get transportation to Independence.[5] Both colleges were relocated in 1886 to their permanent homes in Central Texas: the women's division relocated to Belton, where operations continued as Baylor Female College, and the men's division moved to Waco, merged with coeducational Waco University, and continued as Baylor University.[5][10][11]

The Mayborn Campus Center is named for its benefactor, the late Temple Daily Telegram publisher, Frank W. Mayborn

The Cottage Home System, the first work-study program for women in a college west of the Mississippi, was instituted on the new Belton campus in 1893 by Elli Moore Townsend, wife of the serving president.[11] Its aim was to provide more affordable housing for women students who could not meet the expense of dormitories. The women students earned financial assistance by growing vegetables, raising livestock, and hand making crafts and quality clothing items.[12] Initially the cottages were modest wood frame residences. In 1905, a permanent residence hall for the Cottage Home System was built by the residents themselves.[11]

Beginning in 1922, a few male students, known as "Campus Boys", were allowed to attend classes and work on campus through their junior year, at which time they transferred to Baylor University or another college for their senior year and graduation.[13] "Campus Boys" did work that was deemed unsuitable for the young ladies. They maintained the grounds, unloaded coal from rail cars, milked cows, fed hogs, served as night watchmen, and unstopped drains. They lived on the second floor of a carpenter shop in quarters dubbed "The Shack".[14]

In 1925, Baylor Female College was renamed Baylor College for Women. A year later, it was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, being the first Texas Baptist college to do so. Then in 1927, it received accreditation from the American Association of Colleges.[5] In 1925, enrollment peaked at 2,372, which forced the college to start a costly building project.[11] That, in addition to a devastating campus fire in 1929, required immediate construction of even more buildings, and with the help of the Great Depression, brought the college to the edge of bankruptcy.[11] It was saved by a generous gift from Mary and John G. Hardin. In gratitude, the college changed its name to Mary Hardin–Baylor College in 1934.[5]

In 1968, the Scott and White College of Nursing, named for the Scott and White Memorial Hospital located in nearby Temple, became a part of Mary Hardin–Baylor College.[15]

Mary Hardin–Baylor College once again became fully coeducational in 1971.[13] August of that year had the first male graduates, including three males receiving bachelor's degrees. With the inauguration in 1978 of its first graduate program, a master of education, the college achieved status as a university with five schools: Arts and Sciences, Creative Arts, Business, Education, and Nursing.[11] It was renamed the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor.[5][16]

Academics

The school has 119 undergraduate majors[17] and 13 graduate degree programs, including several master's degrees and two doctoral programs.[16] Qualified students can participate in engaged learning through internships with businesses and industries. Study abroad programs are offered on three continents.[18]

UMHB comprises eight colleges: The McLane College of Business, College of Christian Studies, College of Education, College of Humanities and Sciences, Scott and White College of Nursing, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Graduate School.

Notable alumni
  • Sybil Leonard Armes, a Christian author, alternate poet laureate of Texas in 1969, and former trustee of UMHB[19]
  • Miriam 'Ma' Ferguson, Texas' first female governor[20] and the second woman to be inaugurated governor of any state in the U.S.
  • Jerrell Freeman, Canadian and American football linebacker
  • Buddy Groom, Major League Baseball pitcher, 1992-2005
  • Oveta Culp Hobby, the first woman appointed as a commanding officer of a military unit, the first director of the Women's Army Corps, the first Secretary of the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare,[21] and the second woman to serve in a US cabinet
  • Lucy Wilson Rice, Texas painter
  • Randy O'Rear, 22nd president of Mary-Handin University

Athletics

The UMHB Crusaders, or "The Cru", compete in Division III (NCAA) as a member of the American Southwest Conference (ASC). UMHB was formerly a member of the NAIA before becoming a full member of the NCAA Division III following the 1999–2000 school year. UMHB held dual membership in the NAIA and NCAA during a provisional period, as UMHB was transitioning to the NCAA.[22]

UMHB sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs, six men's and seven women's:[23]

Athletic achievements
Tim Walker charges towards the end zone on a punt return against Linfield in the NCAA Div III Championship Game

The Crusaders have won four national championships and seven national runner-up finishes:[22]

  • The Lady Crusader golf team won the 2000 NAIA Women's Golf Championship and the 2013 NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championship.
  • The Lady Crusader golf team posted four straight second-place finishes at the NCAA National Tournament from 2002–2005.
  • The women's basketball and men's baseball teams both posted national runner-up finishes in the NAIA.
  • The men's basketball team finished as the NCAA national runner up in 2013.
  • The football team won the NCAA Division III Championship in 2016 and 2018 and finished as the NCAA national runner-up in 2004 and 2017. However the 2016 Championship is now vacated under NCAA sanctions.
  • The football team won the ASC in football 15 times in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
  • UMHB athletic programs have won or shared a combined total of 13 conference championships in the ASC.
  • The men's golf team won the 2008 and 2009 ASC golf championships and have won four conference championships overall. The team also qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2008 and 2009[24]
  • The first athlete from the UMHB football program to make the jump from college into the NFL was linebacker Jerrell Freeman, who signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans in 2008, then moved to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League for three seasons.[25] Freeman returned to the National Football League to play four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. In the spring of 2016, he signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Chicago Bears.

Student life

Easter Pageant

For 79 consecutive years[26] the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor has produced an outdoor reproduction of the Holy Week.[27] Each year the pageant takes place on the Wednesday afternoon before Easter and is performed on campus in front of Luther Memorial. The Easter Pageant is fully produced by the students of UMHB themselves, including directing, costumes, and performances and draws nearly 5,000 viewers each year.[26]

Charter Day

Charter Day is an annual tradition that celebrates the charter signing on February 1, 1845. The event is held during chapel service on the first Wednesday in February. During the service, seniors sing the alumni/senior song, "Up with the Purple".[28] At the conclusion of the service, seniors traditionally place a wreath of flowers on the grave of Judge R.E.B. Baylor, located in the courtyard.[29]

Homecoming

Homecoming provides opportunities for graduates and former students to return to campus and connect with former classmates and the university. The first Homecoming was held in 1909, and over the years has been held in either the fall or spring. Students and alumni together celebrate Homecoming in the fall to include football activities. Selection of the Homecoming Court and the pep rally with fireworks are some of the new events established by students.[30]

Robing ceremony

Robing symbolizes the passing of the student leadership from the senior class to the junior class. The specific origin of the robing ceremony is not known, but it may have occurred as early as 1902. Seniors place their caps and gowns on the juniors, and this is the first time the juniors are allowed to sing the alumni/senior song, “Up with the Purple”. Since 2007, Robing has been held on the Friday of Midnight March with Class Ring Ceremony.[30]

Midnight March

At midnight a few weeks before Spring Commencement, seniors in regalia march with lighted candles around Vann Circle Drive. As they sing the senior/alumni song, they stop to light the candles of special friends and alumni.[31] In the early stages of the Midnight March, the dormitory residents witness the March inside of their dark rooms. Later during the ceremony, the residents migrate into the hallway so senior friends can light their candles. Due to fire codes, however, the March was moved outdoors.[31]

Stunt Night

Stunt Night is a competition among the four classes that builds a bond between members and creates class spirit. It began in 1909 when George Rosborough, the physical education instructor, initiated Stunt Night to give the campus residents, who could not go home, an activity during the Christmas holidays. The Stunt Night committee selects a theme for the event, allowing the class directors time to prepare a skit and an original song. The winning class has the honor of decorating the Stunt Night blanket which is then displayed in the Musick Alumni Center and Museum for a year.[30]

Dubbing Ceremony

In the spring of 1995, students requested a ceremony to create closer emotional ties to the university. Subsequently, a “Dubbing Ceremony” became part of Welcome Week. Each fall new students are “dubbed” with a ceremonial sword by the university administration as “Crusaders Forever”, Prior to the ceremony, students light candles and sing the Alma Mater. Immediately following the ceremony, the sophomores ring the sophomore bell the number of years the university has been in existence.[30]

Miss MHB Pageant

The Pageant provides young women opportunities to gain confidence and poise and to develop friendships through competition. The pageant has evolved over the years into a two-evening, primarily student-produced event. Classes and student organizations select representatives and judges interview the contestants, listen to their platforms, and evaluate them on the group dance, individual talent and evening gown stroll. Miss MHB and three runners-up are named, and each one receives a scholarship for the semester following their selection.[30]

Crusader Knights

The Class of 1994 held the first Crusader Knights in the Fall of 1993. It is a two-night, themed event for the men of UMHB. The competition includes a group opening number, short video-skits created by the participants showing their personality and talent, and the individuals walking in evening attire. The winner is dubbed Mr. Crusader Knight by the university president.[30]

  • UMHB entrance sign
  • Luther Memorial
  • Burt Pond
  • UMHB's W. W. Walton Chapel
  • Townsend Memorial Library
  • Sanderford Hall, the UMHB administration building
  • Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center
  • Wells Nursing and Science Hall
  • York Science Center
  • Presser Hall (established 1929) houses the university music department and the Hughes Recital Hall.
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References
  1. "University of Mary Hardin-Baylor – Profile, Rankings and Data". U.S. News & World Report.
  2. "O'Rear Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at UMHB". KWTX. Retrieved 2009-06-14.
  3. "University of Mary Hardin-Baylor". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  4. "Fast Facts". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  5. "Get to Know UMHB: Our History". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  6. "Frequently Asked Questions". UMHB Athletics. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  7. "Institution Details: University of Mary-Hardin Baylor". Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  8. "High School Students Awarded Scholarships to UMHB". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  9. "About Baylor: Henry Lee Graves, Baylor President 1846-1851". Baylor.edu. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  10. "History of Baylor University". Baylor Law. Archived from the original on 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  11. "University of Mary Hardin-Baylor". Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  12. Camp, Ken. "Pair of frontier Texas Baptists advance cause of women, historians learn". Baptist General Convention of Texas. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  13. Coppedge, Clay. "The 1970s: The 'we' decade". Temple Daily Telegram. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  14. Romer, Paul A. (2009-05-04). "Back Roads: UMHB's 'campus boys' faced 20-1 ratio in classes". Temple Daily Telegram. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
  15. "Scott & White College of Nursing - About Us". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  16. "About the Center for Religious Liberty". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  17. "Undergraduate Colleges". UMHB. Retrieved 2011-12-08.
  18. "Welcome from the Provost". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  19. "Memoriams". UMHB Alumni. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  20. "The Politics of Personality: Part 1, 1915-1927 - Miriam A. Ferguson". Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  21. "Oveta Culp Hobby". Social Security Online History Pages. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  22. "About UMHB Athletics". UMHB Athletics. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  23. "University of Mary Hardin–Baylor Fact Page". American Southwest Conference. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  24. "Mary Hardin–Baylor Wins Men's Golf Championship". American Southwest Conference. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  25. "UMHB's Freeman Signs with Tennessee Titans". American Southwest Conference. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  26. "UMHB Sixty-Ninth Annual Easter Pageant". KWTX-TV. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  27. "Easter Pageant". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  28. "Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Charter Day". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  29. "Charter Day celebrates university past, future". The Bells Online. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  30. "Traditions". UMHB. Retrieved 2011-12-08.
  31. "Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Midnight March". UMHB. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
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