University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Infobox_University
name = University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
native_name =
latin_name =


motto =
established = 1845
type = Private, Baptist
endowment =
staff =
faculty = 330
president = Jerry G. Bawcom, Ph.D.
provost = Steve L. Oldham, Ph.D.
principal =
rector =
president emeritus =
vice_chancellor =
dean =
head_label =
head =
students = 2,713
undergrad = 2,582
postgrad = 131
doctoral = 21
profess =
city = Belton
state = Texas
country = USA
campus = Suburban, 170 acrescite web|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/collegeguide/2008/detail/52|title=University of Mary Hardin-Baylor|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher="Texas Monthly"]
free_label = Sports
free = [http://www.umhb.edu/athletics/ UMHB Crusaders]
colors = Purple, White and Gold
colours =
mascot = Crusaders
nickname = "The Cru"
affiliations = NCAA Division III
footnotes =
website = [http://www.umhb.edu/ www.umhb.edu]
address = 9th at College; Belton, TX 76513
telephone = 1-800-727-UMHB
coor =
logo =

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is a Christian co-educational liberal artscite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/academics/crl/about|title=About the Center for Religious Liberty|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher=UMHB] institution of higher learning located in Belton, Texas. Founded by the Republic of Texas in 1845, as "Baylor Female College" it has grown to approximately 2,700 students and awards degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate levels. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/athletics/faqs.html|title=Frequently Asked Questions|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=UMHB Athletics]

The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). [cite web|url=http://www.sacscoc.org/details.asp?instid=46080|title=Institution Details: University of Mary-Hardin Baylor|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges] cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/crusaderupdates/news/1296|title=High School Students Awarded Scholarships to UMHB|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher=UMHB] UMHB's first doctoral program, leading to the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), officially began in June 2007 with twenty-one students in the inaugural class.cite web|url=http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/8157602.html|title=UMHB Inaugurates First Doctor Program|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=KWTX-TV] The overall student/faculty ratio is 15:1.cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/fast_facts.html|title=Fast Facts|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=UMHB]

History

UMHB's history dates to the time before Texas became state. Its original charter was granted by the Republic of Texas in 1845 as the female counterpart to Baylor University. It began operations in 1846 in the town of Independence with the first class consisting of twenty-four male and female students [cite web|url=http://www.baylor.edu/about/index.php?id=47601|title=About Baylor: Henry Lee Graves, Baylor President 1846-1851|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=Baylor.edu] meeting in a small wooden building.cite web|url=http://law.baylor.edu/History/university.htm|title=History of Baylor University|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=Baylor Law] While the males and females attended school on the same campus, classifying it as coeducational, the classes were still separated by gender.cite web|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/UU/kbu5.html|title=University of Mary Hardin-Baylor|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=Handbook of Texas Online]

Baylor College’s coeducation lasted only until 1851 when it was divided into a Female Department and a Male Department.cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/parents/gettoknow/our_history.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Our History|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=UMHB] Each began occupying separate buildings approximately a mile apart.

The changing demography of Texas and relocation of a nearby railroad made it increasingly difficult for college students to get transportation to Independence. Both colleges were relocated in 1886 to their permanent homes in Central Texas: the men moved to Waco where the school merged with coeducational Waco University and continued as Baylor University and the women relocated to Belton where it continued operations as Baylor Female College.

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. 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. [cite web|url=http://www.bgct.org/texasbaptists/Page.aspx?&pid=2342&srcid=2362|title=Pair of frontier Texas Baptists advance cause of women, historians learn|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher=Baptist General Convention of Texas|last=Camp|first=Ken] 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.

A limited number of 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.cite web|url=http://www.temple-telegram.com/story/2007/08/26/43116|title=The 1970s: The 'we' decade|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher="Temple Daily Telegram"|last=Coppedge|first=Clay] "Campus Boys" were required to sit in the back of classes and were not allowed to participate verbally.fact|date=May 2008

In 1925 Baylor Female College was renamed Baylor College for Women. A year later in 1926, it was accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Universities (now SACS), being the first Texas Baptist college to do so, and by the American Association of Colleges in 1927. In 1925, enrollment peaked at 2,372 which forced the college to start a costly building project. That, in addition 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. It was saved by a generous gift from Mary and John G. Hardin and, in gratitude, the college changed its name to Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1934.

In 1968, the Scott & White College of Nursing, named for the Scott & White Memorial Hospital located in nearby Temple, became a part of Mary Hardin-Baylor College. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/nursing/deans_welcome.html|title=Scott & White College of Nursing - About Us|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher=UMHB]

In 1971, Mary Hardin-Baylor College became fully co-educational. With the inauguration of its first graduate program, a Master's of Education, in 1978, the college achieved status as a university with five schools: Arts and Sciences, Creative Arts, Business, Education, and Nursing. It was renamed the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Academics

There are 66 undergraduate majors and 18 graduate degree programs, including several Master's degree and one doctoral program. Qualified students can participate in engaged learning through internships with businesses and industries. Study abroad programs are offered on six continents.

Colleges

UMHB comprises eight colleges.

College of Business

Departments within the College of Business include:

* Accounting, Economics and Finance
* Business Administration and Systems
* Business Information Technology and Systems
* Management and Marketing

The College of Business also includes two Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees:

* Management
* Accounting

College of Christian Studies

Departments within the College of Christian Studies include:

* Bachelor of Arts Degree Program
* Bachelor of Christian Ministry Degree Program
* Certificate in Christian Ministry

College of Education

Departments within the College of Education include:

* Exercise and Sport Science
* Athletic Training
* Education

College of Humanities

Departments within the College of Humanities include:

* Communication and Media Studies
* English and Writing
* History and Political Science
* Modern Foreign Languages

Scott and White College of Nursing

The S&W College of Nursing includes a generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as well as a degree plan for nurses with an associate's degree wishing to achieve a BSN.cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/nursing/programs.html|title=Scott & White College of Nursing - Programs of Study|accessdate=2008-05-18]

College of Sciences

Departments within the College of Sciences include:

* Biology
* Health Professions (Pre-Professional Programs)
* Chemistry and Geology
* Computer Science
* Mathematics & Physics
* Psychology and Counseling
* Social Work, Sociology and Criminal Justice

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Departments within the College of Visual and Performing Arts include:

* Art
* Music
* Theater

Graduate Programs

UMHB offers graduate study programs leading to five graduate degrees:

* Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology
* Master of Arts in Christian Studies
* Master of Business Administration (MBA)
* Master of Education (M.Ed.)
* Master of Science in Information Systems (M.S.I.S.)

Doctoral Programs

UMHB offers one doctoral program:

* Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) has two tracks, one geared toward higher education and the other to grade school. It is a three-year program consisting of 60 semester hours of classes and a doctoral dissertation. [cite web|url=http://graduate.umhb.edu/edd/program_info.html|title=Ed.D.: Program Info|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=UMHB] Travel commitments are required two weeks every summer either in state, nationally or internationally. [cite web|url=http://graduate.umhb.edu/edd/news/6666|title=Doctorate in Education Informational Meetings Set|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=UMHB] The courses are designed to allow administrators and educators to earn a doctorate without having to give up their employment. Classes are held one weekend a month.

Notable Alumni

* Margaret "Maggie" Lea Houston, eldest daughter of Republic of Texas President Sam Houston [cite web|url=http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/Genealogy/children.shtml|title=The Houston Children - Margaret Lea Houston|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=Sam Houston Memorial Museum]
* Oveta Culp Hobby, the first director of the Women's Army Corps and the first Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, now known as the Department of Health and Human Services [cite web|url=http://www.ssa.gov/history/hobby.html|title=Oveta Culp Hobby|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=Social Security Online History Pages]
* Sybil Leonard Armes, a Christian author, alternate poet laureate of Texas in 1969, and former trustee of UMHB [cite web|url=http://alumni.umhb.edu/?page=Memoriams|title=Memoriams|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=UMHB Alumni]
* Miriam 'Ma' Ferguson, Texas' first female governor [cite web|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/governors/personality/index.html|title=The Politics of Personality: Part 1, 1915-1927 - Miriam A. Ferguson|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=Texas State Library and Archives Commission]

Presidential Ties

Former President George H. W. Bush, management expert Dr. Ken Blanchard (author of the "One-Minute Manager" books),cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/academics/provost|title=Welcome from the Provost|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher=UMHB] and Former First Lady Barbara Bush [cite web|url=http://alumni.umhb.edu/news/7325/Former-First-Lady-Barbara-Bush-Speaks-at-UMHB.htm|title=Former First Lady Barbara Bush Speaks at UMHB|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher=UMHB Alumni News] were recent distinguished guest speakers on campus. Johnson Hall, an all girls dormitory on the UMHB campus was named after Rebekah Baines Johnson, mother of President Lyndon B. Johnson and granddaughter of Baptist preacher Reverend George Washington Baines who served as president of the college from 1861–1864.cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/parents/life/female_halls/Johnson.html|title=Johnson Hall|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=UMHB] President Johnson, Mrs. Johnson and several other family members were present when the building was dedicated on September 26, 1968.

Athletics

The UMHB Crusaders, or "The Cru," competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the American Southwest Conference (ASC). UMHB was formally 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.cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/athletics/about_us.html|title=About UMHB Athletics|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=UMHB Athletics]

UMHB sponsors twelve varsity athletic programs, six men's and six women's: [cite web|url=http://www.ascsports.org/Sports/gen/2007/UNIVERSITY_OF_MARY_HARDIN_BAYLOR.asp|title=University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Fact Page|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=American Southwest Conference]

Athletic Achievements

The Crusaders have won one national championship and seven national runner-up finishes:

* The Lady Crusader golf team won the 2000 NAIA Women's Golf National 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 football team finished as the NCAA national runner-up in 2004
* UMHB athletic programs have won or shared a combined total of 13 conference championships in the ASC
* The men's golf team has won two ASC golf championships in four years and three overall [cite web|url=http://www.ascsports.org/News/umhb/2008/4/22/ASC_GOLF_MENS_CHAMPIONSHIP08.asp?path=umhb|title=Mary Hardin-Baylor Wins Men's Golf Championship|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=American Southwest Conference]
* UMHB recently had its first athlete from the football program make the jump from college into the NFL. Linebacker Jarrell Freeman signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans [cite web|url=http://www.ascsports.org/News/football/2008/4/27/ASC_UMHBSFREEMAN_NFL.asp?path=football|title=UMHB's Freeman Signs with Tennessee Titans|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher=American Southwest Conference]

Traditions

Easter Pageant

For 69 consecutive years the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has produced an outdoor reproduction of the Holy Week. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/students/gettoknow/traditions/easter_pageant.html|title=Easter Pageant|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB] 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.cite web|url=http://www.kwtx.com/iwitness/headlines/16352991.html|title=UMHB Sixty-Ninth Annual Easter Pageant|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=KWTX-TV]

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." [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/charter_day.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Charter Day|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB] At the conclusion of the service, it is tradition for seniors place a wreath or flowers on the grave of Judge R.E.B. Baylor, located outside of the church. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/onlinebells/article/7587|title=Charter Day celebrates university past, future|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=The Bells Online]

Candlelighting

The Candlelighting Ceremony was started in 1939 by the Alumni Association to encourage a closer relationship between alumnae, students and the college. During the ceremony, those in attendance are handed a candle at which time the seniors light a smaller candle from the Alumni Association president's larger candle, and the seniors then proceed to light the others in the audience. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/candlelighting.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Candlelighting|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB]

Midnight March

At midnight on the Saturday of Homecoming Weekend, seniors in regalia march with lighted candles around Vann Circle Drive. As they sing the senior/alumni song, "Up With the Purple," they stop to light the candles of special friends and alumni.cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/midnight_march.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Midnight March|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB] In the early stages of the Midnight March, the dormitory residents would witness the March inside of their dark rooms. Later during the ceremony, the residents would migrate into the hallway so senior friends could light their candles. Due to fire codes, however, the March was moved outdoors.

Robing

Believed to be held as early as 1902, Robing was initially associated with graduation weekend in which juniors and seniors marched to the front of the Wilson Administration Building, the future site of the Sanderford Administration Complex, possessing a chain of daisies given by the sophomores. The juniors were then honored by having the senior's academic regalia passed on to them, symbolizing the transfer of student leadership. It also marked the first time the juniors were allowed to sing "Up with the Purple". The ceremony is now a part of chapel service known as Robing Chapel. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/robing.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Robing|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB]

Dubbing Ceremony

The Dubbing Ceremony started in 1995 at the request of students who wanted a more emotional attachment to the university. Thus, the next Fall and every fall thereafter, all new students were honored, or "dubbed," with a ceremonial sword from the university president pronouncing them as "Crusaders Forever." Starting in 1999, a similar dubbing ceremony was started specially for alumni. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/dubbing_ceremony.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - Dubbing Ceremony|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB]

Hanging of the Green

Following the school's annual Christmas Dinner, representatives of different campus organizations are led by the Residence Hall Association in hanging wreaths on all buildings facing the quadrangle. The event includes singing Christmas carols and reading the story of the birth of Christ. [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/hanging_of_the_green.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB]

"Up with the Purple"

"Up with the Purple, the Gold and the White

High o'er the college towerForth from her portals we step in her might,

Men and women great in power.Yes, we come from old Baylor,

Her loyal sons and her daughters true,And proudly each one hails the memory

Of Baylor College, for we love you.

All hail to thee, old Baylor,

Proud daughter of the SouthWith heart and voice we praise thee

As we go marching forth."

UMHB Alma Mater

The current Alma Mater was sung for the first time in February 1994 with the lyrics written by two students and the music written by two graduates of the university. Former school songs included "Centennial Song," "Old Baylor," "Mary Hardin-Baylor College," "Old Baylor Is Marching," "Slinga da Ink," and "Swing Song." [cite web|url=http://www.umhb.edu/prospective/gettoknow/traditions/school_song.html|title=Get to Know UMHB: Traditions - School Song|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=UMHB]

"Dear Mary Hardin-Baylor, who stands ever proud and strong.

With courage, boldness and loyalty, our Crusader leads us on.

We will keep you high in honor, forever through our days.

With endless time and wonder, our love will never fade.

Ever thankful for our past, into the future we will go.

With faithfulness and devotion to you. Our Purple, White, and Gold."

UMHB Fight Song

Though it's rarely sung, there are words to the UMHB fight song which is played at most sporting events throughout the year.

"March on, Crusaders!

We're gonna fight, with all our might,

And it will give us the victory.

We are the Purple, Gold, and White! (Go 'Saders)

Proud our tradition — in faith and loyalty

Come on, let's cheer for the 'Saders,

For 'ole UMHB!"

Music — Carl Cooper

Words — Erin Cooper (Class of 1996) and Carl Cooper

References

External links

* [http://www.umhb.edu/ UMHB Website]
* [http://www.umhb.edu/athletics/ UMHB Athletics]
* [http://alumni.umhb.edu/ UMHB Alumni Website]
*

* [http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/UU/kbu5.html Handbook of Texas Online] entry.