PLAINVIEW — Dr. Donna Hedgepath has been unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as the 14th president of Wayland Baptist University.
Dr. Hedgepath, who will become the first woman to lead the 115-year-old university, was introduced by Mark Jones, chair of Wayland’s Board of Trustees. She currently serves as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, KY. Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Presidential Search Committee, Dr. Hedgepath was selected by Wayland’s trustees during a meeting held Thursday, Jan. 25.
Dr. Hedgepath will succeed Dr. Bobby Hall, who announced in 2023 his intent to retire on June 30, 2024. She begins her new duties July 1.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be invited to lead Wayland Baptist University,” Dr. Hedgepath said. “To serve this institution is an extraordinary opportunity. Academics have played a major role in my career as an educator, department dean, vice president, and provost. Using my experience, I am excited to lead the faculty and staff as we build on the excellent foundation established here at Wayland.”
Dr. Hedgepath said she is humbled by the confidence Wayland’s trustees have placed in her as well as by the prospect of succeeding Dr. Hall, who she noted, “has faithfully served this institution for more than four decades.”
“I am eagerly looking forward to working with all Pioneers to build on this great university’s strong foundations,” Dr. Hedgepath said. “I intend to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. By working together, we can propel Wayland to even greater eminence through a strong commitment to student success, development, and service, as well as stewardship of what God has given us.”
Mark Jones, chair of Wayland’s board, said trustees are thrilled the nine-month search for a new leader has come to a successful conclusion with the appointment of Dr. Hedgepath as the 14th president.
“Dr. Hedgepath is most importantly an educator, but she is also a tremendously talented and experienced leader with a track record of innovation and tangible, positive results,” he said.
“We are confident that Dr. Hedgepath has the intellectual vision, Christian faith, and personal integrity to inspire our Wayland family to new levels of excellence. We look forward to working alongside her to foster a climate of community, engagement, and mutual respect.”
Jones said that following an extensive national search, trustees unanimously selected Dr. Hedgepath from a diverse and impressive pool of candidates.
“A champion of program innovation and academic excellence, Dr. Hedgepath has proven to possess the passion, knowledge, and strategic vision necessary to advance Wayland and build upon our distinguished reputation,” Jones said. “For many years, Dr. Hedgepath has been deeply involved in issues fundamental to Christ-centered higher education leadership, including admissions, student life, athletics, finance, and philanthropy.”
Jones expressed “heartfelt thanks” to the Presidential Search Committee.
“The impact of your efforts simply cannot be overstated,” he said. “We would also like to thank all who contributed their support and perspectives throughout this process.”
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