PLAINVIEW, TX — In a speech highlighting her enthusiasm for both Wayland Baptist University and the Plainview community, Dr. Donna Hedgepath brought her “Better Together” message to the Plainview Rotary Club Tuesday.
Having recently taken the helm at Wayland, the new president expressed her commitment to engaging the community and fostering a collaborative spirit as she shared her vision for the university’s future.
“Wayland needs Plainview just as much as Plainview needs Wayland,” she said, emphasizing the university’s “Better Together” theme for the year. She acknowledged the power of partnerships, referencing Plainview Rotary Club’s recent decision to join the Chamber of Commerce as an example of how much more can be achieved when organizations work together.
During her speech, Dr. Hedgepath shared positive developments at the university, noting the Plainview campus is experiencing growth with the largest resident class at the local campus since 2018. She also highlighted the excitement surrounding the large and energetic freshman class.
“Our goal is to keep these students engaged and help them succeed,” she stated, acknowledging the challenges of student retention, particularly between the freshman and sophomore years.
Dr. Hedgepath outlined her plans for the university’s facilities, acknowledging the need for modernization. She said when she and her husband first visited the campus in December, she noticed it needed some TLC.
“It was empty because it was Christmas break, but the first thing I thought, and I’m going to be completely transparent with you, I looked at Pete and I said, ‘This place is tired’,” she said. But the president quickly emphasized that the physical appearance of the campus did not deter her commitment to coming to Wayland.
“It never once made me say, ‘I’m not coming here,’ because I had already met the people, and I had fallen in love with the mission. Those of you who are in business know that the aesthetic of a place where you live, and where you learn, and where you want to serve the community is important.”
Under her leadership, Wayland has already begun significant improvements, including HVAC system upgrades, plumbing repairs, and significant technological enhancements, made possible through the generosity of donors called by God to give.
“Here’s the cool part,” she said. “We didn’t really have it in our budget, but God has provided. It’s interesting how suddenly folks are giving us checks. It’s ‘Oh, well that will take care of the plumbing there,’ and ‘Oh, this will take care of the new HVAC we need over here.’ So, it’s been pretty amazing, and it continues to happen. We have our list of things that we need to do, and as God provides, we are fixing that, and we’re replacing this. In some cases, we’re doing it, knowing that God will provide in the future.”
She cited the maintenance endeavors as “some examples of just hitting the ground running.”
Looking forward, Dr. Hedgepath expressed her dream of possibly building new dormitories and modernizing office spaces, aligning with trends in higher education to attract prospective students.
The president also spoke passionately about improving the aesthetics of the campus, turning it into a “beautiful oasis in West Texas.”
“We’re figuring out how to do things correctly and safely, and also move ahead,” she said.
Dr. Hedgepath praised the university’s academic affairs as she also revealed exciting developments in Wayland’s programs. She noted introduction of new master’s programs has already attracted a diverse group of students, further strengthening the university’s reputation.
“I want Wayland to become a national brand online as well,” she said. “We have a good product, and there’s no reason why we can’t sell our story.”
In closing, Dr. Hedgepath invited the community to join in supporting the university and its students.
“I ask that you continue to pray for our students and pull them into the community as much as you can,” the president urged, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the success of the university.
The president’s comments came at the service club’s weekly meeting at Plainview Independent School District Board Room, where Rotarians and guests enjoyed a meal catered by Weekend’s Barbecue. Among guests attending the meeting were several members of the university’s faculty and staff, as well as 20 members of Wayland’s Rotaract Club, which is sponsored by Plainview Rotary Club.
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