Wayland Baptist University

Wayland Baptist University, founded in 1908, stands as the oldest institution of higher education in continuous existence on the High Plains of Texas. Rooted in its motto "Better Together / Let There Be Light," Wayland offers a distinctive educational experience that blends academic rigor with a faith-based foundation. With over 9,300 students and a robust network of ten satellite campuses across the U.S., Wayland extends its reach far beyond its Plainview origins, providing accessible and quality education to a diverse student body.

The university holds a significant place in American history, particularly for its courageous actions during times of social change. Notably, in 1951, Wayland Baptist University became the first four-year liberal arts college in the former Confederate states to voluntarily integrate, admitting its first Black student, Annie Taylor—three years before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the university's values, which also saw its administration and faculty forgo pay during the Great Depression to keep the school operational, trusting in their mission.

Academically, Wayland Baptist University is known for its comprehensive offerings across a variety of disciplines. The School of Mathematics and Sciences is a particular highlight, housed in the modern Moody Science Building and serving over 400 students each semester with degrees in fields like biology, chemistry, and pre-professional programs in nursing and engineering. Beyond the sciences, students can pursue passions in areas such as Behavioral and Social Sciences, Business, Christian Studies, Education, Creative Arts, Humanities and Leadership, and Nursing, all designed to foster well-rounded graduates prepared for meaningful careers. The recent appointment of Donna Hedgepath as the university's first woman president in 2024 marks another exciting chapter in Wayland's evolving story.