The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor: A Legacy of Faith, Education, and Service
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history rooted in Christian values and a commitment to preparing students for leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Founded in 1845, UMHB has evolved from its origins as the female department of Baylor University to become a thriving, independent university offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. This article delves into the historical journey of UMHB, highlighting its key milestones, traditions, and enduring commitment to academic excellence and Christian principles.
Origins and Early Years
The story of UMHB begins in 1845, when the Republic of Texas granted a charter to Baylor University in Independence. This charter, driven by the Texas Baptist Education Society of the Union Baptist Association, aimed to provide Christian education for both young men and women. Section six of the charter specifically stipulated the establishment of a Preparatory Department and a Female Department alongside provisions for male students.
Initially, all students were taught by the same faculty in the same building, although separate classes were scheduled to accommodate parental preferences for the separation of the sexes. In 1851, under the leadership of the second president, Rufus C. Burleson, a significant step towards separation occurred as the male students were relocated to a separate building on an adjacent hill, while the female students remained in the old frame building of Independence Academy under the guidance of Horace Clark.
In 1855, the Female Department moved into a stone building designed by Clark. The tall stone columns of this building stand today as the only remaining part of Baylor in Independence. This marked a significant development in the establishment of a distinct identity for the female educational institution.
Separation and Relocation
In 1866, a pivotal moment arrived when the Baptist State Convention of Texas officially separated the Female Department from Baylor University, establishing Baylor Female College. This new entity operated under the original charter but was governed by its own board of trustees, marking a clear divergence in governance and direction.
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As Texas's demographics shifted, the Baptist State Convention of Texas decided to move both Baylors to Central Texas in 1886. The men's college merged with Waco University in Waco, retaining the name Baylor University. The women's college, now known as Baylor Female College, found a new home in Belton, thanks to the town's offer of $31,000, an eleven-acre hilltop site, and a commitment to erecting a building ready by September.
On September 13, 1886, President John Hill Luther inaugurated Baylor Female College in a three-story native limestone building, introducing his faculty to an enthusiastic crowd from Belton and Bell County. The student body's rapid growth necessitated an expansion of the building to twice its original size by the second year. The original building housed a dormitory for students and teachers, a dining hall, a library, a chapel, studios, and classrooms.
Academic Growth and Innovation
Academically, the college consistently emphasized the liberal arts. By the turn of the century, it offered two-degree programs: classical and English, the latter not requiring a foreign language. These programs evolved into the B.A. and B.S. degrees approved by the State Department of Education, which recognized Baylor Female College as "a college of the first rank" in 1912. In 1913, the state began accepting its graduates as teachers without further examination. Today, the liberal arts form the core courses for programs such as nursing, business, and education.
The school also stressed the fine arts, offering diplomas in music, art, and elocution. From the 1920s through the 1960s, the college's Conservatory of Music garnered national acclaim, including an arts building grant from the Presser Foundation, the first such award in the Southwest.
Three publications originated early in the century and continue to be published: the Bluebonnet Yearbook (1904), The Baylorian, a literary magazine (1912), and The Bells, a weekly newspaper (1917). The journalism department, established in 1921, was granted a chapter of Theta Sigma Phi in 1925. Baylor Female College was also one of the founding institutions for Alpha Chi (1922), initially known as the Scholarship Society of the South.
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Challenges and Transformations
The period coinciding with the presidency of John C. Hardy (1912-37) witnessed significant growth in enrollment, peaking at 2,372 in 1925-26. This growth necessitated an extensive building program of dormitories and classroom buildings, plunging the college into debt.
In 1925, Baylor Female College was renamed Baylor College for Women. In 1926, it gained admission to the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, and in 1927, to the American Association of Colleges. However, economic pressures threatened or delayed some accreditations dependent on improved faculty salaries and fireproof buildings.
The Great Depression, coupled with a devastating fire in 1929 that required immediate construction of more buildings, brought the college to the brink of bankruptcy. Salvation came through a generous gift from Mary and John G. Hardin. In gratitude, the college was renamed Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1934.
Evolution into a University
By 1978, the college had been reorganized into a university comprising five schools: arts and sciences, creative arts, business, education, and nursing. It was at this time that it adopted the name University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
In 1968, the Scott and White School of Nursing became part of the institution. Its students undertake a four-year course leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, accredited by both the National League for Nursing and the Board of Nurse Examiners of Texas.
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Since admitting male students, the university has been affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In the fall of 1998, enrollment stood at 2,479. UMHB boasted a library of approximately 150,000 volumes, a ninety-acre campus, a physical plant of twenty-one buildings, and a teacher-student ratio of about one to twenty. The university offered around forty undergraduate majors and conferred five graduate degrees, divided among five schools: business, education, fine arts, sciences and humanities, and the Scott and White School of Nursing. It also maintained cooperative agreements with Allen College and Ebino College in Japan.
Traditions and Campus Life
UMHB has a rich tapestry of traditions that contribute to its unique campus culture. These traditions foster a sense of community, celebrate the university's history, and provide opportunities for students and alumni to connect.
Charter Day: Celebrated annually on February 1, Charter Day commemorates the signing of the university's charter in 1845. During a special chapel service, seniors sing the alumni/senior song, "Up with the Purple," and place a wreath on the grave of Judge R.E.B. Baylor, honoring his contributions to education, religion, and criminal justice in Texas.
Homecoming: Homecoming is a significant event that brings together graduates and former students to reconnect with classmates and the university. Held in the fall, Homecoming includes football activities and provides a platform for alumni to relive their experiences and learn about the university's current state. The Alumni Center plans over 22 events for students and alumni during Homecoming, with over 700 alumni members and 1400 guests expected to attend.
Robing: This ceremony symbolizes the passing of student leadership from the senior class to the junior class. Seniors place their caps and gowns on the juniors, marking the first time the juniors are allowed to sing the alumni/senior song, "Up with the Purple."
Midnight March: A few weeks before Spring Commencement, seniors in regalia march with lighted candles around Vann Circle Drive at midnight. As they sing the senior/alumni song, they stop to light the candles of special friends and alumni, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and tradition.
Stunt Night: Stunt Night is a competition among the four classes that promotes bonding and class spirit. Initiated in 1909, the event involves each class preparing a skit and an original song based on a theme selected by the Stunt Night committee.
Dubbing Ceremony: As part of Welcome Week, new students are "dubbed" with a ceremonial sword by the university administration as "Crusaders Forever," symbolizing their induction into the UMHB community.
The Pageant: The Pageant offers young women opportunities to gain confidence, poise, and develop friendships through competition. The event has evolved into a two-evening, student-produced show where contestants are evaluated on various aspects, including a group dance, individual talent, and evening gown stroll.
Crusader Knights: This two-night, themed event for the men of UMHB includes a group opening number, short video skits, and individuals walking in evening attire. The winner is dubbed Mr. UMHB.
The Musick Alumni Center and Museum
The Musick Alumni Center and Museum at Parker House is a vital part of the UMHB campus. Originally named after former UMHB president Dr. Bobby E. Parker and his wife, Marietta Parker, the house served as the residence for university presidents until 2009. After Dr. Jerry Bawcom, the last president to live in the Parker House, became Chancellor, the house was remodeled and transformed into the Musick Alumni Center and Museum. The alumni center serves as a hub for alumni activities and engagement. The museum on the second floor showcases UMHB's history.
UMHB Today
Today, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor continues to uphold its founding principles while adapting to the evolving needs of its students and the world around it. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives.
UMHB's commitment to Christian values remains a cornerstone of its identity. The university fosters an environment where faith and learning are integrated, encouraging students to develop a strong moral compass and a desire to serve others.
The campus is located in Belton, Texas, in the heart of the state, offering students access to various opportunities for employment, internships, and cultural experiences. The university's strategic plan focuses on student success, ensuring that each student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
UMHB's athletic teams, known as the Crusaders, compete in Division III (NCAA) as a member of the American Southwest Conference (ASC). The football team has achieved remarkable success, winning the NCAA Division III Championship in 2016, 2018 and 2021.
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