University of Mary Hardin–Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin–Baylor (UMHB) is a private Christian university in Belton, Texas. UMHB was chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845[4] as Baylor Female College, the female department of what is now Baylor University.[5] It has since become its own institution and grown to 3,914 students and awards degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas[3][6] and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[7][8]
Former names
Female Department of Baylor University (1851–1886)
Baylor Female College (1886–1925)
Baylor College for Women (1925–1934)
Mary Hardin–Baylor College (1934–1978)
Education for Life, Experience of a Lifetime
1845 (as part of Baylor University)
$59.55 million[1]
Randy O'Rear[2]
330
3,914
3,335
375
204
Suburban, 170 acres (69 ha)[3]
Purple, white, gold
Crusaders
CRUnk the Crusader
Academics[edit]
The school has 119 undergraduate majors[17] and 13 graduate degree programs, including several master's degrees and two doctoral programs.[16] Qualified students can participate in engaged learning through internships with businesses and industries. Study abroad programs are offered on three continents.[18]
UMHB comprises eight colleges: The McLane College of Business, College of Christian Studies, College of Education, College of Humanities and Sciences, Scott and White College of Nursing, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Graduate School.
Student life[edit]
LGBT prohibitions[edit]
In 2015 the university was granted an exception to Title IX allowing it exclude LGBT student organizations for religious reasons. In 2016 the organization Campus Pride ranked the college among the worst schools in Texas for LGBT students.[26]
The UMHB Student Handbook prohibits homosexual behavior.[27]
Easter Pageant[edit]
For 79 consecutive years[28] the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor has produced an outdoor reproduction of the Holy Week.[29] 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.[28]
Charter Day[edit]
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".[30] At the conclusion of the service, seniors traditionally place a wreath of flowers on the grave of Judge R.E.B. Baylor, located in the courtyard.[31]
Homecoming[edit]
Homecoming provides opportunities for graduates and former students to return to campus and connect with former classmates and the university. The first Homecoming was held in 1909, and over the years has been held in either the fall or spring. Students and alumni together celebrate Homecoming in the fall to include football activities. Selection of the Homecoming Court and the pep rally with fireworks are some of the new events established by students.[32]
Robing ceremony[edit]
Robing symbolizes the passing of the student leadership from the senior class to the junior class. The specific origin of the robing ceremony is not known, but it may have occurred as early as 1902. Seniors place their caps and gowns on the juniors, and this is the first time the juniors are allowed to sing the alumni/senior song, “Up with the Purple”. Since 2007, Robing has been held on the Friday of Midnight March with Class Ring Ceremony.[32]
Midnight March[edit]
At midnight a few weeks before Spring Commencement, seniors in regalia march with lighted candles around Vann Circle Drive. As they sing the senior/alumni song, they stop to light the candles of special friends and alumni.[33] In the early stages of the Midnight March, the dormitory residents witness the March inside of their dark rooms. Later during the ceremony, the residents migrate into the hallway so senior friends can light their candles. Due to fire codes, however, the March was moved outdoors.[33]
Stunt Night[edit]
Stunt Night is a competition among the four classes that builds a bond between members and creates class spirit. It began in 1909 when George Rosborough, the physical education instructor, initiated Stunt Night to give the campus residents, who could not go home, an activity during the Christmas holidays. The Stunt Night committee selects a theme for the event, allowing the class directors time to prepare a skit and an original song. The winning class has the honor of decorating the Stunt Night blanket which is then displayed in the Musick Alumni Center and Museum for a year.[32]
Dubbing Ceremony[edit]
In the spring of 1995, students requested a ceremony to create closer emotional ties to the university. Subsequently, a “Dubbing Ceremony” became part of Welcome Week. Each fall new students are “dubbed” with a ceremonial sword by the university administration as “Crusaders Forever”, Prior to the ceremony, students light candles and sing the Alma Mater. Immediately following the ceremony, the sophomores ring the sophomore bell the number of years the university has been in existence.[32]
Miss MHB Pageant[edit]
The Pageant provides young women opportunities to gain confidence and poise and to develop friendships through competition. The pageant has evolved over the years into a two-evening, primarily student-produced event. Classes and student organizations select representatives and judges interview the contestants, listen to their platforms, and evaluate them on the group dance, individual talent and evening gown stroll. Miss MHB and three runners-up are named, and each one receives a scholarship for the semester following their selection.[32]
Crusader Knights[edit]
The Class of 1994 held the first Crusader Knights in the Fall of 1993. It is a two-night, themed event for the men of UMHB. The competition includes a group opening number, short video-skits created by the participants showing their personality and talent, and the individuals walking in evening attire. The winner is dubbed Mr. Crusader Knight by the university president.[32]
UMHB entrance sign
Luther Memorial
Burt Pond
UMHB's W. W. Walton Chapel
Townsend Memorial Library
Sanderford Hall, the UMHB administration building
Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center
Wells Nursing and Science Hall
York Science Center
Presser Hall (established 1929) houses the university music department and the Hughes Recital Hall.
