Wayland’s Advancement Council pledges $1 million to Thrive Campaign

PLAINVIEW, TX — Wayland Baptist University’s newly formed Advancement Council has made a significant pledge of $1 million to the university’s ambitious $18 million Thrive Campaign.

The pledge was announced during the Advancement Council’s second meeting on Saturday, May 18, and brings the campaign’s total funds raised to an impressive $14.5 million. Under the leadership of Dr. Bobby Hall, President of Wayland Baptist University, the Thrive Campaign continues to gain momentum. The campaign aims to foster academic excellence, enhance recruitment efforts, improve campus facilities, and bolster athletics across the institution.

“The pursuit of excellence requires resources. Wayland’s new Advancement Council understands that and is willing to take a leadership role in helping the university move forward,” Dr. Hall said. “This is an extraordinary group of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and locations who have come together to provide leadership in this very important area of university life. We are thankful for their love for Wayland and very much appreciate their efforts.”

Dr. Glenda Payas, Advancement Council chair, said she is honored to lead a group united in seeking to advance the university.

“Because of our unity, we have committed $1 million toward the Thrive campaign,” she said. “We will work together with the university to fulfill the mission Dr. Wayland was given 115 years ago. It is with our prayers and support that we believe Wayland will thrive into the future.”

Mike Hammack, Vice President of Advancement, commended the leadership of Dr. Payas in rallying the Council’s support for the university’s strategic objectives. “To make such a significant commitment to the Thrive Campaign in only their second meeting is remarkable,” Hammack stated.

During the meeting, the four pillars of the Thrive Campaign were reviewed, and Dr. Hall, Dr. Claude Lusk, Senior Vice President of Operations and Student Life, and Dr. Daniel Brown, Vice President of Enrollment Management, provided current university status updates. Hammack explained how the Thrive Campaign is designed to elevate Wayland’s status as a leader in higher education through substantial investments in key areas:

Academic Excellence — Dedicated gifts and grants will be used to empower students to learn at the highest levels. This includes updating technology, funding Pioneer Scholarships, and elevating the university’s honors program. The campaign also aims to establish new academic programs and enhance existing ones.

Recruitment and Retention — The Ignite Wayland initiative, focusing on marketing and recruitment strategies, will be used to attract students to Wayland’s 10 campuses. This initiative includes securing Wayland Challenge matching grants, expanding scholarships, and enhancing services for veterans, military students, and first-generation students.

Campus Improvements — Investments will be made to create environments that foster student engagement, faith, and academic excellence. Planned improvements include campus renovations, beautification projects, updated gathering spaces, enhanced campus safety, and expansion of student life programs.

Athletics — Recognizing the importance of sports in building community spirit, funds will be used to enhance athletic scholarships, replace transportation options for events, and upgrade athletic facilities.

The Thrive Campaign is a comprehensive effort to position Wayland Baptist University at the forefront of higher education, ensuring students receive the highest quality education in a Christ-centered supportive, and enriching environment.

Go to https://vimeo.com/910278364?share=copy to view the Thrive Campaign video. Go to https://www.wbu.edu/thrive_campaign.htm for more information about the Thrive Campaign or to contribute. You may also contact Wayland Baptist University’s Office of Advancement.

Established in 1908, Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging, learning-focused, and distinctively Christian environment. Wayland operates campuses in Plainview, Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls and San Antonio, Texas, as well as Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and online.