Amid a gathering of students, alumni, and faculty, Wayland Baptist University officially inaugurated Donna Hedgepath as its 14th president on Monday in a heartfelt ceremony at Harral Memorial Auditorium.
The event began with a prelude performed by the Campbellsville University faculty ensemble, a group that holds special significance for Hedgepath, who earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in music education at Campbellsville. The ensemble's participation was a nod to her past, as she had previously served as provost at the Kentucky institution before taking the helm at Wayland.
The ceremony continued with an invocation by Campbellsville professor Twyla Hernández, followed by scripture readings from Father Jeremy Trull of the Catholic Diocese of Lubbock and Rev. Richard Miller of Happy Union Baptist Church. Cindy McClenagan, Wayland's Vice President of Academic Affairs, then called the convocation to order and introduced the first speakers.
Mark Jones, chair of Wayland's Board of Trustees, was the first to offer an official greeting. He praised Hedgepath’s dedication to education, integrity, and faith, saying she embodies the qualities the university sought in a new leader.
“She is a successful educator with a pioneering spirit, a commitment to faith, and a vision for stewarding our resources with wisdom and grace,” Jones said.
The ceremony also featured remarks from a range of distinguished guests, including Student Government Association President Cooper Trolinger, Baptist General Convention of Texas President Julio Guarneri, alumna Sarah Denning, university registrar Julie Bowen, and former Texas House Speaker Pete Laney.
The Wayland Inauguration Choir, under the direction of Sarah Herrington, director of choral studies, performed two moving pieces: "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name" and "Lead Me, Lord," with choir members representing the Wayland community as well as the town of Plainview.
As part of the tradition, special "charges" were delivered to Hedgepath during the ceremony. Campbellsville President Joe Hopkins delivered the charge of faith, speaking to Hedgepath’s deep commitment to Christian values in higher education. "At the end of her own strength, she leans on her savior," Hopkins remarked, emphasizing Hedgepath’s faith as a guiding force in her leadership.
The charge of family was delivered by Hedgepath’s nephew, Grant Litton, while former Wayland President Paul Armes provided the charge of future, calling on Hedgepath to lead the university into a new era.
Chancellor Emeritus of Campbellsville University, Keith Spears, gave the inaugural charge, urging Hedgepath to uphold Wayland’s mission and values.
Following the charges, Jones returned to the podium to officially install Hedgepath as president, presenting her with the President’s Medallion, a 24-karat gold-plated brass seal surrounded by blue enamel, which symbolizes the leadership of the university.
Hedgepath’s inaugural address followed, as she expressed her gratitude for the support of those who have helped her along the way. She also reflected on the symbolism of the Plainview community, which sits equidistant between towns named “Happy” and “New Deal.”
“For this ‘glass-half-full girl,’ I think it's pretty cool and prophetic," she said, her words met with laughter and applause from the audience.
Hedgepath acknowledged the significance of being Wayland’s first female president but emphasized that her leadership was driven by a sense of calling rather than gender. "I believe I’m the right leader, male or female," she said. "It’s not just about being the first female; it’s about being the right person for this time, for this university.”
Hedgepath’s appointment as president came after a national search, with the WBU Board of Trustees unanimously selecting her in January. She officially took office in July, following the retirement of former President Bobby Hall.
Reflecting on her journey, Hedgepath shared that it was her calling to serve the student community that led her to Plainview. “I didn’t come here because I’m a woman; I came because I believe in Wayland’s mission and the potential we have together as a university family,” she said.
