SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 1 Fall 2021 | vol. 34 no. 2 THE DBU REPORT Celebrating Five Years On June 1, 2016, Dr. Adam C. Wright began his tenure as President of DBU. This special issue looks back over the last five years in celebration of all that God has done on University Hill.
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 2 4 The Last Five Years 8 Strengthening Academic Excellence 11 Increasing Visibility 14 Expanding Student Engagement 16 Residential Population 18 Ford Village 20 Alumni Engagement 22 Deepening Christian Commitment 23 A Global University 24 Growing the Campus 26 Friends and Guests 28 Patriot Athletics 30 A Tribute to the Wrights 34 A Word from the President Pictured on the front cover is DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright and his wife, Candice, and their daughters Kate (left) and Abigail. Photo courtesy Gittings.
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 3 The DBU Report is a quarterly publication of Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Adam C. Wright, President. Editor: Dr. Blake Killingsworth, Vice President for Communications; Co-Editor: Kadra Fant, Director of Publications. Contributors: Mackenzie Lee, Assistant Director of Visual Communications; Kirsten McKimmey, Director of Visual Communications; Bailey Pylant, Director of News and Social Media; Reagan Ratcliff, Assistant Director of Athletics for Media Relations; Dr. Michael Whiting, Director of Written Content; Silas Bijja; Emmalie Ellis; Exauce Madjibe Dijo. DBU Report, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211-9299. news@dbu.edu. “Unless THE LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 4 The following pages of this special issue of the DBU Report tell the story of the past five years of DBU under the leadership of DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright. It is a story of both the trials, when we pressed on and persevered, and triumphs, when we celebrated and praised the Lord. Since 2016, the DBU Family has endured much together. First, our community came together to mourn and grieve the tragic loss of several from our beloved student body. Then, in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic humbled us to our knees before unforeseen challenges never before faced by our University. Students, faculty, and staff united together in learning how to adapt to a new and strange educational environment of contact tracing, mask wearing, and social-distancing protocols. In the midst of this, however, these five years tell the story of incredible triumphs and memorable moments to celebrate God’s goodness to us. The spiritual, social, and academic culture of DBU has thrived in new and exciting ways. Regardless of the circumstances, God continually proved to be faithful. By the grace of God and through the steadfast leadership of Dr. Wright, DBU continued to succeed in its mission even in the unusual of times. From an unforgettable outdoor Commencement Parade that made headlines to the holding of our first-ever virtual Global Day of Prayer service, God redeemed our troubles in surprising ways that brought Him the glory and will be remembered for many generations to come. Rejoice with us as we retell the story of the last five years. The Last Five Years Trials and Triumphs Dr. Adam C. Wright lecturing as a part of the Oxford Doctoral Seminars
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 5 Dr. Goodie Goodloe, DBU Senior Fellow for Ethics and Justice DBU Women’s Golf Team 2021 NCAA National Champions Dr. Wright, DBU Head Coach Dan Heefner, and Former President George W. Bush DBU Students helping clean up in Houston following Hurricane Harvey
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 6 The Last Five Years Trials and Triumphs A few of the highlights featured in this issue: • Nationally known leaders speaking at DBU through the Institute for Global Engagement and Veritas Forums • Opening Ford Village and continued residential student growth • New majors, graduate programs, and academic journals • Expanded Homecoming Week and new alumni events • Deepened spiritual commitment • New traditions begun to increase student engagement • DBU Athletics continued tradition of being Champions for Christ
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 7
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 8 DBU has continued to expand its curriculum to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century. Taught by expert professors with a commitment to engage new and developing fields from a Christian worldview, DBU stands ready to serve as a leader in higher education, seeking to make a difference in the world as instruments of God’s Kingdom. Highlights of the past five years include new undergraduate and master’s degree programs in increasingly high demand—such as the B.S. in Cybersecurity; B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE); M.A. in Psychology; M.A. in Education Ministry Leadership, M.S. in Digital Risk Management, M.S. in Information Technology and Management, and the redesigned Master of Business Administration. In addition, DBU has created new academic scholarships, and the number of University Honors College students has grown to 79. A new Global Studies Program provides students with international and domestic study-abroad experiences, opportunities for intercultural enrichment and immersion, and course credit outside the traditional classroom walls in various academic disciplines. Strengthening Academic Excellence
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 9 DBU Creates a New Career Pathway for Finance Graduates DBU is now a member of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. In establishing this relationship, the CFA Institute has recognized how DBU’s B.B.A. in Finance and M.S. in Finance help to prepare students who are seeking to become Chartered Financial Analysts.® Highlights • Associate of Engineering • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Communication: Church Media • Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences • Master of Arts in Christian Counseling NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS • Master of Arts in Psychology • Master of Arts in Education Ministry Leadership • Master of Science in Digital Risk Management • Master of Science in Finance • Master of Science in Information Technology and Management • Master of Science in Management • Redesigned Master of Business Administration DBU Now Offers Cybersecurity Undergraduate Major DBU offers a new undergraduate major in Cybersecurity, equipping students to help companies ensure digital security. The degree will provide the knowledge and skills of computer security, including theory, tools, and best practices, as it prepares students for a successful career in cybersecurity. Students complete courses in areas such as computer forensics, cryptography, and ethical hacking. DBU Creates Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) Major DBU launched the PPE major to equip and develop servant leaders who will engage complex global challenges facing society through a Christian worldview and seek to make a positive difference in the world. The major prepares students to enter influential fields such as politics, business, consultancy, diplomatic service, law, economics, or international relations.
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 10 Dr. Jim Denison Senior Fellow for Global Studies Dr. Goodie Goodloe Senior Fellow for Ethics and Justice Dr. William Abraham DBU Scholar in Residence DBU Launches a Global Studies Program For many years, DBU has provided travel opportunities for students through mission trips and classroom experiences. Now, DBU has a new initiative to centralize these trips as a part of DBU’s Global Studies Program with the unique goal of combining academic enrichment with opportunities to serve in the spirit of DBU’s long history of sending students around the world to serve missionally. Locations of Recent Global Studies Travels DBU has continued to expand its academic appointments, including the establishment of special presidential appointments of notable scholars and leaders. These individuals, along with an outstanding DBU faculty, continue to demonstrate a commitment to the integration of faith and learning and a commitment to academic excellence. Domestic Travels Boston California Chicago Colorado Florida Grand Canyon South Carolina Washington, D.C. International Travels China England Germany Greece Hungary Israel Italy Peru South Korea Creating New Academic Journals and Centers for Study DBU has recently launched three new academic journals, as well as three new academic centers, all aimed to further enhance research and academic engagement at DBU and beyond. DOXA (DBU Literary Journal) Ducere est Servere: To Lead is to Serve (Leadership Studies Journal) Journal of K-12 Educational Research Center for Mentoring Center for Teaching Excellence Center for Baptist History and Heritage Dr. Todd von Helms Presidential Scholar
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 11 No Longer “The Best Kept Secret” For decades, DBU has been known as the “Best Kept Secret in Dallas-Fort Worth.” While that is certainly a flattering sentiment, it underlines the fact that many do not know about all that God is doing on University Hill. During Dr. Wright’s inaugural address, he committed to work to increase the visibility of DBU, not so that DBU would grow in stature, but rather so more and more would come to discover the DBU difference and choose to partner with us in our effort to advance the mission to produce Christ-centered servant leaders. As a part of this work, the DBU leadership team developed a new DBU Style Guide, one which captured the unique essence of the DBU brand and attempted to express that—both verbally and visually. This new brand expression has been communicated in various ways such as—new advertising, videos, updated magazines, redesigned websites, billboards, and social media—in order to create a clear, concise, and consistent message so that the work of God on University Hill would no longer be a secret. The Graduate School Brochure: Front View & Closed www.dbu.edu/graduate “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 THE GRADUATE SCHOOL DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY www.dbu.edu/graduate “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 Invest inYour Future
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 12 Ready to change the world? discover.dbu.edu
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 13 DBU INCREASING SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE 2016: 21,122 | 2021: 36,276 2016: 4,771 | 2021: 14,430 2016: 5,711 | 2021: 8,678 2016: 22,657 | 2021: 31,882 @DBUPatriots Followers Other Top Accounts @DBUAdmissions - 3,400 (Instagram) @DBUAlumni - 3,600 (Facebook) @DBUBaseball - 9,392 (Instagram) @DBUBaseball - 18,800 (Twitter) @DBUCampusLife - 4,746 (Instagram) @DBUInternational - 23,018 (Facebook) @DBUPres - 2,365 (Instagram)
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 14 Student engagement has been an important part of the DBU experience. Our faculty, staff, and students look forward to memorable annual events that bring us together for communal celebrations, for the building of old friendships, and the making of new ones. The rhythms of the school year and the changing of seasons are marked by our favorite annual traditions that root us in continuity from year to year. Along with older traditions, several new ones have been added over the last five years. At Pizza with the Prez and Pops with the Prez events, Dr. and Mrs. Wright hospitably open up their home to build relationships and connect with our student body on a more personal level. Some new traditions, like the Color Race or Mr. Patriot (an updated version of Mr. Big Chief), bring the student body together in a spirit of competitive fun. Others, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk, inspire us as a University Family to continue striving toward unity and justice on our campus and in our nation. Beginning New Traditions
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 15 NEW TRADITIONS Alumni Night at the Ballpark Christmas Tree Lighting Fireworks Show Color Race DBU Night at Globe Life Park Founders Day MLK Day Unity Walk Mr. Patriot On-Campus Turkey Trot Pizza with the Prez Pops with the Prez Veritas Lecture Series NEW STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Blue Brigade Chi Theta Alpha Patriot Games Hispanic Student Union Kinesiology Club Psi Chi Honor Society (psychology) Southeast Asian Student Assoc. Young Americans for Freedom
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 16 Growing a Traditional-Age Campus Perhaps one of the most noticeable changes on the campus over the past five years has been the vibrancy of campus life, and that comes from the record-breaking traditional-age student population and nearly 2,100 students who reside on the DBU campus. Our DBU students come from across the country and around the world, pursuing a variety of majors and careers. Yet, each is drawn to DBU not only because of the academic offerings, but more importantly, for the Christcentered educational community they discover while on campus. These young students represent the leaders of tomorrow, and DBU takes the charge to train and care for these leaders very seriously. The heart of the DBU mission is to produce servant leaders who will transform the world. It has been incredible to see how the Lord has brought more young men and women to DBU so they may be prepared for their calling year after year. ON-CAMPUS RESIDENTIAL STUDENT POPULATION FALL 2016 - 1,869 FALL 2017 - 1,972 FALL 2018 - 2,001 FALL 2019 - 2,057 FALL 2020 - 2,020 FALL 2021 - 2,090
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 17 2,090 RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS LIVE ON CAMPUS
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 18 A Living-Learning Community Preparing Servant Leaders Ford Village is a new twenty-acre residential complex on the east side of campus, modeled after the English system at Oxford and Cambridge and at American Ivy League colleges and universities. Dr. Wright’s unique vision for DBU’s first residential livinglearning community was for students of various professional callings to grow together in the study and practice of servant leadership. In both the Pedersen Residential College and the Gunn Hall Global Scholars Program, housing units are led by a faculty member who plans activities for residents and mentors to engage in weekly and monthly Bible studies, community meals, travel study trips, special guest lectures, and guided discussions. The mission of this living-learning community is to prepare our DBU students to make a lasting impact on the world through their distinct callings. Also located within Ford Village is DBU’s new Center for Baptist History and Heritage that houses special displays and collections for visiting guests and off-campus groups, telling the inspiring story of the global Baptist tradition. Ford Village
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 19 Phase I Pedersen Residential College Director, Chris Holloway Goal: To cultivate deeper growth in servant leadership through special programming that focuses on intensive academic, spiritual, and professional development in an interdisciplinary environment. Phase II Jane and Robert Gunn Hall Director, Shelby Weatherly Goal: To equip students in leadership development, faith integration, and global vision, developing servant leaders with a knowledge and appreciation of global cultures. Phase III The third phase of Ford Village is currently under construction and is set to be launched in 2022. This new phase will continue in the tradition of focusing on a particular spiritual topic through intentional mentoring. Special Guests & Programming • Bob Doll • Rani Espanoli • Dr. Adam Griffin • Raymond Harris • Patty Lane • Kelly Needham • Jonathan Pokluda • Dr. Albert Reyes • Nik Ripkin • Dr. Abraham Sarker • Shelly Slater • Dr. Curt Thompson • Hugo and Eunice Walthon • Sandra Williamson
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 20 Every year, hundreds of graduates leave University Hill to step out into the world to make an impact as servant leaders, but regardless of where they may go, they are always considered part of the DBU Family. Maintaining connections to our alumni is very important to us, and we love to hear and share the stories of how God is using our alumni to expand His Kingdom around the world. Dr. Wright envisioned building upon and strengthening the relationship between alumni and their alma mater. DBU established new traditions such as Alumni Increasing Alumni Engagement Night at the Ballpark and the Alumni Networking Breakfast, and added new events to the annual Homecoming celebration so alumni would always feel remembered and welcomed back home to University Hill.
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 21 Alumni Pool Party Alumni Networking Breakfast Alumni Night at the Ballpark Creation of Alumni Directory DBU Night at the Rangers Expanded Homecoming Events
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 22 To grow in Christ is at the heartbeat of the mission of Dallas Baptist University. In every office, classroom, playing field, and dorm, we intend everything we do to pulse with the Spirit of Christ in order to glorify God. Here, there is no sacred-secular division. Faith infuses all that we do. Over the past five years, DBU has sought to deepen its Christian commitment in a variety of ways, including annual theme verses, prayer walks and services, and annual summer reading and discussion groups, reminding us—as Benedict of Nursia once stated—that our calling as a community is to “pray and work” (ora et labora). Annual Theme Verse 2016 Psalm 127:1 2017 Matthew 6:33 2018 Proverbs 3:5-6 2019 Matthew 5:16 2020 Joshua 1:9 2021 John 15:5 Summer Spiritual Emphasis 2016 Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson 2017 Scripture Memorization 2018 Hearing God by Dallas Willard 2019 “Praying the Word” Study 2020 “Reading through the Psalms” 2021 The Strength you Need by Robert Morgan Deepening Christian Commitment and Faith
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 23 In obedience to the Great Commission, DBU’s influence reaches around the world, not only through the over 600 international students we serve here on campus or the alumni who go forth from the Hill to span the globe, but also through student mission trips, study-abroad programs, and partnerships forged with other international educational institutions. The goal of the newly established Global Community program is to create a community of schools dedicated to building student leaders around the world. Partnering schools receive access to DBU-sponsored educational training events, student programs and scholarships, access to the Honors Scholars Academy for high school students, connections to DBUAlumni Ambassadors, and other various educational materials. The International Forum on Education and Leadership is a week-long conference consisting of plenary sessions, workshops, and school visits that equip and empower DBU’s global partners to be Kingdom agents of change in their communities. Developing a Global University
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 24 The past five years have seen continued growth throughout the campus at DBU. Beyond the growing on-campus population and amazing visibility reach, the campus has continued to grow both in its physical facilities and in the care and advancement of the people that make up University Hill. Growing University Hill Inside and Out For 33 years in a row, DBU has continued to balance the budget, even more amazingly in the midst of a global pandemic and uncertain economic strains. Since 2016, DBU has increased the size of its campus, added new buildings, renovated existing facilities, hired new faculty and staff, diversified its leadership, raised employee salaries, launched successful giving campaigns, and continues to beautify the campus with the addition of new facilities and landscape features and the planting of more than 700 trees. Walking trail next to the new Ford Village residential complex
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 25 Patriot Professionals Developing a new leadership program to identify and train upcoming young people for future positions of leadership. Diversifying Leadership Hired and promoted individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to more positions of leadership than ever before, including Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities, Dean of Students, Dean of Spiritual Life, Director of Student Life, Director of Financial Affairs, Director of Web Services, Director of Cashier’s Office, and many more. Increased employee salaries by 8% since 2016 Continued balanced budget for 33 years Added 76 acres to Campus to total 368 Planted more than 700 trees to campus Increased to more than 1 million square feet of management space on campus Endowment increased from $37.7 million in 2016 to $66.7 million in 2021 Total assets increased from $182 million in 2016 to $238 million in 2021 Raised more than $50 million since 2016 through new initiatives and campaigns Since 2016, DBU has planted more than 700 trees Four new Brownstone units added to the campus since 2016 First cohort of Patriot Professionals, 2017
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 26 Expanding Our Reach Dove Award Winning Christian artists Keith and Kristyn Getty Nationally known Christian lawyer and author Mark Lanier Lee Strobel, Christian author, apologist, and former investigative journalist General James Mattis, Former United States Secretary of Defense Dr. Tony Evans, speaker, author, and Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas William Franklin Graham IV, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove and Associate Evangelist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Over the past five years, DBU has been blessed to have a number of world-renowned leaders partner with DBU through special events, convocations, lecture series, and much more. Below are just a handful of the amazing individuals God has brought to DBU.
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 27 Mark Batterson, author of several books, including The Circle Maker, and lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Dove Award Winner and DBU alumna, Kari Jobe, in concert at DBU Dr. Adam C. Wright with Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, pastor of New Season Christian Worship Center and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Samuel Brownback, U. S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Former President George W. Bush at the 27th Annual Patriot Baseball Banquet Former First Lady Laura Bush at Movement DFW 2019 on the DBU campus Joni Eareckson Tada, Christian author, artist, radio host, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization “accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community” Congressman and American hero Sam Johnson, DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright, and Head Baseball Coach Dan Heefner
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 28 Champions for Christ SIGNIFICANT ATHLETICS NEWS DBU transitioned from the Heartland Conference after 17 years to join the Lone Star Conference in 2019, the largest and strongest NCAA DII conference in the country. 26 teams from DBU have reached the NCAA postseason since 2016. - Baseball (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) - Basketball (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) - Men’s Golf (2016, 2017, 2021) - Men’s Cross Country (2017) - Women’s Cross Country (2017, 2018) - Women’s Golf (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021) - Women’s Soccer (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) - Women’s Tennis (2017) CHAMPIONSHIPS Women’s Golf won the University’s first NCAA National Championship in 2021. The DBU Athletic program won 19 NCAA regularseason conference titles over the last five years. - Baseball (2016, 2019, 2021) - Baseball won the Fort Worth Regional (2021) - Basketball (2017, 2018) - Cheerleading and the Patriettes both won national titles (2021) - Men’s Cross Country (2016, 2018) - Men’s Golf (2016) - Women’s Cross County (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020) - Women’s Golf (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) - Women’s Soccer (2017, 2019, 2020) DBU Baseball wins Fort Worth Regional - 2021 DBU Athletics has had much to celebrate over the course of the last five years, including one National Championship and 19 NCAA regular-season conference titles, 26 teams reaching NCAA postseason play, and 36 student-athletes earning All-American honors. Facing many hurdles throughout this past pandemic year, DBU Athletics succeeded in making history. Patriot Baseball made it further than ever before—just one win short of a College World Series appearance—with eight Patriots now added to the growing list of players in professional baseball. Several teams also achieved their first ever national championships: Women’s Golf, DBU Patriettes, and DBU Cheer and Stunt. Patriot teams also had the privilege of taking their talents around the world in ministry outreach on mission trips to Spain, Chile, Cuba, and more, demonstrating that DBU Athletics is more than just about winning state and national competitions. It is about making Christ known through the spiritual formation of our players and in their conduct both in the sport and beyond.
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 29 ACCOLADES 36 student-athletes from DBU have earned All-American honors since 2016. DBU won three consecutive Heartland Conference Commissioner’s Cups from 2016-2018. BASEBALL BANQUET GUESTS - Mookie Wilson (2016) - Ben Zobrist (2017) - Clayton Kershaw (2018) - President George W. Bush (2019) - Andy Pettitte (2020) - Lance Berkman (2021) PATRIOTS IN THE PROS - Chance Adams (New York Yankees, 2018) - Drew Smith (New York Mets, 2018) - Colin Poche (Tampa Bay Rays, 2019) - Cy Sneed (Houston Astros, 2019) - Seth Elledge (St. Louis Cardinals, 2020) ATHLETICS TEAMS’ MISSION TRIPS - Cheerleading and Men’s Basketball in Spain (2017) - Women’s Soccer in England (2017) - Women’s Volleyball in Chile (2017) - Patriettes Dance Team in London (2017) - Men’s Soccer in Spain (2018) - Men’s and Women’s Tennis in Israel (2018) - Baseball in Cuba (2019) Coach Michelle Lenard led the DBU Women’s Soccer Team to win the Lone Star Conference Tournament - 2020 DBU Baseball Team serving in Cuba - 2019 Women’s Cross Country wins Heartland Conference Championship - 2017 DBU Women’s Golf, NCAA National Champions - 2021 DBU Basketball Team serving in Spain - 2017 Patrick Burke cuts down the net; DBU Basketball wins Heartland Conference Tournament - 2016
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 30 A Tribute to the Wrights On May 19, 2016, I witnessed DBU history from a unique vantage point. For 15 years, I served in the President’s Office under Dr. Gary Cook, and daily I saw the weight that leading a university placed on the shoulders of both the President and his wife. It was an awesome responsibility, and I, along with many others, prayed consistently for the individual who would lead DBU once Dr. Cook announced he would step down as President and become Chancellor in 2015. For more than a year, the Presidential Search Committee diligently performed a national search. They sought to prayerfully identify a leader who demonstrated both the amazing qualities that Dr. Cook had shown—reliance upon the Lord, a keen sense of decision making, and visionary leadership—while also possessing their own unique attributes, not the least of which was the insight and drive to take DBU into a new era of visibility and mission. On that morning in May, as the trustees met to vote on the lone candidate from the committee, I sat in the Joan Horner Bridal Suite with Adam and Candice Wright, friends and colleagues who were about to become the next President and First Lady of DBU. Two things strike me still about that morning. First, I remember a sense of gravity that filled the room. Yet at the same time, both Dr. and Mrs. Wright demonstrated something that can only be described as grace-filled calmness. Certainly there by Blake Killingsworth ‘98 | Vice President for Communications
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 31 Inauguration Day | September 9, 2016 The Wright Family | 2016 Dr. and Mrs. Gary Cook and Dr. and Mrs. Adam Wright | May 19, 2016
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 32 were nerves, and why wouldn’t there be, leadership is a massive responsibility, but the nerves were overcome by a desire to be faithful to the Lord and an unwavering belief that all they had to do was trust the Lord, and He would take care of the rest. Second, I remember walking into the trustee meeting with the Wrights following the vote of affirmation. Dr. Wright was, of course, greeted by applause and congratulations, but his first order of business as President-elect was not to provide a visionary speech or lay out his nine-points for success, it was for the trustees to listen to a worship song and bow together in prayer. There in that room, men and women entrusted with the stewardship of my alma mater were kneeling throughout the room, led by a new President, asking the Lord to show the way and help keep us faithful. There in that room, men and women entrusted with the stewardship of my alma mater were kneeling throughout the room, led by a new President, asking the Lord to show the way and help keep us faithful. Since that day five years ago, I have continued to see Dr. and Mrs. Wright seek the Lord in everything they do. That spirit of faith and trust permeates their Dr. Wright meeting with his staff for their morning huddle Skyla Teat, Kaye Dawn Lunsford, Candice Wright, Kelly Wright Smith, and Kimm Wright Dr. Wright working in his office
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 33 relationship, their family, and their love for others. They give of themselves without hesitation, and they always seek to go the extra mile. Candice is not only an incredible example of what it means to be a President’s spouse, but she also so clearly demonstrates what it looks like to be a woman of faith. Opening her home is second nature to Candice, and she continues to mentor young women at DBU, teach classes regularly during the fall and spring breaks, and care for those who are older, reminding everyone that the DBU Family is more than a saying. Dr. Wright is the epitome of a servant leader, challenging and encouraging others to achieve their best, all for the glory of God. He is driven by a vision for excellence, yet he achieves this vision with the patience of working as a team. Time and again, I have witnessed him gather opinions, navigate tough conversations, and discuss numerous possibilities, all the time weighing the options and, above all, seeking the counsel of the Lord. In that trustee board room back in 2016, we had no idea what challenges lay ahead for DBU. Looking back now in 2021, I am more certain than ever that the right leader was selected and, more importantly, the right posture of that leader was demonstrated. Dr. Wright meeting with his Internal Cabinet
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 34 Great is Thy Faithfulness I can hardly wait to see what the next five years will bring! Through the faithfulness of God, He has used a mighty army we call the DBU Family to bring about continued transformation on University Hill! The sun never sets on the work God is doing through our beloved global Christian university. When I began my tenure as President, I knew I was standing on the shoulders of giants, men and women who had given so much to make DBU what it is today. Among those is Dr. Gary Cook, former President for 28 years at DBU and current DBU Chancellor. He has been a friend and mentor, and I know that because of his leadership, the stage was set for us to enjoy the success we see today. There are so many others to thank for the amazing past five years of growth, transformation, innovation, and resiliency, but above all, we praise the Lord! Our hearts echo the Psalmist’s cry, “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory!” Time and again, God has demonstrated His faithfulness on University Hill as we remain committed to what is a very rare vision in higher education today: “to build a great university that is pleasing to God by producing Christ-centered servant leaders who are transforming the world.” The trials and triumphs over the past five years have presented new opportunities of delivering hope, help, and healing to a hurting world in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. As many of you may know, I grew up in a musical family. My dad served in the local church as an education and music minister, and I learned how to play the piano and even sang in the choir. This musical connection has stayed with me through the years. Often in my study while I am preparing for the day, I will play music to help calm and collect my thoughts, and one of the classic hymns I always turn to is “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas Chisolm. Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! What a wonderful reminder that each day, the Lord is faithful to provide us with exactly what we need. God is never surprised by what comes our way. Indeed, He is ready and able to provide the strength, courage, and wisdom to guide our steps. As we look ahead to the future, join me in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ! Adam C. Wright, Ph.D. | DBU President Gittings
SPECIAL EDITION - FALL 2021 35 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
DBU REPORT I 2016-2021 OVERVIEW 36 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, Texas 75211-9299 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Dallas, Texas Permit No. 4715 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 2021-22 DBU Theme Verse
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