SPRING 2023 1 THE DBU REPORT Spring 2023 | vol. 36 no. 1 Former U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development and world-renowned brain surgeon Dr. Ben Carson spoke on campus for the 2023 Gallup Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Ben Carson Speaks at DBU
DBU REPORT 2 Spring Sing Champs! For the second year in a row, Tau Alpha Phi took home top honors at Spring Sing. The annual event showcases an amazing display of energy and musical creativity from DBU Life Greek Organizations. See more on page 6.
SPRING 2023 3 The DBU Report is a quarterly publication of Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Adam C. Wright, President. Executive Editor: Dr. Blake Killingsworth, Vice President for Communications; Managing Editor: Courtney Smith, Director of Content; Design Editor: Kadra Fant, Senior Graphic Designer. Contributors: Emma Eidson, Assistant to the Vice President for Communications; Exauce Madjibe Dijo, Director of Visual Communications; Mackenzie Lee, Assistant Director of Visual Communications; Abbey Watson, Director of Creative Services; Dr. Michael Whiting, Director of Written Content; Reagan Ratcliff, Assistant Director of Athletics for Media Relations; Allison Clancy; Emmalie Ellis; Emma Frank; Kirsten McKimmey; Bethany Sikute; Ashlyn Vozeh. DBU Report, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211-9299. news@dbu.edu. 4 Dr. Ben Carson Speaks at DBU 6 Spring Sing 2023 8 Back to the Ballpark 10 Patriot Travels 12 HillFest 2023 14 DBU Honors Dr. Gary Cook 16 News & Notes 21 Patriot Athletics
DBU REPORT 4 Gallup Distinguished Lecture Series Welcomes Dr. Ben Carson to Campus In his DBU Chapel message to the student body, Dr. Carson expressed that the world is in desperate need of individuals who dare to uphold the foundational principles upon which the country was founded. “Our history is so vitally important,” Dr. Carson said. “We should learn from it, not erase it. It is the basis of identity, and identity is the foundation for beliefs. If you interrupt this chain, you become like a leaf blowing in the wind.” Dr. Carson also talked about the need for common-sense leaders who could lead with conviction and the courage to do what is right. At the noon luncheon for faculty and staff, Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President, provided the welcome and invited DBU’s Chairman of the DBU Board of Trustees Scott Turner, a former Texas State Representative and Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, to share a few opening words about his mentor and friend, Dr. Carson. During his address at the luncheon, Dr. Carson highlighted the need for undaunted courage and the taking of personal responsibility in our spheres This year, the Gallup Distinguished Lecture Series welcomed Dr. Ben Carson, former U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, to the DBU campus. Dr. Carson is the Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, an educational resource committed to preserving founding American principles. Through its Executive Branch of America (EBA) course, men and women who are called to serve in city, state, or federal government offices can be informed about the functions, processes, and laws of the United States Government. For 20 years, DBU has hosted many outstanding leaders and scholars as featured speakers for the Gallup Lecture Series. George H. Gallup, Jr., was an internationally recognized expert on survey research and scientific polling and was awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from DBU in 1999. The Lecture Series was established in 2003 to bring renowned leaders to campus to share insights on faith, scholarship, and public service with the DBU Family. Former lecturers have included Dr. David Dockery, Bob Doll, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, Dr. Russell Moore, Dr. Henry Schaefer, and Joni Eareckson Tada.
SPRING 2023 5 of influence in the face of moral deterioration and increasing exclusion of God from public life. “God is looking for individuals who are willing to be used for His purposes,” said Carson. From the fears and discouragements he experienced during his more than 30year career as one of the world’s top neurosurgeons, Dr. Carson learned that difficult setbacks in life should not cause us to give up in despair but instead to seek God’s direction and help to move on: “Lord, how would you like us to proceed? What do we need to do? How do we prepare ourselves?” “It was an honor for us to host Dr. Carson for this annual distinguished lecture series,” explained Dr. Wright. “He is among the most respected individuals in our nation, and his visit to our campus was both a challenge and an encouragement to our students, faculty, and staff.” Dr. Carson served as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and performed two ground-breaking surgeries on craniopagus-born twins. After retiring from healthcare, he was appointed as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Dr. Carson has received multiple awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is the recipient of over 70 honorary doctorate degrees and was named one of “America’s Best Leaders” by U.S. News Media Group and Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership. He is the author of numerous books and has also co-authored several with his wife, Candy (pictured above bottom right with DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright, and his wife, Candice). Our history is so vitally important. We should learn from it, not erase it. It is the basis of identity, and identity is the foundation for beliefs.
DBU REPORT 6 SURVIVAL Kappa Gamma DAYDREAMING Psi Omega Phi NINTENDO DT: TIME TO LEVEL UP Delta Theta DARBUS: BATTLE OF THE UNDISCOVERED Zeta Chi & Rho Lambda Chi A TEXAS TIME Alpha Delta Kappa DALLAS BARBIE UNIVERSITY Alpha Epsilon Chi THE TEENAGE MUTANT TURTLE Pi Theta Tau SPRING SING WOWS THE GOOD, BAD, AND THE COLORFUL Chi Theta Alpha NAECO’S 4 Sigma Chi Eta ANCHOR PENGUIN Beta Beta MEN IN BLACK: THE MUSICAL Tau Alpha Phi Each year, DBU Greek Life organizations take to the stage to compete in an amazing display of musical theater as a part of Spring Sing. Begun in 2005, each year the groups are given the challenge to create an original story that combines live singing, acting, and dancing to produce a showstopping performance. Because of overwhelming ticket demand, this year DBU hosted two performances, a matinee preliminary competition for each of the organizations followed by a finals show for the remaining top five groups. Once again, Tau Alpha Phi took home top honors, this year performing their own unique version of Men in Black. Closely behind the winners stood Psi Omega Phi and Sigma Chi Eta. An added element, this year’s winner received a new trophy, “The Golden Pat,” created in-house by DBU graphic design student Genesis Flores. “Each group continues to up their game every year,” said Wayne Briggs, Director of Student Life. “Their time, energy, and amazing talent help to make this tradition one of the top highlights of life on University Hill.” 3rd 2nd 1st 2023 PERFORMANCES
SPRING 2023 7
DBU REPORT 8 The Whole Family Heads Back to the Ballpark Combining two beloved events, DBU wrapped the excitement of Alumni Night at the Ballpark and Family Day at the Ballpark into a weekend full of Patriot fun. On Friday evening, alumni and their families arrived early to partake in the Alumni Tailgate Party before the Patriots knocked it out of the park with a 9-1 win over Louisiana Tech. The following Saturday, Pats of all ages gathered together on University Hill for a day of fun for the whole family featuring inflatables and face painting for kids followed by a double header at Horner Ballpark. The Patriots completed the weekend series 3-0, winning their Saturday games with final scores of 11-3 and 10-5. The weekend was filled with excitement for the whole DBU family, with friends old and new cheering for our favorite baseball team in our favorite place.
SPRING 2023 9
DBU REPORT 10 PATRIOT TRAVELS Spring Break 2023 Edition South Korea | International Studies From marketing to international studies, communications to finance, these students were able to learn about the churches, economy, and history of South Korea. Southern United States | Civil Rights Traveling around Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Civil Rights trip allows students to take a deeper look at our nation’s history through visiting several southern cornerstone cities. Colorado | Chapel Worship Songwriting Retreat DBU Chapel Worship traveled to Westcliffe, Colorado, to write, worship, and commune together while admiring the beauty of God’s creation.
SPRING 2023 11 Washington, D.C. | Leadership Pats had the opportunity to explore D.C. while studying leadership through the lens of our nation’s Founding Fathers. New York | Fine Arts In the heart of NYC, Patriots saw art come to life through exploring museums and witnessing live performances. New York | Mission Trip DBU partnered with Swerve Church in Brooklyn on this mission-based trip to The Big Apple. South Padre Island | Beach Reach Mission Trip Each year, DBU sends students to South Padre Island to serve alongside Beach Reach and minister to spring breakers in the area.
DBU REPORT 12 A dreary, rainy week couldn’t stop the excitement of Student Life’s Second Annual HillFest. After some minor schedule changes due to the weather, the fun began on University Hill with the Monday evening Kick-Off on the Mahler Lawn. Following a special Pepsi Break on Wednesday, RecLife’s Color Race left its mark on its participants as Pats joined together at the top of the Hill to run the most vibrant race of the year. Friday’s HillFest Market offered something for everyone, with special vendors scattered amongst the Quad for all to enjoy. That evening, HillFest’s campus-wide pie baking competition, Pie Day, gave students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to showcase their best pies and fill the stomachs of all who tastetested them. Finally, HillFest was brought to a close on Saturday evening as students journeyed off campus to Epic Waters for All-Night Party. Student Life Hosts Second Annual HillFest
SPRING 2023 13
DBU REPORT 14 At DBU’s Spring Convocation Service held in Pilgrim Chapel on April 5, Chancellor Gary Cook was presented with the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, just one day before he celebrated 35 years of faithful service at DBU. Under his remarkable legacy of more than 28 years as President, the University went from a reputation as being financially troubled and nearly having to close its doors to becoming a campus known for its botanical and architectural beauty and, even more, for being a thriving Chrit-centered institution of higher education, granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to students from all over the world. Now serving as Chancellor, Dr. Cook continues his legacy at DBU by raising funds for the University’s endowment and in mentoring the next generation. During the Convocation Service, Dr. Cook encouraged students to devote their lives to prayer as he shared personal stories from his most challenging years as President in the late 1980s. It was prayer that sustained both him and the University through financial crisis and an uncertain future. Dr. Cook was also led by the Lord at the very beginning of his tenure to establish the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, which continues to be led by a full-time staff member and involves more than 1,000 prayer partners who pray every day for the future welfare of the University and its ministry of preparing leaders for service in diverse ministerial and professional fields. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Cook grew up with a desire to serve the Lord and felt a calling into full-time Christian ministry. While attending Baylor University, he grew to become friends with his mentor, Judge Abner McCall, then Baylor President, who encouraged him to become involved in university life as well as denominational life through the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist World Alliance. Honoring 35 Years of Servant Leadership DBU Presents Honorary Doctorate to Chancellor Gary Cook Dr. Gary Cook and Dr. Adam C. Wright, along with DBU Provost, Dr. Norma Hedin.
SPRING 2023 15 From Baylor, Dr. Cook headed to complete his Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sheila, through a singles Sunday School class. Their combined spirit of service and love for the Lord provided a tremendous bond which has allowed them to serve as amazing partners in ministry for nearly 50 years. After completing his master’s degree, Dr. Cook moved to Fort Worth where he received a doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as a Master of Arts in Aging Studies from the University of North Texas. Following graduation, Dr. Cook became pastor of First Baptist Church of McGregor, where he served for two years. From there, the Cooks moved to Waco as Dr. Cook taught for ten years at Baylor and served on the administration, leading in campus activities, including the chaplain program and denominational relations. He also served on the Waco City Council and as Mayor Pro Tem. In 1988, life changed for Dr. Cook as then-struggling Dallas Baptist University called him to become its fifth president on April 6. The following day, the young 37-year-old President began his first day at the helm of a University with rich potential but a long history of crippling financial struggles. During his first chapel service, Dr. Cook laid out his vision for what he hoped DBU would become—an oasis for training up the next generation of servant leaders who would love God and love others. This enormous vision could not happen under his own power, and within a few weeks, Dr. Cook established the DBU Intercessory Prayer Ministry as he sought to turn the life of the University over to the Lord in prayer. Recruiting more than a thousand prayer partners, Dr. Cook built a team who would serve the struggling school. Over the course of his 28 years as president, Dallas Baptist University went from a financially struggling institution to the thriving university it is today, as enrollment grew, the endowment grew, the University assets grew, program offerings grew, and the University finished each fiscal year in the black ever since. In the spring of 2004, the DBU Board of Trustees voted to name a new academic division of the University, the Gary Cook School of Leadership. A Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program began in the summer of 2005, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership began in the fall of 2005. In the spring of 2015, Dr. Cook sensed a calling from the Lord to announce his decision to step down as President of DBU. At that time, the Board of Trustees asked Dr. Cook to remain President until a successor could be selected, and they appointed him to become DBU’s first Chancellor, a role which would allow him to continue to provide support to the school through fundraising, community engagement, and denominational relations. He continued as both President and Chancellor until the election of Dr. Adam C. Wright as President. Today, Dr. Cook continues to serve as Chancellor, playing a vital role on University Hill, mentoring young staff members, cultivating community and donor relations, and raising funds for DBU’s endowment. In addition to his work with DBU, Dr. Cook has served in a variety of ways with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and with the Baptist World Alliance. Also, he has served as Chairman of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities as well as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Baylor University Medical Center and a member of the International Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. He and Sheila are long-time members of Park Cities Baptist Church, where Dr. Cook serves as a deacon. They have two sons, David and Mark, both of whom serve the Lord through higher education at DBU. Dr. Gary Cook, and his wife, Sheila, along with their sons, Dr. Mark Cook (left) and Dr. David Cook (right)
DBU REPORT 16 NEWS&NOTES CELEBRATING NEW BOOKS FROM THE DBU FAMILY Professor of Philosophy Travis Dickinson’s New Wandering Toward God On the evening of February 7, DBU alumnus and longtime friend of the University Dr. Marcus “Goodie” Goodloe visited the DBU campus to commemorate the release of his new book, The Next Level. The book provides an invitation for individual or group study on how to take a relationship with Scripture, walk with Christ, and worship to the next level. During his visit, Dr. Goodloe presented a lecture to the Patriot Professionals development staff and hosted a book signing event afterward in DBU’s Center for Baptist History and Heritage located at Ford Village. During his talk, Dr. Goodloe spoke about his early ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, which inspired the title of his new book. Before heading back home to California, Dr. Goodloe spoke to the DBU student body in Wednesday morning’s chapel service where he encouraged and challenged students to mimic Christ and be bold in proclaiming the Gospel. In 2011, Dr. Goodloe earned his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from DBU, and in 2020, he joined DBU’s Institute for Global Engagement as a Senior Fellow for Ethics and Justice. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Gary Cook School of Leadership and frequently speaks at chapel services and the Veritas Lecture Series. Dr. Travis Dickinson, DBU Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the DBU Philosophy Department, recently produced his fourth book, Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith in Doubts and Big Questions. In the work, he argues that leaning into our questions and doubts can lead to even greater faith as we discover truth and knowledge. Dr. Dickinson joined the DBU Family in 2022, serving as a Professor of Philosophy and heading up the Philosophy Department. He holds degrees from the Wisconsin Campus of Cairn University, Alaska Bible College, and Biola University. He received a Master of Arts in Philosophy along with a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Iowa. Prior to his coming to DBU, he taught at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Dickinson and his wife, Shari, have four children: Kaelia (15), Delaney (13), Emery (11), and Kade (9), and they are active members of Northpointe Church in Burleson, where Dr. Dickinson teaches a life group and occasionally helps with preaching duties. Alumnus Dr. Marcus Goodloe Pens The Next Level
SPRING 2023 17 THE CLASSICAL LEARNING TEST PODCAST DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE AND UNITY WALK The Classical Learning Test has become a leading college preparatory exam among homeschool, classical, and private educators. As a premier partner, DBU began recognizing the CLT as an acceptable entrance exam for admissions in 2019 and has continued to strengthen that partnership ever since in new and innovative ways. Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President, is a member of the CLT board, and DBU serves as an annual sponsor for the exam. “The partnership DBU has with CEO Jeremy Tate and the Classic Learning Test is critical to advancing our mission to produce servant leaders through a Christ-centered, world-class education on University Hill,” says Jonathan Teat, DBU Vice President for Administration and Enrollment. Several DBU full-time professors have participated in podcasts with the CLT, sharing their expertise in Christian thought related to their teaching fields. To watch or listen to these informative digital seminars, see below: Journey Through the Author Bank Podcast Jonathan Edwards Dr. Philip Mitchell, Director of the University Honors Program and Professor of English http://dbu.edu/jonathanedwards Erasmus Dr. Michael Whiting, Associate Professor of Christian History and Leadership http://dbu.edu/erasmus Anchored Podcast on Education and Culture Biblical Economics and the Free Market Dr. Dave Arnott, Professor of Management http://dbu.edu/freemarket On January 16, the William B. Dean Center for Service-Learning led DBU student volunteers to serve at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Following the Day of Service, students, staff, and faculty members joined together to participate in the Dallas Baptist University MLK Unity Walk. “The MLK Unity Walk serves as a defining moment each year at DBU that continues the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” shared Jeremiah Austin, current student (pictured right speaking to the group). “The greatest thing this generation can do is continue the pathway of unity and peace that was chartered by preceding generations. Honoring the past should never be considered an archaic value but a premise to build the future.” Atop University Hill, the DBU Family began the Unity Walk, led by Patriots carrying the Unity Walk banner. Upon approaching the cross in the middle of campus, DBU President Dr. Adam Wright delivered a few words before welcoming DBU Alum Rev. Bertrain Bailey. As is tradition, Dr. Bailey recited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech from memory for all in attendance. The event was concluded with a time in worship, singing “Amazing Grace,” led by members from DBU Chapel Worship.
DBU REPORT 18 DR. ELIJAH BROWN OF THE BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE VISITS UNIVERSITY HILL DBU HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL LION’S DEN DFW CONFERENCE Dallas Baptist University was honored to recently host Dr. Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance, to speak in chapel, address faculty and staff members at their luncheon, and deliver the inaugural Lecture Series on Baptist Distinctives in the DBU Center for Baptist History and Heritage. In his address during the Chapel service, Dr. Brown gave a brief history of the recent accomplishments of the Baptist church around the world, encouraging students to boldly use their platforms to share the message of the gospel. “God uses challenges,” Dr. Brown explained. “Whatever challenges you face in your life, whatever setbacks, defeats, and disappointments you’ve known in your life, God can use these to become a catalyst for even greater growth.” Dr. Brown then urged students to give the Lord their “yes,” even when faced with opposition and hardship. After speaking at the faculty/staff luncheon, many Texas Baptist leaders joined together that evening in the Center for Baptist History and Heritage for the inaugural Baptist Distinctives Lecture. Dr. Brown shared about his journey to Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Moldova in February of 2022 and the work of the Baptist church in the area during these tumultuous times. He charged attendees to pursue peace over violence and act with “Kingdom Courage,” just as believers in these countries have over the past several years. Over the past eight years, the Lion’s Den DFW has welcomed Kingdomminded entrepreneurs to share their business ventures, network with well-established professionals as well as other innovators of emerging companies, and compete in a pitchstyle competition and conference. With the tagline this year of “Where Innovation Meets Kingdom Impact,” DBU was excited again to host this event that develops leaders and brings Christ-centered mission and business strategy together. The Lion’s Den DFW 2023 kicked off on Wednesday with its Third Annual Diversity Den in the Hillcrest Great Hall, hosting various information sessions and a luncheon for entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds that center on growing and sustaining young businesses. The main event on Thursday in Pilgrim Chapel featured six unique breakouts taught by an esteemed group of individuals and panelists with extensive experience in the field of business. Following these breakouts, the conference joined back together for the networking luncheon and keynote. In the afternoon, the long-awaited annual pitch competition began and welcomed DBU’s own Sandra Crawford Williamson, Assistant Professor of Management, as the event’s emcee. This year’s competition included nine groups who presented their innovative ideas. “Because of our partnership with the Lion’s Den DFW, DBU is becoming known as a trusted leader in preparing business students to faithfully and effectively live out their call as servant-leaders in the marketplace.” Dr. Ross O’Brien, DBU Professor of Entrepreneurship
SPRING 2023 19 To learn more about the work of the Women’s Auxiliary Board, visit dbu.edu/wab. In the midst of University Hill being in beautiful springtime bloom, the Women’s Auxiliary Board hosted their annual Bluebonnet Luncheon on campus. The Bluebonnet Luncheon is held in honor of DBU’s 604 current international students who come from 52 different countries across the globe. On Wednesday, April 5, the Women’s Auxiliary Board met in the Great Hall of DBU’s Mahler Student Center to enjoy this year’s program and luncheon. The program began with a welcome and prayer of thanksgiving given by Women’s Auxiliary Board President, Mrs. Charla Vinyard. Following the invocation, the luncheon heard from Mrs. Marilyn Mansfield, who served as this year’s Bluebonnet Luncheon Committee Chair. DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright then presented his presidential remarks before welcoming DBU student Miss Rebecca Halbert to share her moving student testimony. Mrs. Leslie Moulton, Associate Vice President for Constituent Engagement and Executive Director of the Women’s Auxiliary Board, closed the luncheon in prayer. Throughout the event, DBU alum Mr. Tokyo Garza provided the luncheon’s music. WOMEN’S AUXILIARY BOARD Bluebonnet Luncheon Top/Left: Aly Morgan, Rebecca Halbert (student testimony at luncheon), Courtney Sewell Top/Right: Leslie Moulton (Women’s Auxiliary Board Executive Director), Marilyn Mansfield (Bluebonnet Luncheon Chair), Charla Vinyard (Women’s Auxiliary Board President), DBU First Lady Candice Wright Bottom/Left: Sparkey Beckham, Patsy Smith, Stacey Gould Bottom/Right: Amber Volbeda, Andrea Mitchell, and Catherine Couch
DBU REPORT 20 PATRIOTATHLETICS In their inaugural season in Conference USA, the DBU Baseball team has been one of the hottest teams in college baseball during the 2023 season. Looking to reach the NCAA postseason for the ninth consecutive year, the Patriots recently set a new school record with a 14-game win streak that began on April 1 with a win over Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana, and extended through April 22 with a three-game sweep of Louisiana Tech at Horner Ballpark. The 14-game win streak surpassed the previous record of 12 consecutive wins, which was held by both the 2004 and 2015 teams. The 2023 season has seen four Patriots garner National Player of the Week honors. Braxton Bragg was the first player from DBU to pick up national honors when the Nebraska transfer struck out 12 batters on Opening Day against Fordham. Ryan Johnson was tabbed the National Pitcher of the Week after he matched Bragg’s 12-strikeout performance on March 24 at Charlotte. On April 3, Ethan Mann, a transfer from New Mexico State, hit .467 with four home runs and 12 RBI on the week to help lift the Patriots to a victory over No. 13 Oklahoma State and a series win over Louisiana Tech to garner national recognition. One week later, Miguel Santos picked up National Player of the Week honors after hitting .529 with three home runs, seven RBI, and a team-high 1.235 slugging percentage over four games. PATRIOT BASEBALL IN FULL SWING
SPRING 2023 21 THREE PATRIOTS MAKE OPENING DAY When the Major League Baseball season opened on Thursday, March 30, three Patriots were featured on Opening Day rosters—Darick Hall, Colin Poche, and Drew Smith. Hall, who starred at DBU in 2016, is expected to be at first base for the defending National League champions Philadelphia Phillies. Hall’s teammate in 2016, Colin Poche, will be a part of the Tampa Bay Rays bullpen while Smith returns for his fifth season with the New York Mets and will be a candidate for the team’s closer role. The trio of Hall, Poche, and Smith are three of the all-time greats in the rich history of DBU Baseball. Smith was part of a team that hosted the 2015 Dallas Regional while Hall and Poche led the Patriots to regular season and tournament titles in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2016. Darick Hall, a product of Hereford, Arizona, spent time last year with the Phillies, making his MLB debut on June 29. In 41 games, the 6-foot-4, 232-pound left-handed slugger, hit .250 with nine home runs and 16 RBI. Poche made his MLB debut on June 8, 2019, and since then has made 116 relief appearances. In 2022, the southpaw was second on the Rays in saves with seven and totaled 64 strikeouts in 58.2 innings out of the pen. Smith was a third round selection of the Detroit Tigers in 2015. The right-handed flamethrower was eventually traded to the New York Mets and broke into the big leagues in 2018. In four seasons at the major league level, Smith has made 110 appearances. Last year, he recorded 53 strikeouts in 46.0 innings.
DBU REPORT 22 DBU’s Angela Charles-Alfred was named the Lone Star Conference Women’s Tennis Newcomer of the Year. The award was voted on by the league’s nine head coaches. Charles-Alfred was also tabbed a First Team All-LSC selection in both singles and doubles. A graduate student transfer from Xavier University of Louisiana, Charles-Alfred has shined in her lone season at DBU, beginning in the fall when she became the first Lady Patriot to win a match at the ITA Cup in Rome, Georgia. Charles-Alfred is the first player in program history to be named the LSC Newcomer of the Year. Six members of the DBU Women’s Tennis team were named to the Lone Star All-Conference Team, including Charles-Alfred and Jenna Payne on the First Team in doubles and Isabella Arana Rios and Sofia Teran named Honorable Mention selections in doubles. Madison Stafford was named to the LSC Sportsmanship Team. DBU TENNIS SHOWS UP STRONG ON THE COURT With all eyes on the program, DBU Women’s Golf continues to dominate the field, earning first-place rankings and honors for many. Maintaining a first-place ranking for the majority of the season, the Patriots landed four players on the All-Lone Star Conference Women’s Golf team, with Julia Garcia, Jordan Karrh, and Olivia Mitchell earning First Team honors and Faith DeLaGarza named to the Second Team. The Patriots also placed three players on the LSC All-Academic Team, including Faith DeLaGarza, Julia Garcia, and Olivia Mitchell. DeLaGarza owns a 4.00 GPA as a graduate student pursuing her Master of Arts in Sport Management. Garcia has compiled a 3.70 GPA as an accounting major while Mitchell boasts a 3.77 GPA in marketing. For the second consecutive year, Olivia Mitchell has been selected to compete for Team USA in the 27th Annual Arnold Palmer Cup. This year’s event will take place June 8-10 at the Laurel Valley Golf Club outside of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Mitchell becomes the first player from the NCAA Division II ranks to become a two-time selection to the Arnold Palmer Cup. Julia Garcia was named the Lone Star Conference Women’s Golfer of the Year. Garcia adds LSC Golfer of the Year honors to a career that includes three-time WGCA AllAmerican honors and the LSC Freshman of the Year in DBU GOLF CONTINUES TO SHINE 2020. Garcia was also tabbed a First Team All-LSC selection for the fourth consecutive year. On the men’s side, DBU’s Key Coker has been named a Second Team All-Lone Star Conference selection. The All-LSC selections were voted on by the head coaches in the league. Coker, a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, was a two-time LSC Men’s Golfer of the Week during the spring season after winning a pair of tournaments including the Rattler Invitational and the DBU Classic. He has been ranked the No. 84 player at the NCAA Division II level and his adjusted scoring average (71.63) was 30th-best in the nation. DBU Golf Head Coach, Kenny Trapp, along with the Women’s Golf Team
SPRING 2023 23 The DBU Cheer and Dance teams competed in the NCA and NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, and the teams brought home championships for the third time in a row. Looking to defend their 2021 and 2022 NCA titles, the DBU Cheer team secured a third national title in All-Girls Intermediate Division II. The Patriots were in the division with 17 teams, making it one of the largest divisions at NCA. During the competition, DBU’s intermediate team performed back-to-back zero-deduction routines, securing their third national championship. In addition to the intermediate team, DBU Cheer took a second squad to compete in Division II Spirit Rally, the first time in program history two teams were taken to Daytona for national competition, and the first time DBU competed in the Spirit Rally routine. The Spirit Rally squad performed two zero-deduction routines, earning them DBU’s first national title in this field. The Patriettes dance team also headed to Florida looking to three-peat their national championship in the pom division. Scoring the highest pom routine across all divisions, the Patriettes took home another trophy, adding to their 2021 and 2022 titles. Additionally, the dance team took a second routine and competed in Division II Jazz, earning a spot in the top five at finals. This was the first time in program history for the Patriettes to compete in two routines at NDA College Nationals. Thanks to the folks at Southwest Airlines, the three national trophies were traveled back to DBU in style, having a row to themselves with their seatbelts securely fastened! CHEER AND DANCE BRING HOME THE GOLD...AGAIN
DBU REPORT 24 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, Texas 75211-9299 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Dallas, Texas Permit No. 4715 Many of our incoming students mention that they found out about DBU or decided to consider DBU because someone recommended DBU to them. If you know of any family or friends whom you feel would benefit from a DBU education, whether it be for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, we would love to meet with them. Please take a moment to provide us with the information so we can send them information about DBU. JEREMIAH 29:11 “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.” Refer a Patriot! dbu.edu/refer
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx