Philosophy and Purpose of WBU

I. Nature of the Institution
Wayland Baptist University was chartered in 1908 to meet the need for education in a Christian context on the High Plains of West Texas. Wayland is a coeducational, multipurpose institution, the only independent university in the area, and serves students from the Southwest, other states, and other countries.

Affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, supported by the Cooperative Program, and operated through a Board of Trustees elected by the Convention, the University engages in educational tasks in keeping with the purpose of the Convention: to offer a distinctively Christian education to those who will be serving in churches, schools, industry, and in the workforce throughout the society. In providing a broad range of educational programs at various levels, Wayland remains true to its traditional task of teaching students how to live, as well as how to make a living.

Wayland is responding to many changes in the field of higher education by designing curricula for a wide range of students on the main campus and external campuses at strategic locations in Texas, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

II. Philosophy of the Institution
The philosophy of Wayland is based on the meaning of the Christian faith as it relates to the entire process of education. Believing that each student possess God-given dignity, freedom, and intellect to pursue truth, beauty, and the good life in every aspect of human living, the University seeks to stimulate a free and responsible exploration of a meaningful life within God’s created order and in keeping with His divine will. The Judeo-Christian heritage provides a perspective from which to approach all knowledge, experiences, and values included in the University curricula and provided in extracurricular activities, student services, and community education endeavors.

The educational process of the University is organized and administered according to the needs of students to serve God and humanity, the church and the state as free and responsible citizens, and to become significant participants and leaders in their chosen fields. The teaching-learning process takes place in a Christian-oriented community. The educational process of the University is designed to assist its student in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experiences to live successfully in a complex, dynamic world.

III. Purpose of the Institution
Wayland seeks to provide its students an education of quality that integrates faith and reason in a distinctively Christian environment. The University seeks to identify needs and designs both traditional and non-traditional programs to meet these needs on the Plainview Campus and the external campuses.

Wayland focuses upon the aesthetic, physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of the student as an individual. Programs provide knowledge, skills, and experiences that enable students to address life creatively.

To fulfill these purposes, Wayland provides:
  • Liberal arts undergraduate programs, which provide a solid foundation for the student’s growth and development.
  • Pre-professional studies which equip the student for graduate and professional study.
  • Graduate programs, which enhance the student’s professional, vocational, and personal development.
  • Professional, occupational, and vocational-technical programs which lead to employment and advancement.
  • Developmental and pre-collegiate study programs, which strengthen skills leading to potential success in college level courses.
  • Lifelong learning and community service programs for individuals who wish to continue their education, enrich their cultural awareness, or grow and develop personally and professionally.
  • Student service programs, which help students, meet their individual needs through learning experiences and activities, which promote a deeper understanding of life and work.
  • Non-traditional degree programs through external campuses that offer a flexible course format, permitting fully employed adults to receive limited credit for past work experiences.