PLAINVIEW, TX — Wayland Baptist University formally opened the 2026-2027 academic year Wednesday with university officials reporting an overall increase in enrollment, including anticipated growth on the Plainview campus.
The Aug. 19 opening coincided with the first day of classes in Plainview and Wayland’s annual Convocation, the formal kickoff of the university’s academic year.
“Based on early numbers, I expect the university's total enrollment to be up this fall, including the number of students on our Plainview campus,” said Dr. Daniel Brown, vice president for enrollment management. “We have a few students still wrapping up their enrollment today.”
Final enrollment figures will be forthcoming.
Enrollment, programs show momentum
During Convocation, President Dr. Donna Hedgepath pointed to other signs of momentum, including a record number of undergraduate applications for the Plainview campus and what she described as unprecedented growth in graduate and doctoral programs.
“I am excited and encouraged by and for Wayland today,” Hedgepath said as she began her third year as president. “Even on the most challenging days, I know God is in control and has His hand on this place—His mission.”
She also highlighted continued work on facilities and grounds, a new instructional site in Irving, the return of instrumental music, and the beginning of a pre-nursing program in Plainview.
‘Inside Out’ looks beyond appearances
Hedgepath used the Convocation address to introduce Wayland’s 2026-2027 theme, Inside Out: A Hope That Begins Within, based on 1 Samuel 16:7.
She acknowledged physical updates still needed on the Plainview campus while connecting those needs to a culture that often judges by outward appearance.
“When I look at all the physical updates needed on campus, and when I see people consumed with perfection regarding their bodies and material things, I realize that we live in a world that teaches us to focus on the outside,” Hedgepath said. “We create profiles, build resumes, manage appearances, and measure success by what others can see. Often that’s not a real picture. Our culture often asks, ‘How do you look?’ before it asks, ‘Who are you becoming?’”
In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel is searching for Israel’s next king when God cautions him against judging by appearance, telling him, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
“That truth should bring tremendous hope to every person in this room,” Hedgepath said. “Hope begins when we realize that God sees us differently than the world does.”
She reminded students that their value is not determined by grades, athletic ability, social standing, family background or past mistakes.
“God sees deeper,” Hedgepath said. “He sees your potential when you cannot see it yourself. He sees your purpose when the future seems unclear.”
Hedgepath said Inside Out also reflects Wayland’s mission.
“As a Christian university, our mission is not merely to help students earn degrees. It is to shape hearts and minds for God’s purpose,” she said. “Education is important. Excellence matters. Achievement is valuable. Winning is great. But if all we accomplish is external success without internal transformation, we have missed the point.”
Convocation included a welcome from Dr. Cindy McClenagan, provost and vice president of academic affairs, and a reading of 1 Samuel 16:7 in Chinese and English by Dr. Yahui Zhang, president of the Faculty Senate. The First Baptist Praise Team from First Baptist Church, Plainview, provided music.
Hedgepath closed by returning to the idea that lasting change begins within.
“Because when God changes hearts, He changes campuses. When He changes campuses, He changes communities. And when He changes communities, He changes the world,” she said.
“As we begin this year together, my prayer is that Wayland is the reflection of a community that values what God values. A community
