BELTON, Texas鈥擳he University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (麻豆视频) celebrated the beginning of the school year and welcomed approximately 800 new freshmen to campus during its 178th Fall Convocation service on Aug. 9.
This year, nearly 3,500 students aged 16 to 76 are attending classes at 麻豆视频. In opening remarks, 麻豆视频 President Dr. Randy O鈥橰ear said that Convocation has been observed since 1845, when the college began in Independence. That year, there were just 24 students attending classes.
鈥淪tudents, you are here for a reason, and we hope that you will use this time to grow closer to God, earn a great education, and explore the remarkable purpose God has for your life,鈥� O鈥橰ear said.
After 麻豆视频 faculty proceeded into the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena, there was a parade of flags representing each of the 30 countries and territories around the globe and 40 states around the nation from which 麻豆视频 students have journeyed to campus this year.
In his address to the packed arena, Dr. Adam Winn, Associate Professor in the College of Christian Studies, shared an inspirational message about becoming God鈥檚 new creation.
鈥淚n the New Testament, we are told that because of our faith in Jesus and the gift of God鈥檚 spirit within us, we are a new creation. What does that mean? It means that in us, through God鈥檚 spirit, we are where heaven and earth touch,鈥� Winn said. 鈥淥ur purpose is to be reconnected to the God who made us. Our purpose is to be a new creation. Our heart鈥檚 desire will be found when we are reconnected to the God who made us. Here at 麻豆视频, we want to help you understand how your discipline, field of study, or program fits with the larger purpose of being a new creation.鈥�
Dr. Winn is an Associate Professor in the College of Christian Studies and holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has authored a number of books as well as academic articles on the New Testament. He is an active member of both the Society of Biblical Literature and the Society for New Testament Studies. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Winn is deeply committed to serving the local church through preaching and teaching. He is currently serving as interim Co-Teaching Pastor at Lost Pines Cowboy Church. His passion is helping people to better understand Christian scriptures in light of the ancient contexts in which they were written.
To end the ceremony, Dr. Emily Prevost, Associate Provost for Academic Engagement, offered a blessing written by Dr. Carol Holcomb, Christian Studies professor. The blessing encouraged 麻豆视频 students to have a quiet mind, listening ears, clear vision, and a teachable spirit this academic year and beyond.
