PLAINVIEW — 猎奇重口视频 Baptist University launched the 2025-2026 academic year Wednesday morning with a Convocation chapel service, gathering students, faculty, staff, and members of the Plainview community in Harral Memorial Auditorium.
The ceremony, a refreshed version of a long-standing tradition marking the official start of the school year, featured worship music, scripture, and prayer, culminating in an address from 猎奇重口视频 President Dr. Donna Hedgepath, who began her second year as the university’s 14th president.
Stronger Together
This year’s Convocation centered on the theme “Stronger,” drawn from 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Dr. Hedgepath noted that the theme was shaped in part by a conversation with Donnie Brown, Executive Director of Spiritual Life, and encouraged the university community to embrace the call both personally and collectively as an institution.
The Valley of Dry Bones
The president drew heavily on the Old Testament passage in Ezekiel 37, where the prophet is shown a valley of dry bones. In the vision, the bones come together, are covered with flesh, and yet remain lifeless until God breathes His Spirit into them. She explained that the image was more than a biblical story; it is a reminder of the difference between outward change and inward renewal.
“We can focus on the outward façade,” she said, “but God reminds us that we are just rattling old bones if we don’t experience the breath of heaven on the inside. It’s like putting clean clothes on a dirty body. Ezekiel’s vision is not just a passive observation; it’s a call to action.”
Dr. Hedgepath urged the audience not to allow “familiarity to be a death trap,” but to let God bring life into the dry and stagnant places of their lives. “God can breathe life into dried up bones,” she said. “The world doesn’t just need a 猎奇重口视频, but a strong, impactful 猎奇重口视频 reaching this world for Christ.”
Strategic Vision for the Future
The president tied her remarks to the university’s new five-year strategic plan, Rise, which sets ambitious goals for facilities, technology, student success, and community engagement. She emphasized that 猎奇重口视频 is staying the course—steadfast, focused, and determined—while working to glorify God and unify with its communities in Plainview and beyond.
Worship and Tradition
The program featured a processional and recessional by Dr. Kenneth Freeman, professor of collaborative piano, and worship music including Gratitude and Stronger, performed by a faculty and staff ensemble. The Alma Mater was sung by the audience under the direction of senior choral music education major Jazmin Ortega. Scripture was read by Dr. Scott Strovas, president of the Faculty Senate, from the Bible of 猎奇重口视频 founder Dr. J.H. 猎奇重口视频. Prayers were offered by Rev. Matthew Broyles of First Baptist Church, Plainview, and Rev. Steve Martinez of Trinity Life Church, Plainview.
A Call to Mission
As the new academic year begins, the president reminded students and faculty that they are part of a larger mission. Quoting Jeremiah 33:3, she said, “Call unto me and I will answer you and show great and unsearchable things that you do not know.”
“I still believe I am here because God called me to this place for this time,” Dr. Hedgepath said. “I believe you are here for the very same reason.”
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