Texas Baptist Universities, worthy of support
By Rick Davis
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Midlothian

I am just back from Brownwood where I attended the Howard Payne university Trustees meeting. I am in my first full term as a trustee of the university and anticipate as many as two more three-year terms, this after finishing out nearly three years of another fellow’s unexpired term.

Christian higher education is worth the expenditure of funds and energy. Our kids need to attend Christian colleges and universities, and I prefer Baptist Christian schools. I got my first degree from Howard Payne. Work there prepared me for two more degrees and a lifetime of learning. I met my sweet wife at Howard Payne. Many of the great friends of my life are fellows I met at Howard Payne.

I was saddened a few years ago when some of your fellow conventioneers decided they had to root out “liberalism at our schools.” I guess there were some liberal professors on campuses somewhere, but the ones I know at Howard Payne were only liberal in their giving, praying and love for God and students.

As a trustee, I get to see the product we are turning out, as well as the people and methods we are using to help young minds form Christian opinions. I feel more inclined to Baptist Christian higher education than ever and less likely to listen to anyone who would disparage our schools.

If you see a Baptist Christian professor or administrator, thank him or her. They are doing a hard job under difficult circumstances.

September 1999