UMHB Holds Fall 2025 Commencement

BELTON, TX - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held commencement services for the Fall 2025 semester today at Crusader Stadium. This was the university's 169^th graduating class, and an estimated 448 students were awarded degrees, including 318 baccalaureate degrees, 94 master's degrees, and 36 doctoral degrees.

UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear celebrated the accomplishments of the class of 2025. "As I look back on your years here, I can see God's mercy woven throughout your journey. Not only in the big, triumphant moments-like the accomplishments in the classroom, the performances, the research successes, the acts of service-but also in the hidden ones. Like the late nights when you weren't sure you'd make it. The early mornings when you prayed for strength. The friendships that held you up. The professors who refused to give up on you. Even the countless Chick-fil-A visits or late-night coffee runs could have been instruments of God's mercy."

He continued, "So as you leave UMHB, your home for these past years, I want you to remember this: the same God who was faithful to bring you here, who has guided you, shaped you, challenged you, strengthened you, and sometimes lovingly stretched you well beyond your comfort zone will be just as faithful in what comes next."

Lastly, O'Rear said, "It was not that long ago that many of you stood on this very field as freshmen or transfer students and were dubbed a Crusader forever, and now here you are again. You have come full circle. Class of 2025, it has been our honor to watch you grow. You have worked hard, prayed hard, persevered, and become people of character and compassion. Now, go forward with courage and use your influence to make our world a better place, not because you are confident in yourselves, but because you are confident in the One who goes with you. Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Student recognitions during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was awarded to 17 students who each graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Holly Clow of Salado; Tristam Eilers of Fairhope, AL; Courtney Goolsby of Sugarland; Collin Harwick of Round Rock; Kelsee James of Belton; Samuel Madden of Temple; Matthew Malecha of Cedar Park; Eva Marx of Fort Worth; Jacqueline McGuire of Flower Mound; Shane Melick of Oro Valley, AZ; Kiley Millican of Cedar Park; Conan Poole of Round Rock; Ava Reid of Kingwood; Darius Steverson of Killeen; Yazmin Villasana of Killeen; Madison Whitfill of Austin; and Hayley Wolfe of Murphy.

Roderick Armstrong Jr. of Harker Heights was commissioned as a military officer during the graduation ceremony, and Banner Scarborough of Lubbock was the scripture reader. The university also recognized two students who have successfully completed all the Honors Program requirements, including a senior research project: Courtney Goolsby of Sugarland and Shane Melick of Oro Valley, AZ.

The President's Award, presented to the graduating senior who has provided meritorious service to the university, particularly the senior class, was awarded to Selah Cordova of San Antonio. She is a true example for the university and her peers, striving to represent Christ and UMHB. She was involved in the Big Event, Homecoming, Stunt Night, Global Outreach, the Easter Pageant, the Baptist Student Ministry, and the Student Foundation. She was also the recipient of the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award. The Loyalty Cup, awarded to the student most representative of the university's ideals, traditions, and spirit, was given to Bethany Fitzwater of Belton. She was involved in the Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant, the Baptist Student Ministry, Global Outreach, Student Foundation, Acrobatics and Tumbling, and served as a Cru Leader.