UMHB Welcomed Rick Perry for 20th McLane Lecture, Presented Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr. with Honorary Doctorate Degrees

BELTON, Texas- The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) was honored to welcome former Texas Governor Rick Perry as the featured speaker for the 2024 McLane Lecture on Nov. 6 in the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena. The namesakes of the long-running lecture series, Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr., were also awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degrees for their long-time friendship and commitment to Christian higher education at UMHB.

Perry is a born-and-bred Texan who served as the 14^th United States Secretary of Energy and the 47^th Governor of Texas. A veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of Texas A&M University, he championed conservative pro-growth principles that made Texas the world's 12^th largest economy and the economic envy of America while serving as Governor. Under his leadership as the Secretary of Energy, the nation ushered in a historic energy era. Throughout his career, he has supported both the active duty and veteran community, most recently as an advocate for using Artificial Intelligence to deliver precision health care to warriors. He married his childhood sweetheart, Anita, in 1982, and they have two children, two beautiful granddaughters, and two handsome grandsons.

Perry spoke to the crowd of UMHB students, faculty, staff, and special guests about his faith and life in public service. He said, "In 1964, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. At 14, the Holy Spirit dealt with me, and I had that warming of my heart." Later, he continued, "After becoming a pilot in the U.S. Navy, it became abundantly clear to me that the checklist I'd been given as a young man - the Holy Bible - will show you how to govern and conduct your business. Whether you're in the business world, a government leader, or the head of your household, it will literally and figuratively save your life." Perry added, "God has things He wants you to do. He wants you to live a life of purpose. If you trust Him, He has things much greater than you thought you could or would do. If you will read His word and use His checklist, He'll guide you through life in a good way."

Before the lecture began, University President Dr. Randy O'Rear presented Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr. with their Honorary Doctorate degrees. "Elizabeth and Drayton are tremendous champions of UMHB and Christian higher education," said O'Rear. "Both are great friends and are worthy of receiving the highest honor from our university. The impact they have made on our students and campus is truly immeasurable."

Elizabeth and Drayton are well known for their successful businesses, commitment to community organizations, and generous philanthropic activities. The McLane family's success is based on their commitment to high standards, innovation, and customer service. Their dedication to strong Christian values, handed down from generation to generation, is reflected in the honesty and integrity that are the hallmarks of the family's businesses.

The McLanes are major benefactors to many health and education institutions, including UMHB. In gratitude for their amazing support, a men's residence hall, the great hall of the student union, and the College of Business are named in their honor. Elizabeth, Drayton, and their family made the largest gift in the history of UMHB in 2012 to assist with the construction of Crusader Stadium.

This is the 20th McLane Lecture sponsored by Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr. The purpose of the McLane Lecture is to bring outstanding individuals to the UMHB campus to share their experiences and insights about leadership, government, business, and faith. Rick Perry joins a long list of exceptional McLane Lecture speakers, including George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Marcus Lutrell, Joe DePinto, George W. Bush, Chuck Norris, George Foreman, Mary Lou Retton, and Franklin Graham. These lectures have enriched the student experience at UMHB and have inspired many rich conversations between students and professors over the years.