Wayland Baptist announces Hedgepath as 14th president, first woman to lead university

PLAINVIEW — Wayland Baptist University on Friday announced Donna Hedgepath will be the 14th person and first woman to lead the university as its president when the institution's current president retires this summer.

Hedgepath will succeed President Bobby Hall, who in September last year announced his intent to retire in June after a career spanning more than 40 years at Wayland. Hall has served as president since 2016.

More: Wayland Baptist University President Bobby Hall announces retirement after lengthy career

Hedgepath, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Kentucky, comes to Wayland from Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where she serves as provost and vice president of academic affairs. Her appointment was unanimously approved by Wayland's Board of Trustees after an extensive presidential search, and she will begin her new role July 1.

WBU announced its decision to appoint Hedgepath president during an on-campus news conference Friday morning.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the position of president of Wayland Baptist University, and I am filled with gratitude for the trust and confidence that the university's trustees have placed in me," Hedgepath said. "Now, as I look forward to the role of president, I am eager to bring my experience to the forefront and lead the faculty and staff in building upon the excellent foundation established here at Wayland."

WBU's 'potential' drew Hedgepath to university

The president-elect told reporters she was attracted to Wayland by its potential to grow and innovate in higher education, with a strong foundation in place for the institution to "elevate" its current programs and offerings.

"It was the potential more than anything. You are seeing so much that can occur here, just based on what I've seen and experienced myself," Hedgepath said. "The field is ripe for Wayland to really move forward and I'm thrilled to be a part of that."

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a slew of challenges to the higher education sector, including declining enrollment and tighter budgets. Wayland adapted to those challenges, but leadership was forced to make tough decisions like cutting programs and closing external campuses.

Hedgepath said Wayland's "pioneering spirit" positions it to be a leader in Christian higher education, and she aims to reverse enrollment trends after getting acquainted with her new role.

"First and foremost is to grow the enrollment, to tell (Wayland's) story and to just look how we can refine and improve what we're already doing. That's a good place to start," Hedgepath said.

Hedgepath becomes Wayland's first woman president

In Wayland Baptist University's 115-year history, a woman has never served as its president. When Hedgepath takes office in July, she will become the first. She hopes to be a role model for other women who feel called to lead.

"I've been inspired by women who have led when I thought that I could never do more than I was doing," Hedgepath said. "So I hope that there's someone here who can be inspired by the hope that women can lead, and lead well, and lead by God's grace and guidance in our lives."

Hedgepath said she's honored to be Wayland's first woman president.

"Professionally, I intend to lead just as I normally would, male or female," she said. "But it is historic, and I'm honored to be in this place, and I take it very seriously."

Hall, WBU trustees have full confidence in Hedgepath's leadership

Mark Jones, chair of Wayland's Board of Trustees, said during the news conference the university's exhaustive presidential search, which netted 60 applicants from 23 states and two Canadian provinces, surfaced the best candidate for the job.

"She is by far the most qualified person in all of the United States to lead this university," Jones said.

Current Wayland President Bobby Hall said he has no doubt Hedgepath will continue the university's legacy and mission while successfully leading the institution into its next season.

"When you're all-in at a place like Wayland, like I've been for my life and my career, you hope and pray that God brings you the right person, and there's no question in my mind that we have found the right person," Hall said. "She's a proven performer at every level, and her expertise is very relevant to the marketplace of higher education today."

Hall also said he's not sure what retirement will bring, but he feels confident he's leaving the university well-positioned for the future.

"I have no idea what I'm going to do July 1. I know I'm not very good at sitting back in a rocking chair and kicking my feet up … but I know God has something for me," Hall said. "I think I'm leaving a very strong foundation, a university that's very flexible, a university that knows how to punch back.

"We've been through difficult times … but Wayland has figured out a way to survive, and maintain, and even grow a little bit, so I think part of what I leave behind is an institution that is ready and primed for the next spurt of growth."

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Wayland Baptist University announces Donna Hedgepath as 14th president