In a ceremony marked by celebration and forward-looking aspirations, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) proudly conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities on Dr. Wallace E. Davis during its Spring 2024 commencement held at the Cadence Bank Center. This honorary degree was awarded in recognition of Dr. Davis's extensive contributions to education and his longstanding relationship with the university.

Dr. Davis, a respected figure with deep Texas roots and a prolific educational background, has left a significant imprint across various educational spheres. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, he embarked on a notable career in education that saw him take on roles from an elementary school teacher to the assistant superintendent for Corpus Christi ISD. His leadership extended to higher education, where he served as the academic vice president and later interim president at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, before his impactful presidency at Wayland Baptist University.

In his commencement speech, Dr. Davis stirred the audience with heartfelt reflections on the transient yet enduring nature of their college experience. "When the commencement stage once again lies silent, and the look and feel of the campus begins to slip away bit by bit, only the memories like recurring notes from a favorite tune will linger on," he said, encapsulating the poignant transition the graduates faced.

 Nicholas McDaniel, President's Award recipient
 

UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear lauded Dr. Davis's dedication and support to the university. “The highest award we can bestow upon those who have faithfully supported and served UMHB is an honorary degree. Dr. Davis is a tremendous champion for UMHB and Christian higher education. He is a great friend of our university, and we are proud to recognize him with this distinguished honor and officially make him a member of the UMHB family,” Dr. O'Rear stated.

Dr. Davis, alongside his late wife Patsy, also demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering future leaders through education. They established the Dr. Wallace and Patsy Davis Endowed Scholarship at UMHB, aimed at supporting students who uphold the Christian values and academic excellence that the university cherishes.

The commencement was a grand affair with an estimated 485 students receiving their diplomas, spanning baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Notable among the graduates were 31 students who were awarded the Provost Medal for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Special honors were also given to students who completed the rigorous Honors Program requirements, including a senior research project.

Nicholas McDaniel received the President’s Award for his exemplary service to the university and senior class. Caleb Guenther and Ella Stockton were honored with the Loyalty Cup, awarded to students who exemplify the university’s ideals, traditions, and spirit in outstanding ways.

As UMHB looks to the future, it continues to build on a tradition of excellence and community, embodied by leaders and educators like Dr. Wallace E. Davis, who inspire generations through their commitment to faith, learning, and service.

For more info, visit https://www.umhb.edu/