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Centennial celebration events for the 2008—2009 school year are winding down at Wayland Baptist University, but the theme of “Dreams to Reality” lives on. Founded with the idea that all students deserve an education in a Christian environment, WBU continues this mission by offering classes on its 80-acre main campus in Plainview and through 13 satellite programs around the world.
Approximately 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the Plainview campus, and about half live in nine single-gender residence halls. WBU has more than 45 majors and 12 preprofessional programs. Its School of Music and School of Education are especially strong, and music education students in particular have enjoyed much success after graduation. Weekly chapel attendance is required, and the administration works diligently to vary the program with concerts, guest speakers, and student reflections. The Center for Student Leadership and Involvement also integrates students’ academic and spiritual development with service opportunities and leadership training.
More than 30 groups and organizations expand student life beyond the classroom, and WBU sponsors nine men’s and women’s athletic teams that compete in the NAIA. Students relax on campus at Pete’s Place, and the Laney Activities Center, opened in 2008, is another hot spot. This two-story wellness facility features a student lounge with games and a snack bar, a double gymnasium, an indoor jogging track, and a climbing wall.
Students sometimes hang out in Plainview, both to have fun and to fulfill service commitments, but they tend to seek evening entertainment in either Lubbock or Amarillo, each of which is about an hour’s drive from campus.