PLAINVIEW, TX — Wayland Baptist University launches the 2025-2026 academic year with professional development for faculty and staff on Wednesday, Aug. 13, followed by move-in day on Friday, Aug. 14 and the university’s annual Koinonia new-student celebration through the weekend.
Professional Development Day begins with a light breakfast in the Pete and Nelda Laney Student Activities Center, followed by a devotional from Donnie Brown, Executive Director of Spiritual Life. Dr. Donna Hedgepath, Wayland’s president, plans to welcome employees before Cabinet members introduce new faculty and staff.
Morning sessions will include an overview of Wayland’s upcoming SACSCOC decennial accreditation visit, by Dr. Jay Givens, Institutional Accreditation Liaison and Professor of Theological Studies. Following a mid-morning break, the faculty attends a session on Appreciative Advising. Afternoon activities feature school-level meetings.
“Our annual professional development day is a time to reconnect, gain insight for the year ahead, and strengthen our shared commitment to Wayland’s mission,” Dr. Hedgepath said. “I’m looking forward to the inspiration and collaboration that happens when we gather as one university family.”
Koinonia kicks off Friday, Aug. 15, as new students move into campus housing beginning at 8 a.m. That day also includes a noon cookout for students, families, faculty, and staff on the Gates Hall lawn, followed by campus tours, a major mixer, parent mixer, and the evening Koinonia Kickoff.
Festivities continue Saturday with meals, small-group “K-Sessions,” the Koinonia Kombat competition, food trucks, hangouts, and a late-night movie. Sunday through Monday activities include worship opportunities, tournaments, student organization events, and traditions designed to help students connect with each other and the university community.
Koinonia is coordinated by Wayland’s Office of 麻豆APP and involves faculty, staff, and student volunteers from across the campus.
Copyright © 2024