Introduction to University Hill

DALLAS Dallas Baptist College quickly developed a strong presence in the southern sector of Dallas. With the recruiting efforts of Dr. Fred White, the first semester of classes yielded 945 students. Five years later, DBC graduated its first bachelor’s degree students. The college began to grow with the additions of a new gymnasium, library, and dormitories. By 1985, the institution added its first graduate degree and changed its name from Dallas Baptist College to Dallas Baptist University. Unfortunately, the University acquired what seemed like a perpetual amount of debt. This debt and the effects of low enrollment prevented the University from developing any more of its campus resources. DBU had to rely on faithful donors like Mary C. Crowley, and the continual support of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in order to keep its doors open. Even with this support, financial problems continued to impact the University for years. These

difficult times, however, began to change in 1988 with the election of Dr. Gary Cook as the fifth president of DBU. Throughout Dr. Cook’s three decades as President, the University experienced growth and stability as enrollment and endowment increased, buildings were constructed, and new academic programs began. At the heart of the change was the establishment of the DBU Prayer Ministry as the DBU Family sought to turn the whole of the life of the University over to the Lord in prayer. This same spirit of prayer and reliance on the Lord continued through the election of DBU’s sixth President, Dr. Adam C. Wright, in 2016. Since he began his tenure in leadership, Dr. Wright has maintained the tradition of devotion and excellence as DBU seeks to be a global, Christ-centered university that is pleasing to God.

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