An open letter to Wayland Baptist University from alumni

5 years ago Featured

The simple joy that fine arts bring to a university are a large part of its spirit. I recruited in the music department at Wayland, and I cherish the memory of hearing spontaneous singing or instrument playing outside my office. It is the joyful sound of life in Christ.

5 years ago Featured

Pioneer Band may be small but it is powerful and helps so many very talented musicians pursue their dreams/career goals. Wayland will loose some very talented musicians with ending this program, possibly some that would go on to be amazing influential band directors for upcoming generations. Sad day.

this needs to come back as well as all the other plus it’s like a wood shop and welding automotive mechanics all the classes my parents took back in the day

I wasn't a fine arts major. I was a business major during my time at Wayland. My memories of going to theatre productions are some of the fondest memories I have during my time at Wayland. My theatre friends strived to tell meaningful and impactful stories. That said, I can't speak to the details of this department or the others in the fine arts department. I would however like to take a moment and discuss the negative impact of this decision purely as a business decision. 1) Wayland's reputation needs to be considered. For example, any student looking to attend Wayland must now consider if their program has the potential of being reduced because of an unforeseen event. 2) Prospective employees (professors and administrators) are less likely to accept a position in the future because of a concern for longevity of their position. 3) Alumni that have already graduated from these degree plans are less likely to donate. 4) Fewer degree options means fewer students interested in attending Wayland. 5) Lost advertising opportunity. Many of these programs actively sought an audience to view their programs. 6) Current students and local community members will no longer be attending fine arts events. Causing a loss in revenue from these events. I'm getting the impression that the decision has already been made to remove many aspects of the fine arts departments and the question is how does Wayland proceed. There is a lot lost beyond financial decisions but hopefully this brings a different perspective.

This news was devastating to my family. My son is an alumni who graduated with a music minor from Wayland. Band drew him there. Had there been no band program we would not have even considered Wayland. Further, according to a study on students who were involved in the arts and took the SAT’s their scores were on average 20+ points higher than students who didn’t. Therefore, if you want to attract students who score well, and focus on their academics, removing the band program is NOT the way to do it. I strongly urge you to reconsider and do the right thing by the students who chose your university, the parents who trusted your university all based on the music program.

Fine Arts majors are much needed to spread the message of Christ through theater and creative art. It is the responsibility of Christian Education administrators to keep these doors open. If we don’t do it; who will?

This should never happen!

I was not a fine arts or geology major, but I was strongly and positively impacted by the fine arts which have been cut.

I hope the university reconsiders their decision and the fine arts students are given the attention they deserve. No university should discard any of their students due to economic difficulties.

pls keep following and accomplishing ur dreams and good luck to ur future !!! <33

This is insanity! How could a university just shut down their arts dept?! Have y'all lost your mind?

Band was the whole reason I decided to go to Wayland.

This is an outrage and the way it was handled is ridiculous.

Where the Caprocks firm foundation meets a sky of blue stands out alma mater wayland true.

As a former student, graduate, parent of a student, and a former Plainview resident , the Board and the leadership of Wayland at present is reprehensible. I ask they carefully and sincerely reconsider their recent actions before the run a fine university into the ground and beyond repair.

My husband and I are very disappointed that this decision was made. This is a very well written petition and I agree 100% with what it states.

So much of what Wayland is.. is through their Fine Arts program. This sudden step puts many at risk. Please reconsider the recommendations during this time so that the impact will be small.

While I'm sure we don't know the entire story, I feel the corrective actions listed are more than reasonable. If I can be called upon to donate or help in any other way to make these happen, please let me know.

As a parent of a Wayland Music Graduate and a retired music educator, I find this reprehensible. Please correct this drastic action and take care of these students and staff.

I as a proud pioneer am very disappointed in my board of directors and hope they will take the corrective action recommended in this petition.