Wayland Baptist University

Wayland Baptist University (WBU) is a private, faith-based institution located in Plainview, Texas. Established in 1908 by Dr. James Henry Wayland, a local physician, the university was founded with the mission to provide accessible, Christian-centered education to students in the Texas High Plains region . Affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, WBU has grown into a diverse and inclusive university system, offering a wide range of academic programs while maintaining its commitment to spiritual development and service.

WBU offers over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine academic schools, including Business, Education, Nursing, Christian Studies, and the Arts and Sciences . The university serves a student population of approximately 9,341 across its main campus and multiple satellite campuses in Texas, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and even Kenya . WBU also provides flexible learning options through its WBUonline platform, catering to non-traditional students and working professionals seeking to advance their education in a supportive, Christ-centered environment.

Throughout its history, Wayland Baptist University has been a pioneer in promoting inclusivity and academic excellence. Notably, in 1951, WBU became the first four-year liberal arts college in the former Confederate states to voluntarily integrate, admitting its first Black student three years before the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education . This legacy of progressiveness continues today, as WBU remains dedicated to fostering a diverse and welcoming community that prepares students for meaningful careers and lives of service.