A Newsletter for Students, Alumni and Friends of Wayland Baptist University-San Antonio
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From the Executive Director
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Elmer Childress’ parents died when he was very young, and at age 18 he found himself working a farm that was barely making it. His only relative was his grandmother who lived with him. He had a strong desire to go to college, but no money!
One Sunday at church his pastor mentioned that anyone who had a desire to attend college, he would help find a way. Elmer later asked his pastor if he really meant it. The pastor told him to come back on Wednesday and he would have the financial aid he needed. Sure enough, on Wednesday, the funds were there. Elmer asked if there was someone to thank, and the pastor said the donor wanted to remain anonymous.
That grace got Elmer started on his education path at Wayland, and in 1911, Elmer Hardy Childress was the first and only graduate of what was then Wayland Literary and Technical Institute. Elmer’s story is not that different than many, if not most of the students attending Wayland – even today – hard working adults trying to find a way to achieve their academic goals!
Like Elmer’s pastor, most of us have someone in our lives that saw something in us that we didn’t see in ourselves. They encouraged us; counseled us; cried with us; prayed with us; and sometimes helped us find a way to achieve things we never thought possible. They helped us rewrite our future. Some call them heroes – or champions. They often appear just when we need them the most.
Dr. Ben Craver, Professor of Religion at the San Antonio campus is often quoted as saying,
Where there’s a will, there’s a Wayland!
Who is your champion? Who helped you turn your will into a way? Who’s champion are you? Are you rewriting your future and helping others rewrite theirs?
When Dr. James Henry Wayland gave money and land to the City of Plainview, Texas in 1906, he did so with the stipulation that they start a school that was faith-based and open to all. He wanted anyone who had a desire to achieve academic success to have an open-door opportunity to do so. Childress was the first of what is now tens of thousands who’s
will
found a
way (Wayland)!
Make a difference. Be someone’s hero!
By Dr. James Antenen
Dean & Executive Director
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Wayland Celebrates First Student to Graduate with Doctor of Management Degree,
Joseph A. Jackson
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Joseph A. Jackson is from Jacksonville, North Carolina, Home to Camp Lejeune Marine Corp Base. His father Joseph C. Jackson, former Corpsman US Navy, was killed in a car accident when Jackson was one-year-old. Jackson’s widowed mother, Vera Jackson, raised three children alone. Vera Jackson worked hard and set a great example for her children, encouraging them to work toward their dreams and reminding them to let nothing stop them from doing so.
During Jackson’s 20-plus-year career in the United States Army and as a civilian employee of the Department of the Army, he has been a leader, teacher, and mentor to soldiers, students, and co-workers. Jackson has held numerous supervisory and leadership positions in the Army including Inspector General, Drill Sergeant, and University ROTC instructor. Those experiences and opportunities to expand his academic knowledge prepared him for a future in management education.
Currently, Jackson works for the United States Army at Fort Jackson, South Carolina as a Management and Program Analyst, utilizing the many skills acquired through Wayland Baptist University’s Graduate Studies in Management and the knowledge he has gained through is military career.
Jackson states, “I selected the Wayland School of Business to pursue the Doctorate of Management in order to gain sufficient knowledge so as to instruct students at the university level. I am so passionate about building upon the success and fulfillment I have already experienced as a leader, mentor, and instructor and I see doors opening which will allow me to work as a consultant and to offer management seminars on leadership, organizational theories, and processes.”
Jackson goes on to share about his experience with Wayland, “Wayland Baptist University has a reputation for excellence in developing management professionals which is the catalyst for my decision to attend Wayland’s Doctorate of Management program, the first of its kind. I am very excited to have had the opportunity to be a part of this new program and endeavor.”
During Jackson's 23-plus-years of services in the U.S. Army, he met and married his wife Sergeant First Class Easter P. Jackson, who is currently still active duty and stationed at Fort Jackson, SC. Together, Ester and Joseph have a 12-year-old son, Joseph C. Jackson (Jojo), a daughter Jessenia, and he has a college student from a previous marriage.
Wayland's DMGT degree
focuses on developing the talents, skills, and abilities of today’s business leaders. The doctorate is offered as a totally online degree consisting of 60 semester hours of coursework in the areas of management theory, organizational behavior and theory, human resource management, and project design.
For more information contact us at (210) 826-7595.
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Alumni Spotlight on Rhoda Vance
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Rhoda Ortiz Vance has worked for Baptist University of the Américas (BUA) since 2009. She currently serves as Director of Volunteer Engagement & Assistant to the President. She has also served as Director of Communications for BUA. Prior to that, Rhoda worked as a real-estate consultant for 8 years. Rhoda has been married to Jim for 28 years and has 4 young-adult sons. She holds a B. A. in Business Leadership from Baptist University of the Américas and a M.A.M. in Human Resources from Wayland Baptist University.
Rhoda's hope is that God may use her education, expertise and skills to be a servant-leader in helping and blessing others. As a PK (pastor’s kid), Rhoda has served her Baptist faith all her life, whether as a Sunday School teacher, praise team member, director of children’s church/choirs/plays and the list goes on. Rhoda is also a member of a ministry-based family band, Mariachi Agape, which is based out of her church, New Beacon Hill.
Why did you choose Wayland-San Antonio?
First, I was looking for a graduate program that would help develop my management skills and I was able to find that in the M.A.M (Master of Arts in Management) with a focus on Human Resources. Second, the cost was very affordable for a graduate program. Third, the extension site in San Antonio provided in-residence access and was a key factor for my schedule and I liked that Wayland offered both in-residence classes and online classes. Fourth, the degree plan and flexible course structure allowed me to complete the equivalent of four semesters in one year.
What was the most useful class you took?
This may seem odd, but the class I found most useful was Research Methods. It was taught by Dr. Morris. The class entailed writing a dissertation paper within that semester. I learned through his class that such a paper requires five chapters. The first three chapters were mostly research while the last two were comprised of findings. The topic was to my choosing. The professor divided each chapter evenly throughout the semester. By the end of the semester, I had written a 62-page paper. He told the class that by the end of the semester they would feel more confident in pursuing a doctoral degree and… he was right!
How has your degree from Wayland helped you to grow?
I learned so much while at Wayland. I was able to further develop in my management skills by learning about Human Resource practices, Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) standards and compliance, types of leadership styles and roles, and best organizational practices in the workplace.
Do you have any advice for future Wayland students?
Don’t think twice about returning to school. You will enjoy the classroom sizes, online interaction and the academic professionalism from each of your professors, and you’ll feel challenged and accomplished through the coursework.
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Start Your Career with Jordan Ford
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Founded in 1919, Jordan Ford is proud to be San Antonio's oldest Ford dealership. For over 100 years Jordan Ford has been committed to providing the best customer service. This can be understood through their servant leadership attitude towards their employees, empowering their service providers to treat each customer with the absolute best care. Jordan Ford takes pride in its servant culture and believes this to be a large contributor to the longevity of the business.
What’s the secret to Jordan Ford's ongoing success?
Jordan Ford goes to great lengths to hire the best people. Each new employee is an investment—an investment in their future growth, professional development and in our business. Our goal is to hire the best, so that Jordan Ford stays the best. Investing in the development of our employees means we strive to hire and promote from within and offer training opportunities for career advancement.
We are proud to employ the best technicians, administrative team, sales consultants, and service advisors in the business, but our needs don’t stop there. We are constantly looking for talented, educated people with good values and character. If you want to work in a vibrant, dynamic business and have the drive to succeed, let’s talk about future opportunities.
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New Braunfels Site Store is Open for Business
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Our New Braunfels teaching site recently extended its gift/supply store hours to operate on an every day, full time, bassis during regular office hours. Come and check out some of the great WBU merchandise available for purchase!
Please remember that
you can only make credit or debit purchase at this location
, cash and checks will NOT be accepted. Please note that all book purchases will still have to be made online or at the bookstore at our campus off of IH 35 and O'Connor.
For any questions, contact our New Braunfels teaching site at (830) 312-7193.
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Wayland Teaching Site Closure:
Callaghan Tower Location
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Wayland-San Antonio has closed the Callaghan Tower teaching site, located at 8023 Vantage Drive, Suite 300.
Wayland no longer offers advising services, classes or any other services at this location.
Wayland's main location is located at 11550 North I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233. For questions call (210) 826-7595
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