DBU Hosts Inaugural GSOM Networking Banquet

The Graduate School of Ministry celebrated 15 years of establishment and excellence here at Dallas Baptist University this past month. The GSOM has been creating servant leaders to impact their community, training those God has called to ministry. As stated proudly on our GSOM webpage, our mission is to integrate the biblical foundations of Christian faith and values with professional academic studies.

For over a decade, our faculty and staff have led and instilled this in our students, who then take this into their community and the world. In honor of this achievement, DBU held our first Alumni and Student Networking Dinner to honor distinguished alumni and outstanding students. Over 200 students, alumni, and faculty gathered, along with their families, creating connections and community across campus.

It was a time of appreciation and celebration. The banquet consisted of an exquisite dinner, followed by our introduction and welcome from from the Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry, Dr. Bob Brooks. A prayer to bless the evening was given by Provost Dr. Norma Hedin, and presidential remarks from Dr. Adam Wright.

Awards were given to both alumni and current students that embody the mission statement of the GSOM. Dr. Gary Cook, Chancellor, received the first award in honor of his calling and visions that inspired the Graduate School of Ministry. The recipients of the Outstanding Student Awards are Cody Mankin and Emily Scates, presented by both Dr. Jim Lemons and Dr. Dana Wicker, respectively.

Cody Mankin is pursuing a graduate degree in M.A. in Theological Studies and Emily Scates is pursuing her dual graduate degree in M.A. in Theological Studies and M.A. in Christian Counseling. The recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards were Dr. Grace Smart and Rev. Rolando Rodriguez, presented by Dr. Shelly Melia and Dr. Bob Garrett.

The MATS team was honored to be a part of such a momentous occasion, celebrating the amazing things God has done through the Graduate School of Ministry alongside faculty, family, and friends.