Keely Boutwell has been a storyteller for as long as she can remember. From a young age, she’s been captivated by the power of stories—so much so that she would often rewrite Disney princess tales and recruit her sisters to perform in impromptu plays and musicals of her creation. What began as childhood play soon grew into a lifelong passion. Lining her shelves are notebooks, each one holding a world of her imagination. Some are half-finished, others complete, but all echo with stories Keely was compelled to tell. Now, she’s stepping into a new chapter: bringing one of her long-envisioned stories to life on screen.
Dallas Baptist University has officially launched its "Stand Firm. Stand Out." capital campaign, a strategic initiative to elevate the growth and impact of the Don and Linda Carter School of Business and a new state-of-the-art facility to house the Carter School of Business on DBU's campus. The campaign aims to raise funds for the new building, along with student scholarships, program development, and faculty support.
Dallas Baptist University proudly celebrated its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony, honoring the achievements of more than 550 graduates from across the University’s bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Held on campus with family, friends, and faculty in attendance, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of students who have pursued academic excellence and spiritual growth. The occasion was further elevated by a distinguished lineup of commencement speakers whose stories and insights inspired the graduating class as they step into new chapters of service, leadership, and impact.
During the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon this semester, Dr. Blake Flickner, Head Coach of Men's Basketball, was named the 2025 Staff Member of the Year. This esteemed recognition celebrates Dr. Flickner's unwavering commitment to servant leadership, his transformative impact on student-athletes, and his embodiment of DBU's mission to integrate faith and learning.
This year at NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, four members of the Dallas Baptist University Cheer team experienced a moment even bigger than competition — they were baptized in the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by their teammates, coaches, and family.
Ben Bolin (’05) has lived a life deeply rooted in both ministry and music. Growing up in Southern Illinois, he was immersed in church life from an early age, with his father serving as the Minister of Music at their local church. Surrounded by faith, family, and melody, Ben accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior during childhood. By the age of 12, he felt a clear call to ministry—a calling he actively pursued throughout his high school years. During that time, he was even given opportunities to preach, further affirming his passion for sharing the Gospel. From those formative experiences, it was clear that Ben’s future would be shaped by a lifelong devotion to ministry and music.
Dallas Baptist University welcomed students, faculty, and staff to Pilgrim Chapel for the annual Calling Conference—a signature event hosted by the Ministry Guidance Office with support from the College of Christian Faith and Undergraduate Admissions. The conference offered students a meaningful space to explore their spiritual callings, discern God's leading, and be equipped to live out their faith with purpose and passion.
Dallas Baptist University has been awarded a Level 1 Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. DBU is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
Dallas Baptist University recently welcomed back Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, for a powerful chapel message. As both a DBU alumnus and a proud DBU parent, Pruitt brought a personal touch to his message, connecting deeply with the student body through humor, passion, and a bold challenge to live out their faith with urgency.
Philippe Wilson, a senior at Dallas Baptist University, double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics, is already making major strides in his professional career. Currently working part-time as a software engineer at Lockheed Martin, Philippe has been offered a full-time position with the company upon his graduation in May 2025.
