Notable Alumni of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB), a private Baptist university located in Belton, Texas, boasts a rich history and a diverse alumni network. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas as Baylor Female College, UMHB has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. Over its long history, UMHB has produced graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields, from professional sports and politics to education and missionary work. The UMHB Alumni Center and Museum preserves the history of the university while providing an experience for former alumni to visit and relive their experiences and allowing students to learn about the university’s past.
A Legacy of Education and Tradition
UMHB's commitment to education is deeply rooted in its history. Originally established as the female department of Baylor University, the institution has a long-standing tradition of empowering women. The Cottage Home System, instituted in 1893, was the first work-study program for women in a college west of the Mississippi, offering affordable housing and financial assistance.
The university's dedication to tradition is evident in its many annual events. Charter Day, celebrated on the first Wednesday in February, commemorates the signing of the university's charter in 1845. Homecoming provides opportunities for graduates and former students to return to campus and connect with former classmates and the university. The Midnight March, a tradition where seniors march with lighted candles around Vann Circle Drive before Spring Commencement, symbolizes the passing of leadership to the junior class. Another notable tradition is Stunt Night, a competition among the four classes that builds a bond between members and creates class spirit. Since 1995, a "Dubbing Ceremony" became part of Welcome Week, where each fall new students are "dubbed" with a ceremonial sword by the university administration as "Crusaders Forever".
For 79 consecutive years the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has produced an outdoor reproduction of the Holy Week. Each year the pageant takes place on the Wednesday afternoon before Easter and is performed on campus in front of Luther Memorial
Notable Alumni
UMHB's alumni have made their mark in a variety of fields. Some of the most notable include:
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
Politics and Public Service
- Miriam "Ma" Ferguson: Ferguson holds the distinction of being Texas' first female governor and the second woman to be elected governor of any state in the United States. Her political career broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in leadership.
Athletics
- Buddy Groom: A former Major League Baseball pitcher, Groom played professionally from 1992 to 2005. His successful career in baseball is a testament to his athletic talent and dedication.
- Jerrell Freeman: The first athlete from the UMHB football program to make it to the National Football League, Freeman signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2008. He later played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League before returning to the NFL to play for the Indianapolis Colts.
Education
- Rose: Rose graduated from UMHB in 2000 with a degree in Elementary Education and works as a first-grade teacher.
- Dean Butenschoen: Dean Butenschoen graduated from UMHB in 2009 with a degree in Education.
- Connie Uribe-Solís: Connie Uribe-Solís graduated from UMHB in 1993 with a degree in Kinesiology and Spanish and works as a Teacher and Coach.
- Anthony Avila: Anthony Avila graduated from UMHB in 2023 with a degree in Physical Education and works as a High School Teacher and Coach.
- Andrew Berg: Andrew Berg graduated from UMHB in 2021 with a degree in Mathematics and works as a High School Teacher.
- Kyle Parsons: Kyle Parsons graduated from UMHB in 2022 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and works as an Elementary PE teacher and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach.
- Emmy Lovelady: Emmy Lovelady graduated from UMHB in 2025 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Education and works as a 2nd-grade Teacher.
Other Fields
- Allie Berg: Allie Berg graduated from UMHB in 2025 with a degree in English Language Arts and Reading.
- Lauren Blankenship: Lauren Blankenship graduated from UMHB in 2020 with a degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations and works as an Internal Communications Specialist.
- Lydia Burse: Lydia Burse graduated from UMHB in 2020 with a degree in Curriculum and Instruction and works as an Assistant Principal.
- Danielle King: Danielle King graduated from UMHB in 1998 with a degree in Spanish and English and is a Bilingual Educational Diagnostician.
- Eduardo Lara: Eduardo Lara graduated from UMHB in 1991 with a degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science and works as a Director of Clinic Operations.
- Christel Lindberg-Phelps: Christel Lindberg-Phelps graduated from UMHB in 2001 with a degree in Mathematics and is a former Math Instructor.
- Vicki McKay: Vicki McKay graduated from UMHB in 1971 with a degree in Home Economics and is a retired teacher.
- Corbin Rouse: Corbin Rouse graduated from UMHB in 2012 with a degree in Speech Communication and works Preschool PE Teacher.
- Eric Schoenert: Eric Schoenert graduated from UMHB in 2008 with a degree in Business and works as a District Manager for Herc Rentals.
- Justin Ward: Justin Ward graduated from UMHB in 2004 with a degree in Business and works as an Optometrist.
- Derek Williamson: Derek Williamson graduated from UMHB in 2014 with a degree in Business Administration and works as a Dell Account Manager.
- Layton Zinsmeister: Layton Zinsmeister graduated from UMHB in 2016 with a degree in Cellular Biology and works as a salesman.
- David: David graduated from UMHB with a degree in Business Management and works as a Commerical Banker in Fort Worth.
- Jaci Hartfiel: Jaci Hartfiel graduated from UMHB in 2021 with a degree in Social Work and is a Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools.
- Dr. Tori Kalfayan: Dr. Tori Kalfayan graduated from UMHB in 2024 with a degree in Biology: Pre-Optometry and is an Admissions Counselor at UMHB.
- Alex Kown: Alex Kown graduated from UMHB in 2017 with a degree in Biology and is an Elementary School Assistant Principal.
- Liam McCarthy: Liam McCarthy graduated from UMHB in 2024 with a degree in Finance and works as a Credit Analyst.
- Seth Michaelson: Seth Michaelson graduated from UMHB in 2018 with a degree in Accounting and works as a Financial Advisor.
- Charlotte Miller: Charlotte Miller graduated from UMHB in 2020 with a degree in Accounting and works as an Accountant for a nonprofit.
- Julie Pease: Julie Pease graduated from UMHB in 2017 with a degree in Nursing.
- Dr. Emilee Peloquin: Dr. Emilee Peloquin graduated from UMHB in 2021 with a degree in Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy.
- Ange Rugira: Ange Rugira graduated from UMHB in 2023 with a degree in General Studies.
- Garrett Smith: Garrett Smith graduated from UMHB in 2022 with a degree in History and in 2023 with a Master’s degree in Education Administration.
- Bryan Villalobos: Bryan Villalobos graduated from UMHB in 2019 and then again in 2020 with an MBA.
- Lauren: Lauren graduated from UMHB in 2016 with a degree in Psychology and works as a Talent Operations Specialist.
Read also: History of the Block 'M'
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