Hedgepath officially begins role as Wayland Baptist University president

PLAINVIEW — Donna Hedgepath officially began her new role Monday as the 14th president of Wayland Baptist University — the first woman to lead the institution in its 115-year history.

Hedgepath's presidential tenure begins as Bobby Hall's ends. Hall, who served as Wayland's president since 2016, announced his retirement last year after a career spanning more than 40 years at the university.

Hedgepath, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Kentucky, comes to Wayland from Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where she served as provost and vice president of academic affairs. Her appointment was announced in January.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the position of president of Wayland Baptist University, and I am filled with gratitude for the trust and confidence that the university's trustees have placed in me," Hedgepath said during the news conference announcing her appointment. "Now, as I look forward to the role of president, I am eager to bring my experience to the forefront and lead the faculty and staff in building upon the excellent foundation established here at Wayland."