(Source: UMHB)

Belton, Texas - Dr. Jerry G. Bawcom, who has led the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in increased academic prominence, financial strength, building acceleration and athletic success, announced today that he will be stepping down as president at the end of this academic school year. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees passed a unanimous resolution to appoint Dr. Bawcom as Chancellor for the university. As Chancellor, Bawcom will continue serving UMHB through public relations, fund raising and other duties.

Bawcom, 64, was named the 18th president of UMHB on February 1, 1991. During his tenure UMHB faculty and students have won numerous awards, and the university's reputation has grown both regionally and nationally.

"Jerry G. Bawcom has had an extraordinary impact on this university and this community," said Andy Davis, chair of the UMHB Board of Trustees. "The growth and reputation of this university under his leadership has provided a tremendous foundation for the future. I have been privileged to serve and work with him for nearly all of his 18 years at this fine university."

In comments he made to faculty and staff on Friday, Bawcom said, "No university president could be as blessed or as privileged as I have been to serve you and UMHB. I see only more success in the future, and I firmly believe that this is an exciting time to be at Mary Hardin-Baylor."

Highlights of Bawcom's presidency include:

Enrollment has grown from less than 1,700 students to more than 2,700 this fall. Part of the continued growth has been attributed to an increase in the academic quality of the students attending the university.

Average SAT scores for entering freshman increased from 890 in 1991 to 1024 in 2008.

Ranking in U.S.News & World Report: Best Colleges rose from tier 3 to tier 1.

Four master's degree programs and one doctoral program were added.

The university budget increased from $11.4 million in 1991 to $55 million for 2008-09.

The total endowment increased from $18.4 million in 1991 to $60 million in 2008.

Total campus acreage grew from approximately 100 acres to more than 250 acres.

New student housing construction of 12 residence halls and apartment buildings has increased the number of beds on campus from approximately 400 beds to 1,300 beds.

New academic, administrative and recreational facilities constructed include, an addition to Mabee Student Center (1993), an addition to Townsend Memorial Library (1994), York Science Hall (1996), Parker Academic Center (2002), Crusader Sports Complex (2004), Mayborn Campus Center (2005), Sanderford addition (2006), and the Meyer Christian Studies Center, which is set for dedication on October 9, 2008.

Other construction projects have included the expansion of the front entrance to campus on 10th Avenue, renovations to every building on campus, additional sidewalks and parking spaces, new intramural fields, parks and people places as part of campus beautification.

Athletic teams were expanded to include a football program and women's soccer team in 1998. The university also moved from NAIA to NCAA Division III competition that same year. UMHB has competed for multiple national championships (baseball, women's basketball, men's tennis and football), winning the 2000 Women's Golf Championship, and the football program has won the ASC Conference championship for ­­­three years straight. With the conclusion of the 2007-08 school year, the athletic teams had the most successful year in the school's history with 11 of the university's current 12 teams advancing to the playoffs and three teams winning conference championships.