• Alum returns to help Baylor better engage with churches and ministries

    Mark NewtonMore than 50 different centers, institutes and departments at Baylor expressly connect to the university’s Christian mission, from the Baptist Studies Center for Research to BU Missions, from the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies to the Baylor Religious Hour Choir. And when you count in our alumni, the university’s connection to the Church at large grows even more.

    With that in mind, in February, Baylor named Rev. Mark Newton, BA ’85, as director for church engagement. In this new position, Newton will seek to connect the university’s alumni, students and academic resources (like those mentioned above) with Baptist churches and other Christian congregations and ministries. For instance, Newton could be involved in helping find ministry internship opportunities for students, in connecting alumni in the ministry, and in helping Baylor partner with organizations like Buckner and the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

    Newton comes to Baylor after spending the last 11 years as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of San Marcos. A Baylor graduate and honorary alumnus of Baylor’s Truett Seminary, Newton’s blood runs green and gold. His wife, Aurelia (BSHE ’90), and daughter, Adolynn (a freshman), are both Bears, and his son, Truett, is named for one of the university’s great alumni.

    Sic ’em, Mark!