• Alum recognized by Baptist convention for 60-plus years of ministry

    Rev. Billy and Vesta DickersonBaylor is well-known for producing Texas Baptist pastors, especially since the opening of George W. Truett Theological Seminary in 1994. But even within the Baptist world, the impact of Baylor graduates doesn’t only stay between Texas’ borders.

    Take Rev. Billy Dickerson, for example. Dickerson earned his degree in religion from Baylor in 1953. After 10 years of pastoring two churches in Texas and earning his seminary degree, Dickerson was called to a church in Tampa, Fla., then to First Baptist Church of Mango (outside Tampa), where he has served for more than 40 years. Dickerson was recognized this winter at the Florida Baptist Convention’s annual meeting as one of five ministers in attendance who have given more than six decades of ministry service.

    In addition to his ministry, Dickerson also also served as a Baylor representative at countless “College Night” programs in Florida over the years and remains an ardent BU supporter. Dickerson’s wife Vesta — also a Baylor alum — serves as FBC Mango’s secretary and organist, and two of the couple’s four children also graduated from Baylor: Tim, BA ’81, and Joe, BA ’83. (That’s Rev. Dickerson and Vesta pictured at right.)

    Sic ’em, Rev. Dickerson!