PLAINVIEW — Wayland Baptist University announces the 2024 alumni award recipients, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
Recipients will be honored at the annual Blue and Gold Banquet during Homecoming 2025, which takes place Feb. 5-8 on Wayland’s Plainview campus.
“These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service in their professions and communities, embodying the values and mission of Wayland Baptist University,” said Jeffrey Vera, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services.
The honorees include:
Distinguished Alumni Award — Dr. Lee Baggett
A 1964 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Dr. Lee Baggett obtained his M.D. from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1974, he was appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board as a physician missionary to Mexico and served as the medical outreach coordinator at the Baptist Hospital in Guadalajara until 2007. Dr. Baggett has been instrumental in providing medical care and education in Mexico.
Distinguished Alumni Award — Dr. John Blevins
Dr. John Blevins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and a Master of Arts degree in Religion in 2003. He graduated from medical school in Waco and is a practicing physician. A Florida area physician, Dr. Blevins has done missionary work.
Young Alumnus Award — Jovanna Duffy
A 2012 and 2018 graduate, Jovanna Duffy serves as Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director at Western Bank in Lubbock. During her time at Wayland, she was crowned Miss Wayland 2011. Her leadership in the banking sector and commitment to her community exemplify the qualities honored by the Young Alumnus Award. She enjoys traveling, cycling, and spending quality time with her family.
Benefactor of the Year — Jolene Gary
A member of Wayland’s Board of Trustees since January 2023 and a long-time supporter of the university, Jolene Gary has contributed to various WBU efforts, including the Thrive Campaign, Impact 2020 Campaign, Core Mission Fund, scholarships — including an endowment — and more. She is a founding member of the Sally Society, and she and her late husband received the Keeper of the Flame Award in 2014.
Lifetime Service Award — Danny Murphree
A 1969 graduate, Danny Murphree first came to Wayland as a track athlete. He served as interim track coach for two years and later coached the Queen Bees basketball team. After a period of farming in his hometown of Friona, he returned to Wayland in 1988, working in the business office and overseeing the university’s farm properties. His decades-long dedication to the university and its community have earned him the Lifetime Service Award.
In the lead up to Homecoming 2025, wbu.edu will be running profile stories on each of the award winners. You won’t want to miss these exciting stories about these folks who have made significant contributions to Wayland.
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