5 After a national search, DBU alumna Dr. Karla Hagan has been named Dean of the Dorothy M. Bush College of Education. Raised in Arlington in a Christian family with DBU ties, she earned degrees from Baylor, UNT, and DBU before teaching English, serving in kids ministry, writing curriculum, advising, and leading a micro-school. At DBU, Dr. Hagan served as adjunct professor, program director, instructor, Impact Program leader, SEA sponsor, Strategic Plan Committee co-chair, Faculty Council officer, and most recently the Sheila Cook Endowed Chair of Education. She shares that “it is a great gift to have served in these various capacities here at DBU over the years.” As dean, Dr. Hagan hopes to equip students as educators and missionaries, saying, “I hope to continue on University Hill to spread His name far and wide as we train this next generation of educators.” Together with her husband, Ron, the Hagans have three children and are members of First Baptist Arlington where they serve and mentor newly married couples. “Dr. Karla Hagan is a proven, collaborative leader in the College of Education and across campus. Her steadfast commitment to our Christ-centered mission uniquely equips her to lead as dean,” said DBU Provost, Dr. Norma Hedin. Linda Smith began serving in the University’s Mail Services Center in 1976. Fifty years later, she made history as the first employee to reach this milestone, honored by a campus grateful for faithful service. Linda’s legacy is rooted in family and faith. Her father, “Smitty,” also served at DBU, and his joy and love for the Lord are reflected in her life. A constant presence on University Hill, Linda has welcomed students, helped with mailbox combinations, greeted delivery drivers, and made the mailroom a place of kindness and care. DR. KARLA HAGAN NAMED DEAN OF DBU’S BUSH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION HONORING LINDA SMITH’S LEGACY AT DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY EQUIPPING SERVANT LEADERS IN EDUCATION: FIFTY YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE: Bobby Soto, now Senior Director of Enrollment Partnerships, reflected on the years he spent working alongside Linda in the mailroom as a student, sharing, “I learned so much from her, not only by what she said, but most importantly by her actions.” Because of her, Dallas Baptist University is not just a place where mail is delivered; it is a place where kindness is shared, faith is lived out, and lives are forever changed.
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