HOUSTON – Houston Baptist University didn't always have that name. Until the early 70s, the southwest Houston school was known as Houston Baptist College, and now the school is considering renaming itself yet again.
The theory is the "Houston" stifles geographical diversity and the word "Baptist" limits denominational diversity.
"Prospective students and their parents say, 'Gosh, if I'm not Baptist, I guess I can't go to that university. Well, that is not correct," said Kim Gaynor, vice president of university communications.
Gaynor said a panel of alumni is charged with investigating the benefits and problems of changing HBU's name. They have been working on the issue since November. So far, they have held six public meetings and have heard a variety of feedback and pushback.
"My biggest concern is I'm going to graduate in a few years with a degree from a school nobody is going to recognize," Jessica Langner, a freshman, said.
Student Linda Mota countered with, "It does sound like a good idea because they'll be accepting of all denominations, not just Baptist."
One name being considered is Morris Christian University,
"Makes sense considering he was so important," Gaynor said.
Stewart Morris was a founder of the school.
There is no deadline to accept or reject the name change idea, but the board charged with looking at the issue will meet again in May and could formally suggest a new name then.
HBU's Board of Directors will ultimately decide if a new name is adopted.