Exemplary Leadership in Church Music
The Award for Exemplary Leadership in Church Music was instituted in 2005 and is given to a graduate of Baylor University who has contributed uniquely and significantly to some aspect of the broad scope of church music ministry. The award can be given for cumulative lifetime achievement or a singular contribution.
In 2025, we will present the Award for Exemplary Leadership in Church Music to:
Scotty Gray

Scotty Gray devoted thirty-five years to graduate theological education serving as professor, acting dean, vice president for academic affairs, and for ten of those years was executive vice president of Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary. For some 10 years, during his academic career, he chaired site visits to universities and seminaries for regional and national accrediting agencies. Prior to his academic career, he served as minister of education and music in churches.
Past Recipients
Year of Award | Name | Baylor Alumni, Class of |
---|---|---|
2005 | Wesley L. Forbis | 1956 |
2006 | Milburn Price | 1963 |
2007 | Buryl Red | 1957 |
2008 | Billy Ray Hearn | 1954 |
2009 | Hal H. Hopson | 1954 |
2010 | Mark Hayes | 1975 |
2011 | Joan Sutton | 1951 |
2012 | Sam Prestidge | 1950 |
2013 | O. D. Hall, Jr | 1957 |
2014 | Lloyd Hawthorne | 1966 |
2015 | Arnold Sherman | 1966 |
2016 | Nick Strimple | 1969 |
2017 | Robert Sterling | 1977 |
2018 | Benjamin Harlan | 1976 |
2019 | Thomas Coker | 1967 |
2021 | Don Cason | 1978 |
2022 | Chris & Diane Machen | 1977,1978 |
2023 | David Phelps | 1992 |
2024 | Dennis Worley | 1974 |