LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE: MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH AND VISION
The History
The fall of 2000 was a season of change for the Baylor School of Music. It marked the arrival of Dr. Randall Bradley, the newly appointed director of the church music program. Over the next two years, Dr. Bradley worked tirelessly to redesign the undergraduate and master’s course work to reflect the evolving landscape within music ministry in the late 20th century. In 2002, what had previously been established in 1974 as the Institute for Church Music Studies, was reestablished as the Center for Christian Music Studies (CCMS) and Dr. Bradley was named director. The purpose for the CCMS was to serve primarily as an outward facing entity for church musicians, while the degree program within the School of Music served Baylor students and their curricular needs. In 2014, Baylor welcomed its first class of doctoral students in the School of Music. This expansion has opened new doors, showcasing a broader vision for church music and academic research.
The Legacy
Since 2000, Dr. Bradley, alongside arguably one of the most distinguished teams of church music faculty in the country, have worked together to shape what has become one of the nations most recognized and respected spaces for training church musicians. Students from across the United States of America, as well as eight countries have received undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees from Baylor’s program. The breadth of this work is seen in the countless lives impacted by the faculty and the ministry and leadership positions that graduates from Baylor hold today. The legacy of Dr. Bradley and the esteemed faculty can be seen around the globe in churches, seminaries, university classrooms, hospitals, non-profits, on stages, and beyond.
Embracing the Future
As Dr. Bradley’s retirement approaches, the School of Music and the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies stand resolved to reflect and celebrate the visionary leadership that has transformed the Center into a vital resource for ministers, young people, and church musicians alike. This upcoming new chapter allows for faculty, staff, and students to both celebrate and continue the legacy of the past while also remaining free to dream new dreams and develop innovative initiatives to impact the church of tomorrow.
Next Steps
As the School of Music, the Dunn Center, and its many partners discern next steps, there will be intentional spaces for conversation, input, and open dialogue. As these pieces develop in the coming months, this news will be shared with our many constituents around the country and beyond. Below is a tentative timeline showcasing the anticipated work ahead.
Fall 2025
September/October: Initial Conversations with Baylor Faculty, Dunn Center Staff, and Advisory Board Members
November: Focus Group Conversations with current students
Spring 2026
January: Focus Group Conversations with Alumni
February/March: Church Music Faculty Develop Proposal for SOM Leadership
April/May: Leadership Proposal Submitted to SOM Leadership
Fall 2026
August/September: Nation-wide Search Begins
Join with us in prayer as we discern the next steps for Baylor Church Music and for the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies.