BELTON, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) honored students Selah Cordova, Cade Elkins, and Mallory Overton with the Gary and Diane Heavin Servant Leadership Award today during the final Chapel service this semester.
The award recognizes the students' extraordinary time and energy devoted to ministry and community service during their years of study at UMHB. The award is named for Mr. and Mrs. Gary Heavin of Waco, who established a generous endowment at UMHB to fund this recognition annually. The honor included a $1,000 cash award for each student, a portion of which could be donated to an organization of their choice.
"We are incredibly proud of Selah, Cade, and Mallory for their dedication to sacrificially serving others,” said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, UMHB’s Vice President for Student Life. “Their passion and God’s calling on their lives shine as a powerful example of servant leadership, and we are honored to recognize them with this award. We know God will continue to work through them to impact lives and advance His kingdom in powerful ways.”
Selah Cordova is a senior Christian Studies major from San Antonio, TX, who attends Grace Bible Church in Killeen. She is the daughter of Alberto and Yvette Cordova. While at UMHB, Cordova has served as the director for The Big Event, Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), Homecoming, and Stunt Night. She also participated in Revival, Easter Pageant, and Cru Knights. She’s served as a Welcome Week Cru Leader, a student leader for the Moldova mission trip, a Resident Assistant, and Student Foundation president and vice president. Cordova is giving a portion of her cash award to Hope For The Hungry.
Cade Elkins is a senior social work major from Belton, TX. He attends Grace Church Salado and is the son of Barry and Tiffany Elkins. He has served as the BSM co-director and as a BSM band leader for four years. While at UMHB, Elkins has also served as a Stunt Night director, a Revival small group leader, Cru Knights emcee, a Welcome Week Cru Leader and Captain, a Big Event site leader, and treasurer for the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. He was also honored as Homecoming King in 2024 and has participated in many service opportunities, such as Beach Reach. Elkins plans to donate a portion of his cash award to Grace Church Salado.
Mallory Overton is a senior health science major from Houston, TX who attends Vista Community Church. She is the daughter of Chad and Tania Overton. During her time at UMHB, she has participated in First Year Collective (FYC), as a judge’s assistant for the Miss MHB pageant, and has worked as a student worker in the Student Life department. Outside of UMHB, Overton serves in the special needs ministry at her church, and volunteers at the Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo. She’s been accepted into UMHB’s occupational therapy program and will begin in January 2026. She is giving a portion of her cash award to CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties.
