New Endowed Chair of Education

Sam Ayers, Ed.D.
Best-Buchanan-Wynn Endowed Chair of Education
Director, Graduate Education

Lubbock Christian University received a substantial donation of one million dollars from the Best-Buchanan-Wynn Family to establish the Best-Buchanan-Wynn Endowed Chair of Education. The gift will benefit the LCU College of Education to support hiring and retaining highly qualified faculty to ensure continued excellence in the university classroom and in the preparation of professional educators for service as teachers, principals, specialists, and superintendents.

The establishment of endowed chairs reflects the growth and maturity of a university, representing both a distinguished honor for the faculty member appointed and a lasting tribute to the benefactor who established it. Dr. Sam Ayers, a tenured professor and legendary member of the Lubbock educational landscape, has been appointed as the inaugural Best-Buchanan-Wynn Endowed Chair of Education.

Dr. Ayers joined the College of Education faculty in 2014, and he brought a palpable passion for educating students.  He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Graduate School within the College of Education. Dr. Ayers not only integrates this enthusiasm into his classroom as an effective educator, but he also “lives” by example. He mentors student researchers, presents at state/national conferences, serves numerous internal/external committees, writes books and articles, creates art, and contributes to the educational profession in countless ways.

This gift underscores LCU's strategic commitment to faculty and student development, facilitating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, scholarly research, and exemplary preparation in the Education profession. As LCU continues in the pursuit of upholding its mission of academic excellence, this endowment will play a pivotal role in enriching the university’s academic experience for generations to come.