Its original charter was granted by the Republic of Texas (prior to statehood) in 1845 as the female department of Baylor University.

[10] The changing demography of Texas and relocation of the local railroad made it increasingly difficult for college students to get transportation to Independence.

[5] Both colleges were relocated in 1886 to their permanent homes in Central Texas: the women's division relocated to Belton, where operations continued as Baylor Female College, and the men's division moved to Waco, merged with coeducational Waco University, and continued as Baylor University.

[5][10][11] The Cottage Home System, the first work-study program for women in a college west of the Mississippi, was instituted on the new Belton campus in 1893 by Elli Moore Townsend, wife of the serving president.

The women students earned financial assistance by growing vegetables, raising livestock, and hand making crafts and quality clothing items.

They maintained the grounds, unloaded coal from rail cars, milked cows, fed hogs, served as night watchmen, and unstopped drains.

[11] That, in addition to a devastating campus fire in 1929, required immediate construction of even more buildings, and with the help of the Great Depression, brought the college to the edge of bankruptcy.

The UMHB Crusaders, or "The Cru", compete in Division III (NCAA) as a member of the American Southwest Conference (ASC).

[29] Each year the pageant takes place on the Wednesday afternoon before Easter and is performed on campus in front of Luther Memorial.

The Easter Pageant is fully produced by the students of UMHB themselves, including directing, costumes, and performances and draws nearly 5,000 viewers each year.

[32] At midnight a few weeks before Spring Commencement, seniors in regalia march with lighted candles around Vann Circle Drive.

It began in 1909 when George Rosborough, the physical education instructor, initiated Stunt Night to give the campus residents, who could not go home, an activity during the Christmas holidays.

The Stunt Night committee selects a theme for the event, allowing the class directors time to prepare a skit and an original song.

The winning class has the honor of decorating the Stunt Night blanket which is then displayed in the Musick Alumni Center and Museum for a year.

Classes and student organizations select representatives and judges interview the contestants, listen to their platforms, and evaluate them on the group dance, individual talent and evening gown stroll.

The competition includes a group opening number, short video-skits created by the participants showing their personality and talent, and the individuals walking in evening attire.