Wayland Baptist University was founded in 1906, by the the Staked Plains Baptist Association in Plainview, Texas.

The university operates under the authority of its charter adopted in 1908 by the State of Texas. The university is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and has a Certificate of Authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to award degrees.

Wayland Baptist University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's levels. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Wayland Baptist University.

The University is also accredited by the Texas Education Agency (1701 North Congress, Austin, Texas 78701-1494; Telephone number 512-463-9734) for teacher certification and veterans training.

Wayland Baptist University is affiliated with:

• American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Programs
• American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities
• American Council on Education
• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
• Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools
• Association of  Texas Colleges and Universities
• Association of  Texas Graduate Schools
• Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
• Consortium for Global Education
• Cooperative Service International Education Consortium
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas
• National Association of Broadcasters
• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
• National Cheerleading Association
• National Federation of Music Clubs
• Service members Opportunity College
• Speech Communication Association
• Texas Association of Schools of Music
• Texas Association of Colleges of  Teacher Education
• Texas Federation of Music Clubs
• Texas Music Educators Association
• Texas Teacher Center Network
• The College Board
• The Conference of Southern Graduate Schools