Baylor Connections

Todd Still Nov 01, 2024

This year marks Truett Seminary’s 30th anniversary and is a meaningful time to consider the institution’s impact. Todd Still serves as the Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and holder of the William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures. In this Baylor Connections, he recalls Truett's founding and examines how the seminary has grown, and will continue to grow, in advancing its mission to equip individuals for ministry.

Karen Foli Oct 25, 2024

When Baylor recruited Karen Foli as the first endowed chair in the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, the University opened new possibilities to speak into mental health needs experienced in the nursing profession. Foli, a leading scholar and author on these topics, comes to Baylor from Purdue University to serve as the Louise Herrington Endowed Chair of Mental Health Nursing. In this Baylor Connections, she discusses a lifetime of addressing needs in nursing and examines her new role at Baylor.

Alan Lefever Oct 18, 2024

You probably already know that Baylor hosted the nation’s first Homecoming in 1909—and remains the standard for collegiate Homecomings to this day. But there is likely much you don’t know about the roots of Homecoming, the traditions that have become Baylor icons and even the occasional shenanigans that accompany college students through the years. In this Baylor Connections, Alan Lefever—Truett professor, Baptist historian, and the author of The History of Baylor Sports—takes listeners on a tour from 1909 to the present to paint a picture of why Baylor Homecoming is so special.

Michelle Gonzalez Oct 11, 2024

Nearly 16 percent of Baylor students are the first person in their family to attend a four-year college. Baylor’s First in Line program serves these students to help them maximize their success on campus. In this Baylor Connections, Michelle Gonzalez, First in Line Program Manager, highlights the ways Baylor walks alongside first-generation students as they navigate the college years, and shares why the program was recognized among the nation’s best.

Thomas Hibbs Oct 04, 2024

In today's political environment, numerous factors serve as obstacles to civil discourse and healthy approaches to political consumption. Thomas Hibbs, the J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy and Dean Emeritus in the Honors College, has long studied the intersection of politics and philosophy, and recently wrote the column “A Guide to Political Detox” in The Dallas Morning News. In this Baylor Connections, he unpacks concepts and actionable suggestions to help listeners examine their own relationship to political news and discourse.

Paul Putz, Cori Bolts, and Kenny Boyd Sep 27, 2024

Character formation is a foundational element of the Baylor student-athlete experience, and a new grant will enable Baylor to deepen work in this area through a partnership between the Faith and Sports Institute in Truett Seminary and Baylor Athletics. In this Baylor Connections, Paul Putz of the Faith and Sports Institute, along with Cori Bolts and Kenny Boyd of Baylor Athletics, takes listeners inside their collaborative work and examine opportunities to better serve student-athletes in the area of Christian character development.

Brian Jordon and Paul Allison Sep 20, 2024

When military equipment breaks down, those who rely on it need it returned to operation as quickly as possible. Brian Jordon and Paul Allison are developing a technology that could do just that on the battlefield, in Space and more. Jordan and Allison came to Baylor in 2022 and brought a national reputation for elite materials science research with them. In this Baylor Connections, they share how their work in Baylor’s Point-of-Need Innovations Center could make repairs faster, cheaper and more sustainable in a variety of settings.

Nancy Brickhouse and Tiffany Hogue Sep 13, 2024

Baylor in Deeds is here, a new strategic plan which charts a course for greater global impact, stewardship and service. With a focus on action and deed across every part of the University, Baylor in Deeds invigorates exciting new opportunities for the University to live out its scriptural calling and Christian mission. In this Baylor Connections, Provost Nancy Brickhouse and Chief of Staff Tiffany Hogue introduce the new plan and unpack the commitments and imperatives that will shape the years ahead.

Kevin Jackson Sep 06, 2024

A new school year provides countless opportunities to engage and support students. Baylor Student Life offers a vast array of resources to support the total development of students. In this Baylor Connections, Vice President for Student Life Kevin Jackson takes listeners inside the moments and resources that enrich the Baylor experience for a new generation of Bears.

David Kaye Aug 30, 2024

College athletics is in the midst of a season of change as new legislation and rule changes open new revenue streams to student-athletes. In this Baylor Connections, David Kaye gives listeners an “NIL 101” session. Kaye, who serves as Baylor’s NIL general manager, unpacks the ways Baylor University is adapting to the changing landscape to best serve student-athletes and provides insights into factors like revenue-sharing, collectives, in-house units and more.

Laila Sanguras Aug 23, 2024

Laila Sanguras has plenty to share with parents and teachers as they encourage their students to succeed in school. A leading researcher into student grit and coping, Sanguras serves as Graduate Program Director of Baylor’s EdD program in Learning and Organizational Change and is a lecturer in Curriculum & Instruction in the School of Education. In this Baylor Connections, she examines questions many may have to support their students in the year ahead.

President Linda Livingstone Aug 16, 2024

Anticipation abounds at the start of a new school year, and the Baylor Family has much to celebrate. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., takes listeners inside the Fall Semester at Baylor. From the launch of a new strategic plan to a focus on Baylor’s global impact as a Christian university, President Livingstone highlights a number of themes key to the year ahead at Baylor.

Leslie Hahner and Kevin Villegas Aug 09, 2024

A contentious election season highlights the need for citizens who can engage with respect and understanding amidst disagreement. As a Christian university, Baylor seeks to both model civil discourse and train students to do the same. Leslie Hahner, Professor of Communication, and Kevin Villegas, Dean of Intercultural Engagement, work with students as they navigate these complexities. In this Baylor Connections, they share those experiences, along with practical insights to encourage discourse commensurate to the call to love our neighbor.

David Wills Aug 02, 2024

David Wills has a passion for generosity and helping others live generously. The two-time Baylor graduate was named the 2024 Baylor Alumnus of the Year. In this Baylor Connections, Wills lists the questions that everyone should ask to consider generosity in their own lives, explains why generous people are happy and shares the impact of his Baylor experience on the path his life has taken.

Jason Cook Jul 26, 2024

New additions to the Baylor campus, national rankings, Big 12 expansion and more highlight the conversation with Jason Cook in this week’s Baylor Connections. Cook, who serves as Baylor’s Vice President for Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing Officer, takes listeners inside Baylor’s national reputation, examines the impact of new facilities in the last year and looks ahead to the coming months at Baylor.

Jimmy and Janet Dorrell Jul 19, 2024

Legendary organizations Mission Waco-Mission World and Church Under the Bridge are known for their commitment to serve others and efforts to overcome injustice in Waco and beyond. Their work has blessed thousands of individuals and inspired generations of Baylor students to pursue their own calls to serve. In this Baylor Connections, co-founders Jimmy and Janet Dorrell, recipients of Baylor’s 2024 Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service, share the heart behind a life committed to the poor and marginalized.

Nathan Shelburne and Kaleigh Wiffler Jul 12, 2024

For incoming students and families, Orientation and Line Camp are core moments in the final weeks before they officially become Baylor students. In this Baylor Connections, experience these events through the eyes of their participants. Nathan Shelburne, director of New Student Programs, and Kaleigh Wiffler, a rising senior and team captain on the Student Leadership Team, share favorite activities, key experiences and more.

Gabe Madison Jul 05, 2024

After 22 years in corporate America, Gabe Madison wasn’t expecting the call to lead an urban farm addressing food insecurity and community wellbeing in South Dallas. In this Baylor Connections, Madison, the 2024 recipient of Baylor’s Pro Texana Medal of Service, shares her journey to Bonton Farms and examines needs in the community that this farm continually grows to meet.

Julie Anne Sweet Jun 28, 2024

In this Baylor Connections, a Baylor history professor transports listeners to Revolutionary times. Julie Anne Sweet, Professor of History and Director of Military Studies has been featured on C-SPAN as she lectures in full Revolutionary War-period military gear. As we approach Independence Day, she shares why that period is so meaningful to her, gives insights on making history come alive, and recounts some of her favorite people and moments from the times surrounding the founding of the U.S.

Candi Cann Jun 21, 2024

Candi Cann spent last year in South Korea after earning a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award. An assistant professor of religion in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Cann is a noted researcher on death and dying around the world. In this Baylor Connections, Cann takes listeners to South Korea and shares experiences from her time there, while further delving into her research and why she hopes to make it easier for people to discuss challenging topics like death and grief.

Jeremy Counseller Jun 14, 2024

Before he even knew his last name carried a legal connotation, Jeremy Counseller showed signs of pursuing a career in law as a child. Today, he serves as the Abner V. McCall Chair of Evidence Law and will take over as Dean of the Baylor Law School in July. In this Baylor Connections, get to know Baylor’s newest dean. Counseller shares his experience as both a Baylor law student and faculty member and paints a picture of the qualities that make Baylor Law distinct.

Steven Fernandez Jun 07, 2024

Baylor's McNair Scholars program serves undergraduates from low-income, first-generation and other underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship, research opportunities and other scholarly activities. Steven Fernandez serves as director of Student Opportunity and Achievement Resources at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how the program fosters relationships and opportunities that have helped propel students to elite academic posts when their time at Baylor is through.

Mayborn Museum May 31, 2024

The Mayborn Museum celebrates 20 years of serving Central Texas in 2024. This Spring, they unveiled signature bronze mammoth sculptures to welcome visitors. Rebecca Nall serves as Assistant Director of Exhibits, Communication, and Visitor Services. In this Baylor Connections, she shares more about the sculptures, takes listeners on a tour of the museum and highlights new summer exhibits.

Hannah Stolze May 24, 2024

Getting product to people—the fundamentals of the supply chain, and a baseline for Hannah Stolze’s nationally recognized work. Stolze came to Baylor last year as the inaugural William E. Crenshaw Endowed Chair in Supply Chain Management. She focuses on transformative supply chain management, informed by her Christian faith. In this Baylor Connections, Stolze takes listeners inside important supply chain concepts and what it means to offer dignity to everyone involved in the supply chain.

Andy Hogue, Madelene Do and Jacey Jamison May 17, 2024

On the heels of recognition as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution, Baylor University celebrates a school-record 17 students and recent alumni who have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Grants. Learn more about the opportunities they’ll experience in this Baylor Connections, with recipients Madelene Do, a 2024 graduate pursuing Fulbright studies in Vietnam, and Jacey Jamison, a senior who will travel to South Korea next year. Andy Hogue, associate dean for engaged learning and a Fulbright advisor at Baylor, further shares how Baylor supports students in pursuit of these prestigious honors.

President Livingstone May 10, 2024

At the end of another school year at Baylor, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., sits down to discuss highlights from the past year and looks ahead toward the summer months. On this Baylor Connections, President Livingstone previews the University’s new strategic plan, shares insights on a record-setting class of Fulbright Award recipients, details summer projects across the University and more.

Larry Lyon May 03, 2024

Nearly 5,500 graduate students call Baylor home, and a record number of Ph.D. students will receive their degrees this Spring—tangible signs of growth in the Graduate School at Baylor. Larry Lyon serves as Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School. In this Baylor Connections, he examines how the Graduate School pursues distinction at a Christian research university, highlights growth and unpacks the unique regalia worn at Commencement.

Carrie Arroyo and Mary Zane Nelson Apr 26, 2024

There’s no shortage of challenges that can impact a child’s mental health — but school districts often face a shortage of qualified mental health professionals. Baylor researchers in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work are working to bridge this gap in Central Texas. Carrie Arroyo serves as senior lecturer of social work and Mary Zane Nelson serves as project director of a project called Partnering for Heart of Texas (H.O.T.) Mental Health. In this Baylor Connections, they take listeners inside this $2.5 million partnership with Waco ISD schools.

Sandeep Mazumder and Matt Quade Apr 19, 2024

Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business sets the standard in research and scholarship at the intersection of faith and leadership. What does Christian leadership mean, and how can Christians build on their faith foundation in the workplace? In this Baylor Connections, these topics are examined by Sandeep Mazumder, the William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean , and Matt Quade, the Kimberly and Aaron P. Graft Professor in Christian Leadership in Business.

Dave Morehead Apr 12, 2024

Outlets ranging from The Wall Street Journal to CNBC have highlighted the outstanding performance of Baylor’s endowment. The University’s investment returns are beating those in the Ivy League, long the gold standard in this area. In this Baylor Connections, Chief Investment Officer Dave Morehead shares how, taking listeners inside Baylor’s successful approach as he unpacks common questions surrounding university endowments and casts a vision for future growth.

Hankamer School of Business Centennial Apr 05, 2024

Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business is celebrating its centennial throughout the school year. In this Baylor Connections, Hankamer faculty take listeners on a tour of research and education, with insights from Brad Lail, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Associate Professor of Accounting and Business Law, Patsy Norman, Associate Dean for Graduate Business Programs and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation, and Mitch Neubert, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and holder of The Hazel and Harry Chavanne Chair of Christian Ethics in Business.

Sara Dolan and Joe Taube Mar 29, 2024

Baylor celebrates Graduate Student Appreciation Week April 1-5, presenting an opportunity to recognize the nearly 5,500 Baylor graduate students who advance research, teaching and more throughout the University. In this Baylor Connections, Sara Dolan and Joe Taube share more about the importance of graduate education. Dolan serves as Associate Dean for Professional Development in the Graduate School; Joe Taube is an Associate Professor of Biology and Graduate Program Director for the Department of Biology, and both have partnered with graduate students to advance high-level research.

Coretta Pittman Mar 22, 2024

Curtis Reynolds Mar 15, 2024

Curtis Reynolds officially joined the Baylor Family this month as Vice President of Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He comes to Baylor from the University of Florida, where he served as Vice President for Business Affairs. Get to know Reynolds in this Baylor Connections, where he discusses topics ranging from his family and path to Baylor to current challenges and opportunities in higher education.

Beth Allison Barr Mar 08, 2024

Beth Allison Barr is a history professor, bestselling author and faculty-in-residence at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, Barr shares insights from her book The Making of Biblical Womanhood, takes listeners inside the experience of living in community with students and examines how the distinct roles she serves on campus enliven her work and scholarship.

Nick Madincea Mar 01, 2024

Baylor senior Nick Madincea took a non-traditional path to Baylor and now serves as Student Body President. In this Baylor Connections, he takes listeners inside Student Government—how those involved seek to serve Baylor students, the impact of Student Government on campus, and the role of student body president.

Charles Ramsey Feb 23, 2024

This year, Baylor will host the global broadcast for Collegiate Day of prayer, a gathering for prayer and worship focused on college students. Charles Ramsey, Director for Campus Ministries & Church Connections and Associate Chaplain in Baylor Spiritual Life, has worked with organizations across campus and throughout the community in preparation for the event. In this Baylor Connections, Ramsey shares the heart behind the day, examines the importance of community prayer and considers the significance of the spiritual focus throughout the Baylor community.

Matthew Andersson and Paul Froese Feb 15, 2024

What is time disorientation and how does it relate to mental health? Sociologists Matthew Andersson and Paul Froese examined these questions and more while studying Americans’ relationship with time after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Baylor Connections, Andersson and Froese take listeners inside time disorientation—what it is, what it isn’t, and what factors can impact our perception of time.

Cheryl Gochis Feb 09, 2024

Baylor has long been recognized as a “Great College to Work For,” earning honor roll status on this competitive list for 12 of the last 13 years. In this Baylor Connections, Cheryl Gochis, Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, shares how Baylor HR serves Baylor faculty and staff through initiatives that promote wellness, increased benefits offerings, employee resource groups and more.

Juliana Smith Feb 02, 2024

How does Baylor create spiritual growth opportunities for hundreds of student-athletes? As the first Executive Senior Associate Athletics director for Mission Impact & Enrichment in Baylor Athletics, Juliana Smith works to serve students and equip colleagues to enhance this foundational goal. In this Baylor Connections, Smith explains the heart behind her newly created position and the vision to meet student-athletes wherever they are to share the Gospel and promote spiritual growth.

Felipe Hinojosa Jan 26, 2024

Illuminate’s Baylor in Latin America initiative shapes research, outreach and service to neighbors close to home and throughout Latin America. Last summer, Felipe Hinojosa joined the Baylor faculty as the John and Nancy Jackson Endowed Chair in Latin America and Professor of History. In this Baylor Connections, Hinojosa shares stories of formative experiences that shaped his path to higher education, the vision that drew him to Baylor from Texas A&M, and his hopes for collaborative work throughout the institution to advance the Baylor in Latin America initiative.

Jon Eckert Jan 19, 2024

The Baylor Center for School Leadership has served teachers around the world in the five years since its founding through research, networking, events and more. Jon Eckert came to Baylor in 2019 as the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair for Christians in School Leadership. In this Baylor Connections, Eckert takes listeners inside the University’s efforts to serve and equip teachers and to encourage them for excellence as they teach the next generation.

Jen Stephenson Jan 12, 2024

Baylor Opera Theatre has spent the last year earning numerous national awards as they annually present multiple performances to campus. This spring, Baylor Opera delivers Luisa Fernanda, their first opera entirely in Spanish. In this Baylor Connections, Jen Stephenson, Director of Baylor Opera Theater and assistant clinical professor in the School of Music, takes listeners inside the world of opera and shares what goes into delivering award-winning performances.

Sandeep Mazumder Jan 05, 2024

Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business is celebrating 100 years of business education. Founded in 1923, it has since grown into one of the nation’s premier business schools—recognized in the top 12 percent nationally by U.S. News. In this Baylor Connections, Dean Sandeep Mazumder shares reflections from a milestone birthday: people and values over the last century that set the stage for present success, growth within the business school, and priorities that will guide Hankamer School of Business into its second centennial of service.

Sarah Kathryn Ricci Dec 29, 2023

Baylor Alumni is Baylor’s official alumni engagement program, and facilitates numerous events, activities and volunteer opportunities across the nation to connect with the Baylor Family. Sarah Kathryn Ricci serves as Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside opportunities to connect through affinity groups, outings, athletics and more.

President Livingstone Dec 13, 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, President Livingstone reviews an exciting year on campus and looks ahead to 2024. In this Baylor Connections, she highlights some of her favorite moments of the past year, discusses the opening of the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, analyzes new honors for Baylor and shares Christmas wishes for the Baylor Family.

Alison Prahl Dec 07, 2023

Individuals with intellectual disabilities and disorders (IDD) have a friend in Alison Prahl, whose research uncovers pathways to literacy. Prahl, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at Baylor, leads Baylor’s Language Impairment and Down Syndrome Lab, and her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health. In this Baylor Connections, she discusses common misconceptions about literacy and disability, unpacks research designed to improve literacy and shares more about the opportunity to meet with families with IDD to address their needs.

Stephen Newby Dec 01, 2023

Stephen Newby came to Baylor this summer as the inaugural Lev H. Prichard III Chair in the Study of Black Worship. Dr. Newby brings a background in music, scholarship and ministry to the position, which leads research and scholarship efforts associated with the growth of Baylor’s Black Gospel Music Preservation Program. In this Baylor Connections, he discusses the power of Black worship, Baylor’s efforts to both preserve and share the music for future generations, and the path that led him to Baylor for what he calls his “dream job.”

Jenny Howell Nov 21, 2023

What are the connections between food, creation and faith? Jenny Howell serves as director of Baylor’s Theology, Ecology and Food Justice Program, which offers a holistic approach to educate students, ministers, leaders and more on the Church’s role in addressing hunger. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside Waco’s World Hunger Relief Farm, where her work takes place and models approaches to address hunger globally, analyzes complex issues impacting hunger and considers the role of hope as the Holidays approach.

Dustin Benac Nov 17, 2023

Baylor’s Program for the Future Church exists to convene professors and church and community leaders to listen, imagine, and pilot solutions for emerging changes facing the Church. Housed within Truett Seminary, the Program offers resources to connect stakeholders virtually and in-person. In this Baylor Connections, Dustin Benac, Program director and co-founder and author of the book Adaptive Church, takes listeners inside the challenges and opportunities for local churches to serve both the current and future Church together.

Sharon Stern Nov 10, 2023

Baylor students can access physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychiatrists and more through the Baylor Health Center. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Sharon Stern, medical director for Baylor University Health Services, shares how the University provides for student health and is proactive in meeting needs throughout the year.

Lulin Jiang and Charles Dowdell Nov 03, 2023

What if communities could reduce air pollutants in landfills and convert waste into energy? Baylor and the City of Waco are partnering on a competitive project to bring this idea to life. In this Baylor Connections, Lulin Jiang, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and Charles Dowdell, chief sustainability officer for the City of Waco, share how this partnership could pay dividends for the Greater Waco area.

Michael Motta and Luke Simons Oct 27, 2023

Baylor’s men’s and women’s basketball teams enter a new season among the nation’s top 20 teams, lofty rankings that have become the norm for both. The months ahead bring additional anticipation with the opening of Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. What goes into making sure the programs run smoothly? Michael Motta, Assistant Athletic Director for Basketball Operations for Women’s Basketball, and Luke Simons, Director of Operations with Men’s Basketball, know better than anyone. In this Baylor Connections, they take listeners behind the scenes in travel, planning, working alongside coaches Nicki Collen and Scott Drew and more.

Jordy Dickey Oct 20, 2023

Experience Baylor Student Activities’ impact with events like Homecoming and Christmas and 5th on the horizon. Jordy Dickey, Director of Student Activities, takes listeners inside campus events, student groups and more, and examines the importance of building student connections to the broader community to enhance their time at Baylor.

Kallie Kobold Oct 13, 2023

The Baylor Counseling Center offers a wide array of services and resources to meet the mental health needs of Baylor students. Kallie Kobold is a psychologist and coordinator of outreach in the Counseling Center. In this Baylor Connections, she shares insights from serving students, examines student approaches to mental health and explains how Baylor outreach encourages students to consider their own needs and breaks down stigmas surrounding mental health challenges.

Craig Gundersen Oct 06, 2023

Craig Gundersen is an agricultural economist whose game-changing research examines the causes and effects of food insecurity. Gundersen, who serves as the Jim and Tammy Snee Family Chair in Food Security, has developed metrics used by food banks nationwide, and provided research yielding greater understanding of the SNAP program’s impact. In this Baylor Connections, he examines approaches to the fight against food insecurity and shares the path that brought him to Baylor.

Kevin Dougherty and Michael Ryan Sep 29, 2023

Graduate students play an important role in Baylor research and teaching, and the mentorship they receive from Baylor professors is significant in preparing them for excellence in both. In this Baylor Connections, a professor and graduate student-Kevin Dougherty, professor of sociology, and Michael Ryan, a sociology Ph.D. student-share their experiences from this distinct time in a student’s life.

Baylor Connections - Strategic Plan Sep 26, 2023

Baylor has started the process to pursue the University’s next strategic plan. Provost Nancy Brickhouse and Chief of Staff Tiffany Hogue serve as co-chairs of the Strategic Planning Group, whose members will walk with the Baylor Family through the comprehensive, year-long process. In this Baylor Connections, they take listeners inside the goals and process of strategic planning, examine the success of Illuminate as Baylor pursues its successor, and examine the pillars that Baylor will follow to elevate the University’s mission and impact on the world.

Daniel Pack Sep 26, 2023

Dr. Daniel Pack was appointed as Dean of Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) after a successful tenure as dean at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In this Baylor Connections, get to know Dr. Pack and learn more about his insights into the school’s research, teaching and future growth.

Daniel Pack Sep 22, 2023

Dr. Daniel Pack was appointed as Dean of Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) after a successful tenure as dean at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In this Baylor Connections, get to know Dr. Pack and learn more about his insights into the school’s research, teaching and future growth.

Nancy Brickhouse and Tiffany Hogue Sep 15, 2023

Baylor has started the process to pursue the University’s next strategic plan. Provost Nancy Brickhouse and Chief of Staff Tiffany Hogue serve as co-chairs of the Strategic Planning Group, whose members will walk with the Baylor Family through the comprehensive, year-long process. In this Baylor Connections, they take listeners inside the goals and process of strategic planning, examine the success of Illuminate as Baylor pursues its successor, and examine the pillars that Baylor will follow to elevate the University’s mission and impact on the world.

President Livingstone Sep 08, 2023

At the start of a new year, President Livingstone examines a variety of topics on this Baylor Connections. The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, research momentum, Big 12 expansion, a new strategic plan and the addition of Indy and Belle to the Baylor campus are all on the agenda in this week’s conversation.

Kevin Villegas Sep 01, 2023

In his role as Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives, Kevin Villegas works with students and colleagues to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Villegas examines those efforts, provides insights from his work with students and shares how this work is an expression of the Baylor University mission.

Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center Aug 25, 2023

The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center has arrived, a spectacular new front door to Baylor University. The beautiful, technology-rich facility houses a variety of features and amenities—among them, four columns which offer unique interactive experiences to visitors, an alumni center, ballroom, auditorium, spirit shop, coffee shop, meeting spaces and more. Learn more about the Hurd Welcome Center from Jason Cook, Vice President for Marketing and Communications; Toby Barnett, Interim Vice President for Advancement; and Ross VanDyke, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Recruiting, in this Baylor Connections.

Joel Carey Aug 18, 2023

Major General Joel Carey serves as Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration of the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, based in Germany. This year, he was recognized as Baylor’s 2023 Alumnus of the Year. In this Baylor Connections, General Carey shares where Air Force service has led him and his family, looks back on his time as a Baylor student and football player, and examines the privilege of working with the men and women of the Air Force.

Rebecca Kennedy and Mason Flippin Aug 11, 2023

BearAid is Baylor’s disaster relief outreach team, where students partner with Baylor Spiritual Life to meet needs in Texas and across the country after national disasters like tornadoes, ice storms and floods. In this Baylor Connections, Rebecca Kennedy, Assistant Dean of Spiritual Life, and Mason Flippin, a Baylor senior and BearAid team member, take listeners inside BearAid’s work and mission as they serve neighbors in need.

Ben Rose Aug 02, 2023

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA’S next flagship mission and offers significant technological advancements to explore the universe. Among those helping to prepare for that mission is a new Baylor faculty member—incoming assistant professor of physics Ben Rose. Rose is one of four leaders on a project infrastructure team preparing for the 2027 launch. In this Baylor Connections, he shares the story of the Roman Telescope and why NASA is investing $11 million in his research team’s work.

Richa Sirohi Jul 28, 2023

From a childhood in Nebraska, to Baylor, to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Richa Sirohi pursued her dreams and is achieving significant goals as an engineer. A 2018 Baylor graduate, Sirohi is Baylor’s 2023 Young Alumna of the Year. In this Baylor Connections, Sirohi takes listeners inside her work and shares what it means to serve as a role model for students hoping to follow her footsteps into the STEM fields.

Ken Buckley Jul 20, 2023

Baylor students are attaining jobs and grad school positions at an elite rate. The University’s most recent placement rate is 92 percent, and the Baylor University Career Center has played an important role in helping students build a successful approach to their career. Ken Buckley serves as Assistant Vice Provost in the Baylor University Career Center. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how the Career Center partners with students and adds value to their Baylor education.

Ryan McManamay Jul 14, 2023

When flooding in Yellowstone stalled a family vacation, Ryan McManamay turned his attention to those impacted by the disaster. McManamay, an associate professor of environmental science at Baylor, earned a grant to survey business owners around the park to determine the floods’ impact on their business. That data sheds light on the role of natural resources on the communities around them. In this Baylor Connections, he tells the story behind the project and shares a broader vision for the role of places like Yellowstone National Park as critical infrastructure.

Cindy Wu and Emily Hunter Jul 06, 2023

What constitutes a good workday break, and how can breaks impact both productivity and health? Cindy Wu and Emily Hunter from Baylor’s Department of Management studied these topics, and their research broke new ground and shattered a few long-held myths. In this Baylor Connections, Wu and Hunter help listeners consider their own workday breaks and how to effectively utilize them for benefits on and off the job.

Barbara Walker Jun 30, 2023

A trailblazer, social worker, civil servant and leader, Barbara Walker was Baylor University’s first Black female graduate. This Spring, statues of Ms. Walker and Rev. Robert Gilbert, Baylor’s first Black male graduate, were dedicated in front of Baylor’s Tidwell Bible Building. In this Baylor Connections, Walker shares stories from her time at Baylor and her career in social work, and examines what it means to see a statue which immortalizes her contributions for future generations.

Taryn Anderson Jun 23, 2023

Many students and parents have questions about financial aid. One Stop Student Services is Baylor’s resource for financial aid, billing and payment. Earlier this year, they moved to a new location in the Bill Daniel Student Center. In this Baylor Connections, Taryn Anderson, Senior Director for Enrollment Services, shares insights into financial aid, scholarships and more, and invites students and families to utilize One Stop services.

Paul Putz Jun 15, 2023

The intersection of faith and sports is where Paul Putz’s research and teaching resides. As Assistant Director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, he works with both current and future leaders in sports, and his research examines topics ranging from Christian sports organizations to social issues, sports and religion. In this Baylor Connections, Putz considers these topics and more, and shares how his work on James Naismith’s faith led to a connection with the family of the inventor of basketball.

Dakota Farquhar-Caddell Jun 08, 2023

This Spring, Baylor announced the upcoming addition of two cubs to campus—Judge Indy and Judge Belle. Indy and Belle are American black bear cubs who will soon call campus home. Dakota Farquhar-Caddell, Associate Director of Student Activities and the Robert Reid Director of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce, oversees the Baylor Bear program. In this Connections, he takes listeners inside the process to find Indy and Belle, shares insights into their personalities and highlights Baylor’s care for Lady as she graduates from campus to her new Baylor home.

Paul Martens and Elise Edwards Jun 02, 2023

The Baylor Ethics Initiative is a community of scholars across campus who engage in purposeful conversation to elevate the role of ethics in their research and teaching. Paul Martens, associate professor of ethics, serves as Baylor Ethics Initiative director; Elise Edwards, assistant professor of religion, is co-convener of the Initiative’s Ethics in Leadership working group. In this Baylor Connections, they share how faculty come together to discuss interdisciplinary issues and sharpen a focus on ethics in their work.

Dan Peppe May 24, 2023

Dan Peppe, associate professor of geosciences, is part of an international team whose decade-long research project has shifted Africa’s prehistoric timeline by ten million years. Their revolutionary discoveries were featured in the journal Science and supported by National Science Foundation funding. In this Baylor Connections, Peppe takes listeners to Eastern Africa, where multi-disciplinary collaboration yielded insights that have a major ripple effect throughout the scientific community.

President Livingstone May 19, 2023

As another semester draws to a close, Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., reflects on the 2022-23 year at Baylor and looks ahead to important initiatives and projects on the horizon. In this Baylor Connections, she shares more about next steps in strategic planning, Baylor’s live bear mascots, construction projects like the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, the Big 12 Conference and more.

Kenyatta Gilbert and Malcolm Foley May 12, 2023

Last month, Baylor unveiled statues honoring the University’s first Black graduates, Rev. Robert Gilbert and Barbara Walker. Despite physical limitations and the burdens of being a trailblazer, Rev. Gilbert served his hometown of Waco and made an impact far beyond campus. In this Baylor Connections, his son, Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, expands on his father’s journey and legacy. Dr. Gilbert, professor of homiletics at the Howard University Divinity School, is joined by Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement and Director of Black Church Studies at Truett Seminary, sharing more about Baylor’s efforts to tell the University’s complete history and honor trailblazers like Rev. Gilbert.

Jessica Beachum and Allison Chew May 05, 2023

Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity is the newest exhibit at Baylor’s Martin Museum of Art, featuring pieces from the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection. The exhibit brings together 21 works of art from 19 artists across the globe, with a focus on human experiences, discovery and expression of oneself. Jessica Beachum, a 2011 Baylor graduate who shared her family’s collection with the University, and Allison Chew, Martin Museum of Art director, take listeners inside the collection on this Baylor Connections.

Mitch Neubert Apr 28, 2023

Research within Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business yields insights in business ethics, management, leadership, human behavior and more. Mitch Neubert serves as Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, Chavanne Chair of Christian Ethics in Business and Professor Management. In this Baylor Connections, he examines the role of business research at Baylor and takes listeners inside the factors that make Hankamer scholarship distinct in higher education.

Michael Trakselis Apr 21, 2023

DNA replication and repair is a constant process with implications for health challenges like cancer, infertility and more. Michael Trakselis, professor of biochemistry and director of graduate affairs in Baylor Chemistry and Biochemistry, is a leading researcher into this process. In this Baylor Connections, Trakselis helps listeners better understand DNA replication and repair and its impact on human health, and examines the impact of graduate program growth on chemistry and biochemistry research.

Jared Alcantara Apr 14, 2023

Preparing the next generation of pastors is central to Jared Alcantara’s work at Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, and his research advances understanding of cultural engagement, race and ethnicity in preaching. In this Baylor Connections, Alcantara shares more about his role as holder of the Paul W. Powell Endowed Chair in Preaching, highlights figures whose work animates his research, and examines qualities he hopes to nurture in future ministers.

Tracey Tevis Apr 07, 2023

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month nationally, and Baylor offers resources and programming to educate and serve students on topics like healthy relationships, boundaries, bystander intervention and more. Tracey Tevis serves as education and prevention specialist in Baylor’s Office of Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX. In this Baylor Connections, Tevis takes listeners inside resources, training opportunities and programming to support a healthy and safe campus community throughout the year.

Sara Dolan Mar 31, 2023

National Graduate Student Appreciation Week runs April 3-7 this year, affording the perfect time to celebrate the more than 5,000 graduate students who daily enrich the Baylor campus community. In this Baylor Connections, Sara Dolan, Associate Dean for Professional Development in the Graduate School and longtime psychology professor and researcher, shares how graduate students impact teaching, research and scholarship at Baylor, and examines their impact long after their last class at Baylor.

Stephen Reid Mar 23, 2023

How can a university help new members of their community feel like a true stakeholder with a deep sense of belonging? Last fall, Dr. Stephen Reid was appointed as Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Belonging. As a Christian research university, Baylor seeks to build a nourishing and hospitable environment that promotes excellence and equity in living out the Baylor mission. In this Baylor Connections, Reid shares both the vision and specific approaches to support underrepresented faculty at Baylor.

Rod Sturdivant Mar 17, 2023

Sports analytics as a tool to inspire the next generation of data and statistical scientists—that’s the idea behind a new project, led by Baylor and funded by the National Science Foundation. Rod Sturdivant, associate professor of statistical science and director of Baylor’s Statistical Consulting Center, is a co-principal investigator on the million-dollar project. In this Baylor Connections, Sturdivant shares how students will interact with sports-driven content and examines partnerships with 70 sports teams and five universities to train up a new generation of data and statistical scientists.

Nancy Brickhouse Mar 10, 2023

Inside the Office of the Provost at Baylor, the Spring Semester has been a busy season of faculty hiring, infrastructure growth and celebration. In this Baylor Connections, Provost Nancy Brickhouse examines honors like Baylor’s recognition as a Top Fulbright Producing Institution, shares factors that draw prospective faculty to Baylor and highlights research growth across the university.

Jason Carter Mar 03, 2023

Jason Carter came to Baylor at the start of the 2022-23 school year to serve as Dean of Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. In this Baylor Connections, he shares his journey to Baylor, examines Robbins College’s role in health research at Baylor and delves into his own research in sleep and performance.

Christie Sayes Feb 24, 2023

“Safety by design” is a focus of Christie Sayes’ work at the intersection of toxicology and materials science. An associate professor of environmental science at Baylor, Sayes uncovers unintended consequences of new materials to promote safer design. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside products that utilize advanced materials, talks about her research with the U.S. Air Force and unpacks the “lung-on-a-chip” she developed to simulate the lung in real operational environments.

Colleen and Davide Zori Feb 17, 2023

Colleen and Davide Zori are Baylor faculty members and archaeologists uncovering history in Italy. Dr. Colleen Zori serves as senior lecturer in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core in the Honors College and in the Department of Anthropology, and Dr. Davide Zori serves as associate professor of history and archaeology in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core and Department of History. In this Baylor Connections, the Zoris take listeners inside their research through the San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project, which was featured on the Discovery channel Program Expedition Unknown.

Matt Quade Feb 10, 2023

What is the impact of a manager focused solely on the bottom line? How do employees respond to different forms of ethical or unethical leadership? Matt Quade, the Kimberly and Aaron P. Graft Professor in Christian Leadership in Business in the Department of Management, is a prolific researcher into workplace ethics. He takes listeners inside the importance and impact of workplace ethics in this Baylor Connections.

Whitney Jones Feb 03, 2023

Every student has a story, and at Baylor’s Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE), they get to know those stories as they help students find success and belonging on campus. In this Baylor Connections, Whitney Jones, CASE Senior Director, shares how Baylor helps students develop skills to make the most of their college years and provides resources to connect and engage with others.

Kevin Dougherty Jan 26, 2023

Baylor’s Faith and Character Study has yielded insights into student spiritual development that have led to greater understanding and tangible changes to better serve students. Kevin Dougherty, professor of sociology and co-director of the study, takes listeners inside the study on this Baylor Connections, sharing what factors really make a difference in helping students grow spiritually.

Jason Cook Jan 20, 2023

In the past year, Baylor has been named one of the nation’s 10 most trusted universities, was recognized among the country’s elite universities for teaching and research and has earned honors for excellence in numerous areas. There’s plenty of exciting news to share at Baylor and Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications, talks about the momentum at Baylor, branding the Big 12 and more on this Baylor Connections.

Chet Garner Jan 13, 2023

Chet Garner, a 2006 Baylor Law alum, hosts the Emmy Award-winning Texas travel show, The Daytripper. As the face of Baylor’s Bears in the Wild alumni campaign, he encourages alumni around the country to connect with their fellow Bears. In this Baylor Connections, Garner takes listeners inside his Baylor experience, his love for Baylor University and the Lone Star State, and the joys of traveling Texas highways to share hidden gems with viewers.

President Livingstone Jan 06, 2023

As a new year begins, Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., examines growth at the University over the last year and shares what’s on the horizon. From exciting construction projects on both sides of the interstate to continued momentum in faculty hires, national rankings and recognition, President Livingstone examines how the University keeps mission at the core of the pursuit of greater impact and preeminence as a Christian research university.

Jeremy Everett Dec 29, 2022

Proximity, policy and research play significant roles in the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty’s fight to end food insecurity. In this Baylor Connections, Jeremy Everett, BCHP executive director, conveys the heart behind the call to feed the hungry—both close to home and around the world—and examines how relationships, high-level research and multi-sector partnerships boost the work they do.

Ashley Barrett Dec 16, 2022

As technology becomes a more prevalent part of health care communication, the role of compassionate communication remains important as mediums change. Ashley Barrett, associate professor in communication, recently earned a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to study how patients and providers adopt and adapt together. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside that study and examines communication’s role in health outcomes.

Blake Burleson Dec 09, 2022

Baylor’s rigorous core curriculum was recognized this fall as one of only 22 in the nation to earn an “A” rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. On this Baylor connections, Blake Burleson shares why Baylor’s core curriculum is so highly regarded, how it is shaped and what it instills in students. Dr. Burleson serves as senior lecturer in religion and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, specializing in world religions.

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