Baylor Faculty Help Launch Research Collaboration with the Consortium for Global Education

by Lexi Nitishin, student news writer, Baylor University Media and Public Relations

WACO, Texas (Nov. 19, 2021) – Laine Scales, Ph.D., professor of social work at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, is among the education leaders helping launch the Consortium for Global Education’s (CGE) new Research Institute, creating a collaboration between faculty and students on topics of all disciplines that have an international component.

The CGE is a non-profit global network of private colleges and universities with member campuses in more than 23 U.S. states and six nations. Each of these universities are equally committed to quality programs of international education. Baylor was instrumental in the formation of the CGE in 1987 and continues to serve as an active partner in its mission.

Scales addressed the opening forum of CGE’s annual meeting earlier this fall at Campbell University with a challenge for small and medium-sized universities to support faculty scholarship, including international collaborations sparked by the CGE Research Institute. She encouraged presidents and provosts to provide faculty release time for research, host a scholarship day, create research awards and build appreciation for research into their university’s culture. 

“Such conversations form a vital component of Baylor’s continuing relationship with the Consortium. As a university striving for Research I status, we have an opportunity to work other Christian colleges as they strive to increase their research productivity,” Scales said.

Scales is pursuing an initiative to cultivate research activities within universities where research is not as prevalent. The CGE includes many such universities and is now pursuing some related research-stimulating activity specifically related to internationally oriented research. The Research Institute is under the leadership of Anderson University’s Jeffrey Moore, Ph.D.

Affiliate members represent key national universities worldwide. Each member of the Consortium is committed to a high value of quality academic education and supports the internationalization of higher education through student and faculty global participation.

James Bennighof, Ph.D., vice provost for faculty affairs at Baylor, has been engaged with the Consortium for 17 years. Working in collaboration with Scales, Bennighof serves on the executive committee as secretary for the CGE.

“My involvement with the organization has taught me a great deal about the varied cultural settings and circumstances within which education, especially higher education, is pursued around the world,” Bennighof said.

CGE member universities and colleges have become a gateway to the world for American educators and professionals who provide access to educational venues in countries desiring quality education, global stability, professional and economic development and civil societies.

As global issues necessitate a measured and well-planned response for international participation, CGE is well positioned to foster integrative educational partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

“Baylor pursues many international and international-education initiatives independently of the CGE, but the CGE is one avenue through which Baylor faculty and staff can become aware of opportunities to assist with these and learn from them,” Bennighof said.

In addition to her work with CGE, Scales is one of the co-directors for Baptist Scholars International Roundtable (BSIR). Baptist scholars from all over the world gathered virtually for the 2021 BSIR, which continued its two-year theme “Baptists and the Kingdom of God.”

This year, BSIR participants represented six nations and a variety of perspectives on Baptists from disciplines such as theology, biblical studies, history and sociology.

“The commitment to mentoring young scholars is vital to Baylor’s role in helping form the next generation of Christian scholars,” Scales said.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT THE DIANA R. GARLAND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is home to one of the leading graduate social work programs in the nation with a research agenda focused on the integration of faith and practice. Upholding its mission of preparing social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership, the School offers a baccalaureate degree (B.S.W.); a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree available in Waco or online; three joint-degree options, M.S.W./M.B.A., M.S.W./M.Div. and M.S.W./M.T.S., through a partnership with Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business and George W. Truett Theological Seminary; and an online Ph.D. program. Visit baylor.edu/social_work to learn more.