The Baylor campus teems with opportunities to enjoy music, theatre, art, athletics and more. In this Baylor Connections, Baylor University President Linda Livingstone shares how the pursuit of “excellence in human performance through the arts and athletics,” one of the four foundational pillars of Illuminate, will impact those areas at Baylor.

How appealing does it sound to work from home, or at least away from the office? Baylor Assistant Professor of Management Sara Perry has studied the role of stress, autonomy and workplace interaction in the ways individuals handle remote work. She shares her findings and gives tips for those considering remote work in this Baylor Connections.

Whale earwax tells a story. In 2013, Baylor Associate Professor of Biology Stephen Trumble and Associate Professor of Environmental Science Sascha Usenko developed a novel technique to study whales’ exposure to pollutants and environmental stressors through the examination of whale earwax. In a follow-up to that groundbreaking study, Trumble and Usenko have released new research uncovering whale stress response to whaling, pollutants, climate and other man-made events. They share more in Baylor Connections.

Baylor’s Center for Christian Music Studies trains students and develops professionals in all aspects of Christian music. Dr. Randall Bradley, The Ben H. Williams Professor of Music and Director of the Center for Christian Music Studies, examines Christian music from a variety of angles and shares more about the program’s tradition of excellence in classrooms and houses of worship across the nation.

Dr. Heidi Hornik, Professor of Art History, is a nationally-recognized expert in Renaissance & Baroque painting. She discusses the intersection of art and faith on this Baylor Connections, and examines the ways art compels meaningful reflection about our neighbors, on important issues and on historical factors that continue to impact the world today.

Baylor’s graduate and professional programs are poised for expansion as Baylor builds on the aspirations of Illuminate, the university’s academic strategic plan. President Linda Livingstone paints a picture of the impact of those programs, both on and off campus, and how their growth will enhance Baylor’s research and influence in the years to come.

Social media has changed the way people consume and disseminate information. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez examines modern communication, race and gender from a number of angles. Dr. Moody-Ramirez, a leading researcher and communications expert, serves as a professor and Graduate Studies Director in Baylor Journalism, Public Relations and New Media.

Striving to be a “solid gold neighbor,” Baylor University partners with local organizations throughout Central Texas for the betterment of the community. Jeremy Vickers, Associate Vice President for External Affairs, explains how Baylor builds meaningful community engagement in areas like education, public service, economic development and more.

Over Homecoming weekend, Baylor announced the launch of “Give Light,” a $1.1 billion campaign for Baylor’s future. Vice President for Advancement Dave Rosselli shares how this historic campaign will help position Baylor as a preeminent Christian research university and support the aspirations of Illuminate, Baylor’s academic strategic plan. Learn more about how “Give Light” will build on Baylor’s historic strengths and fund exciting new facilities in this Baylor Connections.

Illuminate, Baylor’s academic strategic plan, highlights human performance through arts and athletics as a foundational pillar. Dr. Deanna Toten Beard, department chair of Theatre Arts and professor of theatre history and dramaturgy, shares how theatre and the arts enrich the campus community, equipping both students and theatergoers to better understand the world around them.

In the Baylor School of Education, groundbreaking research and immersive experiences prepare students for the future of education. Dr. Lakia Scott, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, has founded numerous programs designed to help students succeed. She shares how these experiences equip future educators to better serve their students and communities after college.

Transformative undergraduate education is one of the four foundational pillars of Illuminate, Baylor’s academic strategic plan. President Linda Livingstone explains how Illuminate will enhance Baylor’s strong undergraduate experience and examines a series of signature academic initiatives chosen to prepare students to address society’s most challenging problems.

The Philanthropy & Public Service Program in the Baylor Honors College trains students to solve problems and think beyond themselves by pairing academic learning with service to the community. Andy Hogue, senior lecturer in the Honors College and director of the program, shares more about this Baylor hidden gem, which has enabled students to distribute more than $500,000 to area non-profit organizations.

Cori Pinkett, Assistant Athletic Director for Character Formation, came to Baylor in July with a distinct charge: to oversee character formation programming to Baylor’s more than 500 student-athletes. “Baylor Built,” which provides distinct character formation learning opportunities across five core competencies, represents Baylor Athletics’ roadmap to prepare champions for life.

What does it mean to oversee the research policy of a Christian research university? As Baylor’s Vice Provost for Research, Dr. Truell Hyde works with faculty across campus to encourage and support meaningful research that impacts the world around us. Hyde shares how Baylor faculty come together to advance important scholarly agendas, and explains how research benefits the Waco and Central Texas community.

A student’s earliest experiences with a university can positively impact the trajectory of their college career. As director of Baylor New Student Programs, Nathan Shelburne and his team provide intentional opportunities for students to connect, plug in and build friendships on campus. In this Baylor Connections, Shelburne explains how programs like Orientation, Line Camp and Welcome Week help students discover their place in the Baylor Family.

Baylor’s unambiguously Christian educational environment uniquely positions the University to impact the world around us. Through dynamic classroom experiences, meaningful research, service experiences and more, Baylor lights shine bright around the globe. In her monthly Baylor Connections visit, President Livingstone shares why the world needs a place like Baylor.

At the beginning of each new year, Brad Toben reminds Baylor Law students that “the legal profession is a service profession.” Toben, the longtime Dean of Baylor Law School, shares the many ways law students at Baylor give of their time and talents, partner with others in the community and live out the call to serve through a variety of law clinics and outreaches.

More than 2400 Baylor students represent the first generation of their family to attend college. Mito Diaz-Espinoza is the Program Manager for Baylor First in Line, which serves those students through a variety of resources to assist their transition to college life. Diaz-Espinoza, himself the first member of his family to attend college, shares the struggles and joys of first-generation students and the ways they enrich the Baylor Family.

Most people would prefer not to think about topics like bereavement and loss, but Dr. Helen Harris has made them her life’s work. Dr. Harris, associate professor in Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, is one of the nation’s leading experts in loss, grief and faith across all age groups. In this Baylor Connections, she shares insights into how we, individually and culturally, can better serve those dealing with loss.

The demand for professionals across the health fields grows unabated. Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences meets those needs by training students to be excellent practitioners and leaders in fields that improve quality of life. Dr. Rodney Bowden, Dean of the Robbins College, shares why the school has become one of the fastest-growing at Baylor and how Robbins College students are prepared to serve their communities.

In May, Dr. Gary Carini was charged by President Linda Livingstone with the completion and implementation of Illuminate, Baylor’s academic strategic plan. Carini, a longtime Baylor management professor who now serves as Vice Provost for Graduate Professional Education, shares how that implementation is taking place, including the ways Baylor faculty help shape the plan in this Baylor Connections.

Creating a culture of engaged students means investing in the whole student—academically, spiritually, emotionally and more. In this episode of Baylor Connections, Baylor Vice President for Student Life Kevin Jackson explains how Baylor intentionally provides programs and resources across campus to help connect, nurture and challenge students as they make the most of their Baylor experience.

What does it mean to live missionally? Rebecca Kennedy, Assistant Dean for Spiritual Life & Missions, explains how an individual’s unique calling is also a call to serve. She shares how Baylor students discover the ways they can live out Missio Dei - the “mission of God” - through Baylor Missions opportunities in this Baylor connections.

Dr. Lori Spies, Assistant Professor and Missions Coordinator at Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing, was recently awarded a Fulbright Global U.S. Scholar Award to participate in global health research projects in India, Vietnam and Zambia. Through the years, she’s built and grown a missions program that has enabled Baylor Nursing students to serve around the globe. Spies shares how nursing, global health and service go hand-in-hand in this Baylor Connections.

Baylor’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the basics—it’s about instilling in students, through initiatives and education, a sense of how being good stewards of our resources intersects with their faith. Smith Getterman, Baylor Director of Sustainability and Special Projects, explains why and how in this Baylor Connections.

“Titanic: The Artifact,” the first blockbuster exhibition to come to Waco’s Mayborn Museum, is now on display. Rebecca Nall from the Mayborn Museum shares how the exhibit transports visitors to the ship through a variety of experiences, how the exhibit was brought to Waco and how the museum serves Central Texas in this Baylor Connections.

“Preparing champions for life” has been Baylor Athletics’ mission statement since Mack Rhoades became Baylor’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. In this Baylor Connections, Rhoades looks back at his first two years at Baylor and shares the many ways Baylor Athletics works as a department to shape champions long after their time on campus is through.

What does spiritual formation look like in a University of 16,000 students, all at different points in their faith journey? How do today’s students approach their faith? Dr. Burt Burleson, University Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life, answers those questions and more in this episode of Baylor Connections.

As the Baylor School of Education approaches its centennial anniversary in 2019, it continues to build on a legacy of immersive classroom experience, dynamic research and local partnerships. Dr. Terrill Saxon, Interim Dean of the School of Education and Professor of Educational Psychology, shares insights on award-winning partnerships with Central Texas schools, initiatives that enhance opportunities for low-income students and more.

As Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Wes Null is responsible for overseeing and helping shape a common vision for Baylor undergraduate education. In this episode of Baylor Connections, he explains how that vision is formed and how the University helps students succeed in Baylor’s rigorous academic environment.

Baylor lights shine bright—on campus and across the country. Jason Cook, Baylor University’s vice president of Marketing and Communications, explains how Baylor’s light shines and unpacks the ways the university tells its story on this week’s Baylor Connections.

Since its founding in 2009, the Texas Hunger Initiative at Baylor University has grown to become a national leader in the fight against food insecurity. Jeremy Everett, founder and executive director, discusses what hunger looks like in Texas communities, shares the importance of public and private partnerships to address hunger, and shares the vision of eliminating food insecurity in the state of Texas.

Dr. Seung Kim, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Baylor, is pursuing a device that could save lives. From his lab in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, Dr. Kim’s research is focused on building an accessible biosensor device that could detect cancer and other diseases early and affordably. He shares his perspective from the frontlines of the fight against disease in this Baylor Connections.

Beyond the number, what is a university’s endowment? Dr. Brian Webb, Baylor University Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, gives a class on “Endowment 101” in this episode of Baylor Connections: how the endowment works, what the numbers mean, where the money goes, and the ways it supports Baylor’s future.

How does Baylor nurture a caring community, both on and off campus? In this episode of Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone discusses the ways in which spiritual formation and campus resources work in tandem to help students serve as lights to their fellow students, the Waco community, and beyond.

Sports have been compared to a secular national religion. At Baylor, the Sports Chaplaincy and Ministry programs trains leaders at the intersection of faith and sports on and off the field. Dr. John White, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Sports Chaplaincy and Ministry program in the George W. Truett Theological Seminary, discusses how faith impacts the ways we play, coach and interact with athletics on stages both large and small.

Dr. Jim Ellor is a professor in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, gerontologist and bi-vocational minister. In this episode of Baylor Connections, he shares expertise and insights on working and living with older adults, mental health, the spirituality of aging and more.

The Baylor University Counseling Center provides a comprehensive array of services for the wellbeing of Baylor students. Dr. Jim Marsh, Executive Director for Counseling Services at Baylor, discusses national trends in collegiate mental health and shares how the Counseling Center has grown to meet the needs of students.

The Baylor Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic provides services that extend far beyond the Baylor campus. In this episode of Baylor Connections, Dr. Diane Loeb, Professor and Endowed Chair of Baylor’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), explains how Baylor CSD clinics are a place where miracles happen daily.

Preparing “champions for life” means providing guidance and support to student athletes far beyond their field of competition. Marcus Sedberry, Baylor Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Success, discusses the ways Baylor assists student athletes in academics, spiritual life, service, health and more.

“Illuminate,” Baylor’s Academic Strategic Plan, will provide a roadmap for Baylor to serve as a light to the world through increased research capacity and impact. What role does Baylor’s faith foundation play in such a plan? In this episode of Baylor Connections, President Linda Livingstone explains what it means to be a true Christian research university, and how the search for God’s truth drives both faculty and students.

Dr. Jeffrey Hamilton, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at Baylor, oversees the University's international education initiatives. On Baylor Connections, he discusses "Global Baylor: Addressing Challenges to Human Flourishing." "Global Baylor" is a new quality enhancement plan that will advance internationalization across campus and enhance student experiences through a diverse and comprehensive array of connective opportunities.

Dr. Terry Maness is the longtime Dean of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Dean Maness discusses the impact of the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, the importance of partnerships with top executives around the world and trends in business education.

Laura Hernandez, professor in the Baylor Law School, is the co-founder of the Baylor Law Immigration Clinic and a leading expert in the experiences of new immigrants to the United States. In this episode, she talks about serving immigrants in Central Texas, and the broader impact of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requests.

Dr. Gary Mortenson, Dean of the Baylor University School of Music, explains how the School of Music’s reach extends beyond the concert hall or practice room. In this episode of Baylor Connections, he discusses how Baylor Music enriches the community, the ways Baylor Music students use their calling as a means to serve others and how music serves as a universal language.

Baylor’s aspiration to become a Tier 1 Research institution is reflected in the outstanding research conducted by longtime faculty members and students whose work addresses society’s most important problems. In this episode of Baylor Connections, President Linda Livingstone explains what it means to become a Tier 1 Research university, and discusses the distinct role Baylor’s Christian identity plays in conducting meaningful research.

Dr. Michael McLendon, Baylor University’s Interim Provost, works with President Livingstone to provide oversight and strategic direction for the university’s academic enterprise. In this episode of Baylor Connections, he discusses Baylor’s vision in preparing the university’s first academic strategic plan—a roadmap to becoming a top research institution while strengthening Baylor’s commitment to outstanding teaching and student formation.

Lilly Ettinger is the senior coordinator for recovery services at Baylor University. In that role, she provides assistance, support and community to students battling addiction at Baylor University’s Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center. In this episode of Baylor Connections, she shares how Baylor serves students battling addiction as they work to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences and Founding Director of the Institute for the Studies of Religion, is one of the country’s leading researchers on the role of religion in public life. In this episode of Baylor Connections, he shows the impact of communities and people of faith on societal issues such as homelessness, crime and incarceration, and shares why the scientific study of religion is so meaningful.

Dr. Kevin Pinney, Baylor University professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences and member of the Institute of Biomedical Studies, is on the front lines of the fight against cancer. In this episode of Baylor Connections, Dr. Pinney describes how he and his Baylor colleagues bring their own unique skills and research interests to work in concert to fight disease.

Baylor University President Dr. Linda Livingstone shares insights from her first seven months on the job and provides an outline for Baylor’s strategic vision moving forward in academics, research, leadership and more.

With 2020 approaching, many people will incorporate diet or other areas of self-improvement into a list of resolutions for the new year. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Meredith David, assistant professor of marketing, delves into her research into phone snubbing and relationships, successful diets and more. David, a nationally-recognized leader in consumer behavior and well-being, offers evidence-based insights and practical tips for phone usage and relationships, dieting strategies and more.

What does it mean to be a Solid Gold Neighbor in the community? Holly Burchett, Baylor Director of Community Relations, explains on this Baylor Connections. Burchett shares about partnerships between Baylor and local businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, health organizations, boards and more throughout the Waco area to connect university and community and address meaningful issues.

When Bryan Shaw’s son, Noah, was diagnosed with pediatric eye cancer at four months old, it sparked in Shaw a mission to help other families avoid the challenges his faced. On this Baylor Connections, Dr. Bryan Shaw, associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. Greg Hamerly, associate professor of computer science, share the moving story behind the White Eye Detector app, an effective screening tool that analyzes photos in the phone to more quickly catch pediatric eye disease. Retinoblastoma claimed Noah’s eye, but today he is a healthy 11-year old who knows his experiences are helping others.

What role does chemistry play in consumer electronics? Dr. Caleb Martin, associate professor of chemistry at Baylor, conducts nationally-recognized research in the process of boron compound synthesis, which has the potential to improve a number of everyday electronic products using LED lights. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how that process works, the impact of a National Science Foundation CAREER grant, and the ways Baylor’s research focus will impact the University’s ability to address important challenges.

What is the role of gaming in higher education? Matthew Fendt, Baylor lecturer of computer science, is an expert on artificial intelligence, the gaming industry, and the role of gaming and interactive digital environments in education. In addition to teaching classes like Baylor’s gaming capstone, in which students create their own video games, Fendt has partnered with professors across campus to create tools for data collection. He recently partnered with Baylor Public Health and the Family Health Center in Waco to create a decision support tool for primary-care physicians. He shares how these various threads tie together in this Baylor Connections.

Jon Eckert joined the Baylor faculty in 2019 as the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair in Christian School Leadership. In this Baylor Connections, he examines the ways Baylor can help Christians in education, both in faith-based and non-faith-based school contexts. A longtime teacher and professor who served in the U.S. Department of Education during the Bush and Obama administrations, Eckert shares foundational values in education and casts a vision for future growth in the Center for Christians in Education.

Kevin Chambliss examines Baylor’s research growth and future aspirations in this Baylor Connections. Dr. Chambliss, a longtime professor and researcher in Chemistry and Biochemistry, was named as Baylor’s Vice Provost for Research earlier this year. In this role, he works with faculty across the university in identifying funding sources, building partnerships and more. Additionally, his office will oversee a new area of research growth through the formation of a postdoc hiring program, which he explains on the program.

Julie Hoggarth, archaeologist and assistant professor of anthropology at Baylor, received national attention for the discovery of an ancient vase containing stories of war and conflict among the ancient Maya. While leading a dig in Belize, Hoggarth and her team found the Komkom vase, dated A.D. 812, which featured one of the largest hieroglyphic texts ever uncovered in the Central America lowlands. In this Baylor Connections, she explains how the vase helps shape our understanding of Maya societal breakdown and digs into the stories and meaning behind the text.

Annette von Jouanne, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor, is a national leader in energy systems and renewable energy. In this Baylor Connection, Dr. von Jouanne examines renewable energy in various forms, particularly as it relates to transportation. Dr. von Jouanne worked on the first hybrid sport utility vehicle and partners with the U.S. Navy on electric ship development, and shares her insight on the present and future of electric vehicles.

As Provost, Dr. Nancy Brickhouse serves as Baylor’s chief academic officer, overseeing 12 colleges and schools, libraries, the University’s research enterprise and more. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Brickhouse shares about the University’s increased focus on research. Brickhouse, a Baylor alum, examines the ways research enhances the educational experience and advances the Baylor mission, lists priorities in reaching those goals and talks about her return to her alma mater after over three decades in higher ed leadership.

An enormous mass buried beneath the Moon’s largest crater was discovered by a research team led by Dr. Peter James, assistant professor of planetary physics and founder of the Planetary Research Group at Baylor. The mass, five times larger than Hawaii’s largest island, could be the result of an asteroid that formed the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin. In this Baylor Connections, James shares the process of discovering the mass, analyzes its implications and shares broader views of space research.

Baylor’s 2019-20 Conversation Series will focus on civil discourse, with a variety of speakers and roundtables available to students, faculty and the community to consider this important topic. In this Baylor Connections, Baylor University President Dr. Linda A. Livingstone reflects on the university as a marketplace of ideas, ways to help students grow in the ability to respectfully engage others even in disagreement, and the need for civil discourse more broadly.

Dr. Cole Matson serves as an associate professor of environmental science at Baylor. An environmental toxicologist specializing in the genetic effects of contaminants on wildlife, Dr. Matson’s research was recently featured in the prestigious journal, Science. The study examined a breed of fish, the Gulf killifish, which has rapidly adapted to and survived in the heavily polluted waters of the Houston Ship Channel. Matson identified hybridization with the Atlantic killifish as having provided the necessary genetic tools for survival in this polluted environment, and he explains how and what that potentially means for other species on this Baylor Connections.

Along the U.S.-Mexico border, Lori Baker engages in challenging and important work to repatriate families with lost loved ones. Dr. Baker, professor of anthropology and vice provost for faculty development and diversity at Baylor, founded Reuniting Families in 2003 to assist government agencies with the recovery, identification and repatriation of deceased migrants. Families throughout Latin America have found a friend in Baker and her team, who bring caring and dignity to the lost, and show love to the families faced with unimaginable choices. In this Baylor Connections, she shares the heart behind that work and the examines conditions that shape the border today.

In David Jack’s line of work, there’s zero room for error. The fruit of his expertise can often be found in airplanes and automobiles. Jack, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, is a national leader in the research and development of composite materials. His goal is to create products that are more lightweight, durable, and most importantly, are safer. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Jack unpacks the field of materials science, a vital and growing realm that is one of the five signature initiatives in Illuminate, and shares how it positions the University for even greater breakthroughs.

Mark Childers came to Baylor in 2014 after 18 years in the United States Secret Service. In his role as Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Security, he oversees the Baylor Department of Public Safety, comprised of four divisions including the Baylor Police Department. In this Baylor Connections, he examines steps to keep the Baylor community safe and shares more about “Sic ‘em for Safety” month events in September.

As one of just 30 American Psychological Association “Citizen Psychologists” in the nation, Sara Dolan has a demonstrated commitment to research that benefits the community. Since coming to Baylor in 2007, Dr. Dolan, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience, has blended high-level research with service to others. After the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion in 2013, she provided pro bono crisis intervention to emergency workers and community residents. More recently, she received a $3 million grant to facilitate evidence-based assessments for practitioners working with childhood victims of abuse and trauma. In this Baylor Connections, Dolan shares experiences working with first responders, soldiers and citizens, and examines themes of community, scholarship and resilience.

Hearing, the brain and aging: Dwayne Simmons, The Cornelia Marschall Smith Endowed Professor and Chair in Baylor University’s Department of Biology, has dedicated his internationally-recognized research to studying how sensory cells and neurons in the brain respond to aging. These sensory cells and neurons are connected by wiring that degenerates over time, a common disconnect revealed in many senior adults as hearing loss. On a broader level, he’s pursuing breakthroughs in the auditory system that could impact areas far beyond hearing. Dr. Simmons came to Baylor three years ago from UCLA and has invested time and energy to invigorate research throughout the biology program. In this Baylor Connections, he shares why he came to Baylor and the motivation to uncover discoveries that heal.

It’s the start of a new school year, and Baylor University President Linda Livingstone looks ahead to 2019-20 on this Baylor Connections. President Livingstone shares on topics like university priorities, Baylor’s R1/Tier 1 aspirations, the incoming freshman class, a new athletic season and more.

Earlier this spring, the City of Waco was honored with one of Baylor University’s most distinguished awards, the Founders Medal. Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver, a Baylor Business and Baylor Law graduate, accepted the award, which highlighted the partnership between city and university for the betterment of the community. In this Baylor Connections, Mayor Deaver examines numerous ways the City of Waco and Baylor University work together, looks ahead to future growth for the city and shares more about his family’s Baylor experience.

Last spring, Baylor unveiled “United,” a new visual identity featuring an updated interlocking BU and uniforms, a new logo and more. Shortly thereafter, the university adopted the interlocking BU across all colleges, schools and divisions to bring everyone together under “One Brand. One Baylor.” Learn more about the new look and how these changes enhance the Baylor brand in this Baylor Connections with Jason Cook, Baylor University’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing Officer, and Jovan Overshown, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs.

As Baylor’s Director of Social Media Communications, Jeff Brown oversees one of the nation’s most engaged university social media communities, through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the BaylorProud blog and more. In this Baylor Connections, he examines how to strategically navigate the ever-changing social media landscape, shares how Baylor University utilizes social media to communicate with the Baylor Family and provides tips for social media practitioners in other areas.

Sarah Schnitker, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience, joined the Baylor faculty last year, compelled by the Illuminate vision of a preeminent Christian research university. Earlier this year, she was awarded a $2.6 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to galvanize widespread development of virtue interventions for adolescents. In this Baylor Connections, she shares what that looks like and examines how individuals can better develop virtues like patience in their own lives.

Many churches and services are, in part, identified and defined by the style of music they play. Dr. Monique Ingalls, ethnomusicologist and Assistant Professor of Music at Baylor University, is a worship music expert and the author of the book “Singing the Congregation: How Contemporary Worship Music Forms Evangelical Community.” In this Baylor Connections, she shares how musical styles, technology and parishioners’ expectations shape the communities in which they worship.

Kenneth Hafertepe takes listeners on a tour of Waco’s historic homes and architecture in this Baylor Connections. Dr. Hafertepe, department chair and professor in Baylor’s Department of Museum Studies, is the author of the recently-released book, “Historic Homes of Waco, Texas.” On the program, he paints a picture of the community through the eyes of a material culture and decorative arts expert and explains how the buildings people inhabit tell a story of the city’s history.

Storytelling, from the movies people watch to the ads they consume, can have a powerful impact. Dr. Tyrha Lindsey-Warren, Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing, shares insights gleaned from her time in entertainment and education about empowered storytelling, consumer behavior and the significance of word of mouth on the decisions people make in this Baylor Connections.

Movie studios often save films with broad appeal for summer release. What makes a great summer movie? Chris Hansen, filmmaker and chair of Baylor Film & Digital Media, breaks down summer movies and names a few of his favorites on this Baylor Connections, in addition to sharing personal insights on filmmaking and working with Baylor students on his seven feature films.

Dr. David Smith—historian, author and Senior Lecturer of History at Baylor—invites listeners to consider the meaning of Independence Day and the cost of freedom through the lens of one of the most pivotal days in world history. D-Day took place just over 75 years ago and, in this Baylor Connections, Smith paints a picture of the heroism shown that day, and examines how we can honor the sacrifice of those who serve.

Jane Damron, Senior Lecturer in Baylor University’s Department of Communication, is the recipient of the 2019 Collins Outstanding Professor Award. In this Baylor Connections, she shares what it means to practice intentional communication—in relationships with others, in the classroom, on social media and more.

Dr. Tamar Carter and Dr. Jason Pitts are Baylor biologists with unique insights into mosquitoes. In this Baylor Connections, they share information about these ubiquitous and unwelcome guests, both close to home and abroad. Learn tips to diminish the impact of mosquitoes on summer plans and discover how, more broadly, mosquito research can help stop the spread of disease in impoverished communities around the world.

On May 1, 2019, Baylor University welcomed Dr. Nancy Brickhouse back to campus as Provost. On this Baylor Connections, Dr. Brickhouse recalls how her days as a Baylor chemistry major shaped her view of a life’s calling, shares how past experiences as a professor and leader prepared her, and explains why the vision of a Tier One Christian Research University brought her back to Texas.

Dr. Horace Maxile, Associate Professor of Music Theory in the Baylor School of Music, is a leading expert on the contributions of African-American composers in classical and concert music. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how his work fills a void in scholarly attention focused on African-American composers and offers seminal pieces for listeners to discover.

As a child growing up in El Salvador, Carlos Colon saw war firsthand before his family left their home country and eventually settled in the United States. Today, Colon composes music and serves as Assistant Director of Worship and Chapel in Baylor Spiritual Life. In this Baylor Connections, Colon shares how his experiences as a refugee inform his music and his calling.

Baylor University recently celebrated the announcement of a historic $100-million gift—the largest current gift ever received by the University. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda Livingstone shares the excitement of this transformative moment, answers questions about its impact and explains how the gift will support the aspirations of Illuminate and Give Light in two major areas—endowed faculty positions and a new Baylor Basketball Pavilion.

Dr. Kevin Dougherty’s religion research has shaped national understanding on topics like religious affiliation, diversity, church attendance, social life and more. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Dougherty, Associate Professor of Sociology at Baylor, examines the rise of multiracial churches and dives deep into the trends, highlights and meaning behind the numbers of diversity in congregational life.

Baylor’s Academy of Teaching and Learning supports Baylor faculty through a variety of programs designed to provide development, resources and enrichment. Dr. Lenore Wright, Director of the Academy of Teaching and Learning and Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, shares how the academy supports professors and the students they teach in this Baylor Connections.

Joel Allison, Chair of the Baylor Board of Regents, shares insights from a meaningful two-year period in the life of the University. In this Baylor Connections, he explains Board of Regent reforms, examines steps taken to serve the Baylor Family and enhance the Baylor Mission, and reflects on two years of leadership with President Linda Livingstone.

Robbie Barber, Associate Professor of Art in Sculpture and 3D Design, is a professional sculptor with a portfolio of work displayed across the country. In this Baylor Connections, Barber shares the themes that motivate his work, examines the craft of sculpting and previews an upcoming sculpture that will be displayed at the entrance to Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo.

How does sleep impact creativity? Two Baylor professors sought to answer that question in interdisciplinary studies which provide insight into the role of sleep, sleep consistency and more on attention, creativity and academic performance. Dr. Michael Scullin, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Director of the Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory, and Elise King, Assistant Professor of Interior Design in Family and Consumer Sciences, share more in this Baylor Connections.

A group of Baylor students has proudly earned the distinction this school year of becoming the University’s inaugural class of McNair Scholars. The McNair Scholars Program provides opportunities for underrepresented and first-generation college students at more than 150 schools nationally. Steven Fernandez, Program Director, shares how McNair Scholars are prepared for graduate school, enjoy purposeful faculty mentorship and participate in research in this Baylor Connections.

Dr. Jason Whitt is an ordained minister whose calling has led him to the intersection of faith and learning. As a Senior Lecturer in the Honors Program, Dr. Whitt teaches aspiring medical practitioners in Baylor’s one-of-a-kind Medical Humanities program. In January, Whitt and his family accepted the role of Faculty-in-Residence in Alexander and Memorial Halls as well. He shares more about what it means to teach and live among Baylor students in this Baylor Connections.

Dr. Martha Lou Scott joined the Baylor University staff five months before her graduation in 1971. Now Baylor’s Associate Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Scott has impacted generations of students over 48 years of service. In this Baylor Connections, she shares the joys and responsibilities of serving the students she’s cared for, counseled, disciplined, mentored and inspired.

Dr. Chloe Honum, a Baylor English professor and poet, was recently awarded the Grimshaw Sargeson Fellowship—New Zealand’s most prestigious writing fellowship. In this Baylor Connections, she shares her love of poetry, teaching and the craft of writing before closing with a reading of an original poem.

Baylor University Libraries are more than just repositories for books--they’re centers for the creation of learning. John Wilson serves as University Libraries Interim Dean. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how University Libraries are growing to support the research aspirations of Illuminate, and takes us deep inside Baylor’s beautiful library facilities and fascinating collections.

Baylor’s intramural program is the envy of institutions across the nation, with more than 5300 students participating. In this Baylor Connections, Dominque Hill, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports, shares how the Baylor mission influences the intramural experience, the impact of character and leadership and how participation leads to deeper student engagement.

As Student Body President, Hannah Causey works with Baylor students and leadership during a time of exciting opportunities in the life of the University. In this Baylor Connections, she discusses that role and shares the importance of maintaining Baylor's distinct, unambiguously Christian role in higher education.

Few coaches have impacted their sport as deeply as Felecia Mulkey. Beyond playing a key role in the creation of Acrobatics & Tumbling, Mulkey has won eight straight national titles, including four consecutive championships since coming to Baylor. In addition to coaching Baylor’s Acrobatics & Tumbling team, Mulkey serves as Baylor Athletics’ Senior Woman Administrator. She discusses what it means to prepare champions for life through those roles in this Baylor Connections.

As Dean of Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Lee Nordt leads a diverse academic division housing 25 departments and seven academic centers ranging from science, the humanities, fine arts and more. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how Illuminate, Baylor’s academic strategic plan, will enhance Baylor’s academic influence and engage every department on campus.

On December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor, the brave actions of Waco native and Navy messman Doris Miller made him a United States hero and left a lasting impact on the civil rights movement. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. T. Michael Parrish, the Linden G. Bowers Professor of American History and author of “Doris Miller, Pearl Harbor and the Birth of the Civil Rights Movement” shares how Miller’s heroism remains felt to this day.

From physical performance to mental health, Baylor Athletics provides resources to support student-athletes on and off the field. As Baylor’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health and Wellness, Kenny Boyd oversees areas of athletics performance, applied performance, athletic medicine, physical therapy, sports nutrition and mental health. He shares how these units holistically serve student-athletes in this Baylor Connections.

Baylor’s unique role as a leading Christian research university attracts students from across the country. In a field with so many choices, how does the University reach potential students and advance the Baylor brand? Baylor University Vice President for Marketing & Communications and Chief Marketing Officer Jason Cook shares in this Baylor Connections.

Colleges don’t maintain an unambiguously Christian educational environment by accident. Baylor University President Linda Livingstone shares the ways Baylor nurtures that mission through purposeful programs, classes and practices, both historic and present-day, in this Baylor Connections.

Baylor’s accreditation was officially reaffirmed last month by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for the next decade. What factors into a successful accreditation effort, and what does it mean for the university? Dr. Wes Null, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Institutional Effectiveness, explains on this Baylor Connections.

What does it mean to help students discover meaning and build a moral foundation during their time in college? In this Baylor Connections, Perry Glanzer, professor of educational foundations in the Baylor School of Education, shares insights from research into religion and higher education and examines the role of a Christian university both now and in the future.

The season of Advent provides a time to think, reflect and prepare our hearts for Christmas. In this Baylor Connections, William Bellinger, the W. Marshall and Lulie Craig Chairholder in Bible and Professor of Hebrew/Old Testament, shares thoughts on maintaining a faithful hope amidst the trials of the year. An expert on the Psalms and worship texts of the Old Testament, he examines stories of hope and the bonds of community that resonate today.

As the year draws to a close, President Livingstone reflects on the factors that led to a successful in-person semester. In this Baylor Connections, she shares takeaways from the fall, looks ahead to the Spring Semester, and examines new programs like the Hord Scholarship Challenge and Trailblazer Scholars Program, which will open the Baylor experience to greater numbers of future students.

From working on COVID-19 task forces with Baylor University and McLennan County, to partnering with Waco’s Family Health Center to survey the spread of the virus, Michael Muehlenbein’s work has provided insights into the local behavior of a global pandemic. In this Baylor Connections, Muehlenbein, chair and professor of anthropology at Baylor, analyzes ways we can better understand and slow the spread of COVID-19 and shares why safety measures remain vital heading into the winter.

Few Beethoven scholars have as meaningful a connection to the impact of deafness on the composer’s works as Robin Wallace, Baylor professor of musicology. Wallace’s late wife, Barbara, suffered from profound hearing loss, providing insights into the impact of the disability both relationally and creatively. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, and on this Baylor Connections, Wallace celebrates his legacy by examining the ways Beethoven, as well as Barbara, found wholeness and expression amidst deep physical challenges.

As a 24-year old, Leigh Greathouse developed a rare form of cancer, an experience that would shape her path into the study of diet and disease. Dr. Greathouse, assistant professor in human sciences & design at Baylor, is a leading researcher into the relationship between diet, the microbiome, disease and health. On this Baylor Connections, she shares her personal story, breaks down key research projects in her field and provides a framework for listeners to think about the relationship between diet and health in their own life.

There’s a lot on the plate of a Baylor University Student Body President, particularly in 2020. On this Baylor Connections, meet this year’s president, Sutton Houser. He shares details about the duties and responsibilities of student body presidents, what it means to be a voice for students, and takes listeners inside his work with Baylor leadership, local churches, campus initiatives and more.

How can we model charitable discourse that bridges political, ideological and theological divides? Dr. David Corey serves as director of the Baylor in Washington program and professor of political science in Baylor’s Honors Program. In this Baylor Connections, he analyzes our political climate and tone, examines how Christians can forge a different path in the midst of the current tenor, and shares how the Baylor in Washington program builds leaders as it promotes opportunities for students to work in the nation’s capital.

With the Fall Semester heading into its home stretch, Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., analyzes a variety of topics on this Baylor Connections. From COVID-19 safety measures, to Baylor’s growth in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, to encouraging participation and civility during this election season, President Livingstone shares thoughts on a busy season for the Baylor Family.

What can volcanoes, gemstones and minerals reveal about the geological forces that physically shape our world? Dr. Kenny Befus, assistant professor of geosciences, is a volcanologist who studies clues found in magma flows, gemstones and more that shed light on past and future events. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how these forces interplay, and unpacks an award-winning research project aimed at advancing the study of imperfections in gemstones to uncover geological data.

Kelly Ylitalo combines high-level, data-driven research with practical community partnerships that address upstream health issues. Dr. Ylitalo, assistant professor of epidemiology in Baylor’s Department of Public Health, focuses her research on physical functioning, obesity and the impact of healthy behaviors on aging trajectories. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside her partnerships with Waco’s Family Health Center and World Hunger Relief to study the effectiveness of innovative health approaches.

Get to know Dr. Shanna Hagan-Burke, the new Dean of Baylor’s School of Education. She came to Baylor this summer after serving at Texas A&M University, the University of Oregon and University of Georgia, and taught children with behavioral challenges for many years prior in her native Florida. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Hagan-Burke tells about a unique parental introduction to Baylor that helped draw her to the University, shares experiences that shape her approach to higher education leadership, examines the School of Education’s contributions to Tier 1 research and more.

In over three decades at the Gallup organization, Frank Newport has spent his career studying objective data about American attitudes on religion, politics, social issues and more. Newport, a Baylor graduate, is co-host of the podcast Objective Religion, launched earlier this year by Baylor’s Institute for the Studies of Religion. In this Baylor Connections, Newport, senior scientist at Gallup after a long tenure as editor-in-chief, and Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences and Baylor ISR founding director, discuss religion’s impact on America today and analyze topics at the intersection of faith and data-driven social science.

As Chair of the Board of Regents, Mark Rountree works closely with President Livingstone and Baylor leadership. This year, he assumed the role of Chair as the University navigated a global pandemic and addressed important social issues. In this Baylor Connections, Rountree examines leadership amidst rapidly-changing conditions, sharing how the university worked towards an in-person semester and pursues racial healing and justice as an expression of Christian faith.

For Baylor faculty members, the monumental efforts to deliver interactive, engaging classes amidst the COVID-19 public health crisis necessitate learning new technologies and methods of class content delivery. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Nancy Brickhouse, Baylor University Provost, breaks down resources to enhance class instruction both virtually and in-person and shares how the University is continuing to advance meaningful research goals to address critical challenges.

Terms like face-to-face, virtual learning and hybrid classes have rapidly become commonplace throughout higher education. Baylor has invested time and resources to equip professors to engage students at the highest levels in both traditional and non-traditional classrooms. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Gary Carini, vice provost for institutional research and professional education and professor of entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, shares how Baylor is proactively supporting professors in this environment and casts a vision for Baylor as a recognized leader in these new models.

Student Success Initiatives at Baylor University walks alongside students to help them successfully navigate the incumbent challenges of the collegiate journey. In this Baylor Connections, Michelle Cohenour, Student Success Initiatives director, shares how SSI helps students from a variety of backgrounds be their best self, in and out of class, so they can find holistic success and make the most of their time at Baylor.

Months of preparations for an in-person fall semester have led to the arrival of Baylor students on campus for the start of classes Monday, August 24. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda Livingstone goes deep inside the process of welcoming students back to campus safely, preparing meaningful modes of class instruction both virtually and in-person, readying Baylor’s physical spaces for students and more.

The world of sports has been squarely in the news in recent weeks, as teams, leagues and players grapple with the implications of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Dr. Kirk Wakefield, the Edwin W. Streetman Professor of Retail Marketing and executive director of Sports Strategy & Sales in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business is a nationally-recognized researcher and sports business expert. In this Baylor Connections, he analyzes how teams at both the professional and collegiate levels navigate change, engage fans and work to make the best of uncertain times.

Every parent wants to support their student through the unique joys and challenges of the college years. As Baylor University’s director of parent engagement, Gail Offringa and her team serve parents as they become a part of the Baylor Family and help them navigate questions that arise. In this Baylor Connections, she shares tips for parents to best support their students and anticipate adjustments throughout the college journey, and addresses common questions heading into the new school year.

Thirty years ago, Dorina and Marius Mitrea left everything behind in Romania to come to the United States and pursue a career in higher education. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Dorina Mitrea, Chair and Professor of Mathematics, and Dr. Marius Mitrea, Professor of Mathematics, share their story of life and work together, the drive to teach, research and impact students, and the factors that brought them to Baylor after more than two decades at Missouri.

No one knows Joy and Lady, Baylor’s beloved black bears, better than their caretakers. Dakota Farquhar-Caddell, associate director of Student Activities and the Robert Reid Director of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce, oversees the Baylor Bear program and Bailey Havis, a rising senior student, is one of two lead caretakers for the bears. In this Baylor Connections, they help us get to know Joy and Lady better—their favorite foods, personalities, what it takes to care for them, Lady’s recovery from a health scare and more.

The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 public health crisis has placed added focus on mental health. Dr. Holly Oxhandler, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and Assistant Professor in Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, is a recognized expert on the intersection of faith and mental health. In this Baylor Connections, she shares how individuals can prioritize their own mental wellbeing through both immediate and long-term practices, and discusses the role of an individual’s faith in their mental health.

What happens when Christianity enters a new market? Throughout history, Christians have shared the gospel around the world, and the way people receive that message is inevitably informed by their own customs and culture. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, the Frederick E. Roach Professor of World Christianity in Baylor’s Department of Religion, examines interpretations of the Christian movement and shares trends that shape the transmission of the faith across the globe

Get to know Baylor University’s First Gentleman. Brad Livingstone is an educator, basketball player, World War II expert, and Baylor’s inaugural “First Gent.” As a high school history teacher, Livingstone has brought hundreds of veterans into his classroom to share their stories with students, and the impact of those moments have become a hallmark of his classes. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how those experiences have been so meaningful, reminisces about meeting President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., in college, and offers insights into his role as First Gent.

Like many people, Dr. Ashley Otto doesn’t enjoy making decisions; however, she’s become an expert on the topic. Dr. Otto, Assistant Professor of Marketing in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, focuses her highly-regarded research on how people make decisions. In this Baylor Connections, she defines terms like “decision-averse” and “decision sidestepping” and explains how such individuals strategically approach the choices they face at home, work and more.

John Morris capped off his 25th season as “The Voice of the Bears” with a meaningful honor, being selected as the 2019 Texas Co-Sportscaster of the Year. In this Baylor Connections, he reflects on great Baylor moments and working with longtime Baylor announcer Frank Fallon, shares how he prepares for games and spent a spring without sports, and talks about the meaning of the Sportscaster of the Year honor.

Patricia Shih is an internationally-renowned violinist who has performed as a recitalist and soloist with top global musicians in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. Last year, she joined the Baylor faculty as Associate Professor of Violin in the Baylor University School of Music, and still maintains an active performing schedule. In this Baylor Connections, she shares her appreciation for her instrument, love of music, and why she felt the call to teach.

Vaccine development and public health approaches to contagious diseases have captured public attention in recent months. Dr. Peter Hotez is an international leader in tropical medicine and vaccine development. He serves as the Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Co-Director of Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and University Professor of Biology at Baylor University, and leads a unique partnership with Baylor to provide a summer tropical medicine institute experience for Baylor undergraduate students. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Lee Nordt, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Baylor, engages Dr. Hotez on a variety of subjects such as COVID-19, vaccines, undergraduate research and more.

Chemical compounds found in many household products can be major contributors to obesity and other lipid diseases, a Baylor study has found. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Ramon Lavado, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, shares important information from his research. Learn more about where such compounds are found, the impact of early exposure to those chemicals, and the ways the study expands our understanding of weight gain and disease.

How do you help students maintain social connections and meaningful traditions amidst a time of social distancing? In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Matt Burchett, Director of Student Activities, shares ways Baylor helped students stay connected to campus during the semester and honored the Class of 2020 during a different kind of Senior Week. Learn more about what Burchett and student life professionals have learned about interpersonal connections, the power of social media and other online tools, and ways these unplanned adjustments can shape future interactions.

Dr. Daniel Romo, The Schotts Professor of Chemistry at Baylor, describes his lab’s role as “construction engineering at the molecular level,” spurring potential drug leads for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and more. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Romo shares how he and his lab students go about that process through the synthesis of natural compounds, the innovation of new synthesis strategies and more.

As a semester like no other draws to a close, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., shares insights into Baylor University’s response to COVID-19 and leadership during a crisis on this Baylor Connections. From ensuring that student support services remained readily available to planning for potential challenges to higher education institutions everyone, she shares how Baylor adjusted and communicated those changes. Looking ahead, she highlights new programs and talks about Baylor’s plans for a phased re-opening of campus for the fall.

COVID-19 has forced the global supply chain into the spotlight as consumers seek products that have been, at times, difficult to find. What factors impact the supply chain, and how do industries respond? In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Pedro Reyes, Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business and longtime operations leader, shares lessons in “Supply Chain 101.” He details how disruptions lead to a domino effect and analyzes how supply chain professionals can process current challenges to ensure more products on the shelves when consumers need them.

On this Baylor Connections, Baylor faculty share lessons in building community and engaging with students remotely during COVID-19. Dr. Mona Choucair, Senior Lecturer of English and Faculty-in-Residence at South Russell Hall, has spoken to many students after the suspension of in-person classes, and talks about maintaining community ties and being there for them amidst uncertainty. Dr. Anne Jeffrey, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, pivoted her Bioethics class to focus on real-world ethical questions related to resource allocation and more during the pandemic. She shares how students can engage with classmates and topics from separate locations.

While the Baylor campus is sparsely populated during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the University continues to provide services and resources to address students’ educational, spiritual and emotional needs. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Kevin Jackson, Vice President for Student Life, shares how the University quickly ramped up a number of key programs when it became apparent that instruction would be moving online. Learn more about Bear Care, where Baylor faculty coach and support students amidst today’s myriad changes, telecounseling, Spiritual Life programming, and adjustments to longstanding Spring campus traditions like Diadeloso and Steppin’ Out.

How does the Church celebrate Easter amidst a worldwide pandemic? In this Good Friday edition of Baylor Connections, Dr. Todd Still, The Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and The William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures in Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, examines what it means to be the Church when we’re physically separated, recounts how the Church has grown during past times of plague and crisis and shares how the current moment compels us to find hope more deeply in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

For each of the last nine years, Baylor has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. In this Baylor Connections, Cheryl Gochis, vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer at Baylor, shares reasons why. From the university culture to benefits and more, Gochis examines ways that Baylor supports faculty and staff year-round, and specifically talks about the University’s response to help employees transition to remote work during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty recently announced a partnership to provide nearly one million nutritious meals weekly across the U.S. through a private/public partnership to ensure more children are fed when school is not in session. The COVID-19 public health crisis has forced the closure of schools across the country, and the United States Department of Agriculture has called on Baylor to help meet the escalating need. In this Baylor Connections, Jeremy Everett, founder and executive director of the Collaborative, shares how they have responded to COVID-19, ramping up long-standing efforts to end hunger across the state of Texas and around the nation.

The response to the COVID-19 public health emergency means that many across the U.S. will be working from home in the weeks ahead to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the virus. Dr. Sara Perry, associate professor of management in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, is a leading expert and researcher on remote work. In this Baylor Connections, she shares how individuals and families can approach working from home from a variety of angles—a work-from-home checklist, parenting considerations for children home from school, physical workspace, routines, connectedness with coworkers and more.

Dr. Juan Carlos Esparza Ochoa is a leading expert on religion across Latin America and the Global South. He joined the Baylor faculty at the start of the 2019-20 season after managing the Pew Research Center’s religious demography projects. In this Baylor Connections, he paints a picture of the impact of religion on Latin American life and culture and shares his Baylor journey.

Dr. Amanda Hering applies her statistical expertise to a “once in a generation effort” to improve water treatment in the U.S. Hering, associate professor of statistical science, is an internationally-recognized leader in data sciences and their intersection with the environment. In this Baylor Connections, she shares about how data can help us utilize new paradigms of water treatment and delivery and examines the need for students trained in the data sciences in the years ahead.

Dr. Linda Olafsen, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, researches semiconductors for a variety of applications from her lab in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative. In this Baylor Connections, she shares how her research advances the search for lasers and other products that are more safe, useful and efficient, and talks about the impact of Baylor’s Tier 1 research vision in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Alan Schultz’s research takes him deep into the Amazon rainforests of Bolivia, where he studies the Tsimane’, an indigenous people group who have lived a pre-industrial forager-farmer lifestyle for generations. In this Baylor Connections, Schultz, an assistant professor of anthropology, examines the forces of change on the Tsimane’. As the outside world encroaches on their traditional lifestyle, he shares the impact on community, health, families and more.

Baylor University’s Black Gospel Music Restoration Project houses more than 14,000 digital copies of classic black gospel music songs and albums, preserving them for future generations. In this Baylor Connections, Robert Darden, Professor of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and founder of the Project, shares how black gospel music tells the story of the African-American experience through the generations and examines its underappreciated role in the Civil Rights movement.

Baylor University recently partnered with Texas Business Journals for a survey highlighting the insights of Texas business leaders into the state’s economy and attitudes towards industry-university research partnerships. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., and Jason Cook, Vice President for Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing officer, analyze the results and share how Baylor’s research focus drives innovation, uncovers solutions and prepares leaders for the future workforce.

Biblical scholar Stephen Reid’s research is an example of the ways modern technology can give voice to individuals who might otherwise go unheard. Dr. Reid, Professor of Christian Scriptures in Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, recently utilized text mining to learn how African-Americans in the 1700s and 1800s interpreted the book of Deuteronomy. Inside University Libraries, Baylor Digital Scholarship offers powerful technologies to enhance research in the digital humanities. Learn more about how Reid’s experience accelerated his research and provided deep insight into the ways African-Americans shared the Bible on the path to emancipation.

Stress, and its impact on health, is the broad focus of Annie Ginty’s work. Dr. Ginty, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor, is an Association for Psychological Science Rising Star whose research bridges understanding of the ways the mind and body react to stress. In this Baylor Connections, Ginty defines stress, shares tips for recognizing the body’s response to stress and offers practical approaches to managing the unique stressors that listeners face.

Baylor’s Department of Public Health seeks solutions to global health issues related to disease, lifestyle, community factors and more. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Eva Doyle, Department Chair of Public Health and Professor of Community Health, discusses the ways Baylor Public Health professionals conduct meaningful research, enrich students through studies around the globe, and partner with other disciplines to solve critical health challenges.

An internationally-recognized leader in water quality, the environment and health, Bryan Brooks has galvanized stakeholders from around the world to partner, identify and address the planet’s most significant environmental challenges. In this Baylor Connections, Brooks, the distinguished professor of environmental science and biomedical studies and director of Baylor’s environmental health science program, examines meaningful environmental issues and shares how partnerships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Environmental Health Association have launched initiatives designed to spark meaningful change.

2019 was an exciting year at Baylor University, providing many successes on which to build in the new year. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone looks back at successes in areas like athletics, fundraising, hiring and more, and examines how Baylor is poised to build on those superlatives in 2020 as the University celebrates its 175th birthday.

Baylor University is now an R1 research institution. The end of 2021 brought this exciting news, as this long-pursued goal became a reality. Additionally, the University celebrates the announcement of an agreement with the City of Waco to locate Baylor’s new basketball facility along the Brazos River near downtown Waco. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., discusses these major benchmarks and their impact going forward.

What is game theory and how can it shape our understanding of economics, business, politics and more? Baylor’s expert in game theory, Jameson Graber, recently earned a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to conduct interdisciplinary research that seeks answers to important societal questions. In this Baylor Connections, Graber, an assistant professor of math, gives listeners a lesson in “Game Theory 101” and shares more about his research.

Brian Raines wears numerous hats at Baylor as he teaches students, serves his fellow faculty and sits on the Board of Regents. On this Baylor Connections, Dr. Raines, professor of mathematics, associate dean for research and strategic planning in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences and faculty regent, talks about those roles and the threads that tie them together in service to students and the Baylor mission.

Amidst the joy of the holiday season, many dealing with loss or trauma in their own life feel grief. Angela Gorrell, assistant professor of practical theology, has experienced that type of dichotomy. While studying joy at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, her family suffered a string of tragedies that led to her to question what it means to find joy in the midst of suffering. Her book, The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found, walks readers through those struggles and what she learned in the process. She takes listeners inside that journey and offers insights on joy in this Baylor Connections.

Sarah Kienle is the world’s top expert on the craniofacial anatomy of pinnipeds. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Kienle, assistant professor of biology, explains what that means and provides a broader understanding of this little-studied area. Pinnipeds are a group of animals that includes seals, sea lions and walruses. They feed underwater, and Dr. Kienle’s foundational study of their facial muscles in Journal of Anatomy deepens understanding of the role those muscles play in feeding and more.

As a young social worker in the 1990s, Danielle Parrish noticed significant gaps in the support provided to young women in the juvenile justice system. She’s since dedicated her career to changing that. Dr. Parrish today serves as a professor at the Houston campus of Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Last summer, she received a $3.1 million research grant to test comprehensive risk reduction strategies for women in juvenile justice. In this Baylor Connections, she shares the needs faced by this at-risk population and how advancing beyond siloed care can lead to better outcomes for their future.

The Baylor Family’s generosity has spurred exciting growth throughout the University. From new faculty chairs and student scholarships to major capital projects like a welcome center, basketball pavilion and football operations center, it’s an exciting season in the life of the University. In this Baylor Connections, Dave Rosselli, Vice President for Advancement, takes listeners inside these projects and shares how Baylor alumni and friends across the nation are driving a dynamic vision to become reality.

The Global Flourishing Study represents the largest initiative of its kind to investigate the determinants of human flourishing. In this week’s Baylor Connections, Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences and Director of the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor, takes listeners inside the massive project that will survey over 240,000 individuals in 22 countries over five years. With $43 million in funding, it’s also the largest funded research project in Baylor history, with a scope that will impact numerous disciplines through scientific, longitudinal data on a variety of factors that influence human thriving.

As the son of refugees, Jonathan Tran says the refugee experience is formative to each aspect of a person’s life. Tran serves as associate professor of philosophical theology and is the George W. Baines Chair of Religion at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, he shares his family’s story, unpacks scholarship in ethics, religion, language and more and examines lessons from his new book Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism.

Baylor has celebrated substantial growth in research marked by quality, visibility and impact since the 2018 launch of Illuminate. This summer, the University shared metrics that position Baylor to reach R1 benchmarks ahead of schedule—as early as 2024. In this Baylor Connections, Vice Provost for Research Kevin Chambliss unpacks those numbers and shares how the research they represent addresses significant challenges, benefits Baylor students and advances Baylor’s Christian mission.

Few people have led a city’s Final Four efforts and served in leadership for a program that played in a Final Four, but Dawn Rogers has done both. In this Baylor Connections, Rogers shares more about her role as Baylor’s deputy athletics director and as a sport administrator for multiple sports, including the reigning national champion men’s basketball team. As she provides leadership to Baylor’s sport administrators, she takes listeners inside their importance in the success of across all 19 Baylor sports teams, and shares insights from leading Phoenix’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee prior to coming to Baylor.

A nanometer measures just 1/100,000 the width of a human hair, but the chemical reactions that take place at that level bear significant implications for scientists, engineers, medical practitioners and more. Dr. Zhenrong Zhang, associate professor of physics, is illuminating the nanoscale through the development of a powerful nanoscale microscope. In this Baylor Connections, she shares how the invention can lead to more accurate medical diagnoses, cleaner sources of energy and more.

Dr. Sandeep Mazumder was named last spring as The William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business after an extensive national search. Meet Dr. Mazumder in this Baylor Connections as he shares his journey from London to Waco, which included stops at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. He further examines his philosophy on faith and scholarship and highlights the experiences that guided him into a new season of leadership at Baylor.

Baylor’s Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE) is a newly formed center bridging a variety of resources to help students thrive. In this Baylor Connections, Whitney Jones, senior director of CASE, shares the center’s approach and the resources available for academics and engagement, and examines how these services fill needed gaps and help students find a sense of belonging and purpose.

COVID-19 has further highlighted need for nurses who fill a critical care role in a public health crisis. Dr. Linda Plank is a 30-year nursing veteran and longtime educator who was named Dean of Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) this spring. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Plank discusses the impact of the pandemic on nursing and nursing education, examines the growth of Baylor nursing and shares what makes LHSON distinct in higher education.

On the 700th anniversary of his death, Dante still resonates, providing timeless insight into the challenges people face and a guide to navigate those trials. In this Baylor Connections, Douglas Henry, Dean of the Honors College, shares why the Honors College is leading the world’s largest Dante reading group, called “100 Days of Dante,” and takes listeners inside the Honors College’s approach to transformative education.

The start of a new semester heralds much to celebrate. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone Ph.D., shares the excitement of a new year, and discusses a variety of important topics with the Baylor Family, including the University’s record incoming class, R1 research momentum and ongoing conference realignment developments.

A lot goes into promoting student success. At Baylor, a coordinated campus effort provides resources and relationships to serve students and enhance their college experience. Sinda Vanderpool serves associate vice provost for academic enrollment management—Baylor’s chief student success officer. In this Baylor Connections, she shares practical and philosophical insights and examines programs that build engagement, resilience and retention.

A new semester is here at Baylor University and with it comes opportunities to connect students to Baylor’s caring community, share in longstanding traditions together and tell the Baylor story. In this Baylor Connections, Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications and chief marketing officer, shares how the University communicates with Baylor Family members and friends both on and off campus and highlights the strength of the Baylor brand.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a message or advertisement, but were unable to fully express exactly why it was appealing, then you can see the value of JaeHwan Kwon’s research. Kwon, associate professor of marketing in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, utilizes eye-tracking technology to determine attention and physiological responses to messages. In this Baylor Connections, he examines the role of psychology and physiology in uncovering clues to what draws and keeps our attention.

Few professors have a resume quite like that of Dr. Sparky Matthews, clinical professor in Baylor’s Honors Program. Dr. Matthews is a retired Air Force flight surgeon who served as the first surgeon general of the United States Space Force. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how a Baylor mentor shaped his career journey and how returning to teach at his alma mater represents a personal mission.

Olympic competition is rarified air reached by few athletes in the world—among them, a Baylor professor. In this Baylor Connections, meet Alex Yokochi, professor of mechanical engineering and a swimmer for his native Portugal in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 games. Yokochi shares his Olympic journey, training regimen and memories, and examines similarities between high-level athletic competition and academics.

How does urban pollution impact thunderstorm activity? It’s a question of interest to the Department of Energy, which turned to two Baylor professors to investigate. In this Baylor Connections, Rebecca Sheesley and Sascha Usenko, professors of environmental science at Baylor, discuss research that can uncover clues about thunderstorms in urban areas and lead to improvements in public health in Texas and beyond.

A banner year for Baylor Athletics included the University’s first men’s basketball national championship, record highs in student-athlete graduation and GPA, new coaching hires and more. That success drew national attention, with Mack Rhoades, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, earning Sports Business Journal’s 2021 Athletics Director of the Year honors. In this Baylor Connections, Rhoades reflects on the impact of the past year, looks ahead to normal operations in the 2021-22 sports season and extolls an Athletics staff that thrived amidst COVID-19’s challenges.

Dr. Gary Sheppard is Baylor’s 2021 Alumnus of the Year. An internal medicine physician in private practice in Houston, he provides professional leadership in a number of roles, including as president of the Harris County Medical Society. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Sheppard shares insights on the practice of medicine and service and examines philosophies and values that carried him and his patients through the challenges of COVID-19.

Baylor is thrilled to welcome incoming students and families back to campus this summer for events like Orientation and Line Camp. In this Baylor Connections, Sharra Hynes, vice president and dean of students in Baylor’s Division of Student Life, talks about the impact of student experiences on campus long before classes begin, and shares what makes these events so special for attendees.

Jessica Cope co-founded The Hopeful Theatre Project in Dallas/Fort Worth, a nonprofit theatre group that donates 100 percent of ticket proceeds to charity. A 2015 Baylor graduate, Cope was named the University’s 2021 Young Alumna of the Year. In this Baylor Connections, Cope shares the story behind The Hopeful Theatre Project and the calling to use her passion for the stage to support other organizations that make the community and world a better place.

Corey Carbonara and Michael Korpi are developing a system that could revolutionize color display on high-definition screens. 6P has drawn the attention of NASA, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and a variety of media organizations. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Carbonara and Dr. Korpi, professors of film & digital media at Baylor, share the story behind a system designed to display a greater range of colors that God created the human eye to see.

It’s a “summer of hope” in Waco, with events returning and businesses moving towards more traditional experiences. What can residents and visitors anticipate this summer? Jeremy Vickers, associate vice president for external affairs, explains on this Baylor Connections. From major summer events to new business and dining opportunities, discover ways to make the most of Summer 2021 in Waco.

The Baylor Family’s generosity is astounding. Last month, the University’s Give Light philanthropic campaign crossed the $1 billion mark, providing transformational funding across the University—from academics to athletics, student life to global engagement. In this Baylor Connections, Dave Rosselli, vice president for advancement, provides an update on the campaign and how tangible outcomes will soon be visible across campus. He further delves into each campaign priority and how each will benefit through Give Light’s comprehensive approach.

Baylor is regularly mentioned among the top 50 “Best Colleges for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report, and the VETS Program is a big part of the reason for that ranking. Veteran Education and Transition Services (VETS) is a Baylor program that promotes the academic success of veterans at Baylor, providing a variety of resources to help them successfully transition to college life. In this Baylor Connections, Kevin Davis, VETS Program Manager and a Marine Corps veteran, and Brittany Rothrock, a rising senior engineering major and Navy veteran, take listeners inside the veteran experience at Baylor, sharing both the challenges and the meaningful ways veterans contribute to the Baylor student body.

A school year like no other has drawn to a conclusion at Baylor and, even amidst the challenges presented by COVID-19, it was a time with much to celebrate. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., shares a top 10 list—the top 10 moments of the 2020-21 year (plus a few bonus points) highlighting the Baylor Family’s accomplishments in academics, research, athletics, health, giving and more.

Mosquitoes are massive global agents of the spread of diseases like malaria and the West Nile virus. Cheolho Sim, associate professor of biology, has dedicated his research towards suppressing mosquito populations and slowing the spread of disease, recently earning a grant from the National Science Foundation to advance those efforts. In this Baylor Connections, Sim shares how genomic research into a mosquito’s circadian rhythm could be key to slowing the spread of disease, and examines how his lab lives out its motto, “driven by science, guided by compassion.”

What goes into coordinating events like football games, commencement ceremonies, basketball games and more at venues like McLane Stadium and the Ferrell Center? As Associate Athletic Director for Event Management and Facilities, Drew Pittman works to coordinate a variety of people and resources into a concerted effort that ensures a safe and fun experience for student athletes and fans. In this Baylor Connections, Pittman examines how he and his team navigated the challenges of COVID-19, and shares a personal story of adoption, as he and his wife, Alyssa, opened their homes and hearts in a unique and meaningful way.

Baylor University’s Career Center helps students navigate each step of the career journey. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Baylor’s placement rate grew in the last year, reflecting the hard work of students and staff in the face of job market headwinds. In this Baylor Connections, Ken Buckley, assistant vice provost in the Baylor University Career Center, analyzes that growth and shares how the Career Center provides tailored support for the individual student.

As the Spring Semester winds down, Baylor University Provost Dr. Nancy Brickhouse reflects on how the Baylor Family came together to reach this point. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Brickhouse shares how faculty, staff and students served during February’s snow and ice storm, examines how the University is building research infrastructure as it pursues the goals of Illuminate, and shares the excitement of the hiring of two new Baylor University deans.

It’s been called “the Marine Corps Boot Camp of lawyering” and ranked by Princeton Review as “arguably the best training ground in the nation for practical lawyering.” Baylor Law’s legendary Practice Court celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, and in this Baylor Connections, two Baylor Law faculty and graduates examine what make it so special. Brad Toben, Dean and M.C. & Mattie Caston Chair of Law and Gerald Powell, Abner V. McCall Professor of Evidence and a longtime director of the Practice Court, reflect on its impact and share stories to take listeners inside the experience.

Amidst the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, Baylor welcomed a record incoming class last fall. Baylor University Admissions navigated those challenges to connect students to Baylor and welcome them into the family. In this Baylor Connections, Jessica King Gereghty, assistant vice president of enrollment management, examines how it all came together, and shares how new programs like Summer of Discovery and Accelerate help students connect with Baylor before setting foot on campus.

After 24 years of leading Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business through incredible growth, Terry Maness is retiring this summer as dean of the business school. On this Baylor Connections, Dr. Maness discusses why the timing was right for a new season of life, shares key moments in his career as dean, and reflects on a period of distinction for the school

This week, Baylor released the independent report of the University’s Commission on Historic Campus Representations. On this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., examines the purpose and impact of their work for the University and shares how an excavation of the past can help Baylor more fully live out its mission today. On the sports stage, President Livingstone delves into the success of Baylor’s two Sweet 16-bound basketball teams and the cultures they have built.

Technologies like artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine impact our lives in countless ways, but how much do you know them? On this Baylor Connections, Pablo Rivas, assistant professor of computer science at Baylor, gives listeners a class on “Deep Learning 101.” The author of the book "Deep Learning for Beginners" Rivas shares how it shapes services used by consumers, and analyzes ethical issues to be considered in that growth.

Baylor resident chaplains live in residence halls on campus, providing pastoral care, guidance and community to the students they serve. In this Baylor Connections, two resident chaplains–Kathryn Freeman and Elijah Tanner—unpack the joys and challenges of ministering to students through the normal ups and downs of college, circumstances like COVID-19, and more.

Baylor nursing students are serving on the front lines of COVID-19 vaccination efforts throughout Waco and Dallas/Fort Worth. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Lyn Prater, clinical professor at Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing, takes listeners inside the school’s participation in vaccine distribution locations, with students administering the vaccine to thousands of their Texas neighbors.

What do dust bunnies and plasmas have to do with outer space? Dr. Lorin Matthews explains on this Baylor Connections. Matthews, professor of physics and associate director of Baylor’s Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics and Engineering Research (CASPER), is a leading researcher into processes that form planets and continue to shape our galaxy, and she explains the impact of these events while taking listeners inside Baylor space research.

Black History Month provides a meaningful time to study and consider the history and contributions of African Americans. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Ronald Angelo Johnson, the Ralph and Bessie Mae Lynn Chair of History at Baylor, examines ways we can intentionally expand our study of, and appreciation for, the impact and history of African Americans, further enriching our understanding of what it means to be an American.

Research and teaching are not separate functions of the Baylor experience, but rather inform one another and enhance engaged learning for students. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Rizalia Klausmeyer, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research in Baylor’s Office of Engaged Learning, describes the impact of research experiences for students and shares ways they can get involved in research across a variety of disciplines.

Baylor’s Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation department is one of the nation’s elite—ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and Entrepreneurship magazine for more than a decade. Peter Klein is the W. W. Caruth Chair and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, he examines the entrepreneurial mindset in a variety of settings, considers the impact of COVID-19 on business leaders, and shares how Baylor Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation has established itself as a top national program.

Baylor’s pioneering Medical Humanities program shapes medical practitioners who treat patients as a whole person as they care for them. Last fall, the DeBakey Medical Foundation made a significant investment in Baylor Medical Humanities that will grow the department and formed a chair position. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Lauren Barren, the inaugural DeBakey Chair of Medical Humanities, shares how the program partners the humanities with science education to holistically prepare those going into the medical field

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month, highlighting a complex problem that challenges communities close to home and around the world. Stacie Petter, the Ben H. Williams Professor of Information Systems and Business Analytics, uniquely applies her discipline to combat trafficking and slavery. In this Baylor Connections, Petter shares information systems’ role in that fight and explains how a grant from the National Science Foundation will help equip law enforcement with resources to identify and prosecute trafficking in their area.

The CDC estimates that 1 in 54 U.S. children meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, a figure which brings into clear focus the importance of autism research. Joaquin Lugo, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience, is a leading autism researcher focused on uncovering connections between autism and other genetic conditions. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how he follows the data in research in search of autism treatment and analyzes ways families seeking to support their children can sift through a vast array of information and rumor to find evidence-based ASD insights.

To over 50,000 Facebook followers, she’s known as “Your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist,” sharing accessible and actionable insights into the COVID-19 pandemic. Those followers, however, may not know that the Baylor professor behind that account is a leader in global health and an advocate for surgical care for children around the world. In this Baylor Connections, Emily Smith, assistant professor of epidemiology, shares the story behind her highly-regarded social media outreach and takes listeners into the halls of the United Nations to understand the need for increased access to surgical care for children and their families.

An expert in environmental health and disease, Benjamin Ryan, clinical associate professor of environmental science at Baylor, has been called on by organizations like the United Nations, World Health Organization and more to address disasters and disease. In this Baylor Connections, he shares what it means for communities to be resilient in the face of such challenges and explains a program he and other colleagues developed which has helped over 4,000 communities around the world equip and prepare.

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.

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.

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.

After 22 years at R1 institutions like LSU, Julia Chan returned to her alma mater last winter to serve as the inaugural holder of The Tim and Sharalynn Fenn Family Endowed Chair in Materials Science at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside her renowned work in quantum materials, explains the goal to build materials with exotic properties and shares the motivation to grow Baylor’s materials science research.

Teens today face an array of challenges that are unique when compared to those of prior generations. In this Baylor Connections, Jessica Peck, clinical professor in Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing and a pediatric nurse practitioner, unpacks ways parents can connect with their teens on mental health issues and other needs, and takes listeners inside the many ways Baylor Nursing research is making an impact through research and service.

What role can a person play in bridging racial divides? In this Baylor Connections, George Yancey, Professor of the Social Sciences, shares insights. Through collaborative conversations, Yancey sees opportunities to find understanding. He shares the qualities of collaborative conversations, examines the impact of language and considers approaches to racial discussions that go beyond colorblindness and antiracism.

The Fall Semester has been a busy time at Baylor—substantial faculty growth, expansion of resources for research and scholarship, and accolades in areas like core curriculum and University trust. In this Baylor Connections, Provost Nancy Brickhouse unpacks those topics and highlights research integrity at Baylor for National Compliance & Ethics Week.

How can citizens, in this political environment, approach politics from a healthy viewpoint and form opinions about complex issues? David Corey, professor of political science and director of the Baylor in Washington program, tackles these topics and more in this Baylor Connections. Dr. Corey examines healthy ways to view the role of politics and shares steps that allow people to better consider their own opinions, and those of others— promoting civil discourse and understanding.

What does it mean to mentor students? How can multiple disciplines come together to examine how churches address social challenges? For Stephanie Boddie, these are questions she lives out every day. Boddie serves as Assistant Professor of Church and Community Ministries—a joint position in Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, School of Education, and George W. Truett Theological Seminary and, in 2020, she was named as an Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year. In this Baylor Connections, she shares how those threads come together to address food insecurity, social services, racial issues and more.

Homecoming week is here! Traditions old and new invite the Baylor Family to re-connect with friends and the campus they love. On this Baylor Connections, go behind the scenes at Homecoming. Jordy Dickey and Kalliyana Tep provide both staff and student perspectives. Jordy Dickey serves as Senior Associate Director of Student Activities, and Kalliyana Tep is a junior Double Major in Finance and Marketing who serves as president of Baylor Activities Council. Hear what it’s like to march in the parade, review new traditions and be reminded of what makes Homecoming at Baylor so special.

Alan Wang brings a prolific record as a researcher and inventor to his role as the Mearse Chair in Biological and Biomedical Engineering at Baylor. Wang, who came to Baylor from Oregon State University, discusses the importance and uses of photonics in everyday life on this Baylor Connections, and unpacks inventions that impact health care, communication, environmental protection and more.

Monday, October 10 is Mental Health Awareness Day, and October is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for university counseling centers across the nation. Meghan Becker serves as Director of CARE Team Services in Baylor Student Health and Wellness. In this Baylor Connections, she discusses mental health resources at Baylor and shares how students can connect with the right resources to address their needs and thrive in school and life.

Mentorship is a driving force for John Wood in research that could eventually lead to cancer drugs. Wood serves as the Robert A. Welch Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Co-Director of the Baylor Synthesis & Drug-Lead Discovery Lab. Since coming to Baylor in 2013 after serving at Yale and Colorado State, he has continued to build a nationally recognized research portfolio while focusing on the next generation of researchers who come through his laboratory.

Goals as big as R1 require a team effort to accomplish. Baylor’s research administrators in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) play a significant role in advancing Baylor research as they support faculty throughout the grant process. In this Baylor Connections, Kevin Chambliss, Baylor’s Vice Provost for Research, and Susan Stearsman, Associate Vice Provost for Research, share how OVPR administrators help elevate Baylor’s research enterprise.

Baylor’s Office of External Affairs leads, engages, supports and celebrates the collective impact of Waco and Baylor, engaging in initiatives and relationships for community benefit. Jeremy Vickers serves as associate vice president for external affairs and Krista Brinser serves as director of community relations. In this Baylor Connections, they discuss community growth, describe the strength of Baylor and Waco’s relationship, and share upcoming programs and outreach efforts.

As a new academic year finds its stride, there is much to celebrate and anticipate at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., shares insights on a variety of topics: national trust in Baylor, enrollment, spiritual formation, leadership in higher education and college athletics, future growth and more.

Baylor’s Department of Public Safety consists of five divisions aligned to protect Baylor students, faculty, staff and guests. Mark Childers is a 26-year federal law enforcement veteran, including 18 years in the U.S Secret Service, who serves as Baylor’s associate vice president for public safety. In this Baylor Connections, he shares how Baylor police and DPS personnel build relationships with students, utilize technology and create new resources to protect students and promote a safe campus community.

The 2022-23 Baylor sports season is underway, and as fans return to campus for their favorite fall sports and traditions, they can impact the game visually as well as vocally. Erin Bean serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Marketing and Fan Engagement and Courtney Scrivano serves as Director of Licensing in Baylor Athletics. In this Baylor Connections, they take listeners inside the Go Gold campaign and share new ways fans can support the program and go gold for the Bears at upcoming games.

As a college student, Jeffry Archer was drawn to the role libraries play in connecting people with the information they needed for research, scholarship and learning. Today, as Dean of University Libraries, he leads Baylor’s libraries, special collections, centers and library technology efforts. In this Baylor Connections, he takes listeners inside the modern library, shares University Libraries’ role in supporting Baylor’s R1 research endeavors and more.

Chaplains serve student-athletes across Baylor’s 17 varsity sports, providing pastoral leadership, teaching, evangelism and care. In this Baylor Connections, discover how chaplains invest in their sport and their students. John Maurer, Dani Price and Stanton Corley share insights from their distinct roles.

A new Baylor Theatre season begins this Fall. In this Baylor Connections, Deanna Toten Beard, department chair and professor of theatre arts, takes listeners behind the scenes to share the details that comprise a Baylor production and previews the upcoming season’s schedule.

How can a chemistry lab be made accessible so that students with blindness can pursue their love of science and build a career? Bryan Shaw, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, is asking these questions and providing answers. In this Baylor Connections, he takes listeners inside the specific approaches to inclusion science for chemistry labs and concepts, and shares how a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health is boosting these efforts.

Postdoctoral researchers are a fixture on research university campuses, and their numbers are growing at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, discover the ways postdoctoral researchers enliven research and contribute to Baylor’s R1 recognition. Blake Thomas, manager of Baylor’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program, and Dr. Michelle Herridge, postdoctoral teaching fellow in Baylor’s Academy for Teaching and Learning, highlight the significance of the position in higher education and share how Baylor serves this important group of scholars.

Bradley Bolen has experienced the powerful ways that music can bridge cultural boundaries and brighten challenging circumstances. Bolen is a senior lecturer in piano in Baylor’s School of Music, a Steinway artist and a faculty member for American Voices, with whom he has worked with students in Iraq, Syria and more. In this Baylor Connections, he takes listeners inside powerful cross-cultural experiences around the globe.

In this episode of Baylor Connections, Jason Cook shares a “State of the Baylor Brand” report. Cook, Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing Officer, examines the impact of R1 research recognition, Give Light, new facilities, students and more on Baylor's national perception and interest in the University.

From national championships and Big 12 titles to new facilities and GPA records, the 2021-22 academic year heralded much to celebrate throughout Baylor Athletics. In this Baylor Connections, Mack Rhoades, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, examines key milestones from the past year, previews upcoming facilities, discusses the process of coaching searches and more.

How can buildings be designed with the health of their occupants in mind? The answers can be found in evidence-based design, where research uncovers design elements that can promote the health of those who live or work in them. Debra Harris, associate professor of interior design, co-leads a research team creating software that makes evidence-based design accessible to building designers. In this Baylor Connections, she takes listeners inside healthy buildings and previews the upcoming software launch.

International experiences are an integral part of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON). From missions projects around the globe to study abroad opportunities, students grow as professionals as they serve those around them. In this Baylor Connections, Lori Spies, tenured associate professor and missions coordinator in Baylor Nursing, takes listeners around the world to locations where LHSON students and faculty can be found.

The summer months present a significant opportunity to connect incoming Baylor students to the Baylor Family. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Sharra Hynes, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students in the Division of Student Life, shares how. From Line Camp to New Student Orientation, discover how distinct programs give incoming students a head start on friendships, campus traditions and more.

From stark renderings of the Texas desert to soaring mountain scenes and more, Winter Rusiloski brings landscapes to life on canvas. Rusiloski serves as associate professor of painting in Baylor’s Department of Art and Art History, and is an award-winning professional painter. In this Baylor Connections, she discusses the scenes that compel her to paint and examines the meaning of teaching the art to students.

Families throughout the community benefit from the services provided by the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD), serving those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities. In this Baylor Connections, Kristen Padilla, BCDD Director and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology in the School of Education, takes listeners inside the array of services provided by Baylor to address a disorder that impacts an estimated 1 in 44 children.

Baylor students have set an incredible standard this year in the number of prestigious scholarships and fellowships received—Fulbright, Goldwater, Churchill and more. In this Baylor Connections, Andy Hogue, who serves as Associate Dean of Engaged Learning in the College of Arts & Sciences and directs Baylor’s Office of Engaged Learning, highlights the meaning and impact of these honors and examines the reasons these numbers continue to grow.

After nearly 40 years at the helm of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and Waco Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Heyde is retiring. On this Baylor Connections, he looks back at decades of music and leadership. Learn the roots of his love of music, Heyde’s favorite moments working with students, the impact of his final concert and more.

As an organic chemist, Liela Romero creates “recipes” from naturally occurring molecules that could lead to the discovery of future cancer drugs. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Romero, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, takes listeners inside her journey from attending Baylor as a student to prestigious graduate education experiences and back to Baylor to serve as a faculty member, researcher and mentor.

This summer marks five years of leadership for President Livingstone at Baylor University. In this Baylor Connections, we look back at major benchmarks from the past year, and revisit 10 significant moments from her first five years as president in academics, athletics, student life, culture and more.

Every college student faces questions about finances as they plan for the future while navigating the present. In this Baylor Connections, Sara Ray, program manager for Student Financial Literacy at Baylor, shares how her office provides resources to build financial literacy and equip them, through individual counseling and education programming, to prepare for success.

Why does John Duns Scotus still resonate, more than 700 years after his death? Tom Ward, associate professor of philosophy at Baylor, was captivated by Duns Scotus as a student. Today, he translates his work through a prestigious National Endowment for the Humanities grant and is writing an introductory book on Duns Scotus more broadly. In this Baylor Connections, Ward explains how Duns Scotus’ work enables us to consider God, faith and the “first principle” still today.

Supporting mental health and wellness is a priority at Baylor, with numerous resources available for students. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Jim Marsh, Dean of Student Health and Wellness, examines the challenges students face and shares the heart behind programs designed to meet their mental and physical health needs.

Erika Abel and Leigh Greathouse are passionate about providing opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in research, focusing in Greathouse’s lab on the relationship between the microbiome, health and disease. Abel is a clinical professor of biology in the Honors Program, while Greathouse serves as associate professor in nutrition science in Human Science and Design. In this Baylor Connections, they share how an investment from the Honors College is opening new pathways for students to engage in high-level cancer and diet research.

What does it mean to help students become globally minded? In this Baylor Connections, Holly Joyner unpacks how the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) brings the world to Baylor and sends Baylor into the world. Joyner, who serves as assistant director of marketing and communications at CGE, explains how the Center for Global Engagement offers programming and other resources to help students engage internationally.

Baylor’s Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching promotes the value of teaching and honors those who do it well. The $250,000 award is the single largest monetary award presented by a university to an individual for exceptional teaching. In this Baylor Connections, Michael Thompson, committee chair for the award and professor and associate dean in Baylor Engineering and Computer Science, discusses the Cherry Award and highlights the role of great teachers.

The history of Baptist women in ministry has long gone untold, but Dr. Mandy McMichael, associate director and the J. David Slover Assistant Professor of Ministry Guidance in Baylor’s Department of Religion, is working to change that. In partnership with Baylor’s Institute for Oral History, she is curating an oral history on the struggles and joys of Baptist women leaders. She examines that topic, and her research on the cultural intersection of faith and beauty pageants, in this Baylor Connections.

Baylor’s Department of Physical Therapy blazed trails as the first doctoral program to blend a two-year degree program with hybrid delivery. Baylor DPT students and faculty reach across the country, learning virtually while regularly visiting Waco for intensive in-person immersion sessions on the Baylor campus. In this Baylor Connections, Kendra Gagnon, clinical professor and chair, takes listeners inside the fast-growing program and shares how it meets needs in communities across the nation.

Baylor’s attainment of R1 research recognition represents a team effort that played out over a two-decade span. In this Baylor Connections, Larry Lyon takes listeners inside that journey. Dr. Lyon, Vice Provost and Dean of Baylor’s Graduate School, shares how initiatives like Baylor 2012, Pro Futuris and Illuminate helped Baylor advance on a path to research preeminence while remaining committed to its Christian mission.

The Baylor University School of Music is celebrating its centennial this year—100 years of making music with spirit and excellence. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Gary Mortenson, Dean of the School of Music, takes listeners inside the celebration and highlights a meaningful transition within Baylor orchestral studies.

Texas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits families both nutritionally and financially. Many who are eligible, however, do not access available benefits. The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty (BCHP) is working to bridge that gap to address food insecurity. In this Baylor Connections, Khristian Howard, Waco Manager for SNAP Strategy, shares how BCHP works to encourage participation in the program through a collaborative, comprehensive approach.

Baylor’s Black Gospel Music Restoration Project preserves classic Black Gospel music—pieces that were at risk of being lost forever—in digital form for future generations. In this Baylor Connections, journalism professor Robert Darden, founder of the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project, updates listeners on ways that the project’s reach has expanded in recent months, from a new listening center on the Baylor campus to involvement with a PBS documentary and more.

Baylor’s Institute for Oral History preserves history through the collection of stories that would otherwise go untold. In this Baylor Connections, Stephen Sloan, director of the Institute and associate professor of history at Baylor, and Adrienne Cain, associate director and lecturer, share more. They explain how oral historians democratize history and offer tips for individuals seeking to preserve the stories of family or friends.

Core research centers at Baylor contain state-of-the-art equipment that students and faculty across campus utilize for impactful research projects. Bernd Zechmann leads one of these centers—he serves as director of the Center for Microscopy and Imaging and as an associate research professor at Baylor. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Zechmann takes listeners inside labs that advance multidisciplinary projects and spur R1 research.

Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary enjoyed incredible growth in 2021, from new academic programs and campuses to initiatives that reduce the cost of tuition for students. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Todd Still, The Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and The William M. Henson Professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett, takes listeners inside a variety of exciting benchmarks and explains how they enhance the ways Truett is “of, by, and for the Church.”

How can vocal athletes perform at their best, and with optimum health? Kimberly Monzon and Lauren Weber are teachers and performers who seek to help people who use their voices on stage and in other settings. In this Baylor Connections, Dr. Monzon, assistant professor of voice in Baylor’s School of Music, and Weber, a certified vocologist who serves as a lecturer of musical theatre at Baylor, take listeners inside their research and training to advance new understanding in vocal performance.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 communities. 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.

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.

A trailblazer, social worker, civil servant and leader, Barbara Walker was Baylor University’s first Black female graduate. This Spring, statues of 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, Ms. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daniel 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.

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.

In April, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How can a university help new members of their community feel like they are 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.

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.

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 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.

“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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.