Baylor Connections

Each year, Baylor students travel around the world on mission trips that combine service, learning, and calling. Baylor nursing faculty member Katy Vogelaar and Baylor student Julia Pitts recently returned from missions trips in Kenya and Peru. They join the program to immerse viewers and listeners in their experiences. 

On the program, they share what it looked like to serve alongside Baylor's global partners, apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, and grow through experiences that challenged their perspectives. Along the way, the conversation highlights what makes Baylor Missions distinctive.

Even in the summer months, Baylor’s campus is full of energy, thanks in part to a wide range of camps that bring pre-college students to Waco. In this episode of Baylor Connections, hear about two of those camps with Todd Kettler of the Moody School of Education's Talent Identification Program and Mary Lauren Benton from Engineering and Computer Science’s Innovate camp to explore how these experiences shape young learners.

From hands-on academic challenges to the chance to live in the residence halls and connect with faculty and students, these camps offer more than just a preview of college—they build curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging that can last well beyond the summer.

Baylor continues to be one of the nation’s top Fulbright-producing institutions, and in this episode of Baylor Connections, two students who recently earned the prestigious opportunity to become a Fulbright scholar share that experience. Ella Carlile, who just earned her bachelor’s degree in linguistics, will be headed to South Korea, while Alan Koroluk, also a 2026 graduate with a political science major and entrepreneurship minor, is going to Mexico City. On the program, they recount how Baylor helped prepare them for the experience, and what they’re hoping to learn as they step into new cultures, experiences and communities around the world.

Educational leadership shapes classrooms, schools, and communities. Jon Eckert, director of Baylor’s Center for School Leadership, shares how Baylor is supporting educators at every level—locally, nationally, and around the world, living out its mission within that discipline. Eckert shares how the Center has grown into a global network connecting leaders, research, and practical tools, all with a focus on helping educators—and students—flourish. From navigating change and technology to fostering wellness, engagement, and joy, the conversation highlights Baylor’s commitment to serving those on the front lines of education.

This year marks a major milestone for Baylor Engineering and Computer Science as the school celebrates its 30th anniversary. Daniel Pack, dean of Engineering and Computer Science, and Ryan Malone, a Baylor graduate and vice chair of the ECS Board of Advocates, reflect on how far the school has come—and where it’s headed next. From rapid growth in students, faculty, research and degree programs to a continued commitment to faith, purpose, and student formation, the conversation highlights how Baylor's influence in engineering and computer science continues to grow, and why it matters to pursue a call to serve at a Christian R1 university.

Baylor’s mission has always reached beyond campus, and with the addition of Pro Mundo—“for the world”—that global focus is now a part of the University’s motto. Eddie Contreras, Vice Provost for Global Engagement, shares how Baylor is living out that calling. From study abroad and international student opportunities to faculty partnerships and long-term global hubs, Contreras shares how Baylor is building a vibrant, caring global community—one rooted in service, learning, and meaningful engagement around the world.

Baylor fans are passionate about the Bears. In a conversation taking place at the NCAA Tournament in Durham, North Carolina, President Livingstone focuses on Baylor Athletics for both student-athletes and fans. Amidst a rapidly-changing college athletics landscape, President Livingstone examines Baylor’s goal to provide transformational experiences for student-athletes, shares insights about Athletic Director Doug McNamee and the vision for enhancing fan experiences, and examines how athletics serves as the “front porch” of the University.

Disability touches nearly 70 million Americans and affects one in three families, yet many schools, churches, and community organizations still struggle to fully welcome and support people with disabilities in daily life. What would it look like if everyone could move from inclusion to belonging, where individuals with disabilities are empowered to fully contribute in the lives of their communities? Erik Carter came to Baylor from Vanderbilt University in 2022 to blaze new trails in research at the intersection of faith and disability. He takes listeners inside that work and shares the conviction that everyone’s contributions are vital.

When Doug McNamee returned to his alma mater as Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, he promised a focus on fans and experiences alongside the pursuit of excellence on the field or court. In recent weeks, Baylor Athletics has announced new initiatives to reduce friction points for fans attending games, from tailgating to concessions and more. Doug shares insights on delivering a great fan experience, galvanizing the passion of the Baylor Family, supporting student-athletes and more in this Baylor Connections conversation.

“If you build it, they will come,” says John Wood of Baylor’s 508,000‑square‑foot Baylor Sciences Building (BSB), an elite facility that houses Baylor’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry alongside other science disciplines. A nationally recognized leader in organic synthesis whose work contributes to drug leads for cancer and numerous other diseases, Wood speaks from inside his BSB research lab about his department’s continued growth—ranging from advances in understanding disease to expanding work in materials chemistry and beyond. He also reflects on the collaborative environment the BSB enables and shares why mentorship remains a passion as he and his colleagues nurture resilient, creative future problem‑solvers.

Hannah Stolze of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business shares takes listeners inside the global supply chain. Stolze explains how recent disruptions and new technologies like artificial intelligence are changing how goods move around the world, and further shares how Baylor’s approach to supply chain leadership emphasizes ethics, people, and human dignity alongside innovation and efficiency.

Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary lives out every part of the Baylor motto "Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo" as it equips those who will serve the Church for service and leadership. Todd Still, the Dean of Truett Seminary, describes how the seminary advances into its fourth decade of service, embodying "deep roots and green shoots" in foundation-centered innovation.

What does it take for students to flourish academically and holistically during their college years? Carroll Crowson, Director of Academic Support Programs at Baylor’s Paul L. Foster Success Center, shares how Baylor provides personalized resources—from tutoring and supplemental instruction to academic mentoring and resiliency training—that empower students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Families have made a significant investment in their student’s years at Baylor, and the University has built a culture of care that helps those students reach their full potential.

As healthcare needs and opportunities grow, Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is responding with innovative approaches to prepare compassionate leaders for the field. Dean Jason Carter shares Robbins Colleges distinctives like interprofessional education, hybrid graduate programs, elite research and cutting-edge technology, highlighting the ways Baylor shapes graduates who serve patients and communities with integrity and excellence.

How do science and theology intersect to promote human flourishing? Baylor researchers Sarah Schnitker and Devan Stahl share how research collaborations bridge psychology, ethics, and faith to address real-world challenges. They discuss the origins of their research partnership, a new collaborative human thriving research center at Baylor, and a project that equips scholars to integrate empirical research with theological inquiry.

What happens when critical equipment breaks down in a remote location, like a far-flung military battlefield or even Outer Space? Baylor’s Point-of-Need Innovation Center (PONI) answers that question in the form of innovative solutions. Brian Jordon, Paul Allison and their students develop technologies that reduce supply chain delays, cut costs and promote sustainability. Discover how Baylor is innovating in these areas for defense, aerospace, and humanitarian applications—all with an eye toward human flourishing.

Mandy Hering never expected her career to flow into water research. But today, her statistical science expertise addresses global needs and supports municipal water systems across the country in pursuit of new ways to deliver clean water. Discover how the Baylor mission and statistics intersect to protect water resources for the future.

What does it really mean for humans and communities to flourish? The answers aren’t always what you might expect, which makes Byron Johnson’s landmark Global Flourishing Study a seminal contribution to the field. This massive study—the largest of its kind—has shared its first wave of insights, with more coming in the months ahead. Learn what he and a team of elite global researchers found in countries around the world that unlock clues to help people thrive in meaningful ways. 

Sawyer Robertson has become one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, but there’s far more to his story than the highlights on the field. Robertson analyzes his journey to the starting quarterback position at Baylor, highlights meaningful moments with his teammates and classmates and discusses what it means to have a national platform to share his faith through football.

Mind, body and spirit—the Baylor student experience is distinct in higher education, with nationally recognized resources to help students grow as leaders, provide avenues to serve others, support their physical and mental health and promote spiritual growth. Sharra Hynes, Baylor’s Vice President for Student Life, presents 10 areas in which the Baylor student experience shines.

When you turn the faucet, you expect clean water to pour out. Baylor researchers Bryan Brooks and Thad Scott examine current and future challenges to water quality and availability, and demonstrate how Baylor has become an internationally trusted leader in water quality research.

As a new academic year takes shape,  join President Livingstone at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center to reflect on Baylor University's expanding global footprint and vibrant campus life.