Baylor Connections

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 Athletic Director, 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.