Baylor Connections

Dorina and Marius Mitrea

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.

Dakota Farquhar-Caddell and Bailey Havis

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.

Holly Oxhandler

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.

Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi

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.

Brad Livingstone

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.

Ashley Otto

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

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

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.