Baylor Connections

Hosted by Baylor University - Baylor Connections

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A weekly podcast introducing the Waco community to the people behind Baylor’s teaching, research and distinct role in higher education.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 79424 min

Baylor Missions: Serving and Learning Around the World

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.

June 2, 2026Episode 79325 min

Baylor Summer Camps: Connecting Kids to the Campus Experience

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.

May 19, 2026Episode 79223 min

Fulbright Honors: Shaping the Next Generation of Global Leaders

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.

May 5, 2026Episode 79121 min

Jon Eckert: Baylor Center for School Leadership

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.

April 21, 2026Episode 79024 min

Baylor ECS: Engineering the Future

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.

April 7, 2026Episode 78924 min

Eddie Contreras: Baylor's Vibrant, Caring Global Community

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.

March 24, 2026Episode 78812 min

President Livingstone

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.

March 10, 2026Episode 78723 min

Erik Carter: Faith, Disability and the Power of Belonging

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.

February 24, 2026Episode 78623 min

Doug McNamee: Fan First Era in Baylor Athletics

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.

February 10, 2026Episode 78523 min

John Wood: Elite Science and Mentorship

“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.