Please follow these links to view some samples of my writing:
https://magazine.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2026/faculty-residence-resource-residential-students
https://youindeed.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2025/determined-are-leaders
https://youindeed.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2025/faithful-are-healers
https://youindeed.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2025/inspired-are-trendsetters
https://magazine.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2024/envisioning-future
A New Chapter for Educators: Culture of Joy 2026 at Foster Pavilion
Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership invites school leaders and educators to begin their academic year at Culture of Joy 2026 on August 3, 2026. Taking place at Foster Pavilion, Culture of Joy 2026 is a gathering designed to launch educators into their most joyful year yet!
“We believe that cultivating effective leaders and teachers is the key to unlocking the potential of each student,” Jon Eckert, Ed.D., executive director of the center for school leadership said. “That’s why we strive to prepare and nourish the leaders we serve, so they can, in turn, serve their students with excellence.”
Rather than a traditional conference, Culture of Joy is a professional learning experience that highlights educator success and provides opportunities to explore how joy can be central to daily practice. Through idea sharing, networking and inspirational storytelling, Culture of Joy 2026 will lay the groundwork upon which to build joyful, thriving school communities.
This year’s two-hour event will be emceed by award-winning actress, director, producer and author Alison Sweeney. Culture of Joy will bring together experienced school leaders, classroom teachers, superintendents and voices like Baylor University’s First Gent and experienced educator Brad Linginstone and CSL Executive Director Jon Eckert, Ed.D., to explore the ABCs (adversity, belonging and curiosity) of joy. There may even be a surprise guest or two!
This event offers powerful stories of educators and their impact in schools of all sizes across regions and grade levels. It brings educators together to build lasting connection
This year, the Baylor Center for School Leadership aims to fill Foster Pavilion with educators who are committed to intentional growth and connection. Teachers and school staff will join colleagues from around the world for an event that honors the depth of their work and equips them to lead with joy — uplifting students, staff and entire school communities.
Truett Seminary Launches New Baptist World Alliance Program
This first-of-its-kind graduate program housed in Baylor’s seminary will prepare Baptist leaders for mission and ministry
In July 2025, the Baptist World Alliance and Baylor University announced the establishment of a Baptist World Alliance Program, the first-ever university-based, graduate-level study center devoted specifically to the study of the life, history and ongoing mission and ministry of the Baptist World Alliance. The BWA Program will be housed at Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
“This is an important moment for Baylor University as we give action to our new membership in the Baptist World Alliance. The BWA Program is a natural extension of a common global vision, and it aligns with Baylor’s expanded motto, Pro Ecclesia (For the Church), For Texana (For Texas), Pro Mundo (For the World),” said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. “We look forward to this program at Truett Seminary and to having the ability with the Baptist World Alliance to impact the world for Christ in even more significant ways in the future.”
The BWA Program will offer multidisciplinary, academic and scholarly education, research, support and practical engagement. Anticipated activities include both non-credit and graduate-level certificates for current and future leaders, pastors and students; collaborative learning opportunities including courses, workshops, conferences and seminars; speaking opportunities at Baylor University and Baptist World Alliance events; and support for research and active scholarship. In addition, Truett Seminary will offer seminars leading to a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in collaboration with the John Leland Center for Theological Studies at the BWA global headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.
In support of the new BWA Program, a $2.5 million gift from alumni Susan and Lee Bush of Athens, Texas, has established the Lampsato Endowed Chair of Baptist World Missional Engagement and the Lampsato Endowed Fund at Truett Seminary. The Lampsato Chair will provide leadership and programmatic support, while leading research and scholarship efforts through the program and supporting its outreach efforts. The Lampsato Endowed Fund will offer additional dedicated funding to support the Lampsato chairholder's research and work as well as efforts and events related to the program.
The Baptist World Alliance and Baylor have a long, substantive relationship and share many deep connections. Since the BWA’s founding in 1905, Baylor has participated generally in the BWA through its affiliation with Texas Baptists and directly after Baylor became a full BWA member partner in 2024 – after educational institutions were allowed to join. Truett Seminary’s namesake, Rev. George W. Truett, served as president of the BWA from 1934-39, while the Seminary itself has shared in leadership opportunities through the BWA for years, including the recent Baptist International Conference on Theological Education in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as in certification and continuing education.
With the BWA as the largest global network of Baptists and Baylor as the largest Baptist university in the world, the two entities will continue to work together to embrace a Baptist identity, invest in training and extend God’s call for all people through all disciplines to participate in the mission of God around the world.