Truett Seminary to Launch Dallas Campus
Truett Seminary announced a plan to open a New location in Dallas, Texas, in the fall of 2027. The new campus will be housed in Park Cities Baptist Church and will join Truett’s other locations — Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Houston and Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio.
“One way we have sought to make a Truett-quality education increasingly accessible and affordable is to join hands with supportive congregations in our state’s major urban centers,” said Truett Dean Dr. Todd Still, according to an article from Truett Seminary. “To be able to partner in this new endeavor with our old friends at the historic, strategic Park Cities Baptist Church, along with other anchor churches in Dallas and throughout the Metroplex, is a joyful, hopeful development for us and, we trust, for the students and constituents we will serve.”
Pat Green at Baylor Backyard Live
Country music artist Pat Green is kicking off the Baylor Backyard Live game-day concert series this fall at the Big 12 Opener vs. Colorado in Touchdown Alley. The concert is free and open to all as part of Baylor Athletics ’ “Fan First Era.” Concerts will continue through the rest of the season, immediately following the Bear Walk, with music beginning around an hour and 45 minutes before each kickoff.
“There’s no denying Pat Green is a Texas music icon. He’s the perfect fit for the tailgating scene as he brings incredible energy and will help make Baylor Backyard Live a memorable part of game day for our fans,” said Jason Cook, Baylor vice president of marketing and communications and chief marketing officer, according to a Baylor Press Release. “We’re excited to welcome Pat to Touchdown Alley at McLane Stadium and look forward to the unforgettable atmosphere he will create for our fans as the Bears open Big 12 play vs. Colorado.”
New Slavic and Eastern European Studies Minor
The College of Arts & Sciences recently announced the addition of a new minor in Slavic and Eastern European Studies to be offered starting this fall. The minor will require 18 hours of coursework, including two required courses: Introduction to Slavic and East European Studies and History of East Central Europe. Students will acquire the remaining 12 hours from a list of 26 additional course options.
“This new minor will complement many other majors and areas of study, such as political science, business, and even science and technology fields, including engineering,” said Dr. Steven G. Jug, senior lecturer in history, according to an article from the College of Arts & Sciences. “It will allow students with an interest in this region to learn more about it without having to commit to the hours needed for a major.”
Nurse Camp
The Baylor Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) recently wrapped up its 4th annual Student Nurse Camp. 112 campers, ranging from 9th to 12th grade students, got an inside look at what it is like to attend nursing school. Throughout the program, students learned about Baylor’s admission requirements, observed nursing skills and simulations, and met with nursing faculty and students.
“The camp is a great experience for the high school students as well as the School of Nursing team,” said Lisa M. Jones, DNP, MPH, RN, CNEcl, Associate Dean for Pre-Licensure Program, Clinical Assistant Professor, according to an article from LHSON. “The students learn all about the different opportunities offered within the profession of nursing. We encourage them to take care of themselves, do well in school, and consider being a part of our Baylor family. As the LHSON team works with the students and listens to laughter, excitement, and answers questions, we are reminded why we became nurses and why we teach.”
New Business Library Liaison
Baylor Libraries recently announced the arrival of Hilary Turner, who is stepping into a role as the university’s Business Liaison Librarian. Turner will partner with students and faculty in the Hankamer School of Business to provide research support. Having worked in publishing, higher education, and corporate marketing, Turner has the unique background necessary to thrive in this role.
“This role is essentially my dream job. It’s the culmination of all the different pieces of my life coming together: My business background, my time as an MBA student, and my love of connecting people with information,” said Turner, according to an article from Baylor Libraries. “I’m excited to give back to Baylor business students the experience I’ve gained and my librarianship education, and eager to work with my new colleagues across the Baylor Libraries. And Waco has already charmed me with its historical neighborhoods, coffee shops, independent bookstore, and the ease of getting around. I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”
New Programs in Public Health
Baylor University’s Department of Public Health announced the launch of several new programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels beginning this fall.
At the undergraduate level, the department added Pre-Medical and Pre-Physician Assistant concentration options in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health. These concentrations will help students fulfill medical and PA school prerequisite requirements, better setting them up for future success.
At the graduate level, there are multiple new Master of Public Health (MPH) programs. The first is an MPH in Bioethics. This program will equip students to analyze and articulate the ethical challenges in public health.
The second graduate-level opportunity is an MPH in Health Data Analytics. The program was developed to meet the need for healthcare professionals who can leverage large-scale data to improve quality of care.
Finally, Baylor Public Health has also partnered with the Robbins Institute for Health Policy and Leadership in the Hankamer School of Business to offer an MBA–Healthcare Administration / MPH–Community Health Science (MBA/MPH) dual degree. This three-year program positions students to take on leadership roles in health organizations.
Mark Arnold to Direct Baylor Bronze Handbell Ensemble
Mark Arnold is joining the Baylor School of Music as an Adjunct Lecturer and the Director of the Baylor Bronze Handbell Ensemble. Arnold, who first began playing handbells while a student at the University of Kansas, has been directing handbell groups for over 40 years. Currently, he serves as the Director of Handbell Ministries at First Baptist Church in Keller and an Instrumental Music Specialist and Substitute Teacher for Keller ISD.
“Baylor Bronze has a long history of exemplary music making and handbell education. My mission at Baylor is to extend that history while reaching out to new students and new audiences, both locally and in other settings,” said Arnold, according to an article from the School of Music. “I am thrilled, honored, and a bit frightened to join the music faculty at Baylor, where the ensembles perform at an extremely high standard while respecting the unique contributions of each student musician. It’s a real privilege to be part of this group!”
History Professor named 2026 Piper Professor for the State of Texas
Dr. Stephen M. Sloan, Baylor University history professor, director of the Institute for Oral History, and executive director of the national Oral History Association, was named a Piper Professor of 2026 for the state of Texas by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. Each year, the foundation honors 10 professors for outstanding achievements and dedication to teaching.
“Dr. Stephen Sloan embodies the very qualities the Piper Professor Award celebrates through his exceptional teaching, impactful scholarship and unwavering commitment to students and communities across Texas,” President Livingstone said, according to a Baylor press release. “From inspiring curiosity in the classroom to elevating Texas stories through nationally recognized oral history research, Dr. Sloan has made a profound and lasting impact on Baylor, his profession and our state. We are incredibly proud to see him honored as a Piper Professor and grateful for the many ways he enriches the lives of our students and the broader Texas community.”
