Same Field, New Name
If it wasn’t clear from the baseball field found amid the shops of the Magnolia Silos, Katy Ballpark, Chip (’98), and Joanna Gaines (’01) carry a deep love for baseball.
On January 12th, Baylor University announced the largest gift in the history of the Baylor Baseball Program.
A press release from Baylor states, “The gift will name Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark and support the program’s anticipated capital projects.”
Magnolia has been a longtime supporter of Baylor Athletics, but baseball holds a special place in the hearts of Chip and Joanna.
In an article from KXXV, the Gaines said, “Baseball, in particular, has played a meaningful role in our family for generations. It’s where lessons are passed down, relationships are built, and memories are made—on and off the field.”
Nursing News
Dr. Tayna M. Sudia, the former associate dean and professor at Baylor Nursing, is returning to Baylor; this time, as Dean of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
Most recently, Dr. Sudia served as Interim Dean, Chief Nursing Officer, and professor at the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Before her time at UTA, Dr. Sudia was the Dean of Augusta University College of Nursing. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice.
In a press release from Baylor, Dr. Sudia said, “I am honored and blessed to return to Baylor. I look forward to continuing the trajectory of notable accomplishments by Dean Plank.”
A Place for All of Us
Nearly 100 universities have disability centers, but Baylor is the only faith-based university with one.
Baylor believes that every single one of the 1.6 billion people worldwide who experience disability should feel they have a place of belonging in the Church.
Faculty and students from across the Baylor family are coming together to support this center’s growth in its research efforts. Housed in the School of Education, the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing is particularly focused on equipping churches and Christian schools to care for and support young people with disabilities, preparing them for a life of flourishing.
The BCDF’s work unites rigorous research with deep theological conviction. Centering “listening” as a core research practice, the center is committed to understanding the lived realities of people with disabilities and allowing those experiences to shape its work.
Erik Carter, Ph.D., executive director of the BCDF, said in an article from Baylor Magazine, “We don’t see disability as a problem to be solved. We see every person as fearfully and wonderfully made, image-bearers of God. Our calling is to help communities live that out.”
#1 In the Business
Baylor’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program is on an impressive winning streak. For the 16th time in the past 17 years, the program is a top-10 national pick in its field. This year, according to U.S. News, it is ranked Number 10 nationally.
Baylor’s Entrepreneurship program has been supporting its ambitious and creative students for almost 50 years. It was one of the first universities to develop an official program in entrepreneurial studies. Continually recognized as a top program in the country, Baylor’s department prides itself on helping students understand the higher purposes of business and entrepreneurship.
Brockmole to Serve as Dean
James R. Brockmole, Ph.D., has been announced as the new dean of Baylor’s College of Arts and Sciences. Brockmole joins Baylor from the University of Notre Dame, where he served as professor and chair of the Department of Psychology. The College of Arts & Sciences represents almost half of all Baylor students. It is the largest academic division at the university with 25 departments.
“I am honored to serve as the next Dean of Baylor’s College of Arts and Sciences,” Brockmore says in an article from Baylor. “I believe faith-based universities are well-positioned to address the world’s biggest challenges by blending rigorous inquiry with a deep sense of moral purpose and a commitment to human flourishing. The focus is not only on how the world works, but also why the world matters.”
Brockmore will join Baylor this summer, succeeding Lee C. Nordt, Ph.D., the longest-serving Dean in the history of the College.
Obituaries
ROBERT WOLGEMUTH
Robert Wolgemuth, accomplished author, beloved father, and dear husband, passed away January 10, 2026 following a battle with complications from pneumonia. In his final hours, he was surrounded by family and close friends. He was 77 years old.
Robert is remembered by his wife, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, founder of Revive Our Hearts, and his two daughters, whom he shared with his late wife Bobbie Wolgemuth. Robert was a loving grandfather of five and a great-grandfather of four.
Robert’s career in the publishing industry spanned more than 40 years, and he is a bestselling author of more than 20 books. After working for Campus Life Magazine, Robert transitioned to Word Publishing in Waco, where he served from the late 1970s to the early 1980s.
During his time in Waco, he touched the lives of many members of the Baylor family and local community with his friendship and wisdom. Robert then went on to become the president of Thomas Nelson Publishers before founding his own literary agency, Wolgemuth & Associates, which is now Wolgemuth & Wilson. Once he retired from Wolgemuth & Associates, he spent the remainder of his career working alongside his wife, Nancy, at Revive Our Hearts.
Robert has been described as a legend in Christian publishing and will be remembered for his passion, dedication, and craft. He is remembered by his army of friends and family as a spiritual role model and wise leader.
EMILY TINSLEY
Emily Tinsley, former Vice President of the Baylor Alumni Association, passed away on December 23, 2025, at age 85. Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega sorority (Now Pi Beta Phi) and a former Baylor Beauty. Emily met her husband Richard Tinsley in her freshman year at Baylor and, together, they raised two daughters before Richard passed in 2023.
Emily will be remembered for her commitment to Baylor’s flourishing. She was a champion for the Baylor Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame awards and was dedicated to recognizing and honoring outstanding alumni. Emily was the founding president of the Baylor University Women’s Association of Houston and served a 9-year term on the Board of Regents. She consistently advocated for open and honest leadership within the Baylor family, even after her term was over. Emily’s legacy lives on through the countless students, alumni, and leaders she inspired, as well as through the enduring strength of the Baylor community she so deeply loved.
