New Venture Competition
Collegiate entrepreneurs from across the world will soon have the opportunity to compete for up to $50,000 to launch their business.
The Hankamer School of Buisness is hosting the New Venture Competition from March 27-28. More than $200,000 in cash prizes and resources are on the line for these college innovators who will have the opportunity to showcase their business plan.
The top 10 competing teams come from a large pool of applicants who were selected through two preliminary rounds to compete at Baylor. The event is open to the public, allowing students to meet wth potential partners and investors.
“The business teams that compete in the NVC are not only encouraged to network and market their ideas to external sources but also have the opportunity to raise additional capital for their business venture,” said Program Manager Priscilla James, according to an article from Baylor. “Some of the winners have gone on to be recognized by Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30,’ and have partnered with the Department of Defense or Mayo Clinic.”
Moody School of Education Teaching Initiative
Baylor’s Moody School of Education instituted an exciting new initiative, establishing a formal agreement with Teach for America. This new partnership creates pathways for TFA alumni to pursue graduate studies at Baylor. The goal of the initiative is to expand access to professional learning opportunities.
“At the Moody School of Education, we place tremendous value on developing thoughtful, innovative educational leaders. By connecting Teach For America corps members and alumni with our graduate programs, we are supporting individuals who are already making a difference and equipping them with advanced tools to lead change more effectively,” Dr. Terrill Saxon, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Moody School of Education, told Baylor Instant Impact.
Beall Poetry Festival
The 32nd annual Beall Poetry Festival will take place next week from March 18-20. The festival is a three-day celebration of contemporary poetry and includes readings from featured guests, a panel discussion, a lecture, and an award ceremony for a student literary contest.
This year, featured guests include Matthew Olzmann, Paisley Rekdal, and Marcus Wicker. The John A. DeLouise McClelland Beall Endowed Fund supports the festival.
Mosquito Facts
An exciting new study from Baylor is helping produce better mosquito repellants.
Research conducted by an international team, including Jason Pitts, Ph.D., associate professor of biology at Baylor, found that mosquitoes have a specific sensory receptor that detects borneol, a compound found in many plants and herbs. Their study was published in Nature Communications.
Research like this can help develop more effective repellents and protect people from diseases like malaria and the Zika virus.
Bridges to Belonging Inagural Cohort
Baylor Bridges to Belonging concluded its inaugural congregational cohort at Truett Theological Seminary on February 20.
The project, a collaboration between Truett Theological Seminary, the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing in the Moody School of Education, and the Center for Church and Community Impact in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, focuses on helping churches support and welcome young people with disabilities.
The cohort includes 16 churches from 10 denominations across Texas. Leaders from these churches gather monthly for discussion and worship. Over the course of two years, the leaders imagine and implement strategies for better serving young people with disabilities, mental health challenges, or chronic illnesses in their congregations.
Applications to participate in the next cohort are open. Churches interested in applying can learn more here.
Carson Sheldon – Ultramarathoner
This Baylor senior has been running – a lot.
Carson Sheldon, a 22-year-old communications major, wants to run eight ultramarathons in eight months. So far, his longest run has been 65 miles. Sheldon began running as an escape and to process his emotions. Now, he hopes to motivate others towards longevity, proving that it is possible to push yourself towards long-term goals.
For his eighth and final run, Sheldon is planning to run 75 miles from Waco to the Buc-ee’s in Hillsboro.
“I’m a big believer that pain is an invitation to grow,” he told KWTX.
Donald Trump Jr. to Visit Baylor
As a part of Turning Point USA’s “This is the Turning Point” spring campus tour, Donald Trump Jr., Border Czar Tom Homan, and Benny Johnson will visit Baylor’s campus on April 22.
In addition to visiting Baylor, the tour also has stops scheduled at George Washington University, the University of Georgia, Ohio State University, and the University of Idaho.
Sports Roundup
Men’s Basketball
Scott Drew has been with Baylor Men’s Basketball for 23 seasons and, in a game against the Utah Utes, secured his 500th career win. He is now one of 25 active Division I head coaches with at least 500 wins.
“The culture of JOY – Jesus, others yourself – is something special here. And it’s a blessing to be a part of,” said Drew, according to Baylor Bear Insider.
Softball
Softball sophomore Cambree Creager was honored with the D1 Softball National Pitcher of the Week award this week. Creager is Baylor’s first national pitcher of the week since 2023. The Georgetown, Texas native is now ranked seventh in the conference in innings pitched and is tied for sixth in strikeouts.
Football
Baylor is hosting its first Pro Day since the 2023 season, since the event has shifted from the Big 12 conference back to the individual schools.
The event will take place on March 22 and start with strength and agility testing in the Fuge Development Center weight room. On-field testing and quarterback drills will follow.
Spring Practice begins on March 24, and Baylor opens its 2026 season in Atlanta on September 5.
Acrobatics and Tumbling
Baylor’s Acrobatics and Tumbling team triumphed over No. 4 Iona on Monday at Hynes Athletic Center. The final score was 281.030 against Iona’s 266.045. The team has a short break before competing against Duquesne on March 28.
