Baylor in the News – Jan. 29-Feb. 4, 2023

Media Contact: Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-1961
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WACO, Texas (Feb. 5, 2023) – Baylor University researchers and faculty experts were featured in national and local media stories as they shared their thoughts and expertise on grassroots activism during the U.S. civil rights movement, the connection of more extreme winter weather events to climate change and the obsession over the Chinese spy balloon and what it says about contemporary American culture.

Jan. 30, 2023

Patheos: Every Day People in Every Day Places: Local Civil Rights Movements and the Long Black Freedom Struggle
Allie Roberts, a doctoral candidate in history at Baylor, writes about books about local civil rights movements that reveal local oppression and local resistance in the small-town South. Roberts’ research focuses on Black women’s leadership and grassroots activism during the 20th century, particularly during the U.S. civil rights movement.

Jan. 31, 2023

Verywell Health: Can Listening to Pop Music Help You Fall Asleep?
Baylor sleep researcher Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and neuroscience, says one of the main reasons music might help someone fall asleep is fairly simple: it can help you relax. However, if you’re experiencing insomnia, Scullin said listening to music shouldn’t necessarily be the first trick you try. Instead, it’s best to give stimulus control practices a shot.

The Christian Century: Thinking through abortion ethics in the classroom
Jonathan Tran, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophical theology and George W. Baines Chair of Religion at Baylor, writes about teaching a bioethics class this fall on abortion, with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade presenting an opportunity to wade through the waters of what is arguably America’s most intense moral debate. “What if we began with character, my students and I asked, rather than rights?”

Feb. 1, 2023

KCEN-TV (NBC/Waco): Is climate change the reason for winter freezes in Texas?
VIDEO: Dan Peppe, Ph.D., associate professor of geosciences at Baylor, is interviewed for this story about why Texas is experiencing more frequent extreme winter weather events, says his paleoclimatology research points to climate change playing a major role. He studies plant fossils around the globe to understand climate and how our carbon footprint plays a role in the changes we see over time.

Waco Tribune-Herald: Baylor Opera spoofs pretentiousness in Gilbert & Sullivan's ‘Patience’
“Patience,” the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta presented this weekend by Baylor Opera Theatre, takes its name from a central character, but its subject is more about pretentiousness than waiting. Baylor Opera Theatre director Jen Stephenson, D.M.A., is quoted in the article.

Feb. 2, 2023

KWBU-FM (NPR/Waco): Business Review: Model of Leadership
AUDIO: Marlene Neill, Ph.D., associate professor of journalism, public relations and new media at Baylor, explains how crucible experiences can test, develop and transform leaders.

Houston Chronicle: UH adopts new tenure policy as Texas Legislature braces for fight led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted in this article about a Texas legislative session expected to include a push by the lieutenant governor to end tenure status for new hires at all Texas public universities.

Feb. 3, 2023

Baylor Connections: Whitney Jones
AUDIO: Every student has a story, and at Baylor’s Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE), they get to know those stories as they help students find success and belonging on campus. In this Baylor Connections, Whitney Jones, CASE Senior Director, shares how Baylor helps students develop skills to make the most of their college years and provides resources to connect and engage with others.

Waco Tribune-Herald: Blake Burleson, A. Christian Van Gorder: Grim moments color Texas Rangers’ heritage
Baylor faculty Blake Burleson, Ph.D., senior lecturer in religion and associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Arts & Sciences, and A. Christian van Gorder, Ph.D., associate professor of Islamic studies and world religions, write about the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum leadership planning to “tell a more complete history of the organization, warts and all.”

Feb. 4, 2023

The New York Times: Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a … Chinese Spy Balloon?
Greg Garrett, Ph.D., professor of English at Baylor and a note faith and cultural critic, is quoted in this article about what our obsession over the Chinese spy balloon says about contemporary American culture.

Killeen Daily Herald: Hundreds from around Central Texas attend HBCU College Fair and Black History Showcase in Killeen
Baylor Law professor Connie Nichols and a member of the Waco Central Texas Links is quoted in the article about Killeen’s HBCU College Fair and African American Arts and History Showcase that connected students with HBCUs and featured educational mini-seminars, performances, storytelling, spoken word, classes on genealogy and book writing, arts and crafts and more.

ABOUT BAYLOR MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Baylor's Office of Media and Public Relations (M&PR) supports the University's Illuminate strategic plan as a top Christian research university by focusing on faculty research and expert opinions, innovative teaching, major awards and recognition, and community involvement. Through its media training workshops, the Baylor M&PR team develops faculty experts to effectively communicate the impact of their research or speak as subject-matter experts into national trends and conversations with media outlets, through Hot Topics and on the Baylor Connections podcast. Our faculty expert directory is available on the M&PR website at www.baylor.edu/news/experts.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.