Baylor in the News – May 5-11, 2024

Contact: Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-710-1961
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Note: The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of the University.

WACO, Texas (May 11, 2024) – Baylor University researchers and faculty experts were featured in national and local media stories about a life-size bronze Columbian mammoth family arriving at the Mayborn Museum, the mental benefits of walking a labyrinth and the extreme solar storm that is providing a rare glimpse of the northern lights in Texas. 

May 6, 2024

Reworked: Banning Smartphones in the Workplace Might Not Be the Best Idea

This article cites research by Baylor sociology senior lecturer Christopher Pieper, Ph.D., about the effect of smartphones on work-life balance and how they are unlikely to give a person feelings of purpose or meaning. 

WIA Report: Eight Women Appointed to New Faculty Positions

Elisabeth R. Kincaid, Ph.D., has been named director of the Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor. She will also serve as an associate professor of ethics, faith and culture at Truett Seminary and an affiliate faculty member of management. 

Waco Tribune-Herald: Mike Copeland: Baylor campus accolades; AC Hotel grand opening; Clifton native's clothing line; $33.5B for mom

This column includes three Baylor news items: Baylor named one of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report and Architectural Digest; two recent hires, Elisabeth Kincaid, Ph.D., as director of the Institute of Faith and Learning, and Toby J. Brooks, Ph.D., as director of the Academy for Teaching and Learning; and three permits issued for renovations to the Draper Academic Building, soccer locker rooms and Baylor Law School. 

Waco Tribune-Herald: China Spring student competing at International Science and Engineering Fair

AUDIO: Abhendra Singh, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Baylor, has been supervising a China Spring High School sophomore who was selected to compete with his research in material sciences at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles.

May 7, 2024

Waco Tribune-Herald: Repaired giraffe sculpture begins return to Waco Sculpture Zoo after damage from car crash

VIDEO: Baylor sculpture professor Robbie Barber, M.F.A., and his art students have completed repairs on “Geri,” an 18-foot steel giraffe sculpture he created for the Sculpture Zoo in Cameron Park. The sculpture had to be removed in 2022 due to damage from a car accident and has been through extensive repairs in Barber’s studio. A crew of over 11 Baylor students and staff helped return “Geri” to his original location in the park. 

Coeur d'Alene Press: Prayer is good for body, too

Results from the Baylor Religion Survey are cited in this column on the benefits of prayer and meditation which connects an increase in life satisfaction with secure belief systems and church attendance. 

May 8, 2024

BBC: Labyrinth walking: An ancient activity that could help ease anxiety

Jocelyn Shealy McGee, Ph.D., assistant professor of social work at Baylor, is quoted in this article exploring the anxiety-reducing effects of labyrinth walking. She states the practice can “reduce stress, cultivate self-compassion and connection and provide an opportunity for reflection on one's life and meaning making.” 

Waco Tribune-Herald: Mammoth bronzes arrive at Mayborn as museum marks 20th year, renovations

VIDEO: The Mayborn Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the installation of three life-size bronze Columbian mammoths at the entrance of the museum. Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., cut the ribbon for the unveiling of the sculptures before a weekend-long celebration and start of the museum’s “Reigniting Curiosity” campaign. KWTX-TV also covered the unveiling of the bronze mammoths. 

Next Avenue: How Oral Histories Bring Family Stories to Life

Steven Sielaff, senior editor and collection manager at Baylor’s Institute for Oral History, offers advice on how to collect oral stories and the joy he finds in being part of the oral history industry. 

May 9, 2024

Gone Medieval: The Viking Age: What Discoveries Reveal

AUDIO: Davide Zori, Ph.D., associate professor of history and archaeology in the Honors College at Baylor, was interviewed on the Gone Medieval podcast about new excavation and archaeological techniques that are furthering the understanding of the Viking Age. 

May 10, 2024

Baylor Connections: President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.

AUDIO: At the end of another school year at Baylor, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., sits down to discuss highlights from the past year and looks ahead toward the summer months. On this Baylor Connections, President Livingstone previews the University’s new strategic plan, shares insights on a record-setting class of Fulbright Award recipients, details summer projects across the University and more.

KXXV-TV (ABC/Waco): Baylor preps for 2024 graduation

VIDEO: Teresa Mellon, assistant vice president of strategic events at Baylor, was interviewed on the process of preparing the Ferrell Center for four graduation ceremonies. Heavenlee Vasquez, B.A. ’24, also was interviewed.

KWKT-TV (FOX/Waco): New Baylor alumni share life goals post-graduation

VIDEO: Three May 2024 Baylor graduates share their thoughts and feelings on being able to experience commencement in person and what life will be like after graduation. 

KDFW-TV (FOX/Dallas-Fort Worth): Northern lights visible across North Texas due to 'extreme' solar storm

VIDEO: Trey Cade, Ph.D., director of Baylor's space weather research laboratory and the Baylor Institute for Air Science, was interviewed for this report on the severe G5 geomagnetic storm impacting Earth and how Texans will have a rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights. 

May 11, 2024

Patheos: Campus Protests And The 1995 Nationwide College Revivals

Elesha J. Coffman, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Baylor, writes this comparison of the current protests of the Israel-Hamas war to the 1995 campus revivals, noting that religion is a major aspect in both demonstrations. Coffman writes that while it is not an obvious comparison, it can be instructive in understanding the movement of religious awakenings on college campuses today. 

ABOUT BAYLOR MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Baylor's Office of Media and Public Relations (M&PR) supports the University's Illuminate strategic plan as a premier Christian Research 1 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.

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.