Dear Division Colleagues,
In this edition of Spotlight, we are sharing the Division of Student Life’s Strategic Plan and its alignment with Baylor In Deeds. This plan reaffirms our collective commitment to enriching the Baylor experience through life-changing programs and services resulting in an integrated education known for virtuous leadership and service, Christian faith and community, and the holistic development of students.
At the heart of our plan are four guiding themes: enriching heart, mind, body, and soul through formative experiences; expanding research efforts to improve how we support students; fostering a strong, virtuous community; and faithfully caring for the people, spaces, and resources that make Baylor special. These themes reflect our dedication to creating a thriving environment for students now and in the future.
Together, we are shaping a Baylor experience that prepares students for lives of leadership and service, ensuring a lasting impact beyond our campus.
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Staff Development – On Thursday, Feb. 13, we held our first staff development event of the Spring. Titled From Vision to Action: Collaboration for Baylor in Deeds, Tim Gibson—retired U.S. Air Force pilot and Brigadier General and former president of The King’s College—served as our guest speaker, helping us to think about managing expectations as we collaborate in executing on shared goals. Our next staff development event on March 20 will continue delving into our division plan as we focus on and develop skills needed for future success.
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Leadership Speaker Series – The Leadership Speaker Series hosted Olympian, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and author Idara Otu this week. Ms. Otu’s experience evidences that the corporate arena, entrepreneurship, and social impact can coexist. She discussed the intersection of her areas of expertise with postures of leadership to include character, virtue, and ethics; as well as flourishing and the common good.
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All-University Sing – All-University Sing kicked off last night for the first of six shows over the next week. 2,250 Students are participating this year with 2,107 of them performing on stage. More than just performances, student participants come away from this annual event having put into practice leadership skills, accounting, management, organizational behavior, and many other experiences. All-University Sing dates back to 1953 at Baylor as one of most beloved traditions by students and alumni.
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Help Us Find Welcome Week Leaders – As staff in the Division of Student Life, building relationships with our students is what we do. There is a good chance you know some upperclassmen who might enjoy reliving the fun they had during Welcome Week. Encourage them to come back to campus a little early and become a Welcome Week Leader for this next fall! We are advertising the following to them starting next week:
Make a difference in our community by welcoming the newest Bears home to Baylor! New Student Programs is now accepting applications for Welcome Week Leaders. Help guide our new students as they begin their Baylor journey! Click HERE for more information.
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Nominate a Shout Out – In an effort to recognize and celebrate the good work performed by our dedicated Division of Student Life staff in a timely way, Spotlight Shoutout highlights staff who have gone above and beyond the scope of regular duties in a way that had substantive, positive impact on others and/or whose level of excellence in a particular program or initiative was exemplary. You may nominate any staff member within the division using THIS FORM.
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Women’s History Month – Baylor University celebrates Women's History Month through a series of events, recognizing the great contributions that women have made to our nation and our campus! To see a full list of events, click HERE.
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Gospelfest – Saturday, February 22, 2025, Carver Park Baptist Church, 1020 Herring Ave. The 2025 Gospel Fest features Baylor’s Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir as well as UNT’s Voices of Praise and TCU’s Word of Truth Gospel Choir.
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Spring Break – March 10-14. Remember to pray for safe travel for our students over the break and for the missions trips taking place this year.
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Name: John Baltzell
Department: Campus Rec
Title: Senior Coordinator, Aquatics, Waterfront, & Safety Education
Fun/interesting fact: John is a Wisconsin native who moved to central Texas in 1992 and never left. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication. John has been a high school special education teacher and swim coach for 34 years.
John brings to Baylor a passion for swimming, paddling, and the outdoors. His love for nature began in childhood when he explored the outdoors near his rural Wisconsin home. His passion for swimming and paddle sports grew from the influence of his parents, who were also swimmers, and through countless family outings on Wisconsin's rivers.
John enjoys maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle through cycling, running, and paddling. He also enjoys backpacking in the mountains, climbing, and a variety of other outdoor pursuits. Currently, he is working on a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation to expand his knowledge of serving individuals with disabilities. John is a member of Day Spring Baptist Church.
Most enjoyable about working at Baylor: "I am excited to work together with Baylor students, faculty, and staff through pool and waterfront activities. Aquatics is about more than just swimming laps—it is about creating an environment that supports athletic goals while being enjoyable. Paddling can open a whole world of adventure and exploration!"
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New Staff Form: Please help us keep our mailing list up-to-date so that all Student Life staff can receive important updates and event invitations. Just a reminder that we have a form for you to submit information about new hires so they can be added to the staff mailing list. We encourage you to use this for GA's and interns as well.
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Above: Chock that up to something you just don't see everyday. Welcome to Baylor University's North Pole campus.
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Stay connected with Student Life
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