News

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Evan Andreyo, PT, DPT, PhD, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, effective April 1, 2026. In this role, he will support foundational learning for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students by teaching Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses.

From the clinic to research to the classroom, Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy alumna Kelly Hochstetler, OTD, OTR, CLT, brings her calling for whole-person care to every aspect of her career. A key part of her impact lies in her specialized work with patients with lymphedema and lipedema. 

Undergraduate and graduate students in Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders(CSD) are gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to a large-scale initiative to improve early literacy outcomes in New Mexico. As part of the project, they focused on evaluating students’ language and reading abilities while also supporting their teachers in delivering structured language instruction. 

Informed by faculty and practitioner expertise, Baylor University’s Clinical Simulation & Skills Facility replicates the aesthetic of contemporary healthcare design and offers students in graduate health professional programs the opportunity to immerse themselves in a realistic medical setting where they can practice skills safely and effectively.

When Peyton Gill was 14 years old, she never imagined she would begin a fight to survive Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She was scheduled for immediate abdominal surgery, and then had her first encounter with a spirited physical therapist—today, Gill is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at Baylor University. 

When designing her Occupational Therapy doctoral capstone, recent graduate Shandy Simpson, OTD, OTR, had wanted to explore a topic both personally meaningful to her and underrepresented in occupational therapy research. She chose to partner with Project Healing Waters, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting American veterans through the therapeutic practice of fly fishing. 

Communication Sciences and Disorders alumna Katherine A. Hutcheson, PhD, BCS-S, SLP-CCC, is a nationally known expert in head and neck cancer dysphagia. Through her current research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, she focuses on two core survivorship areas: communication abilities and eating abilities. 

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program will offer students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of faith and therapeutic practice. In this Q&A, inaugural Program Director Matthew Brosi, PhD, LMFT, speaks into designing an intentional degree that will set Baylor University apart from other programs. 

In Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, faculty are pursuing innovative research aimed at making a positive impact across the cancer journey—from prevention to treatment to survivorship. Driven by a calling to make a difference through their skills and expertise, these researchers are transforming lives, one study at a time. 

Located within the Clinical Simulation & Skills Facility are several state-of-the-art manikins, two of which are affectionately referred to as “Uncle Bill” and “Dr. Wilson” and were provided through the generosity of Mary Jo Robbins. The manikins will enable the highest quality educational experience for graduate students in Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

In the heart of Dallas, Texas, Master of Public Health in Epidemiology alumna Natalie Noreen, MPH, works directly with individuals who are currently living at the edges of America’s healthcare system. She says Baylor professors helped to shape how she sees people—not as diagnoses or datasets, but as whole human beings.

In Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, undergraduate students step into the research environment—labs, field sites, creative studios, and data projects—and find themselves reshaping how they think and learn. For many, their undergraduate research experience is a turning point in their academic journeys and personal lives. 

When it was time to choose her practicum experience for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, Serena Enriquez was connected to The Neighborhood & Health Study that examines public health outcomes in agriculturally focused neighborhoods, or “agrihoods.” Through this opportunity, Enriquez gained experience in the intersection of agriculture and health.

In 2025, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences researchers published more than 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals and publications. View examples from across the College, as well as a selection of grant-funded projects. 

Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences celebrates its 2025 Gold Standard recipients and Pure Gold award winners. These honors recognize faculty and staff for their exceptional contributions to the College through research achievement, teaching excellence, effective service, and/or contributions to building a positive culture.

In Spring 2026, Jay Yoo, PhD, Associate Professor of Apparel Merchandising, was honored as a recipient of the Elizabeth Vardaman Faculty Awards for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduates. The annual award, presented by Baylor’s Office of Engaged Learning, recognizes faculty who “go beyond the call of duty in their mentorship of undergraduates, demonstrating excellence in, and sustained commitment to, helping these students excel through engaged learning activities.”

Senior Apparel Design and Product Development majors showcased their work at an annual runway show and luncheon to commemorate their time at Baylor University coming to a close. The event gave aspiring fashion designers and models a taste of the industry while highlighting students' work.

Twelve Baylor professors have been honored with Outstanding Faculty Awards for exceptional teaching, scholarship and contributions to the academic community.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Yoonjee Koh as Program Director for the University’s new Master of Architecture degree program in the Department of Human Sciences and Design, effective June 1, 2026.

Congratulations to Renée Umstattd Meyer, PhD, FAAHB, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and Professor of Public Health in Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, on her election to Fellowship in the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM).

Baylor University debuted a first-of-its-kind research and development center on April 13 with the grand opening of the Arctic Acclimatization & Sleep Optimization (ARKTOS) Research Center in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC). ARKTOS will develop knowledge products and biomedical technologies that assess and mitigate the impact of multi-stressor Arctic environments on sleep, cognition and human performance.

Every spring, the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation invites the Waco community to participate in FitCheck—a comprehensive health and wellness assessment staffed by undergraduate Exercise Physiology students. The assessment focuses on common physical assessments in clinical and fitness settings, interpreting assessment results, and applying findings for exercise prescription and chronic disease interpretation.

In Robbins College, faculty members and Baylor alumni Gabriel Benavidez, PhD, Kacie Dolezel, CCC-SLP, and Kimberly Smith, EdD, are enriching the Baylor experiences of the students they teach by drawing on their own impactful years as students of the University.

Graduate student Payton White was the inaugural Martin Scholar Award recipient, which granted her a full-ride scholarship to continue her education in speech-language pathology. Now, as she is on track to graduate in May 2026 with her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she shares how the financial assistance helped her achieve her goals.

Torrin Longenecker's couture-inspired suit showcases craftsmanship, creativity and a passion for timeless tailoring.

Recipients of the Vardaman Awards, named in tribute to Professor Elizabeth Vardaman, are Baylor faculty members who go above and beyond in mentoring undergraduate students.

Antonia Silva, PT, DPT, Clinical Assistant Professor in Baylor University's Department of Physical Therapy, is bringing Central Texas its first adaptive fitness gym to life. The facility will offer rehabilitation, group training, and community workouts with equipment and exercises adapted for athletes living with injury or disability.

Baylor University’s student organization Nutrition Outreach Waco (NOW) brings together students across many disciplines to provide nutrition and fitness education to children from underserved neighborhoods. Anabelen Pons, a senior Nutrition Sciences major and NOW officer, explains it is built on a simple belief that learning about food should be empowering, faithful, and fun.

Baylor OTD alumna Emily Goodspeed completed her capstone at It’s a Sensory World, creating an individualized goal‑tracking tool to help teachers measure sensory strategies for children with special needs. Now an occupational therapist, she continues using personalized, holistic, and sensory‑focused approaches to support children’s progress and independence.

From classrooms to training rooms, Baylor University’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) students spend their days preparing for the realities of a fast-paced healthcare profession. By following two student through a typical day, a clear picture emerges of how the program builds students’ knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills.

During American Heart Month, Rebecca Jones-Antwi, PhD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Public Health, reminds us that heart health isn’t just a concern for older adults. With cardiovascular disease rising, she highlights three simple, science-backed habits—moving more, sleeping better, and eating smarter—that can make a meaningful difference starting today.

Clinical Professor Toby Brooks, PhD, MBA, ATC, CSCS, brings an uncommon dual perspective to Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences—as both a seasoned educator and a current graduate student. Blending experience in athletic training, teaching, and podcasting, he champions evidence‑based instruction while exploring how setbacks fuel growth. 

When it comes to pioneering education and ground-breaking research, Baylor has always been on the cutting edge.

Baylor University graduate student Lydia Valtadoros recently accepted a prestigious award—the FMS/Peňáz Wesseling Travel Fellowship Award—for her abstract submission to the 2025 International Symposium on the Autonomic Nervous System. Today, Valtadoros shares about her opportunity to attend the national conference and to present her findings.

The "secret sauce" for Baylor DPT and OTD's impressive 100% job placement rates? A strong, innovative collaboration with the Baylor Career Center. From orientation through graduation (and beyond), these graduate students receive career coaching, resume and interview preparation, clinical placement support, and AI-driven resources, ensuring employment readiness in competitive healthcare fields.

From groundbreaking academic launches to transformational research and outstanding student successes, 2025 was a remarkable year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. With its mission to enhance health, quality of life, and human flourishing, Robbins College made significant strides across education, research, outreach, and mission. Enjoy these 10 highlights from an exciting year.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences will launch a faith-informed, health-focused Master of Architecture (MArch) program in summer 2027. Approved in November 2025, the hybrid curriculum blends online and immersive learning, emphasizing creativity, research, and stewardship. Building on Baylor’s Interior Design program, it aims to prepare architects who integrate design, sustainability, and human flourishing.

On Halloween night, Baylor’s Homecoming at the Hurd Fall Festival buzzed with energy—but for some, the sensory overload was intense—to create an inclusive experience, Baylor Occupational Therapy partnered with the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing to offer a calming sensory room. The space welcomed more than 200 visitors, fostering accessibility and belonging for all Bears.

’Tis the holiday season at Baylor University. But, as the Christmas spirit grows around campus, so does stress surrounding finals and the end of the semester. Thankfully, Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies Nick Frye, PhD, has highlighted three common problems during the holidays—and how to address them.

With a growing demand for physical therapy treatment nationwide, Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy has greatly benefited from the Light the Way Scholarship fund, which provides much needed financial aid to students in the doctoral degree program. Hear from current students and alumni alike who share what it means to receive this scholarship.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Everson, OTD, OTR, as Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Occupational Therapy. 

During its regular fall meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents received a progress report on the University’s Baylor in Deeds strategic plan from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., including the plan’s “Bold Pursuits.”

Princesa Alvarez is on track to graduate in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies, on the pre-medical track, and a minor in Spanish. She is a McNair Scholar, a Trailblazer Scholar, was named to the 2025-26 cohort of Provost’s Scholars—and on top of all these prestigious accomplishments, Alvarez is also the first in her family to go to college.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to register for your local Turkey Trot race or fun run! Experts in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences offer a few suggestions to enhance your Trot experience.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Brosi, PhD, LMFT, as Program Director for the University’s new Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree program in the Department of Human Sciences and Design, effective January 1, 2026.

Driven by a passion for movement and a heart for children, Hannah Wheatley, PT, DPT, became Baylor University’s first Pediatric Physical Therapy Resident. Her journey—from dancer to physical therapist—reflects a deep calling to serve through expert care, mentorship, and faith-based practice, preparing her to advocate for young patients with compassion and skill.

The Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR) offers a unique Religion and Sport course, which explores the intersection of faith and sport. Led by Andrew R. Meyer, PhD, students examine Christian traits like initiative, patience, integrity, humility, respect, and perseverance, to foster deep discussions in a distinctly faith-based academic environment.

Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences’ hybrid graduate programs are redefining healthcare education—where accessibility meets excellence. Discover 10 powerful reasons why future physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants are choosing Baylor University to launch their careers.  

Baylor University's American Sign Language (ASL) courses offer students more than language instruction—they foster deeper cultural understanding, empathy, and versatile communication skills. Students from a variety of majors and professions share that learning ASL enhances their critical thinking, storytelling, and professional readiness, while also connecting them meaningfully with the Deaf community.

Ashley Westover was inspired to pursue occupational therapy after witnessing its transformative impact on her brother. While pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees at Baylor University, she worked with the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing for her capstone project focused on the experience of people with disabilities and the church. Now serving as both a pediatric occupational therapist and a church staff member, Westover integrates her faith and professional expertise to create more inclusive worship environments and advocate for the role of spirituality in holistic care.

Barbara Brown Grisham (BA ’73) never imagined she and her husband, Gary (ABC ’20), would one day be able to establish three scholarships at Baylor. What began as Barbara’s quiet conviction—that God’s blessings in their lives should be passed forward—has become a legacy that will outlive them both. Their hope is simple: that future Baylor students, many they’ll never know by name, will have the chance to pursue their callings with the support of a scholarship.

Hear from researchers in Baylor's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences about the calling they have found at the intersection of faith and research. 

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointments of new faculty across its departments, effective August 2025. 

Early in her college career, senior Zoee Johnson realized that working as a prosthetics engineer would not allow her to interact directly with patients—something she truly valued. After shadowing professionals, Johnson found that occupational therapy perfectly matched both her personality and aspirations, so she adjusted her major to Child and Family Studies with a concentration in Pre-Occupational Therapy. 

The Parkinson’s Foundation recently announced the recipients of more than $1 million in community grants for Parkinson’s disease (PD) programs across the United States. As a part of these awards, Baylor University's Barbara Doucet, PhD, OTR, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, was awarded $11,000 for "Walking & Talking & Flourishing: Optimizing Well-Being in Persons with Parkinson’s."

Clinical Associate Professor Anne Boddy, PT, DPT, PhD, faithfully weaves her passion for service into her teachings in Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy. She is intentional to lead by example, hoping to inspire her students to have a similar heart for service.

Baylor University’s August 2025 Commencement marks a major milestone for the Department of Public Health as its first PhD students—Anjelica Elizondo and Erin Young—graduate after defending their dissertations. Hear from Elizondo and Young, who were both inspired by personal experiences and chose to focus their doctoral research on women’s health. 

Students who have selected Baylor University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences Disorders major are typically pursuing a career in speech-language pathology or audiology, and these highly service-oriented healthcare professions require more than a textbook and lecture education. Through the program, students are offered and pursue numerous opportunities to enhance their learning beyond the classroom—benefitting not just their own professional development, but also their fellow classmates, the Waco community, and those in need around the world.  

In an effort to better equip faculty with the skills necessary to foster mentor-mentee relationships, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has partnered with the Baylor Graduate School to design and facilitate a pilot mentor training workshop. 

Elizabeth Kwon, PhD, Assistant Professor for Baylor University’s Department of Public Health, was recently awarded a five-year $952,264 NIH K01 Career Development Award to dive deeper into the relationship among stress system functioning, pubertal development, and vulnerability to addiction. In particular, she is interested in how environmental factors during puberty are associated with stress system functioning, which in turn affects addiction vulnerability. 

Each year, more than 300,000 visitors pass through Cameron Park Zoo's entrance—making it the second-most visited attraction in Waco, Texas—and with so many guests passing through its gates, the zoo is striving to become more inclusive. It has enlisted the expertise of Baylor University’s Department of Occupational Therapy, expanding the reach of the occupational therapy profession into spaces not traditionally seen. 

As the sponsoring church for One More Child, over the next five years, Iglesia Bautista Luz de Vida (Luz de Vida Baptist Church) will benefit from a wide array of expertise within Baylor University’s Department of Human Sciences and Design (HSD), specifically through the Nutrition Sciences and Interior Design programs. For the Baylor faculty and students involved, this “vocational mission” is rooted in a commitment to Christian service that directly utilizes professional skills.

On July 18, 2025, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences received official notice that the new Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program has been granted Accreditation-Provisional status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). 

Ethan Torrance, a Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student, began his first clinical experience excited to work with young athletes. However, Torrance soon found fulfillment in helping a completely different, and unexpected, population—geriatrics.

On a mission trip after her undergraduate experience, Meagan Schlinkert, PhD, MPH, traveled to Vanuatu, a remote country designed of more than 80 islands, located about 1,100 miles east of Australia. There, she met a lady who would inspire her continued education in public health. 

According to a 2024 study, more than 2.3 million Americans are currently living with limb loss—and this number is only growing. Roland J. Paquette, PhD, PA-C, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Outcomes and Assessment in Baylor University’s Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program, is focused on optimizing outcomes related to prosthesis use after amputation. 

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas B. Petersen, PhD, CCC-SL, BCS-CL, as the Vance Masteller Endowed Research Chair of Child Language Disorders in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, effective August 1, 2025.

The playground is more than just a space to have fun—it’s where children get exercise, explore their imagination, and learn how to navigate emotions and social situations. However, many traditional play environments aren’t designed with different abilities in mind, preventing some children from accessing and engaging in play. That’s what Baylor University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) alumna Ariel Mansholt, OTD, OTR, CPSI is working to change as an inclusive play specialist. 

When Scott Ruane left his hometown in Ohio for Baylor University, he never imagined that Waco, Texas, would become the home base for some of his favorite memories. Now, having earned his degree in May 2025 from the Health Science Studies program’s pre-medical track, he is reflecting on his time at Baylor. 

As higher education costs continue to rise across the nation, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has announced the launch of a new scholarship initiative designed to support incoming students in the College’s online and hybrid graduate programs.

At the end of the day, while the Christian perspective of Baylor University’s program may be a draw for some students, the pursuit of a Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) degree is typically undertaken for a singular purpose—to elevate credentials and prepare for application to medical or other health professional schools. In this sense, a one-year 100% online medical science graduate degree becomes a very transactional encounter. However, in the Baylor MSMS program, the team’s goal is to make that transaction more of a transformation.

At the end of the fourth trimester, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students begin their first of three clinical education experiences during which they practice skills under the guidance of Clinical Instructors (CI) in clinics across the country. Hear from two students as they share their experiences, along with an alumnus who volunteers as a CI.

Aly Elliott, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) from Baylor University in May 2025, has used her passion for disease prevention and education to benefit the Waco community and beyond. Her strong foundation in health education and global health stems from her interest in epidemiology, which jump-started her love for the field of public health.

Ruthie Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a trailblazer in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders—earning its first PhD in May 2025, following the program’s launch in 2021. Even as she faced and overcame the obstacles in her path, Knight used her personal connection to the field as someone with dyslexia to fuel her passion, perseverance, and research. 

Cate Urbani, a Baylor University senior studying Exercise Physiology with a minor in Recreation Ministry, enjoys a deep love of learning and interest in female physiology and nutrition. This passion is prevalent in her multifaceted educational experience, ranging from her work as a volunteer research assistant to her next steps in pursuit of a graduate degree.

Following the launch of Baylor University’s Strategic Plan, Baylor in Deeds, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences promptly began work on its own unit-level plan. Using its strategic Signature Research Initiatives as a foundation—along with input from College-wide surveys, departmental conversations, stakeholder discussions, and leadership deliberations— the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences 2024-2030 Strategic Plan was born.

In 2024, Department of Physical Therapy faculty Shane Koppenhaver, PT, PhD, Clinical Professor and Associate Chair, and Laurel Proulx, PT, DPT, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, received a four-year $2.5 million grant award from the Department of Defense to test a novel intervention for female service members suffering from debilitating chronic pelvic pain. The potential outcomes of this research could include better access to care and rapid yet effective treatment, expediting service members’ return to duty. 

Steve and Pam Eakin have become strong supporters of and advocates for Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences as a whole, yet their hearts belong to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Most recently, they decided to endow a new scholarship for the Department—creating a ripple of impact for those who serve and are served in the field of speech-language pathology. 

Each academic semester, the Public Health Fair takes place underneath the Interstate 35 overpass near Baylor’s campus—utilizing the same unassuming concrete where Church Under the Bridge holds outdoor worship services on Sundays. The fair’s outreach serves as an opportunity for Waco’s underserved residents to gain vital information about their own health, and it provides real-world immersive learning through a blend of academics and service for Public Health students. 

Just a short drive from Newport Beach sits an old barn flanked by peaceful indoor and outdoor spaces, bamboo forests, and friendly dogs—aptly named, Barn Life Recovery has resided as a holistic rehabilitation center since 2018—providing community-based treatment for individuals living with mood disorders. Among the center’s practitioners is Baylor University alumna Polly Sweitzer, OTD, OTR/L, who serves as the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in mental health. 

Inaugural Program Director Meredith Quinene, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, has worked tirelessly to bring Baylor University's Physician Assistant Studies program to life. In this Q&A, Quinene shares an inside look at her journey in building the degree program, what makes Baylor stand apart from other PA programs, and her bold vision for the future. 

In Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, immersive trips offer chances to strengthen leadership skills, engage in research and clinical practices, and discover different cultures. These experiences would not be available without the Baylor University professors who develop curriculum, organize schedules, and juggle travel plans to ensure their courses make the greatest impact—both academically and beyond—for their students.

Internships play a critical role for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen profession—and sometimes, they bring about unexpected moments that spark new perspectives. This was true for Health Science Studies senior Rubina Ramirez, who completed an “eye-opening opportunity” through the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation’s Direct Primary Care Immersion Experience program.

Long gone are the days of fluorescent lighting, rows of metal desks, and stark white paint on every wall in schools. Today, with the guidance of Baylor University alumna Jillian Diffee, RID, IIDA, school campuses are being designed for both students and educators—with their mental and physical wellbeing top of mind—offering bold environments that are inclusive, energy-efficient, and inspirational.

In 2024, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences researchers published more than 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and publications. View examples from across the College, as well as a selection of grant-funded projects. 

In Fall 2024, a “next level” faculty and staff recognition initiative launched for Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Pure Gold award winners became eligible for the Gold Standard award, an annual honor recognizing five faculty and staff members for their exceptional contributions to the College through research achievement, teaching excellence, effective service, and/or contributions to building a positive College culture.

Physical Education (PE) is more than just a break from the academic school day to burn off extra energy. Instead, Baylor University alumni Karla Bailey-Harris and Kyle Combs say it is vital to students’ physical, mental, and social development, encouraging confidence and comradery through intentional movement.

Faith is more than a guiding principle in Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)—it’s the foundation upon which it is built. Rooted in Christian values, the undergraduate and graduate programs both incorporate faith into the classroom as well as the Baylor Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, in turn equipping students to serve others through their God-given knowledge and compassion.

For many, fashion is a form of self-expression. For others, it’s a tool for survival. For Baylor University alumna Rachel Iacoboni, fashion is a way to uplift and empower marginalized women, specifically through her work with The White Rainbow Project.   

Congratulations to Baylor University’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program for meeting the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) Professional Standards, and as such, being awarded accreditation for a term of six years, effective 2025.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is celebrating the latest round of U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, including one program making a top 50 inaugural debut. The hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program entered the U.S. News rankings for the first time at #42, making it the highest ranked hybrid program, the third-ranked program in the state of Texas, and placing it in the top 16% of physical therapy programs in the nation.  

The Do No Harm event, an interprofessional educational initiative hosted by Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences’ Interprofessional Education Committee, was designed to prepare healthcare students for real-world challenges. Held in March 2025, the virtual event engaged students and professionals from across healthcare disciplines, allowing them a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate complex medical scenarios involving patient safety, compassion, and collaboration across fields. 

Elisa Marroquín, who earned both her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and PhD in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Sciences from Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, was recently named the recipient of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Bluebonnet Award. This prestigious award honors an individual who is not a dietitian but who has significantly contributed to the promotion, recognition, or progress of nutrition and dietetics in Texas. 

Highlighted by Top 30 graduate programs across disciplines. Baylor University graduate and professional programs were among those nationally ranked in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings.

A Baylor-led roundtable of scientific experts in nutrition sciences conducted a comprehensive review of the current evidence on the health benefits of blueberries, with findings published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. 

Kelly Ylitalo, PhD, Associate Professor, and Director of the PhD Program for the Department of Public Health in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, is committed to using public health research to make a difference. Particularly, her research examines aging, with a focus on physical functioning, chronic disease, healthy aging, and the behaviors and opportunities that shape long-term health outcomes.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Weidman-Evans, PharmD, BC-ADM, as Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of the Student Success and Progressions Committee for the Physician Assistant Studies program. 

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay S. Ferrington, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA, as Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of the Admissions Committee for the Physician Assistant Studies program. 

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences internal seed funding award recipients! In addition to the Robbins College Research Program, this year saw the introduction of two new internal funding programs: the Pedagogical Scholarship Award Program and the Dr. Mike and Mrs. Micki Maris Endowed Seed Fund for Student Research.