News

Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has been recognized as a 2024 Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS) inductee. This is the highest honor the American Physiological Society (APS) bestows upon a member, recognizing distinguished leaders who have demonstrated scientific excellence, made significant contributions to physiological sciences and related disciplines, and actively served APS.

The interdepartmental collaboration, within Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, allows those holding a DPT degree to earn a PhD degree in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. The Department of Physical Therapy hopes these PhD graduates will return as faculty.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany King, PT, DPT, CCS, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Each year, the Health Sciences Studies (HSS) program in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR) offers a study abroad program in Belize, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experiences in their field in a transformative environment beyond campus. Students worked alongside healthcare practitioners setting up field clinics in vulnerable communities, and also experienced the Belizean culture. 

The Department of Occupational Therapy utilizes virtual reality technology as an education tool, integrated within three courses. Students virtually engage patients at a hospital, during a home assessment, and in a community setting.

With the New Year in sight, it is time to reflect back on the significant developments and exciting happenings from the past year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Read more about 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2023 year in review.

On the Baylor Connections podcast, Assistant Professor of Communications Sciences and Disorders Alison Prahl, PhD, discusses common misconceptions about literacy and disability, unpacks research designed to improve literacy and shares more about the opportunity to meet with families with IDD to address their needs.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Regine Rossi, PT, DPT, PhD, CSCS, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Rossi is a 2020 graduate of the Department’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

When Jeremy Chiang was looking at Nutrition graduate programs, he knew he needed to be at a school with a high-performing Division 1 athletics program, and Baylor University fit the bill. Fast forward nearly a decade, and Chiang is now the Major League Performance Nutrition Coordinator for the New York Mets organization working full time with the major league roster.

Baylor University graduate Swinita Shah shares about her experience in the Online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, including her inspiration for becoming a speech language pathologist and the aspects of the program that helped her reach her goals.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Cole Galloway, PT, PhD, FAPTA, as Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Galloway, who officially joined the University in September 2023, is the first Robbins College faculty to be hired with focused duties and responsibilities related to the College research mission.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Meredith Quinene, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, as the inaugural director of the University’s recently announced Physician Assistant Studies program.

Baylor University Nutrition Sciences in the Department of Human Sciences and Design will host the first annual Nutrition Mythbusters Discussion Series examining organic vs. conventional farming at the Hurd Welcome Center on November 6, 2023 from 5:30-7:00pm.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Baylor's Robbins College is highlighting a few of our outstanding Hispanic and Latino Americans Bears. Connie Mendoza is a student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders master's degree program and a member of the inaugural cohort of Trailblazer Scholars. Mendoza is pursuing a calling of service and using her gifts to make an impact in the speech-pathology profession.

Kelli McMahan, PhD, CTRS, Associate Clinical Professor for the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, collected teaching experience and research ideas while on her three-week trip to a remote wilderness area in Alaska.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Baylor's Robbins College is highlighting a few of our outstanding Hispanic and Latino Americans Bears. Dr. Ricardo Altahif is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Occupational Therapy who champions the importance of underrepresented minorities, particularly Hispanic and Latinos, to the profession and practice of occupational therapy.

Researcher Debra Harris, PhD, Associate Professor of Interior Design at Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, provides research support to projects focused on improving the lives and safety for all ages.

Baylor University researcher Leigh Greathouse, PhD, MPH, MS, RD, Associate Professor of Nutrition Sciences, is focused on cancer research by studying the significant relationship between our gut microbiome, nutrition, and chronic disease.

Baylor University researcher Joon Park, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR), strives to redefine exercise at the cellular and tissue levels. He is looking under the skin to understand how it benefits our mitochondria and improves our health.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Baylor's Robbins College is highlighting a few of our outstanding Hispanic and Latino Americans Bears. Lara Arce is a joint-degree Public Health student whose unique perspective and cultural emphasis on community and family is making an impact at Baylor and beyond.

The expertise of Robbins College faculty ranges across the spectrum of health and wellbeing—including financial wellness. In this article from WalletHub, Dr. Nicole M. McAninch, Interim Associate Dean of Undergraduate and International Studies and Clinical Associate Professor of Child and Family Studies, offers advice on the number of credit cards a person should have.

Concussions, which are a mild traumatic brain injury, have become an epidemic in the United States. Jungjun Park, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is collaborating to develop a detecting tool that is intuitive to use and provides on-site test results.

Current Baylor DPT student Ben McRae, a certified Physical Therapy Assistant, discusses his journey to and in the Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, including how he manages his school-home-work balance and his PT professional involvement in his home state of Louisiana. 

Justin Adeyemi, EdD, Lecturer in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, shares advice for spiritual and physical wellness—particularly for Baylor students.

The Department of Public Health in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is currently accepting applications for the position of Department Chair, with an expected Fall 2024 start date.

Makenzie Henton, a senior Apparel Merchandising major from Carterville, IL, was one of 35 students selected from nearly 6,000 applicants to intern this summer at Champion Athletic (part of Hanesbrands Inc.). In this article, she discusses trend forecasting, making real-world business decisions, and how her Baylor learning connects with her internship experience.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Fuqua, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

On August 8, 2023, Jason R. Carter, PhD, celebrates his one-year anniversary as Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University. In this Q&A, Dean Carter shares his reflections on this past year along with his hopes and vision for the future.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurel E. Proulx, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Kacie Dolezel, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The new Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) program in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation is designed to help prepare students and elevate their credentials for professional health schools or doctorates in research science. Here, students Luke Bubela, Damaris Flores, and Lesly Gil discuss their experiences, the faith-based aspect of the program, and how it creates community within a 100% online environment.

Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy alumnus Zac Howe shares about his experience in the program and how a winding journey, filled with hard work and commitment, has led him to become an NBA coach and an adjunct faculty member for the DPT program.

Eva Doyle, PhD, Chair of the Department of Public Health, reflects on developing a study abroad program, Baylor in Brazil, with her husband. Started in 2006, the program will return to Brazil in 2023 for the first time since COVID-19-related restrictions.

Dr. Cory Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation is working towards improving survivability and task performance in austere environments. In this profile, get to know Dr. Smith and his research at Baylor.

Using skills developed from her coursework and with the support of her faculty instructor, Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy student Jenna Fanelli partnered with her physical therapist colleague to apply for—and receive—a grant to further collaboration between their two professions.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael “Mickey” Langlais, PhD, CFLE, as Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies in the Department of Human Sciences and Design, effective August 1, 2023.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of two new faculty members in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation. On August 1, 2023, Kimberly M. Smith, EdD, will join the faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor for Health Science Studies and Brent Dragoo, PhD, will join the faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor for Medical Sciences.

Lauren Reightler, OTD, is a 2021 graduate of Baylor University's Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and serves as an Occupational Therapist at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Lauren was recently honored with The Bill and Nancy Mason Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Rehabilitation Services in recognition of her efforts to launch an interdisciplinary post-intensive care unit (ICU) clinic to better support patients transitioning from the ICU back home.

In the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, the internship experience junior and senior year is designed to provide students with the opportunity to shadow and participate in clinical and practical settings in their future professions. Two Health Science Studies students, Richie Akatue and Brianna Rodriguez, share about their internship experiences here.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Germaine Ferreira, PT, DPT, MSPT, BHMS, as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Erin Cleary is a current student at Baylor University, finishing her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology, and she plans to begin a prestigious fellowship with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (EIS) after graduation. Erin lets us in on the Baylor Public Health program, her journey to epidemiology, and her unique interests in the field.  

Sam Grimm, a graduate from Baylor’s Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program, tells us about his experiences as a current injury prevention specialist at an automotive manufacturing plant. This Baylor grad shares about working with industrial athletes and the rewards and challenges that come with it.

Derrick Charo is a Class of 2023 Recreation & Leisure Services major in the Department Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, and as a Park Ranger Intern at Mother Neff State Park, he is learning to steward multiple ecological systems.

WACO, Texas (April 17, 2023) – Fast Fashion is the most popular trend in retail fashion today but has a devastating cost to the environment. Baylor fashion expert Jay Yoo, Ph.D., says consumers are learning more about the environmental impacts of fashion and searching for better options. 

WACO, Texas (April 15, 2023) – Baylor University is mourning the passing of longtime University benefactor and dedicated alumnus William K. “Bill” Robbins of Houston. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jo Robbins, with whom he shared a passionate love of Baylor and a deep commitment to its Christian mission.

VocalOSO gives Communication Sciences and Disorders students firsthand experience evaluating voices and laryngeal examinations while allowing Theater and Music students to see their vocal mechanisms and identify possible concerns.

Beth Lanning, PhD, MCHES, is a Professor, Associate Chair, and the MPH - Community Health Science Director in the Department of Public Health. In this Q&A, Dr. Lanning shares about her journey to Baylor’s Department of Public Health and her research and teaching interests.

Baylor Health Sciences Studies senior Sydney Duke shares about making a life-saving peripheral blood stem cell donation, and how the experience made an impact on her life as well.

Gail Offringa, Director of Parent Engagement at Baylor University, interviews Jason Carter, Dean of Baylor's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of two new faculty members in the Department of Public Health. On August 1, Rebecca Jones-Antwi, PhD, and Gabriel Benavidez, PhD (expected May 2023) will both join the faculty as Assistant Professors of Public Health with specializations in epidemiology.

Baylor Apparel Professor Dr. Lorynn Divita analyzes rising trends in Gen Z, especially resale and slow fashion, and how dry cleaners can appeal to this generation's values.

In this episode of Baylor Connections, Dean Jason R. Carter shares his journey to Baylor, examines Robbins College’s role in health research at Baylor, and delves into his own research in sleep and performance.

CSD students worked to improve child development in Rwanda, and HSS students worked to better health education in Costa Rica. These trips left students in both majors with a new perspective of their field as well as the world around them. 

With over four decades of combined experience in occupational therapy practice, what drove Katie Brown, Jen Gunn, and Anne Bradley to return to school to earn their Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees? For each, a desire to train and equip the next generation of occupational therapists was a significant part of the equation. So today, these three occupational therapists find themselves enrolled in the Post-professional OTD program in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

Mason Burrage-Burton is a high-achieving new Pre-Med alum who was a leader in multiple Baylor organizations. In this article, he discusses career goals, volunteering with minority students, and the mentors who have helped him succeed as a Black student entering a health profession.

Professor Ruthie Davis serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies in the Department of Human Sciences and Design. As a faculty member in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences and a current child life specialist, Professor Davis provides perspective on the child life class at Baylor, the profession itself, and her passion for her career. 

Nutrition Sciences alumna Breanna Campbell is using her passion for and experience in nutrition and dietetics to make an impact across populations in North Texas.

In the fall of 2021, Baylor Multicultural Affairs announced its first Trailblazer Scholars, students chosen for their commitment to advancing diversity and racial equality. The inaugural Cohort has three Robbins College students as members: Erin Babatunde, Israel Beverly, and Connie Mendoza.

Baylor University researcher Alison Prahl, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is exploring how the use of functional text (emails, text messages, etc.) can optimize literacy outcomes for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has received notice that the Baylor Scott & White Health-Baylor University Orthopedic Residency has been granted initial accreditation through January 2028 by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).

The new Interior Design Chapel program connects faith and major, giving Interior Design students the opportunity to explore Scripture, vocation, and the special calling that God has placed upon their lives.

This December, the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences honored its first-ever Pure Gold Award recipients at a celebratory reception and dinner.

As 2022 comes to a close, we are grateful to be celebrating a year full of noteworthy and impactful developments for Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. In no particular order, here are 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2022 year in review.

Jenna York, a Communication Science and Disorder (CSD) student and reading assistant in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, speaks on her hearing disability which has formed her passion for Speech Pathology and the special needs community.

Senior Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Reagan Whitaker is the latest of three bears in the last six years to win Dr Pepper's Tuition Toss Giveaway. In this Q&A, she shares about her goals and the experience of competing at the SEC Championship Halftime Show.

Baylor Master of Athletic Training students worked with the Louise Herrington School of nursing to provide health screenings and education to homeless shelter residents in Dallas.

Thanks to a last name that is alphabetically first in line, Kellam Addison McQuitty will become the very first Entry-level OTD graduate when she crosses the commencement stage. In this Q&A, Kellam shares about her experience as a student and the foundational contributions she and her classmates made to an already exceptional occupational therapy program.

Chris Amezcua is a Master’s in Public Health student in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. As a graduate of Baylor University’s Public Health, he provides perspective on his experiences as an undergrad, his transition into graduate school, and his passions in the field of Public Health.

Health Science Studies alumna Ashley Feild is using her creative and scientific skills to help serve patients at Mosaic Prosthetics in Dallas, where she works as an anaplastology apprentice. 

There’s no greater honor in the APTA than becoming a Catherine Worthingham Fellow. In August 2022, Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, FAPTA, was among those celebrated at an on-site award ceremony.

Bethany Neubert, a Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) graduate student, shares about her experiences at Baylor University’s Camp Success, an intense language and literacy intervention program held each summer and made possible by a partnership between Baylor University and Waco Scottish Rite. Bethany has a unique relationship with Camp Success—she is now one of only a handful of people who have attended both as a camper and as a clinician.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has appointed Nicole McAninch, PhD, CFLE, as Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate and International Studies.

A change in major helped to launch a successful 26-year (and counting) career in Parks and Recreation for Baylor alumna Annika Sacco. In this Q&A, Sacco shares how her Baylor education—and particularly her experience as a Recreation and Leisure Services major—has made an impact on her as a professional in the field.

After her inspirational experience at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Haidyn Chudy, Baylor University Apparel Merchandising student, shares about her time spent learning from esteemed designers in this Q&A.

Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has announced a transition in leadership for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Effective January 1, 2023, Diane Loeb, PhD, will step down from her role as the Martin Family Endowed Chair and Department Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Michaela Ritter, EdD, will assume this critical leadership position.

After receiving early support from the Baylor University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, high school student Willow Alexander is now a champion for dyslexia awareness and resources.

The Department of Public Health in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to share that Liang Wang, MD, DrPH, MPH, FACE, FTOS, Director of Epidemiology and tenured Associate Professor of Public Health, has been elected as President of the China Health Policy and Management Society (CHPAMS).

The Department of Occupational Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences received notice in August that the department’s entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree has received full accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

From Kingdom building to sleeping horses to cheering on the Baylor Bears, get to know Jason R. Carter, PhD, new Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University, in this Q&A.

Robbins College and Army-Baylor alumna Deydre S. Teyhen, MPT ’95, DPT ’08, was promoted to Brigadier General, becoming the first Army Medical Specialist Corps general officer.

Jason R. Carter, Ph.D., vice president for research, economic development and graduate education at Montana State University, has been selected as Baylor University's Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, effective August 8.