TEDxBaylor University Announces Speaker Lineup for Inaugural Event, Innovation in Deeds
Baylor University proudly announces the lineup of dynamic speakers for its first-ever TEDx event, TEDxBaylor University: Innovation in Deeds. Eleven speakers from across campus and Waco will take the stage at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Mark and Paul Hurd Welcome Center. The day-long event will showcase innovative ideas, groundbreaking research and inspiring personal stories – all livestreamed on Baylor University’s Facebook, YouTube and Virtual Events channels.TEDxBaylor University underscores the University’s commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration – demonstrating how bold thinking and action align with the Pro Mundo component of Baylor’s motto.
“Through TEDxBaylor University, we create space for the exchange of ideas that reflect the spirit of Baylor and the heart of Waco,” said Krista Brinser, senior director of External Affairs at Baylor. “Our speakers bring experiences and perspectives that strengthen the bonds between our campus, community and world.”
Organized independently under a license from TED, TEDxBaylor University is led by the Baylor University External Affairs team.
Speakers
The list of speakers and topics includes:
Erik Carter, Ph.D., The Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities, School of Education, and executive director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. “Belonging Together, Flourishing Together” |  |
Jaja Chen, LCSW-S, Cha Community co-owner and private practice therapist. “Ichi-Go Ichi-E: One Golden Moment Can Change Everything” |  |
Mito Diaz-Espinoza, Ph.D., president and CEO, Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “If You Walk with Purpose, You Will Collide with Destiny” |  |
Jordy Dickey, director of student activities, Division of Student Life, Baylor University. “Designing Belonging: How Rearranging Furniture Taught Me to Build Community” |  |
K. Leigh Greathouse, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., R.D., associate professor of nutrition sciences, associate professor of biology (Joint Appointment), Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences and College of Arts & Sciences. “Cancer Gave Me Superpowers” |  |
Leslie Hahner, Ph.D., professor of communication, College of Arts & Sciences. “Memes for Humanity: The Power of Public Imagination” |  |
Felecia Mulkey, head coach, Acrobatics and Tumbling, Baylor University Athletics. “A Skeptic Is Your Best Friend” |  |
Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience, College of Arts & Sciences. “The Eight-Hour Sleep Challenge” |  |
Devan Stahl, Ph.D., associate professor of bioethics and religion, College of Arts & Sciences. “Scan and Skin: Art as Ethical Innovation in Medicine” |  |
Makayla C. Williams, master’s student in communication, Trailblazer Scholar. “Tension Between Stillness” |  |
Spencer Yim, junior University Scholar, political science and economics major, Student Regent. “Thinking and Being Outside the Box” |  |
ABOUT TEDx, x = INDEPENDENTLY ORGANIZED EVENT
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
ABOUT TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge – without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community 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. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.