In the Light of Christ: Honors Education and Church-Related Mission
November 12-14, 2026 | Baylor University Honors College
The Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities seeks to strengthen the quality and shape the character of church-related institutions of higher learning in the twenty-first century. Network Exchange Grants provide opportunities for faculty and leaders from Network colleges to visit a host institution, observe a showcase program, and learn from its experience and perspectives.
Hosted by Baylor's Honors College, a Lilly Network Exchange this November will help honors educators explore the role of their work within church-related higher education. Participants will consider why honors education matters in the light of Christ, what well-designed and effectively led honors initiatives can accomplish, and how honors education may be strengthened in different institutional settings.
About the Exchange
Baylor’s long-running experience with honors education began in 1959, grew over subsequent decades, and took a major step forward with the founding of the Honors College in 2002. Currently led by Dean Douglas Henry, Ph.D., the Honors College includes 1,400 undergraduates, 5 academic programs, a regular full-time faculty of 40, and talented professional staff.
Within this context, Network Exchange participants will engage with academic, advising, residential life, student engagement, post-baccalaureate fellowship and scholarship, and development leaders within the Honors College. Together, we will reflect on common challenges facing honors education; examine how Baylor’s mission is expressed through the Honors College’s organization, leadership, strategic plan, curriculum, co-curriculum, student recruitment, and campus life; and explore variant models in which church-related mission is advanced through honors education.
Goals
Participants will:
- Gain an enriched understanding of why honors education matters within the context of church-related higher education.
- Learn from Baylor Honors College’s experience, leadership, programs, and campus life.
- Consider common challenges and criticisms faced by honors education, along with possible remedies and responses.
- Explore how honors education can serve and strengthen institutional mission.
- Return home with renewed energy and practical ideas for strengthening honors education.
- Develop action plans that discernibly strengthen honors education in light of church-related mission.
Tentative Schedule
November 12
| 3-5 p.m. | Arrival and check-in at AC Hotel Waco Downtown |
| 5-6 p.m. | Welcome / Reception |
| 6-8 p.m. | Opening Dinner |
November 13
| 8-9 a.m. | Breakfast at hotel |
| 9-9:15 a.m. | Shuttle to Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center |
| 9:15-10:30 a.m. | Tour of Baylor University and Honors College |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45-11:30 a.m. | Mission |
| 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. | Undergraduate Curriculum |
| 12-1:00 p.m. | Luncheon. Leadership |
| 1-1:15 p.m. | Break |
| 1:15-2:15 p.m. | Student Recruitment |
| 2:15-2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Marketing, Communication, and Fundraising |
| 3:30-3:45 p.m. | Break |
| 3:45-4:45 p.m. | Residential Life |
| 4:45-5 p.m. | Break |
| 5-5:30 p.m. | Vespers |
| 6-8 p.m. | Dinner. Institution-wide Collaboration |
November 14
| 8-9 a.m. | Breakfast at hotel |
| 9-10 a.m. | Debriefing |
| 10-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11 a.m. | Drafting of action plans |
| 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Reports on action plans |
| 12 p.m. | Concluding luncheon |
Grant Support
Participants selected for the Network Exchange will receive full grant support covering the costs of airfare, ground transportation, hotel, and meals. The total number of participants will be at least 15 and up to 20 based on level of interest and how far we're able to stretch grant funds.
Apply
Applications are welcome using the link below. We will take time as needed to fill all available spots, but applicants are encouraged to apply no later than August 31, 2026, to ensure full consideration.