Erika Abel, Ph.D., Appointed Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies

The Honors College has appointed Erika Abel, Ph.D., Clinical Professor in the Honors Program, as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. In addition to her administrative role, Abel will continue her teaching responsibilities within the Honors Program. Her appointment is effective immediately. 

"Since joining Baylor in 2011, Dr. Erika Abel has consistently demonstrated her devotion to teaching and mentoring undergraduates,” Dean Douglas Henry said.  “Erika’s collaborative nature and keen insights will refine our programs and inspire our students. Through her leadership, our students will benefit as they engage deeply with important questions, whether in her biology or genetics courses, or in the quiet spaces of their hearts as they hear and respond to God’s call.”

In her new role, Abel will help bring national attention to the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Great Texts, Honors Program, and University Scholars curricula. Her collaborative outlook and experienced eye will produce refinements to our students’ education in and beyond the classroom.

“The Honors College has walked alongside inspiring students asking important vocational and philosophical questions for decades,” Abel said. “It’s been a great pleasure to observe our students addressing modern challenges using approaches ranging from poetry to economics to chemistry. I look forward to the work of supporting the next generation of students in choosing Baylor and finding their intellectual homes.”

Beginning from her first year at Baylor in 2011, Erika has distinguished herself as a devoted teacher and mentor of undergraduates, accruing accolades and awards and providing capable leadership along the way. After moving to the Honors Program’s faculty in 2018, Abel brought new resources to our exceptional undergraduates, especially in the natural sciences. 

“Erika, a longstanding advocate for students, will be an invaluable partner in our mission to recruit and retain a diverse class of high-achieving students for the Honors College each year,” Director of Enrollment Management Erin Stamile, MS Ed. said. “Her care for student well-being and success has been proven throughout many years of her work at Baylor, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand how she goes above and beyond to support students in their academic, professional, and personal growth. In this role, Erika will continue to shape the future of our programs and inspire students to reach their full potential. I couldn’t be more excited to once again work alongside someone whose dedication to excellence is as unwavering as her care for our students.”

A central Texas native, Abel holds a B.S. in biomedical science from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in toxicology from the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Washington. Before her start at Baylor, she was a postdoctoral fellow, and then research assistant professor, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dean Henry gratefully acknowledges the support of Provost Nancy Brickhouse. He would also like to thank the search committee for their valuable time and service: Drs. Ronda Bond, Jenny Howell, Jonathan Tran, Jason Whitlark, and Jason Whitt.