Dean's Update - February 24, 2025

Dear Colleagues:  

Some of you know that I occasionally contribute to Likely Stories, KWBU’s weekly review of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Tackling new books, and sharing about them with our local community, is a real treat for me. Sometimes, I bring low expectations to a book yet come away surprised. That was my experience recently with Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel, Counting Miracles.

The book comes in Sparks’ fourth decade as a writer and it marks his twenty-third novel, every single one of them a New York Times bestseller. Many have encountered his work through movie adaptations of his books, The Notebook and Message in a Bottle, for instance. Romance novels are his very successful shtick.

It may amaze you to hear it (probably not), but romance novels are not really my thing. Literary classics, yes. P.G. Wodehouse, definitely. Well-written fantasy, sure. Romance novels, not so much. Imagine my surprise, then, to stumble onto Counting Miracles and discover that Sparks brings substance, seriousness, and yes, some sweetness to his new novel. 

What caught my eye was the book’s epigraph, a line from the book of Job: “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” 

Counting Miracles is a Job story. Old man Jasper lives a simple, solitary life in the hills of North Carolina. He’s a decent, but broken man. Life-shattering events have taken from him much that is dear. Eighty-three, with not many years left, he’s bereft of faith and without hope. Apart from his dog Arlo, Jasper has regret, resignation to cruel fate, and a remnant of gentleness.

Another character, Tanner Hughes, is alone in the world after the passing of his grandmother in Florida. A globe-trotting veteran without roots, Tanner is looking for something or someone he-knows-not-what.

A third character, Kaitlyn Cooper—a harried, middle-aged physician, divorced, and a mother of two—is trying to hold life together. With grit and mostly good cheer, she manages.

Sparks brings Jasper, Tanner, and Kaitlyn to life. As the chapters unfold, he shows enough of their character and backstories to inspire investment in them. Why did bad things happen to them? Whose fault is it? How can they cope? What’s left for them? Is God to blame? 

Counting Miracles isn’t a sad book. The calamities of Job are there, so it’s poignant, yes. Yet the prevailing tones are forbearance, tenderness, and friendship. And without giving anything away, yes, there are “wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”

We live in a fraught world of calamity. War, wildfire, famine, disease, death—they’re ever present. Counting Miracles reminds us that we also live in a miraculous world, one governed by God’s beneficent providence. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and tongues to tell.

Within the Honors College, there’s much to see, hear, and tell. Among things to note:

• In action last week, Baylor’s Board of Regents approved launch of a B.Phil. degree program within the Honors College. Designed as a distinctive, appealing option for high-ability students, the degree unites honors education, interdisciplinarity, and undergraduate research—three things at the heart of our academic community. The B.Phil. will be offered with the choice of our current major, Great Texts, which students will combine with one of the 40+ secondary majors offered across the University. Other interdisciplinary majors may be added in the future. Further details appear in the story here.
• Make plans to attend our annual Ethics and Culture Lecture, now in its third year under the sponsorship of provost emeritus Donald Schmeltekopf and his wife, Judy. Planned for Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in the McLane Stadium Ballroom, the evening will feature Anna Moreland (theology, Villanova) and Thomas Smith (politics, Catholic University of America) in a public interview format on higher education and human flourishing. Be on the lookout for an invitation to a pre-lecture dinner at 5:30 p.m. I hope to see you there.
• We’re in a busy season of academic hiring, with eight positions in the process of being filled: assistant professor of philosophy (GTX), assistant professor of social psychology or history/philosophy of science (BIC), clinical assistant professor of pre-health education (HP), lecturer in rhetoric (BIC), three externally hired postdoctoral teaching fellows, and one internally hired postdoctoral teaching fellow. I’ve seen high merit and thoughtful embrace of Baylor’s Christian mission in every candidate with whom I’ve met. Thanks to all involved in these searches for your terrific efforts.
• We’re also at the time of our annual faculty performance review process, with staff performance reviews beginning very soon. I’m eager to read activity reports and learn of the many ways you’re advancing Baylor’s mission, fulfilling our college vision, and contributing to Baylor in Deeds, including the work of our Honors College Strategic Plan. My aims are always to see and celebrate your accomplishments; provide encouragement, support, and counsel; and help you achieve your very best work in service to the university.
• Congratulations to Candi Cann, Elizabeth Corey, and Jonathan Tran on successful applications for promotion to the rank of Professor! Each provided a compelling case of accrued excellence in research, teaching, service, and leadership. Each garnered favorable external reviews reflecting their stature as seasoned scholars. Each exemplifies a Christian conviction, liveliness of thought, and devotion to our community that make them fine models for us all. Well done, Candi, Elizabeth, and Jonathan!

All the best,

Douglas V. Henry, Ph.D.
Dean of the Honors College
Baylor University
honors.baylor.edu | 254.710.7689