Cultivating a Culture of Care and Connection at Baptist University
Faculty and staff of Baptist Health Sciences University gathered in the Groner Auditorium for a new professional development opportunity presented by the Center for Learning and Innovative Pedagogy (CLIP). This session, the first in the Cultivating a Culture of Care and Connection series, introduced practical ways to strengthen how employees support students and one another.
The event was guided by campus leaders Abby Kurtz, Ph.D., RDMS, RDCS, RVT, QEP director and associate professor of diagnostic medical sonography; and Laura Baker, MBA, ARRT, RT(R), program chair of medical radiography. Both helped frame the importance of building a caring institutional culture.
The session, titled “Foundations of a Caring Campus,” encouraged participants to reflect on what care means in higher education and how intentional daily practices, from communication to course design, shape belonging, engagement and readiness.
Jaime L. Bissa, Ph.D., Ed.S., M.A.Ed., director of CLIP, said:
“The Foundations of a Caring Campus helps us slow down and remember that student success starts with feeling seen, valued and supported. CLIP is giving faculty and staff practical tools to turn care into a daily habit, not just a slogan. Small shifts are adding up to a big impact on connection and readiness.”
Learning outcomes
Participants left able to:
- Define care in a higher education context.
- Connect care practices to belonging, engagement and success.
- Identify one actionable step to increase perceived care in their role.
This series represents an ongoing investment in faculty and staff development, equipping employees with meaningful strategies to cultivate a more caring and connected campus culture, one intentional action at a time.