David W. Schlueter

Baylor Communication Professor David Walter Schlueter, Ph.D., passed Nov. 4, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer. 

Schlueter was born in Mascoutah, IL, (Scott Air Force Base) to Herman and Joan Schlueter. He grew up in Cincinnati, OH, with his parents, sister and two brothers.  

Schlueter had served on the Baylor communication faculty since 1984. He served as the department's graduate program director before taking the role of department chair, a position he held for sixteen years. He also served twelve years on the University’s internal review board, several as chair. 

He created and directed the Baylor in London study abroad program in communication, which continues to thrive to this day. In addition, he served more than 100 graduate students as their thesis chair or on their thesis committees, as well as on committees for professional papers for students and his colleagues. 

Schlueter grew up attending the United Church of Christ, then found a comfortable transition to membership in the United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Janie, taught adult Sunday School classes for most of their more than 40 years in Waco.