HSB Launches Christian Leadership Center

Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business (HSB) established the Center for Christian Leadership and Ethics (CL&E), led by Associate Dean for Values-Based Leadership Matt Quade, Ph.D. The new Center underscores HSB’s commitment to integrating faith, ethics and leadership in business education.

“One of my initial impressions when I first visited Baylor was the outstanding student body,” said David M. Szymanski, Ph.D., the William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean. “Having served as dean this past term, I fully embrace how instrumental the CL&E has been in developing students with high morals and character. Elevating CL&E to serve the entire Business School is a meaningful statement 
for HSB.”

Under Quade’s leadership, CL&E has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding opportunities for students, alumni, faculty, staff and business leaders. The Christian Leadership in Business program within CL&E equips juniors and seniors to fulfill their calling as ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace. Through mentorships, workshops, leadership training grounded in Scripture and an off-campus retreat, the program has already served 167 students as of Fall 2025, with continued growth expected.

HSB students also engage in Baylor Business: On Mission, a series of business-focused mission trips to Amsterdam, Belize, Guatemala and Zambia. Quade said these trips have allowed students to apply their business knowledge in service to God’s kingdom and to promote human flourishing. Additional mission opportunities are being planned for Spring and Summer 2027.

“I am thankful for and humbled by the engagement we have received from alumni and stakeholders, which has allowed us to grow our student-facing programs in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” Quade said. “It is exciting to look at where we are now and what the future holds for the Center.”

The Center also launched the CL&E Executive-in-Residence program in Fall 2024, connecting students with seasoned business professionals. Mark Rountree, B.B.A. ’86, M.T.A. ’87, former Baylor Board of Regents chair, served in the inaugural role, followed by Scott Smith, B.B.A. ’89, M.B.A. ’90, former chief human resources officer at DirecTV.

Other initiatives include the Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit, which helps business leaders integrate faith and leadership, and the long-standing Dale P. Jones Business Ethics Forum and Paul J. Meyer Christian Leadership in Business Banquet.

For more information or to partner with the Center, contact Matt_Quade@baylor.edu.