Leadership Fueled by Faith and Research

When Jason R. Carter, Ph.D., was announced as the new dean of Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences in May 2022, Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse, B.A. ’82, Ph.D., commended his remarkable research background alongside his Christian commitment. His appointment represented an investment by the University in a unique type of leader — an academic dean active in research and fueled by faith. 

Now, Carter is leading the way as an academic leader who conducts and leads high-level research while leaning into his relationship with Christ. Through his own research, his approach to mentorship and his commitment to resourcing and fostering collaboration, Carter is defining what it means to be an active researcher and engaged dean at an R1 university.

A RESEARCHER AND MENTOR

While Carter has extensive experience as a leader of a major research enterprise — previously serving as the vice president for research, economic development and graduate education at the largest research university in Montana — he also is an active researcher himself. No matter whether he was serving as vice president, department chair or faculty member, Carter always ensured that he had time available for his own research.

It isn’t always easy, Carter shared. It requires disciplined time management and the development of a solid team that can be trusted for delegation, but his research remains an outlet. In addition, it allows him to better understand the faculty he is trying to represent and serve.

“I love leadership by example when it is possible. My research keeps me grounded. It keeps me rooted. And it helps me to better understand the needs across the College,” he said.

Carter’s ongoing research activity fosters a deep appreciation for the work of the faculty researchers he oversees — both their triumphs and their challenges. It also connects directly with his commitment to mentorship and collaboration.

“The more senior I get with my research, the more fulfillment I get from mentorship,” he shared. “Some of the most gratifying components of my own research now are helping others think through their research and helping them succeed.”

Carter serves as a mentor and advisor to faculty and postdoctoral researchers within Robbins College, to Baylor faculty members from different academic units and to faculty across the United States who are engaging in work that parallels his own. 

THE FAITH FACTOR 

While Carter’s research success is outstanding and his commitments to mentorship and collaboration are commendable, these factors alone are not what set him apart as a leader. His true distinctiveness is found in a deep Christian faith that inspires and strengthens everything he does.

Trained as an exercise physiologist, Carter now classifies himself as a sleep physiologist. His research focuses on the intersection between sleep, exercise, stress, the autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular health in humans. This is the general subject of work that has led to more than $74 million in external research awards. But the curiosity behind the science is rooted in something more.

“There are countless ways to be a Christian scholar. I’m interested in how sleep insufficiencies or disorders impact neural and cardiovascular health. Driving my motivation to be in higher education and conduct research is to serve others — as God calls us to do,” he shared.

Faith and research unite in Carter’s commitment to collaboration as well. 

“Jesus didn’t keep things to himself — he had disciples, and he invested in that team of 12. As scientists at Baylor, we can invest more holistically into the intellectual, mental, physical and spiritual health of the people we’re training and the people we’re collaborating with,” he said. “Life is meant to be done with other people, and I believe research is, too.”

Carter says he often reflects on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to guide him. He espouses patience as a virtue — both in everyday life and, especially, in grant writing. In his work, he pushes boundaries but recognizes the need for self-control. In a realm of work that can at times be frustrating, he seeks joy.

“These are the kinds of things I think about as we develop dedicated and resilient faculty members here in Robbins College and at Baylor — individuals who might get knocked down but are willing to get back up because they’re doing it for a bigger purpose,” Carter said. “When you have something bigger, you think more clearly and you are able to pursue excellence — but within a Christian framework.”

“I love being at an institution where I can embrace my Christian faith while pushing the boundaries of physiological research. I want to pursue and support excellent science. I want to lead our College to that next level of excellence. But, I want to do that in a way that contributes to the greater Kingdom.”