Setting the Stage for a Year of Joy

On Aug. 3, Baylor’s Center for School Leadership packed thousands of school leaders and educators into the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion to launch the most joyful school year yet at Culture of Joy 2026. Emceed by award-winning actress, direc

tor, producer, author and Baylor parent Alison Sweeney and featuring special guest Baylor Head Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Drew, A.B.C. ’03, Culture of Joy brought together teachers and school staff from around the world for an event honoring the depth of their work and equipping them to lead with a joy that uplifts students, colleagues and entire communities. 

“We believe that cultivating effective leaders and teachers is the key to unlocking the potential of each student,” said Jon Eckert, Ed.D., executive director of the Center for School Leadership and the Lynda and Robert Copple Chair in Christian School Leadership. “That’s why we strive to prepare and nourish the leaders we serve, so they can, in turn, serve their students with excellence.”

After guests were welcomed into Foster Pavilion by marching bands and cheer and dance teams from local high schools, Drew shared encouraging words of recognition and gratitude. 

“There’s no greater blessing in life than to be able to make a difference in others’ lives,” said Drew. “All of you get to choose to have a positive impact on young people’s lives in ways you may not ever even know.”

As the keynote speaker, Eckert shared his ABCs — adversity, belonging, curiosity — of inviting students into more joyful lives and the lifelong effect this can have. Culture of Joy 2026 included powerful video testimonies honoring educator success and impact, networking and inspirational storytelling alongside fun games, competitions, trivia and even a mascot dance-off party. The event laid the groundwork upon which to build joyful, thriving school communities.