HSB Announces Center for Christian Leadership and Ethics

Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business (HSB) announced today the establishment of the Center for Christian Leadership and Ethics (CL&E), led by Associate Dean for Values-Based Leadership Matt Quade, PhD. 

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

CL&E has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, enhancing existing programs while establishing new opportunities for students, alumni, faculty and staff, and stakeholders. The Christian Leadership in Business (CLB) program equips juniors and seniors to fulfill their calling as ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace. CLB consists of leadership training rooted in God’s word, mentorships, workshops with Christian leaders and an off-campus retreat. As of the fall of 2025, 167 students have benefited from the program, and Quade looks forward to further growth in involvement and offerings. 

HSB students also benefit from Baylor Business: On Mission, a collection of business-specific mission trips in Amsterdam, Belize, Guatemala and Zambia. Quade said these trips have been especially fruitful for students as they utilize business skills they are learning here at Baylor in service to God’s kingdom and to promote human flourishing. CL&E is currently working to introduce additional mission trips by the spring and summer of 2027, Quade said. 

“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,” he said. “It is exciting to look at where we are now and what the future holds for the Center.”

Student offerings have grown in recent years, with the addition of the CL&E Executive-in-Residence program. Beginning in the fall 2024 semester, CL&E has hosted an executive-in-residence to provide career guidance to students across the Business School. Mark Rountree, retired partner at EY and former chair of the Baylor Board of Regents, served in the inaugural role, while Scott Smith, former chief human resources officer at DirecTV, is currently in the position. 

CL&E has actively worked to provide opportunities to other audiences, as well, including alumni and industry professionals. The Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit, which launched in 2024, helps business leaders connect with others while growing in their ability to think and work as leaders who operate according to a biblical worldview. 

“Christian leadership is about both business success and using our influence to reflect the character of Christ in all we do,” Quade said. “These programs allow people to learn, engage and encourage as they connect with each other in a community rooted in Christian values.”

While CL&E identifies new ways to develop Christian leaders, the Center will continue to offer long-standing activities that have cultivated connections and growth, including the Dale P. Jones Business Ethics Forum and the Paul J. Meyer Christian Leadership in Business Banquet. 

More information about the Center for Christian Leadership and Ethics can be found here. 

Those who want to learn more about the center or who might have an interest in partnering, such as potential speakers or mentors, should contact Matt Quade at Matt_Quade@baylor.edu.