The Schmeltekopf Fellowship for Educational Leadership
The Donald and Judy Schmeltekopf Fellowship is an intensive program supporting gifted students who are interested in connections between faith and learning, and who are committed to Baptist leadership in higher education.
The fellowship is a tribute to the life and legacy of one of Christian education's greatest advocates, Donald Schmeltekopf. Using his model, the program helps students understand academic leadership as a form of Christian service.
Mike Arrington, former Executive Director of IABCU, says "The recognition of one outstanding student as the Schmeltekopf Scholar is a highly appropriate way to honor Don and Judy. All of us in Baptist higher education are grateful to the Schmeltekopfs' for their commitment to excellence in Baptist higher education."
Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ouachita Baptist University, Stan Poole, believes that "Naming a Schmeltekopf Scholar among the students in the Baptist College and University Scholars program is a fitting tribute to Dr. Schmeltekopf's tireless efforts to strengthen Baptist higher education."
Support the Schmeltekopf foundation
Don Schmeltekopf's Baylor at the Crossroads: Memoirs of a Provost.
Read the First Things review of Baylor at the Crossroads.
2026-27 Schmeltekopf Fellow
Jordann Heckart
We are pleased to announce Jordann Heckart as the new Schmeltekopf Fellow for 2026-2027. Jordann is a doctoral candidate in the History Department. She has a B.A. in Religion and Human Services (Carson-Newman University), an M.A. in Church History, and an M.A. in Theology (Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary). Jordann’s research focuses on the contested religious liberty of colonial Baptist and Quaker women and their contributions to disestablishment. Before coming to Baylor, Jordann taught World Religions at Des Moines Area Community College.
Program Activities
- On-campus lectures: Selected lectures that engage the relationship between faith and learning, featuring both members of Baylor's faculty and other institutions are chosen for BCU Scholars' attendance
- Book provision: Schmeltekopf Fellows are provided books at no cost to themselves for use in discussions with leadership mentors
- Mentoring experience with an academic administrator at Baylor
- Presentation at IABCU annual meeting
- Assist in planning two events for BCU Scholars
- Meeting/ Mentoring with a Baylor administrator several times per year as appropriate
Qualifications for Entrance into the Program
The Schmeltekopf Fellowship is open to students who have completed two years of study in Baylor's BCU Scholars Program. Students must demonstrate an interest in academic leadership within Baptist colleges and universities.
Don's Story
- EARLY LIFE AND FOUNDATIONS
- GRADUATE EDUCATION AND THE NEH
- MARS HILL AND BAPTIST CULTURE
- A NEW VISION FOR BAYLOR
- THE FUTURE OF BAPTIST EDUCATION
- SERVICE RECOGNIZED