The Pro Mundo Institute (PMI) is a strategic initiative designed for faculty members to foster interdisciplinary research, advance international partnerships, and expand high-impact global experiences for all students. Supported by the Kong Family Endowment, each PMI is a summer immersion focused on developing faculty members’ knowledge of different parts of the world while creating a culturally enriching and collegiate experience suitable for an R1 Christian University. Lasting 7 to 10 days, the PMI will bring faculty together from around the university to engage with one another across disciplines in local excursions, workshops, and meetings with local community partners to develop curriculum, research partnerships, study abroad programs and other modes of mutually beneficial and reciprocal engagement with the host nation.
Call for Participation: Ghana, Summer 2026 (June 17-26)
Program Overview
The Center for Global Engagement is excited to announce a unique opportunity for faculty members to engage in interdisciplinary research and fellowship in Ghana during the summer of 2026. The inaugural Pro Mundo Institute will focus on two critical areas that align with Baylor in Deeds: Healthcare Innovation & Sustainable Engineering Solutions in Africa. We invite faculty members who are engaged in these fields of research and interested in contributing to expanding global programming for students in this region.
Program Details
- Duration: 7 - 10 days
- Location: Ghana
- Activities: Cultural and historic excursions, meetings with local universities, community leaders, NGOs, and other organizations.
Objectives
Participants in this program will:
- Establish relationships and partnerships with in-country individuals and institutions to advance research, teaching, and service by
- Attending networking with in-country faculty members, industry experts, and community leaders
- Participating in an “Opportunities for Research in Africa” session in Ghana
- Consider ways to develop new courses to internationalize the curriculum by,
- Participating in cultural immersions and activities such as Cape Coast or Elmina Castle
- Discussing and reflecting on these experiences, and considering how similar experiences may be created for students.
- Develop new programs for students that increase access to high-impact practices such as study abroad, service learning, internships, missions trips, etc., by
- Exploring long-term commitments with local institutions (e.g. university partners) to include faculty and/or student exchange
- Considering partnerships with local organizations for curriculum development or study abroad programming
- Gain firsthand experience of the cultural, social, and academic environments in Ghana to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of regional global perspectives by
- Engaging in site visits to hospitals, tech hubs, engineering firms, community health projects, etc.
- Co-creating tech solutions, or
- Volunteering with local community clinics
- Attending networking with in-country faculty members, industry experts, and community leaders
Eligibility
- Open to full-time Baylor faculty members (e.g. tenured, clinical, regular full-time lecturers).
- Approval from their home department Chair and Dean.
- Must have a demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research and a commitment to advancing the university’s strategic goals.
- Must have passport that is valid until at least January 1, 2027 (passport must typically be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Ghana).
Program Fees
All in-country expenses, international travel (Dallas to Accra) travel insurance and some meals will be covered by CGE. Faculty are responsible for their personal expenses, some meals, and transportation to/from Dallas.
Expectations of Faculty
- Faculty must attend the entire Institute, and the pre-departure meetings prior to arrival.
- After completion of the Institute, each faculty member must agree to provide a follow-up plan (1 to 2 pages) that describes how they will incorporate learning from the program into an effort that will advance Baylor in Deeds, with particular attention to internationalization efforts.
- Faculty will agree to sharing their experiences from the Institute upon returning to campus during International Education Week the following year.
Application Process
Interested faculty members are encouraged to submit their applications, including a CV, statement of interest (1-2 page), and approval note from the department chair or dean to the Center for Global Engagements. The deadline to apply is February 13. All applicants will be notified about decisions by February 20.