معرفی
T. Laine Scales is a Professor of Social Work and PhD Program Co-Director at Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. She also serves as the inaugural Faculty Fellow in Baylor's Learning Design. Prior to her position at Baylor, she held faculty positions at Stephen F. Austin State University and Palm Beach Atlantic University. With an extensive administrative background, Dr. Scales completed 15 years as Associate Dean in Baylor's Graduate School from 2004-2019.
Dr. Scales' educational background includes:
- PhD in Higher Education from the University of Kentucky at Lexington
- MSW from Carver School of Church Social Work, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Her primary research interests focus on Social Welfare History, Settlement Houses (both historical and contemporary), Baptists and Social Work (historical), and Doctoral Education as a Process of Formation. Dr. Scales has made significant contributions to understanding the historical role of Baptist women in social work and missions, rural social work, and the integration of Christian faith with social work practice. Her work demonstrates how historical settlement house models can inform contemporary community development approaches, particularly through her establishment of the Good Neighbor Settlement House in Waco, Texas.
Dr. Scales' scholarly work has been recognized with Baylor's highest teaching honor, the Master Teacher designation in 2016, and the Centennial Professor Award in 2019. She has authored, co-authored, or co-edited 10 books, 40 articles and chapters, and presented over 50 professional papers and workshops in higher education and social work.
Her notable awards include:
- Master Teacher (Baylor's highest teaching honor, 2016)
- Centennial Professor Award (2019)
- Inaugural Faculty Fellow in Baylor's Learning Design
Dr. Scales has been instrumental in faculty development initiatives, leading programs such as Conyers Scholars, Baptist College and University Scholars, and Preparing our Future Faculty. She has mentored aspiring faculty across disciplines and served as co-leader of the Online Faculty Institute (2024-present), Summer Faculty Institute (2005-2008), Adjunct Training Institute (2008-2011), and Baptist Seminar for Academic Leadership (2014-2016). She was influential in creating Baylor's Academy for Teaching and Learning in 2008 and has served continuously on its advisory board.
Her research on historical settlement houses led to the establishment of Good Neighbor Settlement House in Waco, Texas, an innovative community organization that nurtures community through intergenerational experiences of arts, music, education, recreation, and worship. "Settlers," or volunteers living in the community, operate the organization while learning about community development. Dr. Scales also co-directs Baylor in Oxford, an important teaching program for undergraduates.
