Sandra McCracken, GRAMMY-Nominated Christian Artist, Brings Artistry and Inspiration to 2025 Hearn Innovator Series

WACO, Texas (Sept. 23, 2025) – Baylor University’s Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies welcomed acclaimed singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken to campus this week as the Fall 2025 Hearn Innovator in Christian Music through the annual program that brings distinguished leaders in music and the arts to Baylor.

McCracken, a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning artist based in Nashville, has spent more than 25 years as one of the most influential voices in modern hymnody and gospel-roots music. With 18 solo albums to her name, she is known for blending Americana, folk, and sacred tradition into songs that are both deeply personal and spiritually resonant.

To start the week, Sandra performed an evening concert as part of her “Welcome Home” tour at First Baptist Church of Waco. This concert sponsored by Truett Seminary reexamined her 2015 “Psalms” project and showcased many of her most well known songs from beyond that album. During her visit to campus, McCracken led a series of conversations with Baylor church music students, encouraging a collaborative spirit of making music together in ways that help build up those around you. She shared insights from her own journey as a songwriter and author, offering Baylor students a unique perspective on sustaining a life of artistry rooted in spiritual practice. Sandra shared in meals, coffee, and conversation with students throughout her two day visit.

Hearn Visit 1 — *Member's of Baylor's 40 Collective join Sandra in a moment of singing and music making during a visit to a group rehearsal*

One stand out moment from her visit was when Sandra spent time with the students participating in Baylor’s 40 Collective. In reflecting on Sandra’s visit to their rehearsal, first year M.M./M.Div. student Carly Hall said, “Our time with Sandra McCracken was deeply enriching and as we exchanged questions related to art, spirituality, and ministry, we gained new perspectives on what it looks like to participate in the Kingdom of Jesus as creatives.” As they closed their time together with a moment of spontaneous musical worship, Carly shared that, “we ended with a sweet time of worship, which reminded me of the way God uses joy and lament to shape one another as we sing to him together in the midst of various struggles and celebrations.”

As we exchanged questions related to art, spirituality, and ministry, we gained new perspectives on what it looks like to participate in the Kingdom of Jesus as creatives.

Hearn Visit Songwriting — *Visiting Scholars Geraldine Latty-Luce & Carey Luce facilitate a songwriting workshop for students with Sandra*

The Hearn Innovators Series was established through the generous gift of the late Billy Ray Hearn, a Baylor graduate who served as the founder of the Capitol Christian Music Group. Mr. Hearn’s goal with funding the Hearn Series was to focus on fostering creativity, innovation, and leadership among Baylor students with Christian artists and leaders. Past guests have included Keith Getty, David Crowder, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Andrew Peterson, Travis Cottrell, and many others.

McCracken Concert — *Sandra performs as part of the Welcome Home tour on Sunday, September 22nd at First Baptist Church, Waco*

The Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies, housed in Baylor’s School of Music, equips students to serve the church and the world through music, scholarship, and leadership. The Hearn Innovators Series continues this mission by connecting students with artists and thought leaders who model excellence in both craft and character.

For those who were unable to attend, Sandra's presentation will be available to watch on our YouTube Channel.