The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation, Book Launch with Jon Eckert

In a culture that often equates happiness with comfort, how can we help young people develop the resilience and character they need to flourish?

Join the Institute for Faith and Learning for a book launch celebrating The Happiness Crisis: How Adversity Can Build a Resilient and Joyful Next Generation, the latest book by Baylor educator and researcher Jon Eckert. Drawing on decades of experience as a teacher, coach, researcher, and educational leader, Eckert argues that lasting joy is not found in avoiding struggle but in learning to embrace meaningful challenges, cultivate authentic relationships, and develop the resilience necessary for lives of purpose.

Rather than shielding young people from adversity, The Happiness Crisis invites parents, educators, coaches, and mentors to consider how thoughtfully navigating difficulty can help form confident, compassionate, and joyful adults. The book offers practical insights for anyone invested in the formation of the next generation.

Following Dr. Eckert's presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session and celebrate the launch of the book with colleagues from across the Baylor community.

Light refreshments will be provided.

About the Speaker

Jon Eckert, Ed.D. is Professor of Educational Leadership, the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair for Christians in School Leadership, and Executive Director of the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Before joining Baylor, he taught and coached middle school students, served as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education, and prepared teachers at Wheaton College.

An internationally recognized scholar in educational leadership, teaching effectiveness, and student flourishing, Dr. Eckert has conducted research for organizations including the U.S. Department of Education, the Carnegie Foundation, and the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. He is the author of several books on education and leadership, including Just Teaching, Leading Together, and The Novice Advantage. His newest book, The Happiness Crisis, explores how educators, parents, and mentors can help young people move beyond the pursuit of comfort toward lives marked by resilience, purpose, and lasting joy.