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PLAINVIEW — Sebastian Balderas, a junior Political Science major at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University, has added multiple honors to his growing list of academic and leadership achievements following his recent visit to Austin for Texas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.

Balderas traveled to the Capitol on Thursday, April 10, accompanied by his advisor, Dr. Autumn Lass, to present his research project titled Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Leadership: Leading During Crisis and Reshaping American Governance for Years to Come. His presentation, originally developed in a Presidency class last fall, explored FDR’s influence on modern governance and was one of only a few selected for the prestigious statewide event.

While in Austin, Balderas—who is also a student-athlete on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Pioneers football team—visited the office of State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), who represents the Plainview area. During the meeting, Balderas presented the senator with a retired 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ football helmet for display, offering a symbolic tribute to the university’s athletic program.

In a surprise development during the trip, Balderas learned he had been accepted into the New Leadership Texas Internship, a prestigious summer program hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University. The program, offered in partnership with the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics, recently expanded to include students of all genders. Balderas will attend the program this June, where he will develop skills in leadership, civic engagement, and public policy alongside peers from across the state.

“Sebastian exemplifies what it means to be a true academic champion,” said Dr. Rebekah Crowe, Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “He is not only a dedicated scholar but also a strong ambassador for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, both in the classroom and on the field.”

Based on his research work, Balderas was named the 2024–2025 Academic Champion for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. He received the award during the school’s “Celebrating Society” event on April 22, where he again displayed his poster project.

In addition to his academic and leadership accomplishments, Balderas accepted an invitation this spring to join 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s Texas Alpha Eta chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, which recognizes the top 10 percent of students across all academic disciplines.

“Sebastian is a remarkable example of a student-athlete who uses ‘scholarship for good,’ just as the Alpha Chi motto encourages,” said Dr. Crowe, who also serves as sponsor of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s Alpha Chi chapter. “His drive, integrity, and passion for service reflect the very best of what our students can achieve.”