Baylor Update from the Chairman and President

Dear Baylor Family:

Last week was truly heartwarming as thousands of alumni and parents joined our students, faculty and staff on the Baylor University campus in celebration of Homecoming. The pride and passion of the Baylor Family runs deep, as all the traditions and qualities that make Baylor such a unique, cherished institution were on full display – of course, wrapped in green and gold. For those who joined us on campus for Homecoming, we say thank you. And for those who could not make it back to Waco, we hope you were able to follow the festivities on social media or online.

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the Baylor Family informed and engaged, we want to take an opportunity to provide a few brief updates following last week’s quarterly Board of Regents meeting:

• Strong – The Board of Regents and University Administration have made significant strides in the implementation of the Governance Review Task Force recommendations, which were adopted last February. Board committees have been expanded with more diverse representation, communication within the Board is more strategic and Regents are committed to continuous improvement related to governance. Please note that the nomination process for Alumni-elected Regents is currently open through November 30.
• Secure – A special committee from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges recently conducted a thorough review of Baylor’s student services, athletics and the overall institutional environment and found the University to be compliant in all three areas. Additionally, the review committee verified that all 105 recommendations the University undertook in response to past incidents of sexual violence within our campus community have been implemented. The findings of this special committee represent a preliminary assessment of the institution at this time. Final action on the report rests with the Commission on Colleges, which is scheduled to meet in December.
• Strategic – The University is in process of developing a comprehensive academic strategic plan to further Baylor’s aspirations as a preeminent, or “Tier One,” Christian research university. This five-year plan is focused not solely on academic prestige, but on how we can make a distinct impact on our world through research and discovery, transformational education and selfless service within our community and beyond. This strategic planning process began over the summer with discussions among the deans and department chairs along with the full support and engagement of the Board. The planning process is expected to be completed by May 2018.

A summary of the October Board of Regents meeting, which includes recognition of our Meritorious Achievement Award recipients as well as several University-level organizational changes, has been posted online and provided to the media, as part of our renewed commitment to open communication with the Baylor Family and other constituents. Agendas and past meeting minutes also can be found on the Board of Regents website.

Finally, this week is again significant in the life of the University as we celebrate the Presidential Inauguration. The theme of Inauguration-related events throughout the week is based on Romans 12:2 – “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. We hope you can join us for the installation ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Ferrell Center.

Thank you for your commitment and ongoing support for this special University. May peace be with you, and God bless.

Joel T. Allison
Chairman of the Board

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President