Presidential Perspective - March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

It’s hard to believe it’s already March and Spring Break is next week. I know many of you are looking forward to time away with family and friends and for rest and renewal during this busy time of year.

Over Spring Break, we also have around 120 students, faculty and staff leaders who will serve on nine Baylor Missions trips in the U.S. and internationally alongside our global partners. Of particular note, 15 First Abroad Fellows – first-generation students who have prioritized having an international experience during their time at Baylor – will travel to the Dominican Republic, where they will partner with a local church to build a home for a family in need in just one week. May the Lord bless and keep you as you faithfully serve others.

Some updates from campus:

  • PRAYING FOR FM72: Earlier this week, the First Gent and I joined local pastors and church staffs in praying for FM72, which will take place this year March 19-22. Students will gather for 72 straight hours of prayer on Fountain Mall, asking God to bring revival and renewal to the Baylor campus and our community. Also, there will be a gathering each night to worship, pray and hear from God’s Word.

  • DOOR LOCK SCHEDULES: As we considered recent events nationwide and locally, the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPS) reassessed our automatic-locking schedules for campus doors. Beginning Monday, March 13, the majority of University buildings will automatically lock at a more uniform time across campus, generally from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Please note that some facilities have different hours, so the best course of action for students, faculty and staff is to have your Baylor ID card with you for swipe access during locked hours.

  • CELEBRATING SERVICE: Congratulations to our faculty and staff who were honored yesterday during the Service Awards celebration. The annual luncheon recognizes the recipients’ years of loyal service and contributions in five-year increments, beginning with year five and following with anniversary milestones that this year went all the way up to 55 years of service! Baylor is so blessed by your dedication to the University and its mission.

  • MARK YOUR CALENDARS: March is Women’s History Month, which highlights the contributions of women to events, history and contemporary society. Throughout the month, Baylor will host a series of WHM events taking place in academic departments across campus and in the community. You also will want to mark your calendars for the 2023 Pruit Memorial Symposium, “My Tribute: The Life and Legacy of Andraé Crouch,” which features free concerts, panels and presentations March 15-18 that honor one of the most significant gospel artists of all time.

  • BAYLOR GIVES BACK: The Baylor Family truly came together yesterday to support our annual Giving Day. This is a day focused on connecting alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends with needs in areas of the University that mean the most to them. Gifts of all sizes were given in support of student scholarships, student success, academic excellence funds and other academic priorities, student life initiatives, athletics, service opportunities and much more. We are grateful for the more than 3,800 gifts from individuals who gave so generously and helped us raise more than $1.6 million for the day.

This is BAYLOR BOLD WEEKEND as the Baylor Bears host 13 athletic events in four days, including another basketball doubleheader on Saturday as our men’s and women’s basketball teams wrap up their regular seasons. Let the March Madness begin!

I pray for you all a safe and blessed Spring break.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President


PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Photo of the Week - 2Mar23

One of the many joys of working at a comprehensive research university is the opportunity to learn about and celebrate cultures from around the world. Yesterday was the Indian Subcontinent Student Association’s Holi 2023: The Festival of Colors, which featured a color throwing for students.