University Strategic Planning Process

Baylor Faculty, Staff and Students:

As we near the end date of Baylor’s strategic plan, Illuminate, it is certainly exciting to see the many ways our University has been transformed over the past five-plus years. From achieving Research 1 status ahead of our projected timeline and funding 22 new, fully endowed faculty positions to eclipsing Give Light’s $1.1 billion campaign goal – again ahead of projections – and being recognized by Morning Consult as one of the most trusted universities in the country, Baylor truly has been blessed, and we have much for which to be thankful.

Now is the time for us – together as a campus community – to begin considering the next chapter in our University’s strategic planning process as we look beyond Illuminate in our ongoing efforts to be recognized as the preeminent Christian research university. I have asked Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., and Chief of Staff Tiffany Hogue, J.D., to co-chair a new Strategic Planning Group that will guide the Baylor Family through this campuswide process over the next year. Members of the Strategic Planning Group include:

• Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., Provost (co-chair);
• Tiffany Hogue, J.D., Chief of Staff to the President (co-chair);
• Jared Alcantara, Ph.D., Professor of Preaching, George W. Truett Theological Seminary;
• Anna Evelyn Beaudry, President, Graduate Student Association;
• Gary Carini, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Institutional Research and Professional Education;
• Jason Carter, Ph.D., Dean, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences;
• Kevin Chambliss, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Research;
• Jane Damron, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Communications Studies, College of Arts and Sciences;
• Cody Hall, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Financial Services and Business Officer;
• Heidi Hornik-Parsons, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Art and Art History, College of Arts and Sciences;
• Sharra Hynes, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students;
• Ida Jamshidi, Senior Director of Advising, School of Engineering and Computer Science;
• Whitney Jones, Senior Director of Student Success Initiatives, Paul L. Foster Success Center;
• Brian Jordon, Ph.D., Carlisle Endowed Professor of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science;
• Nick Madincea, Student Body President; 
• Coretta Pittman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences;
• Jonathan Tran, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Honors College, and Associate Professor of Theology, Great Texts Program; and
• Kevin Villegas, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Student Life Initiatives.

The Strategic Planning Group will hold its first meeting next month and will work over the summer to outline a series of listening sessions that will take place throughout the fall semester for faculty, staff, students and other members of the Baylor Family. The group’s charge is to deliver a new strategic plan for consideration by me and ultimately approval by the Baylor Board of Regents in May 2024.

I understand this is an aggressive timeline. It is vitally important that we maintain, if not accelerate, the incredible momentum of the University. The strategic planning process will be open and engaging, and a comprehensive website will be developed to help you follow and participate in the process. Additionally, your feedback is welcomed throughout the upcoming year.

Thank you in advance for your support of the Strategic Planning Group and the important work that will unfold in the months ahead. As I have often said, “The world needs a Baylor” as we uphold our distinct place – and impact – in higher education.

Sincerely,

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President