Introducing Baylor in Deeds, the University strategic plan

Dear Baylor Family,

Last week, in meetings with Baylor University’s faculty and staff, we had the pleasure of unveiling Baylor in Deeds, the University’s new strategic plan that will guide our growth through 2030. Baylor in Deeds – developed through a purposeful, collaborative process and affirmed by the Baylor Board of Regents in May – inaugurates an exciting time in Baylor’s service to the surrounding world as a Christian Research 1 university and marks a period of renewed commitment to providing a transformational education to our outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

Baylor’s priorities for the next five-plus years will proceed in strong alignment with the University’s mission and will reflect the global focus of our recently expanded University motto: Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo (For the Church, For Texas, For the World). Baylor in Deeds builds upon the foundation established by similarly collaborative blueprints for the University’s growth in recent decades. In fact, this new plan is guided by the same four foundational pillars prominently featured in Illuminate, our recently concluded strategic plan – Distinctly Christian environment and impact; transformational undergraduate educational experience; impactful research, scholarship and graduate education; and renowned programs in the arts and athletics.

I’d like to share a few highlights of our new strategic plan and invite you to explore the plan at Baylor in Deeds.

Grounding our purpose in the words of Matthew 5:14-16, we are committed to shining God’s light across our campuses, in our community, in Texas and the United States and around the world so others might “see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.” We have been intentional during the creation of Baylor in Deeds in setting the course for greater global engagement and impact. In fact, we challenged our belief that the world needs a Baylor, a Christian research university committed to preparing graduates for leadership and service, and asked ourselves, “What does the world need Baylor for?” The answer is expressed through four commitments at the center of Baylor in Deeds.

• Equipping Students to Flourish – Providing an education that is both cutting-edge and timeless in its preparation of undergraduate, graduate and professional students with a competitive advantage, while prioritizing holistic student wellbeing that prepares hearts, minds and souls to lead and serve from a place of faith, humility, justice and wisdom.
• Broadening Interdisciplinary Research and Impact – Strengthening distinctive areas of research excellence across schools and colleges, while cultivating areas of collaborative research focused on human health, sciences and engineering that are prioritized for growth by our state, and areas of tremendous global impact such as data sciences, emerging technologies, human flourishing and environmental health and sustainability.
• Building a Vibrant, Caring and Global Community – Establishing Baylor as a leader in preparing active, engaged and diverse citizens who interact with others with civility and respect, while expanding partnerships in Waco, with universities, faith-based organizations, industries, non-profits and others around the world, and with the Baylor Family to expand opportunities for learning and impact.  
• Demonstrating Christian Stewardship – Expanding existing and developing new areas of expertise that help Baylor contribute sustainability solutions through research and implementation, while addressing campus needs and responsibly stewarding financial resources, continuous improvement efforts, and Baylor’s commitment to nationally recognized programs in collegiate athletics.

So, what comes next? Baylor in Deeds will inform priorities of the next phase of our facilities and campus resource plans, and over the next few years will lead us into a philanthropic campaign that offers the Baylor Family an opportunity to connect with areas that are meaningful to them. In addition, a new University brand campaign has been launched to help us tell the story of the University and shine a light on what makes Baylor so distinct. You may see a video introduction to the campaign at this YouTube link.  

I am incredibly grateful for the Baylor Family’s support and active participation in the growth of this University that we love. As our horizons continue to broaden with an expanding global impact, Baylor will continue to thrive due to your passion for the University’s mission. I look forward to working alongside you in the months and years to come.

Sincerely,

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President