Presidential Perspective - August 1, 2024

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Today is August 1, which means the countdown to the start of the fall semester has officially begun. Here are some key dates that I’m personally tracking:

• Aug. 18: Soccer home opener against St. Bonaventure at Betty Lou Mays Soccer Field
• Aug. 21-22: Move2BU as we welcome #BU28 to campus
• Aug. 22-25: Welcome Week
• Aug. 24: Volleyball hosts Texas A&M in an exhibition match at Ferrell Center
• Aug. 26: First Day of Class (Don’t forget this one!)
• Aug. 31: Football season opener against Tarleton at McLane Stadium
• Sept. 10: Baylor Conversation Series with best-selling author and New York Times columnist David Brooks

I am looking forward to so many more memorable moments and learning opportunities throughout the Fall 2024 semester!

Some updates for this week:

• AI AT BAYLOR: There is no denying that artificial intelligence is an emerging technology and we are just beginning to understand its power. AI will impact higher education in very significant ways, which is why it is the topic at every conference, seminar and workshop as of late. During last week’s Baylor Board of Regents meeting, we learned from former Dean of Science and current special advisor on artificial intelligence at Harvard University, Dr. Christopher Stubbs. Beyond the classroom, we see AI opportunities across many academic and administrative areas of campus. We also believe there are unique opportunities for us as a Christian institution in an AI world, and in a recent New York Times column, noted commentator and scholar David Brooks captured the sentiment. He wrote, “It will compel us to double down on all the activities that make us distinctly human: taking care of each other, being a good teammate, reading deeply, exploring daringly, growing spiritually, finding kindred spirits and having a good time.” Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., has established an AI Committee chaired by Engineering and Computer Science Dean Daniel Pack, Ph.D. This committee will work on developing a set of guidelines and resources for the Fall, as well as a longer-term strategy for AI and its use in teaching and research at Baylor. More information will be included in the Aug. 12 edition of the Provost’s Newsletter.
• BROOKS VISIT AND LECTURE: And speaking of best-selling author and New York Times columnist David Brooks, don’t forget he will be on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 10 for a day-long slate of events and activities. Given his knowledge of present-day politics and foreign affairs, we expect his visit will continue to foster the spirit of respect and understanding that undergirds the Baylor Conversation Series on civil discourse. His evening lecture is free, but a ticket will be required for admission. Faculty and staff tickets will be available beginning this Monday, and student tickets can be claimed starting Aug. 28.
• ACS FELLOW RECOGNITION: Leading quantum materials researcher Julia Y. Chan, Ph.D., B.S. ’93, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and The Tim and Sharalynn Fenn Family Endowed Chair in Materials Science, is among 37 members of the American Chemical Society named as ACS Fellows for 2024. Dr. Chan is Baylor’s second ACS Fellow – joining 2015 Fellow George Cobb, Ph.D., chair and professor of environmental science – to be honored for outstanding achievements and contributions to science, the profession and ACS. Dr. Chan’s selection as an ACS Fellow reflects not only her excellence and leadership in the area of materials science but also the diverse contributions made by ACS members. Congratulations, Dr. Chan!
• ENDOWED CYBERSECURITY CHAIR: Today I’m pleased to announce a $1.5 million gift from Baylor Regent B. Todd Patterson, B.S. ’90, and his wife, Amy, that establishes The Todd and Amy Patterson Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity to advance the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s research within the cybersecurity field. The Pattersons also made an additional gift establishing The Patterson Family Dean’s Scholarship in Engineering and Computer Science to support students who have been designated as participants in The Dean’s Scholars Program. Together, their gifts will broaden our reach in critically important areas of research as well as affordability and access for high-achieving students who face financial barriers. I am grateful for the Pattersons’ leadership, as they continue to seek out ways to amplify Baylor’s impact through endowment and for their continued service to the University.
• YOUTH SERVICE STIMULUS GRANT: We’re also celebrating a $30,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation in collaboration with the Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity to support youth-led, youth-driven service that contributes to the flourishing of communities. Through Student Leadership Development at Baylor, the grant opens opportunities for students to engage their learning and support programs that prioritize local community development and thriving, spearheaded through students’ interests and efforts. Funding at Baylor will be used to distribute microgrants to student organizations sponsoring community development and engagement programs such as those led by Baylor’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)/Unified Greek Council (UGC) and the Baylor Community Garden. Additionally, the grant creates an allocation fund for Student Government leaders to award in support of other youth-focused organizations and leadership initiatives.
• STRENGTHENING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER: Truett Seminary’s Faith & Sports Institute (FSI) and Baylor Athletics have formed a strategic collaboration to support faith-based character formation in student-athletes across Baylor and beyond. The collaboration received a $50,000 Capacity-Building Grant from the Educating Character Initiative within Wake Forest’s Program for Leadership and Character and leverages the Christian character formation and sports ministry resources already available across our campus. Over the next year, as FSI and Baylor Athletics cultivate Christian character in Baylor student-athletes, they will be able to tie research to practice, strengthen distinctly Christian approaches to character formation and reflect on the important role played by parents and caregivers. This is foundational work that could lead to a framework for other faith-based institutions as a model for character education in college athletics.
• SINGLE-GAME FOOTBALL TICKETS: It’s hard to believe that we’re less than a month away from filling McLane Stadium for the football season lid-lifter against Tarleton on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. Fans can now purchase single-game tickets, not only against the Texans but for other games on the home schedule. The First Gent and I are excited to welcome the Baylor Family back to McLane Stadium this fall!

Fall is coming!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

I always love to see our Baylor alumni return to campus, especially when it involves special occasions. That was certainly the case for Adrian Ortiz, B.S . ’17, a member of the Truett Seminary-San Antonio Board of Advocates who recently proposed to Amber Del Angel in the Paul W. Powell Chapel. Said Adrian: “I chose the Truett Chapel because of its beauty, and just like the stained-glass verses point to Christ, I want our marriage to be Christ-centered in every aspect.” One of our campus photographers captured the special moment – and Amber said, “Yes!”