Presidential Perspective - November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Baylor’s Baptist roots go all the way back to the University’s founding in 1845 when we were chartered by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers. For nearly two centuries Baylor and Texas Baptists have labored together for God’s glory. Our relationship was on full display earlier this week as the Baptist General Convention of Texas held its annual meeting right here in Waco.

In collaboration with our Truett Seminary, we again provided a casual, welcoming space in the convention center for Baylor alumni, friends of the University and Truett, and anyone else interested in learning about Baylor and our distinct place in higher education. The spouses of Texas Baptists leaders visited the Mayborn Museum and the First Gent was invited to speak as a special guest.

I am looking forward to new opportunities for us to work with Texas Baptists, whether through Baptist Student Ministries and its future new building near campus or both of our memberships in the Baptist World Alliance. We will continue to work together for the good of the Kingdom.

Here are some updates for today:

  • BASKETBALL AT FOSTER: It’s busy over at the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion this week with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams playing home games. The men started it off with a big win over Sam Houston State on Tuesday, and the women host East Texas A&M tonight. Foster is the state-of-the-art venue that gives both of our nationally ranked squads a tremendous home-court advantage. I hope you will help “Pack the Pavilion” for the Bears this season. Remember complimentary tickets for faculty and staff may be available on game days, and student tickets can be requested using the student ticketing platform.
  • ALL UNIVERSITY THANKSGIVING: Be sure to mark your calendar for our traditional All University Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 20, on Fountain Mall. This annual gathering brings students, faculty and staff together in celebration and gratitude for one another and the gifts and opportunities God has given us. The night will include food, games, entertainment and fellowship as we continue this Season of Thanksgiving.
  • MORE SLEEP, MORE GRATITUDE: Did you know that just 46 extra minutes of sleep a night can increase our feelings of gratitude? A recent study on sleep and gratitude serves as a prime example of Baylor’s commitment to faculty-guided undergraduate research and interdisciplinary The published research is the result of an honors thesis study led by Alexander Do, B.S. ’24, and his advisors, Michael Scullin, Ph.D., and Sarah Schnitker, Ph.D. It shows how increasing our sleep can significantly boost our well-being, including improvements in gratitude, resilience, flourishing and prosocial behaviors.
  • BAYLOR EARNS EPA GRANT: Baylor has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to drive community initiatives focused on food security, sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in underserved areas of Waco. Led by Stephanie Boddie, Ph.D., Joshua King, Ph.D., and Kevin Magill, Ph.D., the project will work with the Sustainable Community and Regenerative Agriculture Project (SCRAP) to implement composting, community gardening and waste reduction efforts to promote local and regenerative food systems. Baylor is one of several partners involved in the $17.9 million Community Change grant awarded to local non-profits, led by Mission Waco Mission World, and the City of Waco.

I hope you are enjoying the cooler temperatures as much as I am. It has been a long summer, even by Central Texas standards!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President


PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Photo of Baylor students volunteering at a community garden

So proud of these and all the Baylor students who participated in Steppin’ Out last Saturday – serving our neighbors at 55 different sites throughout Waco.