Presidential Perspective - December 11, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

It’s hard to believe the fall semester is coming to an end, and what an exciting, memorable semester it has been. I cannot wait to see what the New Year has in store for Baylor in 2026! But, before we get to another year, there are a few things we still need to do to finish the semester strong.

Tomorrow is the official start of final exams, and I know this time of year can be challenging and stressful. I am praying for you, and I want to point out a few key resources that are available if you need them. Baylor’s Student Health and Wellness programs and services – including the Counseling Center, which includes telehealth, Health Services and Care Team Services, and our Pastoral Care staff in Spiritual Life – are here to support you. There are additional resources for faculty and staff through our Emotional Wellbeing Solutions Program. If you or someone close to you is struggling, please contact someone as soon as possible.

After finals, I am looking forward to Commencement when more than 1,300 new graduates will walk across the stage at the Ferrell Center and officially enter into the Baylor Family. Graduation is truly the best reminder of Baylor’s distinctly Christian mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service. I cannot wait to celebrate with our graduates and their friends and families in just a few days.

On to a few end-of-semester updates and reminders:

• NEW ATHLETICS DIRECTOR NAMED: Earlier this week, I was pleased to name Doug McNamee as Baylor’s next Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics! Doug’s familiarity with Baylor and his recent experience as the chief executive at Magnolia and Field & Stream will serve him well as we prioritize increasing revenues, expanding external NIL opportunities and growing our brand in this new era of college athletics while also engaging our passionate fanbase. Doug is incredibly authentic and engaging, and he will connect with the entire Baylor Family, from our high-level donors to our Bear Foundation members and the Waco community. He fully embraces Baylor’s distinct Christian mission, and I look forward to working with him as he guides our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans into the future. Please join me in welcoming Doug back to Baylor!
• HOLIDAY HOOPS SCHEDULE: Don’t forget there are lots of opportunities to support our men’s and women’s basketball teams over the semester break – whether at Foster Pavilion or an arena near you. The women’s team has a showdown against Texas at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Sunday, Dec. 14. This is a huge matchup for the Bears, and we need the DFW Baylor Family to come out and support them. Tip-off is at noon. Back at home, the women’s team will open Big 12 play against Texas Tech on Sunday, Dec. 21. For the men, the Big 12 slate begins on the road at TCU on Jan. 3, 2026, before the conference home opener vs. Iowa State on Jan. 7, 2026. Also, we are excited to provide an exclusive offer over the break – Bear Pit passes for select games at Foster Pavilion while students are away! These general admission tickets give fans access to the lower bowl seats for an unbeatable price. For more information on tickets, broadcast details and full schedules, visit baylorbears.com.
• SEMESTER BREAK SAFETY: If you are preparing to travel during the semester break, remember to secure your homes and residence hall rooms. Take it slow on the roads, and give yourself plenty of time since traffic will be heavy at times. If you are flying, pack a little patience and extend a bit of Christian grace. Always remember the basic safety tips – lock up your belongings, check your surroundings and be careful what you post on social media about your plans. We want everyone back on campus safe and sound in January!
• STAYING IN WACO: The semester break is a great time to use the Baylor Waco Perks program and explore the many eateries and activities our hometown has to offer. A host of Baylor-specific discounts are available to you, ranging from food and fitness to fun. Also, if you live in or are staying in town during the break, I encourage you to visit a local restaurant or food truck if you are able. Many of Waco’s top dining options are owned by your fellow Baylor Bears. Finally, there are always lots of activities happening across our city. We keep a list of Waco-area events online, and it’s a good place to start for students, faculty and staff looking for something fun to do in the city.
• MINISTRY FOR LIFE: Earlier today, Baylor announced a $9.76 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support Truett Seminary’s innovative Ministry for Life initiative. Truett will continue to build rich relationships among partners in Texas and beyond with a focus on equipping healthy ministers to lead healthy churches. This work aligns seamlessly with Baylor’s motto, Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo, and reflects our deep, abiding commitment to the Church in North America and to preparing future leaders for vibrant, lifelong ministry. In addition, Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences and Truett’s Program for the Future Church collaborated to launch the Future Church Leadership Certificate. This online program provides fresh tools for those who serve faithfully across ministry contexts as they build communities marked by care, resilience and meaningful connection.
• ENJOYING A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS: During this holiday season, several Baylor faculty have offered practical tips for enjoying a more meaningful Christmas – from setting boundaries with your time with Dr. Allison Alford, to giving with purpose with Dr. James Roberts and Dr. Andrew Hogue. Dr. James Kendrick even highlighted the must-watch Christmas movies. There are great tips and advice mentioned by our outstanding faculty, and the First Gent and I are hoping to add a few to our routines this season – building on our tradition of watching the classic movie “White Christmas” while decorating our tree!

This will be our last Presidential Perspective of 2025! To stay informed during the semester break, be sure and follow the official Baylor social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter), and periodically check the Baylor website. Please have a safe Christmas and New Year!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

It was great to see so many of you at Christmas on 5th Street last week. It’s our own version of a winter wonderland!