Presidential Perspective - December 4, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year at Baylor University. For me, the unity and warmth of the holiday begins with the Baylor Family collectively reflecting on the coming of Christ in our traditional Preparing Our Hearts Advent series. The daily devotionals are again written by Baylor faculty, staff and students, and each one reminds us of the hope, faith, joy and peace we have in our Savior’s birth. The readings started on Nov. 30 and will continue through Christmas Eve.

In addition to the Advent series, I am looking forward to tonight’s annual Christmas on 5th Street festivities that begin at 5 p.m. on Fountain Mall and in the Bill Daniel Student Center. I hope you have made plans to share in the activities that will culminate with the traditional KOT Christmas Tree Lighting. There will be food trucks, a market on the Quad and horse-drawn carriages along 3rd Street, not to mention photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the live Nativity. Everyone is also invited to join University Chapel Worship for a special Advent service at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon in Powell Chapel at Truett Seminary.

Be sure to check the Christmas Calendar for the full slate of worship services, concerts and more happening this holiday season.

Here are a few updates:

• A BAYLOR CHRISTMAS ENCORE: Over the past five decades, “A Baylor Christmas” has become a cherished University tradition. Arranged by the Baylor School of Music, the production includes approximately 350 students, faculty and staff from several campus choirs and the Baylor Symphony Orchestra who all deserve a round of applause for their hard work! This year’s performances are sold out, but you can enjoy an encore presentation from December 2023. “A Baylor Christmas” is being broadcast nationwide through an arrangement with Gray Media Group and KWTX Television. Check local listings for the airing in your area or watch anytime on Baylor’s official YouTube channel.
• BEST COLLEGES FOR LEADERS: Before Thanksgiving, we learned that for the third year in a row, TIME Magazine has named Baylor one of the 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. Leadership and service are an integral part of our Christian mission, and this honor reflects the outstanding work of Baylor alumni who dedicate themselves to a life of service in their professional fields. The Future Leaders list also highlights the transformational opportunities Baylor provides students to cultivate habits and virtues that orient their leadership toward human flourishing and a vision to change the world.
• TOTAL COMPENSATION STATEMENTS: Earlier this week, faculty and staff received an email announcing Total Compensation Statements are now available within Ignite, alongside a new interactive dashboard. The personalized statements give a holistic view into the robust compensation package – including benefits, retirement savings and other advantages – offered to Baylor employees. I encourage everyone to carefully review your personal statement. If you have questions and would like immediate assistance, you can use “AskBaylor,” our AI-powered agent in Ignite. For less immediate questions, our HR team is also ready to assist you.
• BREAKFAST TACOS FOR STUDENTS: Next Wednesday, Dec. 10, is the last day of classes for the semester, and the First Gent and I will pass out FREE breakfast tacos (while supplies last) to students before final exams begin. This has become an annual Livingstone tradition, and I hope many of you will come by to fuel up for Study Day. We will be at Moody Memorial Library beginning at 5 p.m. to feed you and extend our best wishes and support for finals.
• LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS: As we bring the fall semester to a close, I hope we will join together as a Baylor Family and attend the Lift Up Your Hearts prayer and worship service next Thursday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. in Powell Chapel at Truett Seminary. The luncheon registration is closed, but everyone is welcome to attend the service. Lift Up Your Hearts is led by various members of the Baylor community, and complements the Faculty and Staff Chapel services held each semester. I look forward to seeing you there.

This afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the No. 21-ranked Baylor Volleyball team will take on Arkansas State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in West Lafayette, Ind. The match will air on ESPN+, and it is the 10th consecutive postseason appearance for the Bears. Sic ’em, Bears! 

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The Christmas Tree in the foyer of the Bill Daniel Student Center is officially lit! Thanks to the Union Board for their contributions to this wonderful Baylor tradition. (Photo Courtesy of First Gent, Brad Livingstone.)