Presidential Perspective - May 15, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

It seems like just yesterday we began the spring semester, yet here we are – at Commencement! Tomorrow and Saturday, we will celebrate more than 4,000 Baylor graduates, which is the largest class in University history. More than 3,700 of you will walk across the Ferrell Center stage during four ceremonies, and I am thrilled to welcome you into the long line of Baylor Alumni who are making an impact around the world each and every day. During your years at Baylor, you have worked hard, persevered through challenges, and although the end of this chapter in your story is near, there is an exciting next chapter to come. Congratulations to each of you!

Here are a few updates as we conclude the semester:

• NEW GRADUATE SCHOOL DEAN: Earlier this week, Provost Nancy Brickhouse announced that Michael E. Young, Ph.D., professor of psychological sciences, graduate program director and former Graduate School Faculty Associate at Kansas State University, has been selected as Vice Provost and Dean of the Baylor Graduate School, effective Aug. 1. Dr. Young will build upon the firm foundation laid by retiring Dean Larry Lyon while also leading Baylor’s growing graduate school to new heights. I look forward to welcoming him into the Baylor Family later this summer.
• KONG FAMILY GIFT: Thanks to the generosity of Harmon and Lea Kong – Baylor parents and Alumni By Choice since 2019, Baylor is poised to create the Kong Family Endowed Presidential Fund for Student Care and the Kong Family Endowed Fund for Faculty Development. These funds will provide resources for Baylor to meet both the current and ongoing needs of students and faculty. Provost Brickhouse and I are very grateful to the Kongs for recognizing a need and pledging their resources to help meet that need. With their gift, Baylor is better positioned to provide even more care to students and even more development opportunities for faculty. Thank you!
• PICKERING FELLOWSHIP WINNER: I am somewhat biased, but I believe Baylor has the best students and alumni in the world. One example is Camille Watson, Class of 2022, who has earned the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship. This fellowship identifies Camille as one of the nation’s top future diplomats, and she joins Rangel award winner Isabella Zárate as the first Baylor students since 2019 to win the Pickering and Rangel in the same year. With her fellowship, Camille is planning to study Eurasian, Russian and Eastern European Studies at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, and she will receive her first embassy assignment after completing her degree. It’s so inspiring to see Baylor’s mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service come to life through students like Camille and Isabella!
• JEFF DUNHAM AT FOSTER: I hope you saw the recent news that Baylor graduate and legendary comedian Jeff Dunham will bring his new North American Tour ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE to the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion on Friday, Oct. 3. Dunham’s show is the night before the Baylor-Kansas State football game, and I am excited to have yet another premier event in our own backyard – building deeper relationships and support for the Waco community. Public tickets will go on tomorrow at noon CT at baylor.edu/fosterevents.
• NEW ACUTE CARE RESOURCE: Although I hope no one will need it, I want to remind you that Baylor University Health Services will provide summer acute care to faculty and staff from June 9 through Aug. 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The healthcare providers will be equipped to treat minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, coughs, sinus issues, nausea, rashes and more. To schedule an appointment, faculty and staff can log into the health portal [select “Urgent Care Visit”], call 254-710-1010 or visit the Health Center in person.
• SUMMER SAFETY REMINDERS: No matter where your plans take you this summer, the Baylor University Department of Public Safety reminds us that situational awareness is key to safety. Be mindful of where you are, what you’re doing and where you’re going. To keep your vehicle or residence safe and secure, BUDPS says remember to Hide Lock Take. HIDE any valuables. LOCK your vehicle and your residence. TAKE valuables with you. If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, call 911 or if you are on campus, call the Baylor Police Department at 254-710-2222.

Best wishes this summer, and remember I will be praying for your safety, relaxation and a little fun in the months ahead.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

A new Baylor tradition taking root at McLane Stadium – From Line to Legacy: A Senior Celebration!