Presidential Perspective - November 13, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Earlier this week the University launched A Season of Thanksgiving, a month-long initiative that invites the Baylor Family into an intentional time to give thanks for the blessings God has given us. As people of faith, our words and acts of thanksgiving reflect God’s love for us and the grace he has freely given. I am excited that we are putting our faith into action in this way.

During the next two weeks, notes of thanks are being collected at various locations across campus and online. Those notes will come together next week to form an exhibit in the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, a meaningful expression of our collective gratitude. The Baylor Family is also encouraged to find ways to show their gratitude through acts of service in their communities throughout the month of November.

Here are few updates:

• ALL-UNIVERSITY THANKSGIVING: Be sure to mark your calendar for our traditional All-University Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. on Fountain Mall. Hosted by Student Foundation and Student Government, Baylor Eats dining will provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal to celebrate the holiday. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to come enjoy a night of food, games, entertainment and fellowship. I hope to see you there!
• AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AND LETTERS: In recognition of his outstanding scholarly achievement, George A. Yancey, Ph.D., professor of the social sciences in the Department of Sociology and the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR), was invested last night in Washington, D.C., as a member of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters. A part of the Baylor faculty since 2019, Dr. Yancey’s scholarship focuses on complex issues, including race relations, academic bias, religious prejudice and more. In addition to his work with ISR, he serves on the research team for Baylor’s Institute for Global Human Flourishing. Congratulations, Dr. Yancey, on your investiture into the Academy!
• NEW TREATMENT FOR HOT FLASHES: Published this week in the journal JAMA Network Open, new research by Gary R. Elkins, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience, shows that daily audio self-hypnosis can reduce hot flashes by more than 50%. This research is attracting global attention and is another example of the caliber of faculty conducting life-changing research at Baylor. Dr. Elkins’ study focuses on an accessible, non-hormonal approach that offers hope and relief to millions of women worldwide. Hot flashes are known to disrupt sleep, mood and overall well-being, and I, for one, am thankful Dr. Elkins and others are identifying new treatment options.
• AD LEAVE OF ABSENCE: You may have seen the news from earlier today that Mack Rhoades, Baylor’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has taken a personal leave of absence. I know the Baylor Family cares deeply for the Rhoades family, and we will keep them in our prayers while Mack is away from the University. In accordance with the department’s previously submitted emergency succession plan, Deputy Director of Athletics Jovan Overshown and Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Chief Financial Officer Cody Hall will serve as Co-Interim ADs. Both Jovan and Cody have my full support during this interim period.
• SOCCER HOSTING NCAA TOURNAMENT: Our Baylor Soccer team has earned the seventh bid in program history to the NCAA Tournament and will be HOSTING the First Round right here on campus at Betty Lou Mays Field! This incredible achievement is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches throughout the season. Let’s demonstrate the strength of the Baylor Family by filling the stands this Friday at 7 p.m. against Texas State and help the Bears begin a deep postseason run. For tickets and more information, visit baylorbears.com.

Don’t forget to show up and wear white at McLane Stadium on Saturday when the Bears take on Big 12 foe Utah. It’s our annual “Salute to Service” game and kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Last Saturday’s TEDxBaylor University event was the first ever for us. I was thrilled to see so many members of the campus and Waco community on stage, including Director of Student Activities Jordy Dickey.