Presidential Perspective - October 16, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

As a distinctive Christian Research 1 university, we continue our work building a robust research enterprise while developing strength in several areas, including chronic diseases and preventive health. This focus – together with our Christian mission – draws some of the world’s top researchers to Baylor from the nation’s most prestigious universities and national research labs.

That’s why I was thrilled to learn this week that Baylor will partner with investigators from several academic and industrial institutions on the ambitious five-year, up to $28 million MIGHTY initiative. Funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), MIGHTY stands for “Microbe/phage Investigation for Generalized Health TherapY.” In an era of rising antibiotic resistance, this visionary project aims to harness the natural predators of bacteria – known as phages – as precision tools to shape the human microbiome and transform public health outcomes.

Leading Baylor’s contributions through expertise in microbes and chemical biology is Aaron Wright, Ph.D., The Schofield Endowed Chair in Biomedical Science who joined the Department of Biology in 2022 from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Within five years, the team hopes to offer a tangible product for human health. For example, researchers will start by targeting bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease linked to chronic illnesses and then work to develop an easy-to-use, low-cost phage product – such as a chewable gummy – that can improve oral health for everyone and pave the way for solutions to gut, metabolic and autoimmune diseases. This is research of the “moonshot” variety, and we’re thrilled Baylor is part of ARPA-H’s focus on health innovation.

Here are some updates for today:

• MISSIONS WEEK: Next week is Missions Week 2025, which provides mission education and elevates student awareness of global missions opportunities. More than 30 global missions organizations will be on campus, with opportunities for students to learn more about their work on Monday with Vertical, tabling events on campus, Tuesday’s Dr Pepper Hour and more. In addition, if you’re interested in connecting deeper with our visiting organizations, reserve your spot at a free dinner Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Barfield Drawing Room in the SUB. Missions Week is a meaningful one as it reflects our rootedness in a Christian community global in scale, and we look forward to our students finding opportunities to share the love of Christ around the world.
• STEPPIN’ OUT DAY OF SERVICE: For the past 40 years, Baylor students have volunteered their time for Steppin’ Out, a Baylor tradition where students “step out” and serve the Waco community. This Saturday, students will join together to serve our local communities and neighbors by completing a range of projects across Waco and the surrounding areas. Join fellow Bears and the Baylor Missions, Service & Public Life team in making a difference in our hometown of Waco by serving humbly together.
• FREE ACCESS BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES: RightNow Media – led by Baylor alum Brian Mosley – is the world’s largest streaming library of video Bible study resources, and I have great news to share that all Baylor students now have unlimited access to this online resource. This is a wonderful tool that can help you live out your faith, especially as you continue your spiritual journey at Baylor and beyond. Click here to register and receive free lifetime access to Baylor’s RightNow Media page.
• UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN: We are proud to launch the 2025 Baylor United Way Campaign – United We Rock! – supporting critical, life-changing services for our local community through United Way Waco-McLennan County. Faculty and staff have received a Journey in Ignite with details about United Way and how you can support the cause. In addition, you may choose to support the Baylor Family Compassion Fund, which helps meet urgent needs right here at Baylor. Together, we can strengthen our neighborhoods and uplift those in need, both across Waco and within the Baylor Family.
• COUNTRY COMES TO FOSTER: You won’t want to miss the first country music concert at Foster Pavilion next Thursday evening as we welcome CMA New Artist of the Year Nominee Tucker Wetmore, whose hit songs “Brunette,” “3,2,1” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” have topped radio airwaves. Opening for Wetmore is emerging singer-songwriter Kaitlin Butts. Tickets are on sale now.

Let’s Sic the Frogs, Bears!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing based in Dallas is one of the top in the country, boasting more than 2,000 students and a job placement rate of 90 percent.