Presidential Perspective - October 2, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

October is Christian Higher Education Month, and as a Research 1 university with 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Baylor is distinct among our faith-based peers. However, like so many other colleges and universities, our mission is built on preparing men and women to lead and serve.

Christian Higher Education Month was first recognized in 2003 after a U.S. House of Representatives resolution. Sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, of which Baylor is a collaborative partner, the month-long recognition provides an opportunity to highlight how Christian institutions, by integrating faith and learning, serve students from across the nation and around the world.

At Baylor, we will use this month to showcase our Christian commitment and how we work to expand God’s Kingdom, serve the world and prepare Christian leaders. We know from several years of surveys that our students, faculty and staff report Baylor is a place where they can authentically live out their faith, and the University actively supports their spiritual growth. We look forward to joining other Christian colleges and universities in highlighting our Christian commitment in the weeks ahead.

On to a few updates:

• BEYOND US MISSIONS CONFERENCE: When Pro Mundo was added to our longstanding University motto – alongside Pro Ecclesia and Pro Texana – I never imagined it would become a verb. I love to hear how students, faculty and staff are “pro mundoing.” Next week, Baylor and several local churches will host an important conference that focuses on being “For the World.” Beyond Us … From Neighborhoods to Nations is a three-day gathering that unites and equips churches, ministries and mission-minded leaders, both in our own neighborhoods and across the globe. The conference starts Monday night at Vertical in Waco Hall on the Baylor campus, and I am honored to offer the opening welcome on Tuesday evening at First Baptist Church Waco, where the remainder of the conference will take place. This collaboration between Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, the Office of Spiritual Life and several local churches is another great example of how our campus and the Waco faith community work together for the good of God’s Kingdom.
• CIVIL DISCOURSE STORY EXCHANGE: While we may not always agree, civil discourse requires mutual respect and objectivity without hostility – demonstrating an appreciation for the experiences of others. As a Christian university, Baylor seeks to both model civil discourse and train students to do the same. In fact, civil discourse is one of the Imperatives woven throughout the Baylor in Deeds strategic plan. Baylor regularly provides ways for students, faculty and staff to both engage in and to learn about civil discourse. Another opportunity is happening tomorrow morning. Students are encouraged to participate in a Story Exchange from 10 a.m. to noon in Dawson Hall, room 120. These facilitated conversations are designed to help build bridges through stepping into someone else’s shoes.
• NATIONAL ENDOWMENT AWARD: I’m excited to share that Robert Elder, Ph.D., professor of history, has been awarded a Public Scholars Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities – one of only five recipients nationwide and the first from Baylor. This prestigious award will support his upcoming book on the 1832 nullification crisis and its impact on American political thought. It’s an incredible achievement that reflects Dr. Elder’s dedication to historical research and his commitment to bringing fresh perspectives to important moments in our nation’s history. Sic ’em, Dr. Elder!
• ADOPTION-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE: Baylor has again been named by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as one of the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces of 2025– and No. 1 in the education industry. This award recognizes the University’s best-in-class adoption and foster care benefits that are deeply rooted in our Christian mission and reflect our unwavering commitment to flourishing families. Baylor’s support ranges from paid parental leave for employees who become parents through birth, adoption or foster care to adoption assistance benefits for faculty and staff who grow and support their families through adoption and foster care. I am so pleased to see Baylor’s commitment to families recognized nationally in this way.
• FEDERAL COMPLIANCE NOTICES: Earlier this week you received an email titled “Fall 2025 Federal Compliance and Student Consumer Information.” We are required to share this information with all students, faculty and staff each semester in compliance with federal law, and as a Christian research university, we have an institutional commitment and obligation to operating with the highest levels of integrity and in accordance with all University policies, procedures and applicable laws. This is important information, so we ask that you review and archive the email for future reference as needed.

Don’t forget that tomorrow night at the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, we get to welcome legendary comedian Jeff Dunham back to Waco and Baylor. Jeff is a 1986 alumnus who has performed live around the world for millions of people, and we’re thrilled to have him back on campus.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Fiesta is one of the largest student-led events on campus, and it’s always great to see our celebration of Latin American and Hispanic culture.