VP Student Life Jackson announces retirement
Baylor Students, Faculty and Staff:
As we return for the start of another semester, I would like to share with you the news that Kevin Jackson, Ph.D., our Vice President for Student Life, has informed me of his decision to retire from Baylor University, effective June 30. After a long, impactful career in higher education, Kevin and his wife Garret are looking forward to starting a new season of life where they will spend more time with family, especially their grandchildren, and explore personal interests in traveling, teaching, and serving their church and community.
Kevin was named Baylor’s Vice President for Student Life in 2009 after serving for more than two decades in student life-related work at Texas A&M University. During his 15-year tenure at Baylor, he has faithfully led this critical area of our University, leaving an indelible mark on our campus and community. Under his visionary leadership, our residential campus has been significantly strengthened through the construction of East Village and the renovation of 10 residence halls, creating vibrant and welcoming living and learning spaces for our students. His commitment to student well-being led to the expansion of the Counseling Center, the addition of telehealth services, and the establishment of the Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center and Care Team Services, providing crucial support for student mental health and overall wellness.
Kevin helped guide us through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and championed a first-of-its-kind study of student faith and character development that has implications for all faith-based institutions. This study led to changes in our Chapel offerings, allowing students to align their Chapel experience with their personal and professional callings and enriched discipleship opportunities through the expansion of campus ministries and strengthened connections with the local church community.
During his years of service to the University, Kevin has built and nurtured relationships that fostered a vibrant and seamless student learning experience that includes educational, spiritual, cultural and physical development. As evidence, Baylor has been repeatedly recognized by U.S. News & World Reportfor having one of the top undergraduate experiences in the country. His responsibilities have included campus living and learning, student activities, student counseling and health centers, care team, community service, intercultural engagement, campus recreation, spiritual life, student conduct, new student programs, multicultural affairs and assessment, among other duties.
Since I became President in June 2017, Kevin has been a deeply valued member of a consistent and stable institutional leadership team, which has paid dividends for the entire Baylor Family. He and his team are to be commended for their advancement of Baylor’s Christian mission and the care they provide our students during their entire Baylor experience.
As we prepare for Kevin’s departure, I have asked Sharra Hynes, Ph.D., Senior Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, to work closely with him over the spring semester during this time of transition. Dr. Hynes joined the Baylor Family in 2020, and she is a shining example of the high-quality leaders we have at Baylor today, many of whom are drawn to us as a Christian R1 university.
Dr. Hynes will assume the permanent position of Baylor’s next Vice President for Student Life on July 1. This appointment is a direct reflection of the leadership succession planning process we have instituted across the University in conjunction with the Board of Regents, as well as the extensive leadership development programs provided by the Division of Human Resources.
I look forward to working with Sharra in this new capacity, but first, please join me in thanking Kevin for his dedication to generations of Baylor students and his commitment to Baylor’s Christian mission, and in wishing Kevin, Garret and their daughters, Taylor, Lauren and Emily – and grandchildren – the best in the next chapter of their journey.
Sincerely,
Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President