eNews: Baylor Board of Regents Update

Dear Baylor Family:

The start of another academic year is just around the corner, and we want to share an update with you from last week’s annual July retreat of the Baylor Board of Regents held on campus in Waco.

One of the highlights of the meeting was welcoming six new Regents who already possess strong ties to Baylor, and who have committed to selflessly give of their time and talents in support of the University. Additionally, the Board transitioned its leadership to a new chair in Todd Patterson, B.S. ’90, J.D., and vice chair, Jack Harper, B.B.A. ’93.

Each component of the retreat agenda was designed to engage the Board in meaningful conversations about Baylor and its place in higher education. As the Board and President Livingstone have indicated over the past 12 to 18 months, the entire higher education industry is in the midst of significant change. All colleges and universities are navigating pressures brought upon by the early arrival of the enrollment cliff and declining trust overall. These and other challenges are causing financial strain across higher education, and maintaining the status quo is not an option. Baylor must be bold and creative, while strategically advancing our historic strengths and adhering tightly to our distinct position as a Christian R1 institution.

Alignment between the Board and the University administration was evident throughout the retreat as we listened to presentations and panels from internal and external speakers about these and other issues. We agree that no matter what challenges we face institutionally, Baylor is blessed with a strong leadership team and a sacred trust as a Christian university with a Baptist heritage that we must steward well to the best of our abilities. Along with our commitment to transformational education, research and discovery, these aspects of who Baylor is will endure for generations to come.

We concluded the retreat by looking ahead to an exciting fall semester and the anticipation that comes with another academic year. The Board will be back on campus in October for the next quarterly meeting, and we look forward to another productive time together.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and Sic ’Em, Bears!

B. Todd Patterson, B.S. ’90, J.D.
Chair of the Board

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President