Presidential Perspective - April 16, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

This is the time of the year that we call the “Spring Sprint,” as we move quickly from Diadeloso to so many semester-ending events and activities – all the while finishing up the academic year in the classrooms, libraries and research labs. So, I will get right to a few updates for this week:

• PROVOST TRANSITION NEWS: Provost Nancy Brickhouse has shared that she will step down as Vice President and Provost, effective July 31. I am deeply grateful for Nancy’s commitment to Baylor’s Christian mission, and I will cherish the opportunity we had to be in this work together. She is Baylor’s third-longest-serving Provost. I have asked Dr. Lee Nordt, outgoing Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, to serve as Interim Vice President and Provost. He is a familiar face to many after serving in this leadership role for more than 20 years, and he will ably guide our academic and research endeavors during this season of transition. Join me in thanking Nancy for her leadership and contributions to Baylor, and I hope to see many of you at her appreciation reception in August.
• NEW ARKTOS RESEARCH CENTER: It was wonderful to celebrate the grand opening of the Arctic Acclimatization & Sleep Optimization (ARKTOS) Research Center with Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) and faculty and staff from the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The ARKTOS provides a space to study rapid acclimatization, combat casualty care, tactical decision making, sleep optimization and field-based biomedical device testing. In short, Baylor is now central in helping equip members of our military to handle complex, multi-sensory environments. As a Christian R1 university, support from elected officials is crucial to the health of our research enterprise, and I know this will be an exciting addition to the BRIC.
• SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH: Throughout April, Baylor has joined universities and communities across the country to increase public awareness and prevention education about sexual assault and interpersonal violence during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office invites students, faculty and staff to participate in this month’s events – including next Tuesday’s “Light the Night” with teal lights at Rosenbalm Fountain, Pat Neff Hall and the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center – and support the University’s commitment to fostering a safe and healthy campus, preventing acts of sexual violence and treating all members of the campus community with dignity and respect.
• DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE READING: Please join me tomorrow at noon at the SUB Bowl for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, alongside many other Baylor faculty, staff and student leaders – including Head Football Coach Dave Aranda and Vice President for Student Life Dr. Sharra Hynes. Co‑hosted by the Departments of Political Science and History, in coordination with “America 250 at Baylor,” this meaningful gathering offers a chance to reflect on our shared civic heritage as we look ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary later this summer. Participants will receive souvenir U.S. flags (while supplies last) and enjoy group and individual photo opportunities during and after the event.
• PREMIERE THIS WEEKEND: This Saturday we will host more than 7,700 (!) prospective students and families for Spring Premiere on campus in Waco. With the Hurd Welcome Center as the Premiere hub, students and families will be able to learn about the admissions process and experience Baylor through campus tours, meetings with academic departments, visits to residence halls, and student group activities and performances. I know each of our guests will receive a warm welcome as they consider joining the Baylor Family.

Thank you to all the Baylor students who participated in the 40th anniversary of Steppin’ Out last Saturday, serving our neighbors at more than 75 different locations throughout Waco.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

I love to see students out at Diadeloso – or Dia, for short – enjoying the fun, food and fellowship that marks our beloved “Day of the Bear.”