Presidential Perspective - April 23, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Yesterday evening Baylor students organized two events on our campus that provided the opportunity for attendees to hear from speakers with differing viewpoints. Both gatherings were conducted safely and without incident, and I want to thank each of you for engaging respectfully as a demonstration of Baylor’s Christian mission, our commitment to academic freedom and to civil discourse.

Ensuring a safe environment was our top priority, and I could not be more pleased with the tireless work of our campus public safety and security teams. I also want to personally thank the many other faculty and staff, specifically the Division of Student Life, who spent countless hours helping our students organize these two different events as we prepare Christian leaders for an incredibly divided and diverse country.

Here are a few updates for this week:

• SUMMER CAMP COMMISSIONING: Students, if you are working at a camp this summer in any capacity, please join the First Gent and me on Monday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in Barfield Drawing Room for a celebration of your service. There will be food, giveaways and a time of encouragement. Brad and I were both camp counselors, and those experiences were truly life changing. We also love seeing so many Baylor students choosing to spend their summer serving others and sharing the Gospel. The Summer Camp Commissioning ceremony is free, but be sure to register in advance, and I hope to see many of you there!
• CELEBRATING EARTH MONTH: Guided by our Christian mission and commitment to stewarding God’s creation, Baylor continues to advance sustainability across campus through practices that integrate faith, academics, campus life and community engagement. Leveraging both academic initiatives and operational practices, Baylor’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship aligns with Baylor in Deeds, and during Earth Month, we celebrate our collective impact on campus and in our hometown of Waco. Don’t forget there are still several events happening through the end of the month that show how we can all be good stewards of God’s creation.
• GLOBAL FLOURISHING DATA RELEASE: The Global Flourishing Study is the most comprehensive study of human flourishing ever conducted, and Baylor researchers, in partnership with Harvard University, are helping lead the way in the vital understanding of what truly helps individuals and societies thrive. Recently, the first two waves of findings from the study were released publicly at no cost – making invaluable data available to inform scholarship, journalism, policymaking and the public interest. As a Christian research university, Baylor is uniquely positioned to engage the world in the shared pursuit of human flourishing, helping foster lives filled with purpose, well-being and meaningful contribution.
• FACULTY FULBRIGHT WINNER: Baylor Faculty Regent and Professor of Piano Dr. Lesley McAllister has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for 2026-2027 for Brazil by the Institute of International Education and the Fulbright Program. Fulbright Scholar Awards offer transformative opportunities to teach and conduct research abroad while strengthening professional development and fostering long‑term connections. Dr. McAllister is Baylor’s seventh faculty Fulbright recipient since 2022 and the second consecutive School of Music faculty member to receive the prestigious fellowship.
• CORPORATE CUP BASKETBALL: Many of you know that Baylor is the largest employer in McLennan County with more than 3,500 faculty and staff. This spring we have a chance to show our fellow large businesses like Ascension Providence, SpaceX and TSTC what we are made of during the second annual Waco Sports Corporate Cup. Baylor is again sponsoring the basketball tournament and new 3-point competition that are happening tomorrow at Midway High School. I hope you will consider going out for a fun night to cheer on your campus colleagues. It all starts at 5:30 p.m. in the main gym.
• FAN FEST THIS WEEKEND: Baylor fans and families from across the Waco community are invited to Baylor Fan Fest, presented by Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s, at McLane Stadium on Saturday. This Fan First FREE event will feature live music and performances, local food trucks, player interviews on stage, a kid’s zone and more. The entertainment and activities start at 10 a.m. in the South Plaza and continue throughout the day. You can learn more online about clear bag policies, parking and review the full schedule.

Despite the rain, wind and cool temperatures, Baylor welcomed nearly 4,000 prospective students and their families for another successful Premiere experience last Saturday. I appreciate all the faculty and staff and current students who work together to make this important recruiting weekend possible each year.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The First Gent is still laughing from comedian John Crist’s performance Sunday night at Waco Hall, and we are looking forward to country artist Hudson Westbrook tomorrow, which is sold out at Foster Pavilion!