Presidential Perspective - April 30, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of another spring semester at Baylor. Commencement is right around the corner on May 15-16 for more than 3,000 Baylor students, and I know many of you are already working diligently on projects, papers and preparing for final exams.

Whether you are graduating or returning to campus this summer or in the fall, these can be incredibly exciting, yet stressful days. Please take good care of your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing!

Here are a few updates:

• LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS: I hope you will join your fellow faculty and staff at Baylor’s regular Lift Up Your Hearts worship service and luncheon on Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m. in the Paul W. Powell Chapel at Truett Seminary. Lift Up Your Hearts is led by various members of the Baylor community, and it complements our Faculty and Staff Chapel services, which provide an opportunity for us to experience different Christian worship traditions with pastors and churches from the Waco community.
• CAP IT OFF: First-year and new transfer students, you have almost completed your first year at Baylor and we’re throwing a celebration just for you. Come by Fountain Mall on Monday, May 4, between 7-8:30 p.m. for ice cream served in your very own, limited edition mini Slime Cap helmet. This year’s Cap It Off event will include fun photo ops and more. Don’t forget to wear your Baylor Line Jersey and Slime Cap – if you can find them – as we reflect on this year and look ahead to the future.
• LAST DAY GIVEAWAY: Next Wednesday, May 6, is the last day of classes for the semester, and the First Gent and I will pass out FREE Beachy’s pretzel bites (while supplies last) to all students before final exams begin. This has become an annual Livingstone tradition, and I hope many of you will come by to fuel up for Study Day. We will be in front of the Student Activities office in the SUB beginning at 3 p.m. to feed you and extend our best wishes and support for finals.
• OLD DOMINION IN CONCERT: The First Gent and I have circled this fall’s Family Weekend, Sept. 18-19, on our calendars, and it got even more exciting with the just-announced concert by Old Dominion on Friday, Sept. 18, at Foster Pavilion. One of mainstream country music’s most popular live groups, Old Dominion has won just about every award, and I’ve heard they’re bringing their full concert experience to Foster Pavilion. Parents, check your email for a special presale ticket code to use until 10 p.m. CT tonight. General public tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. CT tomorrow. More Family Weekend events – including exciting new additions – will be announced in early June!
• ESPORTS CAPITAL OF TEXAS: This week Waco is the center of Esports in Texas. Baylor is hosting the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation (TexSEF) Undisputed State Championship at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center with tournament play beginning today for 155 high school teams. Concurrently, the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup will be held at the Waco Convention Center with opening ceremonies for the 97 collegiate teams and the TexSEF players tonight at McLane Stadium. Nearly 11,000 competitors, coaches, families and fans will come to Waco for the doubleheader events. Both competitions provide an exciting economic development opportunity for the city and an excellent way to showcase the success of Baylor’s Esports program, which won a conference title in its first varsity season.
• ARMES FAMILY SUMMIT: Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business will host the third annual Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit on May 19-20, bringing together students, faculty and seasoned professionals to explore how faith shapes leadership in the workplace. Guided by Baylor faculty, participants will learn and reflect together – considering how work is not separate from faith, but a meaningful way to serve others. Registration is open online.
• 11 TITLES FOR ACROBATICS & TUMBLING: Please join me in celebrating Baylor’s unmatched acrobatics & tumbling team! The Bears won their 11th-straight NCATA National Championship last Saturday, topping Quinnipiac in the finals. This latest title extends the team’s winning streak to an astonishing 62 meets! Head coach Felecia Mulkey has won every single national title since the sport’s inaugural season in 2011, and next year the Bears will be the clear favorite to win the sports’ first-ever NCAA Championship!

A special Sic ’Em to the 2025 Staff Award recipients. Here is the complete list of this year’s winners!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

It is always a joy to spend time encouraging and praying for Baylor students who are working at camps this summer!