Presidential Perspective - April 9, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Some of the most meaningful traditions at Baylor are those that tie directly to the University’s mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. One of my favorites is Steppin’ Out, a day of service that is turning 40 years old on Saturday!

Twice a year, thousands of Baylor students, faculty and staff “step out” across Waco to meet the needs of those around us in a beloved Baylor tradition that dates to 1985. Local individuals and groups can sign up to get help at their homes, churches, schools or other nonprofit organizations.

Steppin’ Out remains a wonderful demonstration of Christian hospitality and selfless service. And to help celebrate four decades of hands-on community support, I hope you will join me and the Steppin’ Out Planning Committee for free paletas from Helados la Azteca tomorrow on Fountain Mall from 3 to 4 p.m. We will be there enjoying ice pop treats while supplies last!

On to a few updates for the week:

• WILLIE NELSON CONCERT: I hope you saw the big news that legendary Texas country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson is coming home to Baylor for a special concert Thursday, May 14, at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark! Willie attended Baylor in 1954, but let’s just say his musical talents interrupted his college career. We often get asked about Willie being “banned” from Baylor, but we have never found any such ban. To put the rumor to rest, I extended a personal invitation to Willie and the rest is history. Tickets will go fast for “Willie Nelson & Family,” so be ready. Students, you may purchase presale tickets beginning at 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. today using a special link: https://baylorbears.evenue.net/promotions/TRIGGER. General public tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. CT tomorrow at baylorbears.com/tickets.
• ASIAN & PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE: Throughout April, the Baylor community will come together to recognize Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month while our campus is alive with energy. Observed nationally in May, Baylor’s April recognition allows more members of the Baylor Family to take part in events and activities that honor the rich histories, cultures, contributions and resilience of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. I attended yesterday’s annual luncheon featuring Baylor graduate and entrepreneur, Jaja Chen, and I look forward to many other opportunities for shared learning, joyful celebration and deeper connection across our campus.
• CELEBRATING GRADUATE EDUCATION: During this Graduate Student Appreciation Week, I join Baylor faculty in expressing our thanks to the nearly 6,000 graduate students who advance the University’s mission as they pursue their own callings, whether on the Baylor campus or among our online and professional student body. Baylor’s position as a Christian R1 university would not be possible without you. Speaking of graduate education, the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings are out, and I am pleased to see Baylor has Top 10 programs in physical therapy, nursing, trial advocacy and health care management. Additional U.S. News rankings across other disciplines also reflect the growth – and high quality – of our graduate and professional education enterprise.
• STUDENT RESEARCH WEEK: What a way to start my day! Earlier this morning I attended the Baylor Student Research Week BEAR Symposium – a new collaboration between undergraduate and graduate students, faculty mentors and post-doctoral researchers. The BEAR (Baylor Engagement and Research) Symposium featured 250 students showcasing posters and delivering presentations, and the research encompassed numerous disciplines. In fact, I learned something interesting about everything from food and wellness to communicating in times of disruption to water insecurity. I’m already excited for next year’s event.
• FACULTY & STAFF CHAPEL: This spring’s Faculty and Staff Chapel will provide a special opportunity to worship with Mosaic Waco and Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, who serves as co-Pastor at Mosaic and as Special Advisor to the President for Campus Engagement. I hope you will join me at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, in Powell Chapel at Truett Seminary for the service. Faculty and Staff Chapels are held once per semester and bring a guest congregation from the Waco area to campus. They are complementary to Lift Up Your Hearts, which is held at the end of each semester and is led by members of the campus community.
• DIADELOSO IS BACK: Diadeloso (also known as Dia del oso and affectionately for the last few decades as simply – Dia) is back for the 93rd time on Tuesday, April 14. Since being established to “bring smiles to the faces of students” by giving them a break from classes, Dia continues to offer fun, food and fellowship every spring. I hope you will come out for games, inflatables and Dr Pepper Hour – all organized by Baylor students. Don’t forget lunch is free for students, faculty and staff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fountain Mall and no RSVP is required. You don’t want to miss the BBQ sandwiches and sides. Happy “Day of the Bear!”
• APRIL 11 - ASYNCHRONOUS INSTRUCTION: Mark your calendars for this spring’s asynchronous instructional Monday that will fall on this Saturday, April 11. This day ensures all students receive the full academic experience required by higher education accreditation standards while accommodating Baylor holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Spring Break, Good Friday, the Monday after Easter and Diadeloso. Students should check their syllabi for all Monday, Monday-Wednesday and Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes to understand faculty plans for this day.

I want to thank the Baylor Family for your generosity on another record-setting Giving Day. While the numbers are still being counted, we know that nearly 4,000 gifts were contributed, and we were once again able to surpass $2.2 million. This faithful commitment to support Baylor students, programs, schools and colleges is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU, BAYLOR FAMILY!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

FM72 continues to unite Baylor students with local churches and campus ministries during 72 hours of continuous prayer and worship on Fountain Mall. This year, 60 Baylor students were baptized!