Presidential Perspective - Aug. 27, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

The beginning of the academic year is always rejuvenating. There are students everywhere, and each one is brimming with promise. Faculty and staff have a renewed energy and commitment to helping each student reach his or her full potential. As we all get settled into the semester, I am already looking forward to what September has in store for us.

Next Saturday, Sept. 5, Baylor kicks off the football season against Auburn at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Aflac Kickoff Game. The Bears are the last fall sports team to get underway, and we can all watch the game on ABC at 2:30 p.m. CT. Then, just two weeks later, it’s time for Family Weekend. Families from across the nation will return to campus to check in on their students, especially the first-year and transfer students. There is a full slate of activities for everyone to enjoy while in Waco.

We round out the month with Howdy at the Hurd and headliner Carter Faith in concert. Students, now’s the time to get your western hats and boots ready for your “first official welcome to Texas.” Hosted by Pi Beta Phi and Baylor, this year’s festivities outside of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center will start at 7 p.m. Local food trucks, vendors and line dancing will be on site, so you don’t want to miss it!

Here are a few updates for the week:

• BAYLOR WINS BEST WALK-OUT TRADITION: Baylor Bears know we have the best pregame tradition in the land with thousands of students running across the field at McLane Stadium before every football game. Well, now it is official! USA Today announced Wednesday that running the Baylor Line is the best walk-out tradition in college sports. We beat traditions at places like Auburn, Colorado, Penn State and Texas A&M. I want to thank every member of the Baylor Family and friends of the Baylor Family who helped us get the win by voting, and I hope to see all our students soon at McLane – ready to run!
• CONNECT TO A LOCAL CHURCH: Baylor’s Celebration of Community & Faith Church Fair during Welcome Week is such an important way for students to get to know churches in the Waco area. We pray constantly that every Baylor student will find a local body of believers to support them during their years here. We know churches around the city have been places of dynamic spiritual growth and missional living for generations of Baylor students, and I am grateful for each pastor and leader who ministers not only to Baylor students, but our faculty and staff as well.
• LATE NIGHT: Don’t miss Late Night, Baylor’s traditional showcase of student organizations happening tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. across five campus locations. Celebrating 25 years, Late Night is a chance for students to meet peer leaders from 400+ academic, social and service organizations and learn about the many opportunities for campus engagement. In addition, there will be games, rock climbing, an all-university intramural dodgeball tournament and free food. I hope you will stop by and find your place to get involved.
• BEARCYCLE STUDIO OPENS: I am excited to report the new BearCycle Studio is opening this afternoon, with a First Ride demonstration set to begin at 3:30 p.m. at the McLane Student Life Center on the first floor. The First Ride sessions will feature short rides designed to give you a feel for the energy, atmosphere and experience of the new studio, without the high-intensity workout. This fun new addition to Campus Recreation was funded through partnerships with Student Government, the Parents Advisory Council and Baylor Fitness.
• MOODY SCHOOL CELEBRATION: I hope you will mark your calendar for Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 10:30 a.m. for the unveiling of the new Moody School of Education sign (outside of Marrs McLean Science Building facing Fountain Mall), celebrating the generous endowment from the Moody Foundation to support scholarships, expand faculty research and provide resources to grow academic programs. We announced this transformative gift in January, and we believe it is one of the largest single gifts ever to a school of education. For 107 years, Baylor’s School of Education has formed world-class educators and experts who serve as advocates and catalysts for research-driven innovation in teaching, curriculum and leadership. The Moody Foundation’s generosity ensures the continued expansion of that mission for decades to come.
• PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE: Baylor students, faculty, staff and parents were informed Wednesday that an individual has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in our community. Local public health officials have confirmed there is no on-going risk to campus and the general risk of exposure to TB is quite low. You should know TB is not spread by shaking hands, shared surfaces or casual contact, and unless you are contacted by Baylor Health Services, there is no recommendation for you to be tested. However, if you are contacted, please make an appointment and follow the health care provider’s advice. Finally, to stay informed, review www.baylor.edu/notice or contact the call center at 855-213-1666.

The fall semester is finally here, and it’s time to wear our green and gold on Baylor Spirit Fridays, beginning this week through the end of the academic year. Sic ’em, Bears!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK