Presidential Perspective - February 19, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

As a Christian research university, Baylor takes great joy in celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is something special about expressing gratitude for our blessings and for preparing our hearts for Advent. Now that the Lenten and Easter season has started, I am thrilled to see so many opportunities for the Baylor Family to share in this important time for Christians across the world.

Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary invites the Baylor Family to embark on a journey of reflection and spiritual growth through daily devotionals. You can follow along from now until Easter Sunday. There are many ways to reflect and celebrate the Easter season across campus, and I hope you will find one that resonates with you along your personal spiritual journey.

Here are a few updates:

• ALL-UNIVERSITY SING: The 74th edition of one of Baylor’s cherished traditions – All-University Sing – begins tonight at Waco Hall. This incredible showcase of student talent never ceases to amaze Brad and me as we watch students perform short, Broadway-style shows. But there’s so much more to Sing than competition. It provides a unique educational experience in leadership, communication, organization and managing both time and budget. If you were not able to get a Sing ticket, you can watch the Feb. 28 show online with a streaming ticket available through the Waco Hall ticket office. Break a leg – theatrically speaking, of course – to all our Sing participants!
• CELEBRATING ENGINEERS: Next week is National Engineers Week, and we have much to celebrate at Baylor. Did you know the first licensed female engineer in Texas was a Baylor Bear? Leah Moncure graduated in 1925, and in 1938 became the first woman awarded a professional engineering license by the state of Texas. And for National Engineers Week, faculty from Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science will present hands-on activities to students in local school districts. I love how we partner with teachers to spark interest and encourage the next generation of engineers.
• BAYLOR FACULTY IN SCIENCE: Baylor research continues to improve the understanding of natural disasters through impactful scientific discovery. In a study published in a recent issue of Science, Baylor geoscientist Dr. Catherine Ross, as part of an international team, found that a thin, slippery layer of clay deep beneath the seafloor allowed Japan’s 2011 Tohoku earthquake to rupture almost 160 feet, generating the devastating tsunami that followed. Science is one of the most prestigious journals in the world, and having our faculty included is an important demonstration of Baylor’s commitment to its distinct position as a Christian research university.
• TEDxBAYLOR UNIVERSITY PLAYLIST: Last fall Baylor was granted a license for the first time to organize an independent TEDx event – a tremendous opportunity to bring our interdisciplinary collaboration and ingenuity to a global audience. I am thrilled to share that Baylor talks are now streaming and available on the Baylor University YouTube channel, capturing a day filled with bold ideas, creative energy and powerful stories from across campus and the Waco community. The playlist offers a wonderful snapshot of researchers, students, entrepreneurs and storytellers together sharing insights that challenge, encourage and inspire.
• HAWAIIAN FALLS DISCOUNT: With spring break just around the corner, I know some of you are thinking about warmer weather and outdoor fun. Keep in mind Hawaiian Falls Waco is offering one free summer pass for Baylor faculty and staff, while supplies last, plus discounted additional tickets through Baylor Waco Perks. This is one of the many opportunities available through our flagship discount program accessible with your Baylor ID. Don’t worry if waterparks aren’t your favorite, there are plenty of other discounts to enjoy throughout the city using your Baylor Waco Perks.

The Baylor Board of Regents is on campus today and tomorrow for its regular February meeting, and I am thankful our Regents are committed to upholding Baylor’s Christian mission and a transformative educational experience for our students.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The Harlem Globetrotters delivered an amazing performance at Foster Pavilion last Saturday!