Presidential Perspective - January 29, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

This Sunday Baylor University turns 181 – the oldest continuously operating university in the state after being chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845. Baylor offers a distinct and transformative educational experience with deep, historic Baptist roots, a tradition of innovation and firsts, and a tremendous track record of producing leaders who change the course of our state, nation and the world. Baylor has stood through wars, financial crises and pandemics. Today we are strong, vibrant and pursuing a future filled with promise built on our longstanding motto – Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo (For the Church, For Texas, For the World).

Happy Birthday, Baylor!

Here are a few updates for this week:

• MOODY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION: Last week, Baylor announced a $30 million gift from the Moody Foundation to support scholarships, expand faculty research and provide resources to grow academic programs. In recognition of the transformational gift, the School of Education has been renamed the Moody School of Education. We believe this is one of the largest single gifts ever to a school of education, and it will have a far-reaching impact across the University. 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.
• TOP FACULTY HONORS: During Tuesday’s Spring Faculty Meeting, we proudly celebrated two extraordinary educators. Jamie Rankin, Ph.D., University Lecturer in German at Princeton University, was named recipient of Baylor’s Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching and his remarkable commitment to language learning will enrich our campus during his upcoming residency. Also, Church Music Professor Randall Bradley, D.M.A., was honored as Baylor’s Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year for his exemplary teaching, research and service. Together, their achievements reflect the very best of a scholarly community that deeply values teaching and providing a transformational education for students.
• FACULTY ART ON EXHIBIT: I am constantly impressed by the gifts and talents of Baylor faculty and staff. I recently learned that one of our own, Winter Rusiloski, associate professor of art, has had a painting selected for the exhibition "New Horizons: The Western Landscape" at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth. Her painting, Anniversary Storms over Onion’s Ridge, will be on view until May 14, and I encourage those of you in the DFW area, including everyone planning to attend the men’s basketball game against Louisville at Dickies Arena on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m., to go by and see it in person. You won’t be disappointed.
• TEXAS VOTER REGISTRATION: There is still time to register to vote in the Texas Primary Election on Tuesday, March 3. Texas law requires voters to be registered by Monday, Feb. 2, and students may register and vote either in the state and county of their permanent residence or here in McLennan County, where Baylor is located. Texas registration details are available online through the Texas Secretary of State, and students who prefer to vote at home should consult their own Secretary of State’s office for requirements. Baylor students, faculty and staff can always contact our Office of Governmental Relations at ogr@baylor.edu or visit the Voting Information section on the Baylor website if they have questions about exercising their right to vote.
• ALL-CITY HYMN SING: Last fall we were blessed to have First Baptist Church of Waco on campus as our guests for Faculty and Staff Chapel, and now I am looking forward to another collaboration with fellow Baptists in our community. On Saturday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m., students, faculty and staff from Baylor’s School of Music will participate in the first All-City and All-Campus Hymn Sing. The service will include familiar and beloved hymns, choral anthems and readings. Baylor’s Concert Choir and Organ Studio will participate, along with faith leaders from across Central Texas. All are welcome to attend this new celebration of music and community worship at First Baptist Church!
• INDY AND BELLE TURN 3: Our beloved North American Black Bear mascots, Judge Indy and Judge Belle, turned 3 years old last week, and they are inviting everyone to celebrate with them. Their birthday party will be this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. There will be a limited number of t-shirts and birthday cake for party guests. The addition of Indy and Belle to the Baylor Family three years ago continues to generate incredible excitement across the University, and I am thankful for students and professionals who care for them each day.

Remember the Spring Staff Meeting will be held virtually next Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 1:30 p.m. Faculty are invited, and I hope you will make time to join.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

A special “Thank you” to Baylor staff in Emergency Management, Facilities, Dining, Public Safety and other areas for going above and beyond the past few days to keep us safe during this frigid weather.