Presidential Perspective - July 16, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

For those of us who have lived in Waco awhile, we know it’s a special place. When our city is featured in national publications like Southern Living Magazine and receives statewide recognition by Austin Travels, it’s clear others understand what makes the city unique, too. Waco has been Baylor’s hometown since 1886, and I believe we are in the middle of another exciting chapter in our story.

Baylor Athletics recently launched the new Waco Rush Pass that provides Waco residents year-round access to exclusive ticket offers for select home athletics events in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and more. Plus, Baylor and Waco are teaming up for the weekly Summer on Turner Plaza at Foster Pavilion. Free and open to the community, this Thursday night series throughout July features fun for all ages with bounce houses, water slides, arts and crafts, live music, food, giveaways and opportunities to meet Baylor student-athletes and coaches. The Baylor volleyball team is scheduled for this evening, and I will be there from 6-6:45 p.m. with cool treats for everyone. I hope to see you there!

On to some updates:

• WELCOME NEW DEANS: Earlier this year we announced two new deans would be joining the University this summer, and I hope you will join me now in welcoming them to campus. Dr. Tanya Sudia returned to Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing on June 1. From 2014-19 she served as the School’s inaugural Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship. Dr. James Brockmole began his tenure in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences – our largest academic division – on July 1 after serving as Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, one of the few other faith-based Research 1 institutions in the nation. Both leaders bring extensive experience to Baylor, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our students, faculty and staff.
• DEAN’S LIST HONOREES: Congratulations to the more than 5,100 Baylor undergraduates named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s Academic Honor List in recognition of their outstanding academic work during the semester. Students on the Dean’s List earned a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.70, with no grade lower than a “C” while enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours. As we celebrate these students’ academic success, I also commend our Baylor faculty whose teaching, guidance and mentorship help students flourish both in and beyond the classroom.
• DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: I am pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Reverend Robert Gilbert and Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Awards. Named after Baylor’s first African American graduates, these awards honor individuals who exemplify service, leadership and impact in their communities and professions.
  • Dr. Mark A. Brown, Ed.D. ’22, is a nationally recognized leader whose career has spanned military service, federal education policy and higher education. He is currently the 10th President and CEO of Tuskegee University.
  • Dr. Michael McFarland, B.B.A. ’93, Ed.D. ’o5, is a member of the Baylor Board of Regents and former football student-athlete who has dedicated his career to transforming educational opportunities for students and communities, including in his current position as superintendent of the Crowley Independent School District.
  • Sophia Young-Malcolm, B.S.Ed. ’06, has built a legacy of excellence on and off the basketball court. A former Baylor women’s basketball standout and former WNBA All-Star, she has devoted her life to mentoring young people through athletics, ministry and leadership.
  • Dr. Orhue Odaro, B.S. ’11, is making a lasting impact in medicine with exceptional patient care, clinical leadership and the mentorship of future physicians through her work at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She is also a current member of the Baylor Board of Regents.
• PROVOST SEARCH: Baylor faculty and staff should have received an email this week with an update on theBaylor University Provost search. The Provost Search Advisory Committee has worked closely with DSG Global to engage groups of stakeholders from across campus who helped shape the position description and identify the qualities most essential in Baylor’s next chief academic officer. I encourage everyone to get involved in this critically important process by submitting nominations for prospective candidates, both internal and external to Baylor, or by sharing the opportunity with qualified leaders. Updates will be provided periodically during the search process, and information will also be available online.
• ALLELUIA’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY: Next week, Baylor’s Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Alleluia Conference, a place of renewal, learning, worship and community for church musicians, worship leaders and ministry teams. This year, Alleluia will also feature two special concerts in Jones Concert Hall: Award-winning Christian group Selah on Tuesday, July 21, at 7 p.m., and the 25th Anniversary Celebration Concert on Thursday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m., which will include reflections on the leadership of Alleluia founder Dr. Randall Bradley, current interim dean of the Baylor School of Music. Both concerts are open to the public.

As you make your way around campus, please pardon our progress as we work to repair roofs on the SUB, Pat Neff Hall and other buildings before the start of the fall semester.

Linda A. Livingstone,
Ph.D. President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK