Presidential Perspective - July 2, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

In the midst of challenging economic times and ongoing pressures on higher education, the Baylor Family continues to support the University in historic ways, particularly in contributions toward endowed funds. Today we are announcing the highest fundraising year in Baylor's history, with a significant amount of these gifts and pledges dedicated to support student scholarships, academic programs, research and other important initiatives for generations to come. 

Thanks to your generosity, the University received more than $244.5 million during fiscal year 2026, and a significant portion of the gifts and pledges were given toward the Extend the Line Scholarship Initiative, which is designed to help ensure a Baylor education remains accessible and affordable for both current and prospective students.

Despite the tremendous headwinds, this has been a transformative year for Baylor. From the naming of our Moody School of Education to the continued focus on our student experience, we remain well-positioned to positively impact the lives of Baylor students, faculty and staff. We have truly been blessed!

Here are a few updates:

• FOURTH ON THE BRAZOS: On Saturday, July 4, as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our hometown will join the celebrations with its annual Fourth on the Brazos event beginning at 6 p.m. on Touchdown Alley outside of McLane Stadium. Admission is free, with the evening including a host of local food trucks, performances by the Waco Community Band and The Jacksons, a laser light show and everyone’s favorite – the spectacular fireworks show at 9:35 p.m. over the Brazos River. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and commemorate a historic Independence Day with the greater Waco community.
• ENGINEERING NSF CAREER AWARD: Clayton Mulvihill, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has received a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation, one of the most coveted awards a young faculty member can receive. His research focuses on developing tools that build cleaner, more efficient engines, and he is the ninth Baylor professor to earn this award since 2020, a testament to the success of Baylor’s young research faculty in developing projects that stand out among their peers and have the potential to make a significant impact in their fields. We’re grateful for their work and excited to celebrate this latest honor with Dr. Mulvihill.
• FACEBOOK LIVE: Soon thousands of families will begin packing up all that their incoming freshmen and transfer students will need for their moves to Waco from across the nation and around the world. I know first-hand that this is a big moment for a family, and there may be lots of questions about campus life, academics, getting involved, resources for student wellbeing and more. I am inviting parents and students to a casual conversation with me to answer some of those most frequently asked questions. Baylor subject-matter experts will be online to help as well. This conversation is happening LIVE next Thursday, July 9, from 7-8 p.m. CT on Baylor’s official Facebook page. 
• SUMMER ON TURNER PLAZA: Beginning on Thursday, July 9, Baylor and the City of Waco are teaming up for Summer on Turner Plaza at Foster Pavilion. Free and open to the community, this four-week series features fun for all ages with bounce houses, water slides, arts and crafts, live music, giveaways and opportunities to meet Baylor student-athletes and coaches. Cold drinks and snacks will be available for purchase from some of Waco’s favorite food trucks. Summer on Turner Plaza is happening from 6-8 p.m., and I hope to see you there!

Linda A. Livingstone,
Ph.D. President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK