Presidential Perspective - March 19, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

In a world of increasing discord and conflict, Baylor has an opportunity as a Christian institution to share our expertise and use our faith foundation to bring people together. Whether in our classrooms and labs, with colleagues, or throughout the student experience, we have a responsibility to fulfill our mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community as we live out our scriptural calling to know one another as part of God’s creation.

With Civil Discourse as an imperative woven throughout the Baylor in Deeds strategic plan, we are striving to intentionally design opportunities that prepare our students – and the entire Baylor Family – to learn from people whose life experiences and ideas may be different from their own, work across those differences, lead through conflict and build bridges of understanding that help our global society flourish.

One example is our second annual Civil Discourse Week, March 23-27. Across campus, next week is dedicated to equipping all members of the Baylor community with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for civil discourse – what it is, why it matters and how it can be practiced for the common good. Through engaging events, lectures and conversations, we will continue to foster a culture of respectful dialogue, and I hope you will find time to participate.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that while we may not always agree on the subject matter, the Baylor campus community will remain respectful, and we will strive to follow Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

On to a few updates:

• WORLD WATER DAY: This Sunday is World Water Day, and it’s another opportunity to highlight Baylor’s strategic emphasis on water quality research and our commitment to clean water. Students with the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR) will serve with Keep Waco Beautiful’s Brazos River cleanup on Saturday and then researchers will connect with the community on Sunday at the Mayborn Museum, providing hands-on learning to area students. I am thrilled that Baylor faculty are helping us build an internationally recognized reputation for excellence in water quality research that is being relied upon by communities, state governments, reservoir management agencies and more.
• COLLINS OUTSTANDING PROFESSOR: The results are in from this year’s Senior Class, and congratulations to Honors Program clinical professor and pre-med mentor Walter M. “Sparky” Matthews, M.D., who has been selected as the 2026 Collins Outstanding Professor. A distinguished Baylor graduate, Dr. Matthews returned to his alma mater in 2020 after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as the First Surgeon General (Acting) of the United States Space Force. As Collins Professor, Dr. Matthews will give a special lecture on “The Body of Christ: The Physiology of the Passion and Crucifixion” on Monday, March 30, at 5:15 p.m. at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.
• “1776 & MORE!”: This summer America will celebrate its 250th birthday, and like many others, Baylor is promoting a range of activities to recognize the signing of the Declaration of Independence. One unique event is a stage performance entitled “1776 & More!” that will feature speeches by various Founding Fathers (portrayed by Baylor History students) and songs from the musicals 1776! and Hamilton (performed by Baylor Theatre Arts students). After the show, the Founding Fathers will mingle with the audience and answer questions. “1776 & More!” is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m. in the Mabee Theatre, and the event is free and open to the public.
• AI IN GOVERNMENT: Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science is launching a new AI in Government certificate designed specifically for City of Waco employees. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation in public service and connects to the Human-Technology Interface imperative in Baylor in Deeds. The 5-week units will include Basics of AI in theory and practice, Ethics in AI, Generative AI for Public Messaging and Workflow Automation. By equipping city employees with advanced AI knowledge, Baylor is strengthening the city’s capacity to help make city operations more efficient and cost-effective.
• MARCH MADNESS: March Madness is here, and as former Division 1 basketball student-athletes (and big fans of Baylor Athletics), the First Gent and I will be among the green-and-gold fans cheering on our women’s basketball team tomorrow afternoon in the NCAA Tournament and the men’s team in the College Basketball Crown in April. Alongside our Christian mission, academic excellence and dynamic on-campus student engagement, our participation in college athletics at the highest level is an invaluable component of our ability to attract and retain outstanding students and to serve the community and the surrounding world. So, to kick things off, I’ll offer the first, “Sic ’em, Bears!”

And, finally, please join me and Curtis Reynolds, Vice President of Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer, for an update on Baylor’s strategic financial repositioning on Tuesday, March 24, at 2 p.m. Faculty and staff will receive an email with the Zoom link on Monday.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Celebrating with Baylor faculty and staff who have faithfully served the University for more than four decades during the annual Milestone Service Luncheon. From left: Mark Roessler (40), Donna Herbert (40), Larry Lyon (50), President Linda Livingstone, Margaret Wooddy (45), Pam Diaz (45), Dana Lee Haines (40) and Laura Scott (40). The full list is available online.