Presidential Perspective - May 7, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Today is the National Day of Prayer, an annual day of observance designated by the U.S. Congress in 1952 in which people are asked to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.” Here are a few things I am praying for throughout the day, and I hope you will join me and millions of others across our country:

• God’s wisdom and strength, and a renewal of our commitment to always seek Him in prayer.
• Clarity in times of uncertainty and courage in moments of challenge for ourselves and for our local, state and national leaders.
• Gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness and for the innumerable ways He leads us — both individually and collectively — as we aspire to lives of purpose, compassion and service.

As we move into a season of quiet across campus during final exams, let’s all remember the wonderful blessing we all have to commune with our heavenly Father in prayer.

Here are my updates for this week:

• LINE TO LEGACY: If you are a senior graduating in May, August or December, please join me for a special gathering with your classmates in McLane Stadium on Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. This celebration for seniors will feature games, photos and one final Dr Pepper Hour. I want to thank our student leaders for their help organizing this exciting event, and I hope all graduating seniors will participate. The celebration is free, but you are asked to register in advance. Park in Stadium Lot 3 and make your way to the South Plaza for a fun start to this event.
• BEAR-LY USED: I am excited to report the student‑led Bear‑ly Used move‑out initiative is back for a second year. Founded by Edmond, Okla., junior Joshua Yoon and Dallas senior Nolan La, this effort collects items that students no longer need once they move out of residence halls and redistributes them tolocal nonprofits. Demonstrating how sustainable practices can directly benefit our Waco community, this program has already supported 10 local organizations and diverted more than 50,000 pounds of usable goods from local landfills. If you want to join the effort, volunteers are still needed for move‑out collection as well as sorting and distribution. Sign up here!
• SUMMER OF DISCOVERY: Baylor’s Summer of Discovery offers in-person and online classes to help incoming and current students catch up, get ahead, add a minor and more. Classes are taught by Baylor faculty and since summer tuition is reduced, students and families can lower their costs when compared to the fall and spring semesters. Furthermore, Summer of Discovery courses are available across multiple sessions, and they support most degree plans and majors. Registration is open, and the first courses begin on Monday, May 18.
• INSIDE HIGHER ED WEBINAR: This week I talked with the architects of the landmark Global Flourishing Study – one of the most comprehensive studies of human well-being ever undertaken and the largest research project in Baylor history. During an Inside Higher Ed webinar on “Student Well-being and the Path to Flourishing,” Baylor’s own Dr. Byron Johnson joined researchers from Harvard and UCLA to discuss how universities can better support student mental health and flourishing, based on findings from a study that has garnered worldwide attention. This was a unique opportunity to hear how research translates into actionable strategies that can impact student success. The webinar is available for on-demand viewing.
• PROVOST SEARCH COMMITTEE: Yesterday, I announced the 22-member Baylor Provost Search Advisory Committee, which is co-chaired by Dr. Shanna Hagan-Burke, Dean of the Moody School of Education, and Dr. Charles A. Weaver III, Associate Dean for Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences, for Baylor’s next chief academic officer. The committee is charged with assessing candidates based on their commitment to Baylor’s unwavering Christian mission, academic credentials and demonstrated leadership. With the support of the DSG firm, they will solicit candidate names from both internal and external sources before reviewing a broad pool of individuals. Soon, we will provide an online mechanism through which you may submit potential candidates for consideration. The committee will provide periodic updates on their progress, and I thank them in advance for their work and dedication during this critically important process.
• CENTENNIAL FACULTY HONORS: I am pleased to report that two Baylor faculty members, Kelly C. Johnston, Ed.D., associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the Moody School of Education, and Alexander J. McNair, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish in the College of Arts & Sciences, have been named 2026 Centennial Professors and will receive funding to support new research projects during the next academic year. The Centennial Professor Award, established by Baylor’s Class of 1945, recognizes tenured faculty whose research and scholarship make a meaningful impact on the University and their fields. I hope you will join me in congratulating Dr. Johnston and Dr. McNair!

As final exams get underway today, I strongly encourage you to get plenty of rest, eat well and stay hydrated. If you feel like you need more support, do not hesitate to contact the Pastoral Care team, Counseling Center or use any other resource available to Baylor students, faculty and staff. Remember I am praying for all of you as the semester ends and we prepare to celebrate our May 2026 graduates.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Another wonderful addition to the undergraduate experience – Cap It Off to celebrate first-year and new transfer students completing their first year at Baylor.