Presidential Perspective - Oct. 1, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

October is Christian Higher Education Month, and as a Research 1 university with nearly 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Baylor is distinct among our faith-based peers. However, like so many other institutions, our mission is built on preparing men and women to lead and serve.

Christian Higher Education Month was first recognized in 2003 after a U.S. House of Representatives resolution. Sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, of which Baylor is a collaborative partner, the month-long recognition provides an opportunity to highlight how Christian institutions, by integrating faith and learning, serve students from across the nation and around the world.

At Baylor, we know from several years of surveys that our students, faculty and staff report Baylor is a place where they can authentically live out their faith, and the University actively supports their spiritual growth. We are grateful to expand God’s Kingdom, serve the world and prepare Christian leaders each and every day.

Here are a few updates for this week:

• FALL CENSUS REPORT: The official fall census data is in, and Baylor’s enrollment is now 19,748 total students plus record enrollment at Truett Seminary. Our four-year graduation rate of 77.5% is the highest in University history, and undergraduate retention of 91.8% is incredibly strong. These numbers are encouraging since we know timely graduation is a key component to keeping a highly valued Baylor education affordable and attainable. It is important to note that although our undergraduate enrollment was down – 13,860 – that number is consistent with pre-COVID levels. It took five years for the very large COVID classes to matriculate through Baylor to graduation, and now we have returned to a more normal size class. I’m deeply appreciative of the faculty and staff who faithfully support our students and work tirelessly to maintain Baylor’s place in higher education.
• BEALL-RUSSELL LECTURE: Baylor University is pleased to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed to campus for the 2026 Beall-Russell Lecture in the Humanities today at 3:30 p.m. in Cashion 506. A Harvard historian and law professor, Gordon-Reed will discuss “The Story of Our Founding, and Its Impact for Us Today,” which explores how America’s past continues to shape our present. The Beall-Russell Lecture series is a distinguished tradition that brings leading scholars and artists to campus to deepen our understanding of the human experience and the enduring relevance of the humanities. This lecture is free and open to the public.
• BEAR HABITAT GIFT: A few weeks ago, I mentioned upcoming renovations to the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat. Today, I am happy to share that the grounds and infrastructure improvements are underway, thanks to foundational gifts from Jeff and Shelley Vosburg of Flower Mound, Texas, and Drs. Adam and Kelly Ylitalo of Waco. You can read more about both remarkable families – which together include Baylor students, faculty, alumni and parents – in the official announcement. It is wonderful to know that due to their generosity our beloved black bear mascots, starting with Indy and Belle, will have an enhanced home that is both beautiful and functional for decades to come.
• EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING: Congratulations to the 10 Baylor faculty members from across disciplines selected by Interim Provost Lee Nordt as 2026-2027 Baylor Fellows for their excellence in teaching and commitment to advancing Baylor’s mission. Sponsored by the Academy for Teaching and Learning, the Baylor Fellows program not only recognizes outstanding teachers, but it gives them an opportunity to launch new approaches. This year’s Fellows will focus on the theme “Endurance in Education: Sustaining Excellence in a Season of Headwinds,” developing strategies to sustain excellent teaching for student learning, relationships and formation while modeling resilience during periods of challenge and change.
• SENSE AND SENSIBILITY: Baylor Theatre’s 2026-2027 season continues with an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility. This lively rendition follows Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate gossip, reputation and society’s expectations with humor and heart. It is a great weekend to enjoy an evening of theatre with performances at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday and a closing matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Mabee Theater. I always love to see our students, faculty and staff using their God-given talents in plays, musicals, concerts and even athletics.
• SOCCER AND VOLLEYBALL: After three straight weeks of Baylor Football wins at McLane Stadium, Baylor Soccer and Baylor Volleyball are hoping to keep the victories coming in Waco. Baylor Soccer is undefeated in Big 12 play and hosts Kansas at Betty Lou Mays Field tomorrow at 7 p.m. At the same time, the first 200 students into the Ferrell Center for No. 21 Baylor Volleyball against UCF in the conference opener receive free green and gold striped overalls. I will be there, and I hope to see many of you, too.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, we will light Rosenbalm Fountain in support of those who have been impacted by domestic violence. If you need help, I urge you to contact one of the many resources available across campus, from the Office of Spiritual Life to Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX to the Department of Public Safety.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

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