Presidential Perspective - Sept. 3, 2026

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

One of the hallmarks of Baylor University as a Research 1 institution is the ability to contribute to transformative research that addresses some of the world’s most significant challenges. That hallmark is amplified by a guiding conviction that “the world needs a Baylor” – a Christian research university dedicated to pursuing knowledge in service of humanity.

We recently received another acknowledgement of the quality and significance of Baylor research, and we get to celebrate astrophysicists and dusty plasma researchers Dr. Lorin Swint Matthews and Dr. Truell Hyde and our internationally recognized Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics and Engineering Research (CASPER). CASPER will play a key role in a new $30 million National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center focused on understanding turbulence, one of science’s most complex phenomena. The research will create new opportunities for Baylor students to engage in trailblazing discovery alongside leading scientists and national laboratories.

That spirit of discovery extends far beyond a single project. Last Sunday marked the successful launch of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, one of the most ambitious astronomy missions ever undertaken, and Baylor astrophysicist Dr. Benjamin Rose was at Kennedy Space Center to witness the historic moment. Dr. Rose is one of four leaders of a NASA-funded project team helping develop the systems that will process and analyze the telescope’s unprecedented volume of data. Together, these two achievements offer yet another example of how Baylor’s faculty and students are contributing to research with global impact.

On to a few updates:

• STAYCATION WEEKEND: Students, you’ve almost made it through the first two weeks of classes, and I’m sure some of you are ready for a break. It’s Labor Day Weekend, and there’s a big Staycation weekend of activities – and great discounts – available for you and your friends. There are several free events and tournaments, and I know our local churches would love to see you on Sunday. Also, don’t forget to test out Baylor Waco Perks. Your Baylor ID unlocks deals and specials on food, entertainment, attractions and services across our hometown.
• BIG 12 FACULTY AWARD: Congratulations to Dr. Randall Bradley, Interim Dean and The Ben H. Williams Professor of Music, on being named Baylor’s 2026-27 Big 12 Faculty of the Year award winner. For more than 25 years, Dr. Bradley has enriched Baylor’s academic and spiritual life through his leadership of the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies, innovative programs for church musicians, mentorship of students and two Lilly Endowment-funded grants that support groundbreaking initiatives for children, youth and congregations. This well-deserved honor reflects the extraordinary impact of Baylor faculty through excellence in teaching, scholarship and Christian service.
• ENGINEERING ACCREDITATION: I’m pleased to share that four of Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science undergraduate programs – Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering – have earned ABET accreditation for the full six-year period, the maximum term possible. I am so thankful for the work of ECS faculty and staff, the ABET program chairs and department chairs who provided thoughtful leadership throughout the rigorous accreditation process. This achievement affirms the quality of our academic programs as we continue to prepare graduates for the workforce of the future.
• SEPTEMBER 11 REMEMBRANCE: Baylorfaculty, staff and students are invited to a brief gathering of remembrance at the flagpole at Pat Neff Hall on Friday, Sept. 11, at 9:30 a.m. in observance of the tragic events of and heroic responses to September 11, 2001. We will come together as a campus community to peacefully reflect, remember those whose lives were lost and those who responded. There will be a time to pray for our nation while we honor the lasting impact of that day on its 25th anniversary. You might also want to add to your calendar the annual 9/11 stair climb with Baylor’s Army ROTC at McLane Stadium, also next Friday morning. The event is free, but you are encouraged to sign up in advance.
• BAYLOR ALERT TEST: September is both National Campus Safety Awareness Month and National Preparedness Month, which reminds us that preparing now and being familiar with how our multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency notification system works can keep us, our families and communities safe. Tomorrow at 10 a.m., and on the first Friday of each month, Baylor joins with local partners to test our Outdoor Warning System, which includes tornado sirens and voice activations. At the same time, we will test Baylor Alert, which is how we notify you of an emergency on or near campus. This is also a good time to check your emergency contact information. You can make updates by following the instructions on the Baylor Emergency Management website.

I was honored to be the first Baylor Connections guest of the year with host Derek Smith. Baylor Connections is a biweekly video series showcasing the people behind Baylor’s teaching, research and distinct place in higher education that I hope you will take a few minutes to watch (or listen) and enjoy.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK