News

As our students look to Spring Break next week, I hope that you will have a safe and relaxing time away from campus. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Yesterday we made a significant announcement with the appointment of Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., as Baylor’s next Provost.

I am currently in the midst of Baylor’s quarterly Board of Regents meeting, which will last through the end of the day tomorrow.

A national discussion is rightfully taking place today about bigotry and prejudice in our country, stemming from appalling and offensive images found in college and university yearbooks.

It’s been a great week to be a Baylor Bear, particularly as we celebrated Baylor Day at the Capitol in Austin on Tuesday.

It’s hard to believe that the first month of the spring semester has come and gone. We are blessed to have 16,550 students studying with us at Baylor this spring, which includes 13,290 undergraduates and 3,260 graduate and professional students.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 6, 2019) – Kelly R. Ylitalo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of public health in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has been awarded a prestigious career development grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the link between physical activity and healthy aging. The grant, valuing more than $626,000, will span a five-year project period.

Recent news articles about reported allegations of rape at two of our residence halls have, understandably, caused some concern and confusion on campus and in the media. We pledge to you that Baylor takes all allegations of sexual assault and interpersonal violence very seriously, has correctly followed its established policies and procedures, and thoroughly assessed every threat to assure the safest environment possible for our students.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 1, 2019) – On the 174th anniversary of its founding, Baylor University today presented the Baylor Founders Medal to the City of Waco for its decades-long support of and partnership with the University. As one of the University’s most distinguished awards, the Founders Medal was established in 1969 to recognize those whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of the University.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 1, 2019) – Baylor University’s Campus Diversity Committee will host the eighth annual Cultural Connection Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, in the Meyer Conference Center (Foster 250) in the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, 1621 S. Third St.

Tomorrow is a special day in the life of Baylor as we celebrate Founders Day and the 174th anniversary of the University.

As we near the end of January, I’m wondering how many of you have kept your New Year’s Resolutions?

WACO, Texas (Jan. 23, 2019) – The John Templeton Foundation has awarded a $2.6 million grant to Sarah Schnitker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology in Baylor University’s College of Arts & Sciences, and co-principal investigator Benjamin Houltberg, Ph.D., director of research at the University of Southern California Performance Science Institute. The grant aims to galvanize widespread scientific development of virtue interventions for adolescents across a diversity of contexts – such as athletic teams, religious organizations, youth community centers and online – that attend to spirituality and transcendent purpose.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Those are powerful words from the late Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose life and legacy of service we will celebrate beginning tomorrow through next week.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 17, 2019) – Baylor University’s Center for Christian Music Studies in the Baylor School of Music has been awarded a four-year $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Strengthening Congregational Ministries with Youth Initiative.

I am excited for the start of the spring semester on Monday, as 2019 already is shaping up to be noteworthy for Baylor.

I am already looking forward to our sleepy campus coming alive with students for the arrival of the spring semester on Jan. 14. Here’s to a great 2019!

My prayer for the Baylor Family this Christmas season is that you will behold the Light of the World that shines upon and within you by faith. This is a gift of grace to celebrate and share at Christmas and always.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 20, 2018) – Baylor University is mourning the passing of longtime University benefactor Louise Herrington Ornelas, whose significant friendship and generosity has provided an enduring impact on nursing education – and on future generations of Baylor nurses – at the school that bears her name: Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 20, 2018) - Baylor University today celebrates generous philanthropic support for the recently launched Baylor Built program, a key component of the “Preparing Champions for Life” vision of Baylor Athletics. The gift coincides with the public launch of Give Light, a $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign inaugurated under the leadership of Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 18, 2018) – Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education (ACE), the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities.

It’s always sad to peek out my office window and see the stillness of campus, signaling that another semester has come and gone. But I always look forward to Commencement, and this Friday and Saturday we will confer approximately 970 degrees, welcoming a class of new alumni into the Baylor Family.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2018) – Baylor University and George W. Truett Theological Seminary will celebrate graduation of its students with commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15.

I am pleased to share with you the good news that Baylor University has received official reaffirmation of its 10-year institutional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the recognized regional accrediting body in 11 southern states and Latin America for higher education institutions that award associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees.

It’s Finals Week, so I promise not to take too much of your time with today’s Presidential Perspective!

It’s hard to believe that the fall semester is rapidly coming to a close. Tonight you have an opportunity to experience a special and memorable Baylor tradition – Christmas on 5th Street.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to visit with many of you last night at one of Baylor’s special traditions – our All-University Thanksgiving. We truly have so much to be thankful for as a community of faith here at Baylor.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 9, 2018) – A week after launching Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor, the institution’s $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign, Baylor University today dedicated the Billy W. Williams Golf Practice Facility and Clubhouse, the newest addition to the University’s athletic facilities that provides the latest advances in training and support for Baylor golf student-athletes while preparing them as Champions for Life.

Our campus continues to be aglow from last week’s launch of Give Light, The Campaign for Baylor.

What a wonderful Homecoming Weekend and a momentous and historic occasion in the life of Baylor University.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2018) - Baylor University today announced a lead gift from Mark and Paula Hurd, which spurs the institution’s $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign to create the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Efforts for the new center are the cornerstone of “Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor,” the University’s fundraising initiative announced on Nov. 1, 2018.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2018) – During its annual Homecoming meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents celebrated the public launch of Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor, as the University moves forward under its first-ever comprehensive philanthropic campaign. Give Light undergirds Illuminate, the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, and impacts every aspect of campus life – academics, athletics, student life and service learning – while also bolstering financial support for students, faculty and the entire campus community.

I am pleased to report that the Big 12 Conference has completed its Verification Review of Baylor University’s 105 recommendations in response to past reports of sexual assault and interpersonal violence within our campus community and has confirmed all recommendations as complete and implemented.

Next week is shaping up to be both exciting and historic in the life of Baylor University.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 25, 2018) - Baylor University today announced a gift of $3.5 million from Mark and Jennifer McCollum of Houston to create the McCollum Family Chair in Data Sciences within Baylor’s nationally ranked School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). The $3.5 million gift is part of a larger $11.5 million commitment from the McCollums to Give Light, the University’s upcoming comprehensive philanthropy campaign.

This week reminds me of a popular nursery rhyme: "Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day …"

I am excited to report that interest among prospective students in attending Baylor continues to be incredibly strong. In fact, Saturday’s Fall Premiere event is “sold out” and is expected to be one of the largest Premiere days ever at Baylor.

Assembling the most dynamic, mission-focused group of senior administrators as we pursue our aspirations as a preeminent Christian research university is of vital importance.

Greetings from 30,000 feet somewhere between San Diego and Nashville! We are making a couple of stops this week with the Baylor Conversation Series as we visit with alumni, parents of current and prospective students, and friends about Baylor’s progress and Illuminate, our academic strategic plan.

Baylor University has been actively investigating an allegation that former Board of Regents Chair Richard Willis used extremely offensive and hurtful language in a private conversation in Mexico in 2014. Mr. Willis, who served as Chair from 2012-16 and left the Board in 2017, adamantly denies making the statements.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 30, 2018) – More than 80 Baylor University faculty who share their knowledge, research and expertise with the news media were honored Sept. 27 by Baylor Media Communications during the inaugural Newsmakers Luncheon.

I am looking forward to opening up our campus for Family Weekend this Friday and Saturday. This is such a special time now that the fall semester is in full swing and we have an opportunity to showcase several student performances, athletic competitions and the Waco community.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 21, 2018) – Inspired by the “Where Lights Shine Bright” campaign, Baylor University has unveiled its new institutional commercial that extends the #BaylorLights campaign tells the story of the Baylor Family is reflecting the light of God in the world as they pursue their callings.

Our campus community kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month yesterday with a luncheon and special guest speaker. Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, the sister of the late singer Selena, shared her family’s story and reminded those in attendance of the importance of celebrating one another’s cultures.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 20, 2018) – For nearly 100 years, Baptist Student Ministries has worked to equip college students across the country to follow Christ and transform the world. On Wednesday, Baylor University and the Baptist General Convention of Texas signed a cooperative agreement for a renewed vision of Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) as a chartered student organization on campus.

Yesterday we hosted our annual Fall Staff Forum over the lunch hour at the Ferrell Center, where I provided an update on Illuminate, our University’s strategic plan, and we also learned a few tips on how to receive feedback from others.

Baylor holds an unwavering commitment to fostering and nurturing the diversity of our students, faculty and staff. More than that, we celebrate our diversity, which lies at the core of our mission to transform lives and serve others.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 6, 2018) – Baylor University enrolled its highest-achieving freshman class ever and advanced undergraduate retention and graduation rates to record levels, according to 12th class day statistics from Baylor’s Office of Institutional Research and Testing (IRT).

Today I am up in Dallas for the dedication of an amazing, completely renovated building that will serve as the new academic home of Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing.

What a great start to the fall semester! It was so good to see our returning students and welcome our new freshmen, transfer students and graduate students to campus. So many smiling faces!

WACO, Texas (Aug. 20, 2018) – Hundreds of Baylor University students kicked off their first day of classes with a good breakfast – and a free one at that – served by the University’s President.

I cannot believe the fall semester is here! It is great to see our beautiful campus come back to life with the hope and excitement that a new semester brings. And to the Class of 2022, we are so excited to have you as part of the Baylor Family.

“Our glowing possibility comes to life in the hands of a craftsman who knows what He is doing, who made beauty and brightness with handpicked glass, a unique plan and His own breath. In our Creator’s hands, we burn brightly in a dark world.”

This is my prayer for all of you – that our lights will shine brightly this fall semester for the glory of our Creator.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 8, 2018) – Baylor University’s summer graduating class of 2018 will walk the stage at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Ferrell Center, S. University Parks Drive.

It has certainly been a busy, productive summer as the University community has continued building out our Illuminate Academic Strategic Plan, while also preparing for the upcoming fall semester. Baylor is definitely moving forward in a big way.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 1, 2018) — Eleven Baylor University faculty members have been selected to serve as 2018-19 Baylor Fellows for their excellence in teaching and desire to transform student thinking through innovation.

We are fortunate to have such a remarkable natural science and cultural history museum that engages our community and inspires learning through rich collections, vibrant programs and hands-on experiences.

WACO, Texas (July 20, 2018) – During its regular July retreat meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents welcomed new Board members, heard an update from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., on the Illuminate Academic Strategic Plan and other University initiatives and approved $1.24 million gift for renovations to the Umphrey Law Center and Charles and Sandra Wallace Courtyard. The Board also discussed higher education issues with state and national leaders and set tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 academic year.

We are experiencing nearly record-breaking temperatures in Waco, so I hope you are staying cool wherever you may be this summer!

Pastors from several denominations, religions and races throughout Waco and Central Texas joined me yesterday in the Powell Chapel at our Truett Seminary to gather in prayer for area students, families, teachers and faculty in preparation for the rapidly approaching fall semester.

DALLAS, Texas (July 12, 2018) – The Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) hosted a dedication ceremony Tuesday of its new Divine Servant® statue given by Dallas Baptist University and dedicated in honor of LHSON Dean Shelley F. Conroy.

WACO, Texas (July 11, 2018) – Baylor University today congratulates Bob and Laura Beauchamp of Houston on being named Recovery Philanthropists of the Year by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) at a ceremony held Monday night at the University of Houston Student Center.

WACO, Texas (July 11, 2018) – As communities prepare for the upcoming school year, senior pastors and leaders of all faiths, denominations and races from throughout Waco and Central Texas joined Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., to pray for students, families, teachers and faculty during a Community Prayer Breakfast on the Baylor campus.

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July holiday yesterday! As many of you know, the First Gent is a history buff, and we’ve learned that two Baylor faculty members have done quite a bit of research on Benjamin Franklin, one of our Founding Fathers. Did you know that Franklin was a businessman, entrepreneur, inventor, journalist, author, printer, editor, politician, postmaster, statesman and ambassador, in addition to being a signer of the Declaration of Independence?

The Livingstone Family is already looking forward to the July 4 holiday next Wednesday and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy here in our great country. We should never take these for granted. I hope you will join us at Touchdown Alley on the banks of the Brazos River for the City of Waco’s annual Fourth on the Brazos Celebration. We thoroughly enjoyed last year’s event with all the music, food and fireworks, as well as the opportunity to engage with the Baylor Family and other community members.

WACO, Texas (June 26, 2018) – Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., will welcome senior pastors and leaders of all faiths, denominations and races throughout Waco and Central Texas for a Community Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, July 11, on the Baylor campus. The event will bring together faith leaders to pray collectively for students, teachers, faculty and families as communities prepare for the upcoming school year.

WACO, Texas (June 25, 2018) – Baylor University today announced a $1.6 million gift from the Waco Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation that will create a permanent endowment for Camp Success, a free intensive summer language and literacy intervention program for children through the department of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) in Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

As we near the midpoint of the summer break, I am longing for many things … the hustle and bustle of our students on campus, the engagement and interactions with faculty, the start of football season and a Dr Pepper Float!

WACO, Texas (June 20, 2018) – Baylor University today announced that the philanthropic support of students, alumni, parents and friends during the recently completed fiscal year (June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018) – which coincided with the first year in office of Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. – exceeded $113 million.

It’s exciting to see members of #BU22, our incoming class of freshmen, visiting the Baylor campus along with their families and friends throughout the summer. More than 1,200 students have already taken their first steps in joining the Baylor Family, including registering for classes, learning about and celebrating Baylor’s rich legacy and traditions, and even Running the Line at McLane Stadium.

I continue to be blessed each day to serve as Baylor’s President. Among the many highlights is being able to travel across the country to visit with alumni, current and prospective students, parents and friends of the University.

WACO, Texas (June 6, 2018) – Baylor Law has announced the creation of The M. Stephen and Alyce A. Beard Chair in Business and Transactional Law that will be funded through a generous gift from M. Stephen (B.B.A. ’71, J.D. ’73) and Alyce A. Beard (B.A. ’70). Proceeds from the endowment will support this faculty position in perpetuity, allowing Baylor Law to enhance practical training and scholarship in this critical discipline.

WACO, Texas (June 5, 2018) – Baylor University today announced the establishment of The Floyd F. Davidson Endowed Memorial Chair in Biology, made possible through a gift of approximately $2.5 million from the estate of Lorene Taylor Davidson, who died in 2013 at the age of 100. Lorene and her husband, Floyd Davidson, Ph.D., were longtime Baylor supporters who blended giving to Baylor during their lifetimes with the inclusion of a gift to Baylor in their estate. Floyd Davidson died in 1990.

Today marks exactly one year since I began serving as President of Baylor University. What a year it has been! This day offers a welcome occasion for me to express my extreme gratitude to the entire Baylor Family for your partnership and support as I have guided this great institution of higher education.

WACO, Texas (May 29, 2018) – Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., has appointed Brett Dalton as Chief Business Officer, a new position at Baylor that will lead progressive systems of financial planning, reporting and control as the University moves forward under the Illuminate academic strategic plan. His appointment is effective July 1.

WACO, Texas (May 25, 2018) – Eleven faculty members have been recognized as Outstanding Faculty in the areas of teaching, scholarship and contributions to the academic community for the 2017-2018 academic year. The awards recognize the best all-around professors based upon teaching capabilities, research achievement, effective committee service, time spent with students and civic and church involvement, including non-tenured track, tenured and tenure-track faculty.

Greetings from New York City, where our School of Music student performers take center stage tonight at historic Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. I am excited to be in the audience as they share their musical talents on such a grand stage and spotlight our great University.

On this National Day of Prayer, Baylor University President Linda Livingstone and her husband, Brad, speak with the Baylor Parents Network about the power of prayer in their lives and beyond.

WACO, Texas (May 22, 2018) – Three Baylor University professors in theology, history and educational leadership have been selected as the 2018 Baylor Centennial Professors by the Centennial Faculty Development Review Committee.

In January of this year, I asked a dedicated group of faculty and staff to join me in the search for Baylor University’s next Provost.

Well, it’s officially summertime on the Baylor campus! The hustle and bustle marking the end of the spring semester has transitioned into sparse pedestrian and vehicle traffic and, of course, near 100-degree temperatures.

WACO, Texas (May 11, 2018) – At its regular spring meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents accepted the University moving forward with the implementation of Illuminate, Baylor’s Academic Strategic Plan, and took action to approve a $660.1 million operating budget for 2018-2019, five new academic degrees and new Board members.

Congratulations to the Baylor Class of 2018! The end of the spring semester is always an exciting time, especially for the nearly 3,000 graduates who will participate in our three Commencement ceremonies at the Ferrell Center on Friday and Saturday.

WACO, Texas (May 4, 2018) – Baylor University announced it has received $371,627 from ExxonMobil and its employees through the ExxonMobil Foundation’s 2017 Educational Matching Gift Program.

WACO, Texas (May 4, 2018) — Baylor University’s spring graduating class of 2018 will enter their next phase of life as they walk the graduation stage during commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12, at the Ferrell Center, 1900 S. University Parks Drive.

Greetings from 30,000 feet in the air somewhere between Denver and Atlanta! We have taken our Baylor Conversation Series across the country this week, as we’re visiting with alumni, parents, friends and prospective students about the great things happening at Baylor and sharing an overview of Illuminate, our academic strategic plan.

"But if we walk in the light, as He is the light, we have fellowship with one another." – 1 John 1:7

WACO, Texas (April 20, 2018) – Baylor University’s School of Music will present the President’s Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, in Jones Concert Hall, Glennis McCrary Music Building, 110 Baylor Ave. This year’s program is “America: Reflections of Diversity,” an evening of music by American composers or international composers who studied in the United States.

WACO, Texas (April 20, 2018) — The senior class selected Rebecca McCumbers Flavin, Ph.D., senior lecturer of political science at Baylor University, as this year’s Collins Outstanding Professor Award recipient.

I must admit that I was a little sore yesterday after participating in the Baylor Fun Run to kickoff Diadeloso on Tuesday. Yes, the First Gent and I finished the race(!) and then enjoyed a “day off” with all of you as we prepare for the end of the spring semester.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of a leadership change within the Provost's Office.

As I mentioned in last Thursday’s email, we had a team of administrators from institutions across the country on campus this week as part of our SACSCOC Decennial Reaffirmation, which is a key component of our accreditation renewal process. This week’s visit was very successful.

Approximately 9,000 prospective students and parents have registered to experience Baylor Premiere on Saturday. This year’s version of our spring “open house” is shaping up to be the largest in University history, as high school juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to explore campus, experience college life and interact with many of our incredible faculty and staff. Let’s remind our Premiere attendees that Baylor is a place “Where Lights Shine Bright!”

"He is not here: He is risen, just as He said." (Matthew 28:6A) This is a powerful verse of meditation for this Easter season, as it boldly proclaims the victory that we have as Christians in our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

This Easter, may your heart dwell on the promises God has fulfilled through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. May your joy rest in Him this Easter.

My heart continues to be touched by the many stories of how your “Lights Shine Bright” not only across our campus, but throughout our community and beyond.

As the grass and trees turn green and the temperatures begin to warm, I am always reminded that spring is a time for renewal.

WACO, Texas (March 14, 2018) – Baylor University leadership, including President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., and Board of Regents Chair Joel T. Allison, will discuss the state of the University with the Baylor Family across Texas and the nation as part of the ongoing Baylor Conversation Series.

The Baylor campus sure is still and quiet with all of our students on Spring Break this week! But I know our faculty and staff who remained in Waco to prepare for the remainder of the semester are enjoying the wonderful spring weather.

I look forward to heading to Fort Worth for tonight's installment of the Baylor Conversation Series - our first outside of Waco. Board Chairman Joel T. Allison and I will provide an update on the state of the university, while also answering questions from the Baylor Family in the Metroplex.