News

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.

While we were deeply grieved to learn that the Rev. Billy Graham had passed away yesterday, we rejoice that he has been called home as a good and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 21, 2018) – Baylor University, in conjunction with the Baylor Line Foundation, has announced the slate of alumni-elected Regent candidates presented for election this spring.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 21, 2018) – Baylor University is mourning the passing of the Rev. Billy Graham, who received an honorary doctorate from Baylor in 1954 and later Baylor's Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service for his contributions to a Christian ministry that made an immeasurable global impact. Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., said, “Our deepest prayers are with the Graham family, and we join millions around the world in giving thanks for Billy Graham, for his unyielding faith in a risen Savior and his mission to bring Christ’s light to the world.”

WACO, Texas (Feb. 16, 2018) – During its regular February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents received a status update from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., on the Academic Strategic Plan – called Illuminate – which will represent the second phase of the University’s Pro Futuris vision over the next five years.

Earlier today, I shared the initial framework of Baylor's Academic Strategic Plan - Illuminate - with the Board of Regents, along with members of the President's Council and our Deans. This is an important initiative as we accelerate our quest toward preeminence as a Christian research university and strategically chart our path over the next five years and beyond.

February is Black History Month and our students and leadership across campus have a terrific line-up of events planned throughout the month.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 8, 2018) — Baylor University recently was awarded a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fund a five-year project called Soundings. The project will allow Baylor to serve as an innovation hub for 15 Texas congregations as the university and congregational leaders together reflect deeply and theologically about the nature of vocation.

Baylor University continues to promote a campus culture where each individual is valued and respected. Every faculty and staff member plays an integral role as together we foster safety, integrity and dignity among our colleagues and our students. To support a healthy campus climate, all faculty and staff will continue to participate in online Title IX training on an annual basis.

I am sending today's email from Grapevine, Texas, as I attend the 2018 International Forum of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), which includes more than 180 Christian institutions around the world. Although Baylor may be one of the largest CCCU universities, we all share in the mission of advancing Christ-centered higher education and transforming lives by integrating scholarship, service and Biblical truth.

I have enjoyed seeing the bright lights shining at Baylor these past few days. And I mean more than the lighted benches, the fun photo-ops and events, including the special Dr Pepper Hour on Tuesday. You - our students, faculty and staff - continue to be shining examples of who we are as a Christian university as you lead and serve each other and our community in so many ways.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 25, 2018) – Baylor University has named Neil K. Garg, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at UCLA, as the 2018 recipient of the Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching.

It’s been quite a few years since I’ve experienced a Waco winter, but I certainly don’t remember it being this cold. I hope everyone enjoyed the “Snow Day” on Tuesday and you have been able to stay warm.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 17, 2018) – Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., has announced the members of the Baylor Provost Search Committee.

No classes will be held and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15
WACO, Texas (Jan. 12, 2018) – Baylor University will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15. A list of closures, activities and celebrations can be found below.

I hope you have enjoyed the green glow of campus this week as we launched Baylor's new brand reintroduction campaign, "Where Lights Shine Bright."

2018 is your year to shine. In fact, you make Baylor University a brighter place just by being here. So it makes sense that we say Baylor is the place Where Lights Shine Bright – because each of us is called to be a light in the world.

Today, as we welcome our more than 17,000 students back to campus, we look forward to all that 2018 will bring. The start of the academic term is rich with hopefulness and anticipation for progress to be achieved, knowledge to be gained and new relationships to be forged.

The beginning of a new semester is a special time as we welcome our more than 17,000 students back to campus. A new academic term is rich with hopefulness and anticipation for accomplishments to be achieved, knowledge to be gained and new friendships to be forged.

Happy New Year! And welcome to the first Presidential Perspective of 2018. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break, and you are as excited for the beginning of the spring semester as I am.

We are blessed to study, teach, research and serve at a university where we can say “Merry Christmas” and celebrate the true meaning of the season. Let us proclaim and share the birth and ultimate gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Our campus is little quieter now that finals are over and the fall semester has come to a close. Baylor provides a transformational Christian higher education experience for our students – that is, and always has been, our mission – and we look forward to seeing our newest alumni lead in their professional fields and personal lives after graduation.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 13, 2017) — Baylor University’s fall graduating class of 2017 will enter their next phase of life as they walk the graduation stage during the commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Ferrell Center, 1900 S. University Parks Drive.

Aglow in the Light of the World,
May this Christmas Season
Warm your heart, rekindle your spirit
and illuminate your path in the New Year.

Today we are releasing the results of Baylor University’s 2017 Academic and Work Environment Survey.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 7, 2017) – Baylor University today announced a gift from David and Shirley Lake of Tyler to create the Lake Family Endowed Chair in Congregational and Community Health at the University. The gift will create a unique joint venture between the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work and George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor by supporting the work of a distinguished faculty member who will develop and implement a strategic initiative related to congregational and community health and will teach in both academic units.

We are pleased to announce that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has finalized its review of Baylor University and today officially lifted the University's warning sanction, which was instituted last December.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 4, 2017) — Roger E. Kirk, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Statistics and Master Teacher at Baylor University, recently was awarded the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Psychological Association.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 4, 2017) – The Office of the Vice Provost for Research at Baylor University has announced the 2017-2018 class of the Rising Stars Fellowship program. Selected from nominations provided by their deans, Rising Stars represent faculty from a range of disciplines, including the sciences, the arts and humanities and the professional schools.

Although I missed the opportunity to communicate with all of you last Thursday, I hope that you had a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.

We are actively working with members of the Texas delegation in Congress on various components of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Independent Colleges & Universities of Texas.

Here at Baylor, we are supremely blessed to be at such an outstanding academic institution with a steadfast commitment to our Christian mission. We have much to be thankful for, and we offer up our praise and thanksgiving!

It is hard to believe we have turned the calendar to November and that Thanksgiving and the end of the semester are only weeks away.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 9, 2017) - Baylor University today announced a gift of $2.5 million from Lynda and Robert Copple of Frisco that will create the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair in Christian School Leadership within Baylor University’s School of Education. The gift will enable Baylor to attract a visionary Christian leader to lay the academic and intellectual foundations of the Center for Christian Education (CCE) and establish the Center as the preeminent provider of professional development for leaders of Christian schools and for Christian leaders in non-sectarian school settings.

More than a year ago, Baylor University began implementing 105 Recommendations demonstrating the University’s firm commitment to improving our processes, communication, training and response regarding sexual and interpersonal violence within our campus community. Today, I wanted to share with you a significant step forward in the external verification of our improvements.

There is simply no way for me to sufficiently express my appreciation for last week’s Inauguration festivities. Beginning the week with 4,000 students eating dinner on our front lawn, leading to the impressive symposia by some of Baylor’s extraordinary faculty and then ending with the actual installation ceremony itself, Brad, Shelby and I were truly humbled to officially become part of the Baylor Family and the storied history of this great institution.

Today, we are releasing the results of Baylor University’s student-based 2017 Social Climate Survey from the Spring 2017 semester. The study, which focused on harassment, stalking, dating and sexual violence, and overall campus climate, provides a deeper view into the perceptions and experiences of Baylor students affected by those issues.

The world needs a Baylor that is committed to finishing the race we have started, striving to achieve pre-eminent status as a research university that is unambiguously Christian. When we can accomplish this goal, we will articulate and embody an exceptional vision for 21st-century Christian higher education and produce graduates with the wisdom, innovation, and leadership skills required to make a difference in the world.

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the Baylor Family informed and engaged, we want to take an opportunity to provide a few brief updates following last week’s quarterly Board of Regents meeting.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 24, 2017) – Baylor University will officially inaugurate Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., as the 15th president in Baylor’s 172-year history during a public installation ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Ferrell Center. The ceremony will highlight a week of events centered on the Baylor and Waco communities, including a traditional Dr Pepper Hour, a “Family Dinner” for students along Third Street near the president’s home and academic symposia on transformational research by leading University faculty.

Waco, Texas (Oct. 20, 2017) – Clinton O. Longenecker, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Leadership at the University of Toledo and finalist for the Robert Foster Cherry Award, will present his lecture "Career Success and Survival in the 21st Century: The Mandate for Life-long Learning." The public lecture will take place at 4:30 p.m., Oct. 23, in Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, Room 240, 1621 S. Third St.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 20, 2017) – During its annual Homecoming meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents heard updates from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone on the University’s recent successful accreditation visit, academic strategic planning process and new organizational changes, and celebrated the recipients of the 2017 Baylor Meritorious Achievement Awards.

It's Homecoming Week … My first as President of Baylor University! What an exciting time to be on campus, especially now that a little fall is in the air.

I am pleased to announce that Kristy J. Orr will join the Baylor Family as the University’s new Board Professional. This key position emanates from the recommendations of the Governance Review Task Force, which were adopted by the Baylor University Board of Regents in February of this year.

Waco, Texas (Oct. 13, 2017) – Neil K. Garg, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and finalist for Baylor University's Robert Foster Cherry Award, will present his public lecture, "How Organic Chemistry Became One of UCLA's Most Popular Classes," at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Baylor Sciences Building Room B.110, 101 Bagby Ave.

I have been in Washington, D.C., this week participating in Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women Summit, which gathers some of the world’s top women leaders not only from business, but also from government, philanthropy, education and the arts.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 11, 2017) – Baylor University will officially inaugurate Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., as the 15th president in Baylor’s 172-year history during a public installation ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Ferrell Center. Dr. Livingstone’s Inauguration will highlight a week of events, including a traditional Dr Pepper Hour, a “Family Dinner” for students along Third Street near the president’s home and academic symposia on transformational research by leading University faculty.

Every day, I continue to be amazed at the commitment of our staff and faculty in fulfilling our mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service. Baylor and our students are truly blessed!

Like all accredited universities, Baylor is governed by an independent Board of Regents who strive to reflect the University's many constituencies. Though this volunteer board brings to their service to Baylor a variety of backgrounds, interests and areas of expertise, Regents share a single goal: the continued advancement and support of an academically strong and Christ-centered Baylor University.

Fall is upon us - at least that’s what the calendar says, not necessarily the thermometer - and October is shaping up to be quite busy.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 28, 2017) – Baylor University today announced a gift of $2 million from Sherri W. and Robert “Bobby” L. Patton Jr. of Fort Worth that will enhance the legal writing and pro bono programs in the nationally ranked Baylor Law School. Their gift will help underwrite two programs that already distinguish Baylor Law among its peers, while also providing student scholarship assistance.

I truly enjoyed my first-ever Family Weekend as President and the opportunity to interact with so many members of our extended Baylor Family – parents, brothers and sisters, guardians, friends and others who support our students.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 18, 2017) – Baylor University has been awarded an annual grant of $232,265 for five years to implement the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

Earlier this week I traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit with several members of the Texas Congressional delegation. They were interested in and supportive of our ambitions to become a tier one research university that is unapologetically Christian, and certainly appreciative of the significant measures Baylor has implemented on the Title IX front in the prevention of and response to sexual violence. I also had the opportunity to discuss the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and potential implications for many of our students.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 8, 2017) – Baylor University topped enrollment milestones for the diversity of its student body, enrolled a highly selective, high-achieving freshman class and advanced its retention and graduation rates to record levels, according to 12th class day statistics from Baylor’s Office of Institutional Research and Testing (IRT).

Tomorrow marks day No. 100 as Baylor’s President! Each day continues to be a blessing as we work to develop the next generation of faith-based leaders and create a strategic pathway for Baylor to achieve our ambitions as a tier one Christian research university.

Following the Trump Administration’s announcement on Tuesday regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, I want to reiterate that Baylor University is firmly committed to providing our continued support for any affected students.

Words cannot express the sorrow that fills my heart every time I see a photo or receive an update regarding the devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. As the storm continues to ravage parts of Texas and now Louisiana, I am reminded of the goodness of people who will step out and serve.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 27, 2017) – Baylor University expects no disruption to campus operations from inclement weather due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. The only impact is to the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work in Houston, Texas, which will remain closed through Monday, Aug. 28. In the meantime, Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone calls on the Baylor Family to join together in prayer for those along the Texas coast, in Houston and southeast Texas who have been impacted by this devastating storm.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 27, 2017) - Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., released a statement today in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and calls on the Baylor Family to join together in prayer for those along the Texas coast, in Houston and southeast Texas who have been impacted by this devastating storm.

What a fantastic start to the semester! The campus feels alive again as our students make their way across campus to class, to the SLC, to the library – yes, even the library this early in the semester. There is nothing quite like the picture of Baylor’s campus, vibrant and full of life with activity, new experiences and friends of old and new greeting one another when they meet.

After 17 years of serving Baylor in a variety of senior administrative roles, Dr. Reagan Ramsower will transition out of his current position as the University’s senior vice president and chief operating officer at the end of this fiscal year (May 31, 2018).

Today is a special day at Baylor University. After spending their summer months pursuing a wide range of activities -- from new students preparing for their journey to Baylor to upper-division and graduate students taking summer classes, serving on mission trips abroad and pursuing internships across the country -- this morning our students began their first day of classes for the fall 2017 semester.

Welcome BU21! We cannot be more excited to add 3,300 incoming freshmen, as well as our transfer, graduate and professional students, to the Baylor Family. The start of a new academic year is always a time of excitement and renewal. I wish you all the best this fall and hope to see you around campus – please stop me and say hello.

Vice President for Constituent Engagement Tommye Lou Davis has been an institution on the Baylor University campus for 48 years, from teaching Latin to generations of our students to leading thousands of alumni and outreach initiatives for the Baylor Family. Over the past several weeks, Tommye Lou and I have discussed the possibility of her returning to the classroom to teach and serve our students directly, which she cites as her first love.

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health has awarded Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work (GSSW) a $235,000 grant to expand programming aimed at addressing the mental health and wellness needs of students in the Waco Independent School District. The grant will be used to address the needs of students placed in disciplinary alternative education programs.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 13, 2017) – Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., released the following statement regarding the violent rally that took place Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia: “Our hearts are heavy and our prayers go out to the victims of the horrific events that took place Saturday in Charlottesville. Racism has no place in our country nor in God’s Kingdom. God calls us to reach out to those around us and show that He is love. We pray for His presence to help us heal our nation.”

Eleven days left of summer! I cannot wait for our campus to come back to life for the first day of the fall semester on August 21. While it has been an incredibly busy summer, we have missed the excitement, energy and enthusiasm that our nearly 17,000 students bring to campus each and every day.

I am truly looking forward to welcoming our new students to campus and to all of the new beginnings the start of the academic year brings. Here are a few items of interest for this week:

WACO, Texas (July 27, 2017) – Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., will address Baylor University graduates for the first time as University president during summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 12. The ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Ferrell Center, 1900 S. University Parks Drive.

WACO, Texas (July 26, 2017) – In 2018, Moody Memorial Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary as Baylor University’s main campus library. In advance of that significant milestone, the Baylor Libraries have secured a $100,000 grant from the Moody Foundation to begin renovations and upgrades to the historic structure’s first floor.

Last week the Baylor University Board of Regents held its quarterly meeting, which included an orientation for seven new Regents, a new committee structure and implementation of a comprehensive slate of governance reforms aimed at making our University even better.

WACO, Texas (July 21, 2017) – The Baylor University Board of Regents held its first meeting since adopting a slate of best-practice governance reforms in the spring that enhance operations, Board diversity, open communication and constituent representation.

I am sending today’s Perspective while in the midst of our July Board of Regents meeting. Here are a few additional items of interest for this week:

WACO, Texas (July 20, 2017) — Ten faculty members have been selected to serve as 2017-18 Baylor Fellows because of their excellence in teaching and desire to transform student thinking through innovation.