News

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.

What a memorable, moving experience ... Last night, Brad and I had the opportunity to make the trek to Independence to participate in Line Camp. If the spirit, passion and commitment of the Class of 2021 is any indication, the future of our great University is in good hands. Be on the lookout for "Prez" and "First Gent" in our #15 Line jerseys.

I trust everyone had a safe and enjoyable July 4th holiday, celebrating the many freedoms that we enjoy individually, as well as being part of an institution of higher education and a faith-based organization.

These have been busy and fulfilling weeks at Baylor University. It’s hard to believe that my first month as your President is coming to a close.

I am pleased to announce that Michael K. McLendon, Ph.D., has agreed to serve as Baylor University’s interim provost, with a start date of July 1.

Though 15 years have passed since Dr. Linda Livingstone last served Baylor as associate dean of graduate programs in its Hankamer School of Business, she looks forward to cultivating one of the University’s greatest strengths, a vibrant and inclusive campus, hand-in-hand with Baylor’s nearly 17,000 students.

President Livingstone highlights recent news and events, and upcoming activities within the Baylor community.

WACO, Texas (June 22, 2017) – Baylor University today announced that the philanthropic support of alumni, parents and friends during the recently completed fiscal year that spanned June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017, exceeded $100 million in gifts, pledges and planned giving commitments, marking the sixth consecutive year the University has surpassed that benchmark in fundraising.

Baylor’s equal emphasis on outstanding research and academics and steadfast Christian faith is uncommon indeed, and one of the many reasons Dr. Linda A. Livingstone was at once thrilled and deeply humbled to become the University’s 15th President.

Summer is in full swing, and I hope that whether you are on campus, working, doing research or mission work, or simply recharging for the fall semester, you will find time to stay connected to the University and all that is happening here.

Long before she was selected as Baylor University’s 15th president, before her foray into higher education administration even began, Dr. Linda Livingstone’s first loves were teaching and research.

Thank you for the warm welcome to campus this week. What a remarkable experience to return to Baylor and encounter the same spirit of collegiality and care amongst the faculty, staff and students that I remember from my time here so many years ago.

WACO, Texas (June 7, 2017) – Baylor University has recognized 12 faculty members as Outstanding Faculty in the areas of teaching, scholarship and contributions to the academic community for the 2016-2017 academic year.

I am truly honored and humbled to have been selected as president of this historic institution of higher education and to return to the beautiful Baylor campus, where I formerly had the pleasure of serving as a faculty member and as associate dean for graduate programs in the Hankamer School of Business.

WACO, Texas (June 1, 2017) – The Baylor University Board of Regents has approved W. Brett Beene, B.B.A. ’87, of Mexia, and Dusty Sanderson, B.A. ’79, of Amarillo, as Honoris Causa Athletics Regents. Both Beene and Sanderson were nominated for election by their respective organizations, the Baylor Bear Foundation and Baylor “B” Association.

I am honored for the opportunity to lead Baylor University — its students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends — into a very bright and exciting future as we continue to develop the heart of Baylor: our students.

I leave the office of the president confident that what has been planted this past year will further Baylor’s grand ambitions as a national research university grounded in Christian principles.

WACO, Texas (May 19, 2017) – As Baylor University continues to pursue an environment that exhibits cultural humility and inclusion, the work of two groups is making an impact. For the past 18 months, a Special Assistant to the University President and the 15-member President’s Advisory Council on Diversity (PACD) have been working across the University to build programs, complete agreements and organize initiatives that provide an environment of acceptance and support for students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.

WACO, Texas (May 12, 2017) – At its regular spring meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents announced structural completion of the 105 recommendations related to the institution’s response to sexual violence and implementation of best-practice governance policies and procedures, and took action to approve new Board members, a $621.7 million operating budget for 2017-2018 and a new joint B.A./M.A. degree in communication studies.

President-select Linda A. Livingstone, PhD, did not always aspire to a career in upper-level university administration. Even as the possibility of that career path developed in recent years, she was determined to only look at institutions that aligned with her values.

WACO, Texas (April 18, 2017) – Baylor University has selected Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., current dean and professor of management at The George Washington University School of Business, as the institution’s 15th president. Dr. Livingstone was the unanimous choice of the Baylor Board of Regents, following the recommendation of the 12-member Presidential Search Committee.

I pray that this Easter we may experience the renewal that he urges in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

On Palm Sunday, April 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Baylor's McLane Stadium will once again be the site of "The Gathering" -- an evening of music, prayer and worship that reaches across denominational and racial lines in our community.

Effective April 1, Baylor University will add paid parental leave for staff and adoption assistance for faculty and staff to its official benefits package.

Baylor is embarking on a University-wide survey meant to measure perceptions of respect, cooperation, diversity, inclusiveness, accessibility and support among our university community.

Baylor is committed to an academic community in which the freedoms that create a marketplace of ideas are safeguarded and to a faith-based community in which dialogue, mutual respect and compassion are expected and encouraged.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 17, 2017) – At its February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved the best practice recommendations of a six-member Governance Review Task Force that completed a detailed, independent review of the Board’s governance policies and practices. Over its two-day meeting, the board also heard a number of reports, including those on the ongoing implementation of recommendations received in May, the University’s presidential search, SACSCOC reaccreditation, admissions and athletics.

Baylor University Interim President David E. Garland released a statement today on Big 12 Board action.

Today marks an important and meaningful tradition in the life of Baylor University. This is the day we celebrate the birthday of our University — Baylor Founders Day.

We at Baylor University are committed through our Christian convictions to practices that support hospitality, community, respect and the open exchanges of ideas across our world. Baylor is proud to host more than 800 students and scholars from more than 70 countries and to be served by faculty and staff who hail from countries worldwide. As a university, we recognize that cross-national efforts are vital to academic advancement, cultural appreciation and educational development that lead to mutual understanding within the global community.

Yesterday, Baylor University received a legal filing that outlined sexual assault allegations that occurred within our campus community several years ago. Our hearts are heavy at the thought of anyone experiencing sexual assault within our community. Any such acts are reprehensible and unacceptable. The University remains committed to eliminating all forms of sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination within our community.

As we approach Inauguration Day for our country, my prayer is that the music we add as Baylor students, faculty and staff is not the jangling clatter of hostility, but a powerful chorus of love for others – how Christ taught us to live.

Last fall, the Baylor Board of Regents created a Governance Review Task Force to assess board operations and to recommend changes. On Monday, the Task Force delivered its final report to the Board’s Governance Committee. The report includes more than 30 detailed recommendations for changes to the Bylaws and Guidelines for Board Operations.

We welcome 2017 with a renewed spirit of hope and commitment. Baylor University has a rich heritage as an institution of higher education serving the world for more than 170 years, and this legacy serves as a strong foundation for our continued work together. We turn our faces to the future as we prepare for the return of our almost 17,000 students on Monday, the first day of spring semester classes. Each semester brings a new beginning for these young men and women as they pursue their education — and a new beginning for each of us as we love and support them along their journeys.