Presidential Perspective - January 30, 2025
Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:
This Saturday Baylor University turns 180 – the oldest continuously operating university in the state after being chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845. Baylor offers a distinct experience with deep, historic Christian roots, a tradition of innovation and firsts, and a tremendous track record of producing leaders who change the course of our state, country and the world. Baylor has stood through wars, financial crises and pandemics. Today we are strong, vibrant and pursuing a future filled with promise built on our longstanding motto – Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo (For the Church, For Texas, For the World).
Happy Birthday, Baylor!
On to a few updates:
- NEW ADMINISTRATION ACTIONS: I have heard from many in our campus community who have expressed concerns over the federal funding freeze and recent executive orders coming out of Washington, D.C. These actions have created much confusion and angst not only within Baylor, but also among our higher education colleagues across the country. Here’s what we know as of this afternoon: Student federal financial aid has not been impacted, federally sponsored research can continue, unless otherwise specified by the respective funding agency, and, most importantly, Baylor remains committed to our Christian mission and providing a caring community in which ALL of our students, faculty and staff can thrive today and in the future. I encourage you to remain resilient as we continue to seek factual information and guidance and navigate this rapidly evolving time for our country.
- INDY AND BELLE TURN 2: Our beloved North American Black Bear mascots, Judge Indy and Judge Belle, turned 2 years old last week, and they are inviting everyone to celebrate with them. Their birthday party will be this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The addition of Indy and Belle to the Baylor Family two years ago has generated incredible excitement across the University, and I am thankful for students and professionals who care for them each day.
MASTER TEACHERS ANNOUNCED: I am thrilled to announce that four members of the Baylor faculty have earned the Master Teacher designation – the highest honor granted for sustained excellence in teaching. This year’s distinguished recipients are:
- Kevin D. Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of sociology, College of Arts & Sciences;
- Andrew P. Hogue, Ph.D. ’09, M.A. ’05, associate dean for engaged learning and senior lecturer of public affairs, College of Arts & Sciences;
- Wiff Rudd, B.M.Ed. ’77, M.M., professor of trumpet, School of Music; and
- J. Lenore Wright, Ph.D., M.A. ’95, professor of interdisciplinary studies and philosophy, Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Honors College.
These newly designated Master Teachers are among a select group of only 33 Baylor faculty honored with this title since 1982. They deeply value undergraduate teaching and graduate learning while engaging their students in the transformative experiences that distinguish a Baylor education. Please join me in celebrating our new Master Teachers’ years of dedication, commitment to teaching and service and providing mentorship both within and beyond the classroom!
- FACULTY AND STAFF MEETINGS: Don’t forget next week’s Spring Faculty and Staff meetings will both be held virtually. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend both meetings, and a Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before each meeting. Both will also be recorded for on-demand viewing as your schedule permits. The faculty meeting is on Tuesday at 3 p.m. and the staff meeting is the next day, Wednesday, at 1:30 p.m. I hope you will join me, Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., Cheryl Gochis, Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, and other campus leaders for these important updates on campus and national matters in higher education.
- DEAN’S LIST HONOREES: Congratulations to the more than 5,500 Baylor undergraduates named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s Academic Honor List in recognition of their outstanding academic work during the semester. Students honored on the Dean’s List earned a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.70, with no grade lower than a “C” while enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours. I’m proud of our students’ exemplary work in the classroom, and I extend my gratitude to our world-class faculty and their dedication to teaching and mentoring, a true hallmark of a Baylor education.
Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
It was wonderful to visit the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas earlier this morning and deliver some breakfast tacos! The faculty, staff and students there Learn.Lead.Serve. with compassion and dedication, always embodying Baylor’s mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service.