News
As part of Baylor’s initiative to integrate diverse learning environments on campus and create leaders prepared to engage a global community, the Baylor/Xavier University Exchange Program introduces students to new environments that create an awareness of different institutional and cultural perspectives. Located in New Orleans, Xavier University is an HBCU, which the Higher Education Act of 1965 defines as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency…”
With the launch of the public phase of Give Light in November, the University celebrated the success of a silent phase of the campaign and laid the groundwork for strong philanthropic support for the growth priorities of the University. Fundraising during the silent phase began with the establishment in May 2014 of five-year goals connected to the strategic vision Pro Futuris. Since that time and through January 2019, members of the Baylor Family have given more than $560 million and positioned the University for success in raising a total of $1.1 billion.
Beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year, students working toward any of the four undergraduate degrees certified by the Baylor University College of Arts & Sciences will follow a set of common courses required of all undergraduates. Known as the core curriculum, these courses are considered necessary for the general education of students, irrespective of their choice in major. The new core is designed to impart a shared foundation of knowledge, essential skills and moral and intellectual virtues while providing increased academic flexibility and interdisciplinary learning.
The 2018 Baylor Traditions Ornaments raised more than $50,000 for the benefit of our students and the world they will impact throughout the coming year! Proceeds will provide opportunities for Baylor Engineering and Computer Science students to apply their knowledge, skills and passion to address human needs through their work. From innovations that provide mobility to the disabled to the installation of off-grid power solutions for hospitals, schools and orphanages, and the construction of basic utility vehicles using locally sourced materials to facilitate affordable transportation and economic opportunity, the educational experiences fueled by donor support secured through the Baylor Traditions Ornaments are making a difference for our students and our world.
The national search for a new provost continues to proceed on schedule, and the Provost Search Committee has begun the process of reviewing applications that were submitted by the Jan. 2 deadline. Led by co-chairs Charles Weaver, chair of psychology and neuroscience in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Cindy Riemenschneider, professor of information systems and associate dean in the Hankamer School of Business, the committee identified a short list of candidates in early January, and will select a group of finalists from that list in February.
Established in 1969 as one of the most distinguished awards given by Baylor, the Founders Medal is reserved for those whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of the University. The 2019 Founders Medal is awarded to the City of Waco for its decades-long support of and partnership with
Baylor University.
Baylor's expanding online degree programs offer the academically rigorous education professionals need to get ahead. Programs provide flexible education opportunities and require both field and project work, as well as strategically scheduled immersions.
In October 2018, enhancements to the Baylor Retirement Plan were announced, and faculty and staff were mailed a Transition Guide.
Best wishes to the following Baylor employees and children or spouses of Baylor faculty and staff who graduated from the University in December 2018.
Congratulations on the birth/adoption of your child! Please complete the following form so that we can share this information in the next issue of Baylor News.
This Fall, Baylor launched the Certificate in Global Engagement as part of the new Quality Enhancement Plan, Global Baylor: Addressing Challenges to Human Flourishing.
As more students answer a call to the nursing profession, Baylor University’s historic Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) in Dallas found itself needing significantly more space for teaching, research and collaboration.
Baylor’s 25 inaugural McNair Scholars are ready to soar, like the program’s namesake Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a laser physicist and NASA astronaut who was inspired to work hard and persevere in his studies by his family and by a teacher who recognized and believed in his scientific potential.
Grounded in our mission, Baylor is embarking on a historic academic strategic plan and comprehensive fundraising campaign to unite and animate the endeavors of the University.
In July, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., announced the development of Ignite, a new cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed to support Illuminate, the University’s academic strategic plan. A team of staff members has begun working to implement this new software system, which will provide the financial and human resources technological infrastructure to support the University’s future growth.
Student Foundation is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an array of festivities slated for the 2019 academic year.
Award-winning author and historian Thomas S. Kidd, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural holder of The James Vardaman Endowed Professorship of History at Baylor University.
Mark (BBA ’80) and Jennifer (BSEd ’80) McCollum of Houston provided a gift of $3.5 million to create the McCollum Family Chair in Data Sciences within Baylor’s nationally ranked School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).
Baylor’s Office of the Provost, Faculty of Color Alliance and Campus Diversity Committee are cultivating community for new faculty and staff. Together, the departments hosted the inaugural Faculty and Staff of Color Welcome Reception Sept. 6 in the Baylor Club President’s Suite. The gathering created connections, built faculty and staff friendships and mentorships, celebrated diversity and honored this year’s Diversity Enhancement Award winner.
Title IX Coordinator Laura Johnson, Ph.D., said she knows this all too well since she’s lived it — as a resident director paying her way through graduate school. For Johnson, the daily encounters with students in the dorm fostered her holistic perspective of students — and redirected her career path. Rather than care for clients as a counselor would, Johnson found her calling to care for students in higher education.
Successful phishing attacks have compromised over 650 Baylor accounts since August 30. "Phish" are email or text messages that employ a variety of strategies to compel people to divulge access credentials or other pertinent information. While not a new approach to cybercrime, phishing has evolved to the point where it is often difficult to discern the authenticity of a message.
One thing is certain — the Baylor Family generously gives to current and future generations of Bears. The inaugural Giving Day, which ran from noon Aug. 28 to noon Aug. 29, was an incredible success and raised a total of $521,568 through 2,713 gifts dedicated to projects across the University.
Martin Museum of Art has reopened after extensive renovations this summer. The noticeable changes to the Museum will be a new entrance and reception area, but behind the walls, more changes have been made to ensure the safety and security of the artwork. The updates include a new HVAC and humidity control system, fire suppression system for secure storage, lighting and security system.
The latest enrollment, undergraduate retention and graduation rates showcase Baylor’s strength. The Office of Institutional Research and Testing (IRT) released the 12th class day statistics Sept. 6, which announced the official enrollment for the fall semester at 17,217 students, including 14,188 undergraduate students and 3,029 graduate and professional students.
New voices Bruce Gietzen and Maggie Davis-Stinnett take the helm
Dr. Monique Marsh-Bell has worked at Baylor for seven years. In November 2011, she started in the Counseling Center as a post-doctoral fellow. Since then, she has served as a staff psychologist, coordinator of multicultural services, senior psychologist and assistant director of community and diversity programming. After six years at the Counseling Center, Marsh-Bell is now the assistant athletic director for mental health services.
Best wishes to the following Baylor employees and children or spouses of Baylor faculty and staff who graduated from the University in August 2018.
The University celebrates recent Baylor employees and children or spouses of Baylor faculty and staff graduates.
The University continues to embrace diversity, and increases initiatives to support students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Journey to the classroom with history professor, Julie Anne Sweet, PhD, to learn about the ways she tells stories to her students.
The University increases online graduate professional programs to cater to working professionals.
A look at how the Career and Professional Development Center seeks to sharpen students for success.
Students' light shine around the world, while they serve others this summer.
Three students honored with Fulbright Awards.
The University honors professors for excellence in the classroom, through scholarship and in the lives of students.
The University increases opportunities to serve students through two generous gifts.
Baylor's faculty and staff generously give more to the University.
President Linda A. Livingstone, PhD, reflects on her first year of leading the University.
The Mayborn Museum hosts an epic exhibition of authentic artifacts recovered from the sinking ship.
This spring, Baylor introduced Illuminate, the academic strategic plan, and outlined the University's Pro Futuris vision throughout the next five years.
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Success Marcus Sedberry details his motivation for working with student-athletes.
This August, the ten-year Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) will launch to deepen global engagement. The plan intends to foster student learning, specifically about global health.
Former First Lady Laura Bush joined President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., for an interview at the Baylor Nursing gala in February. Mrs. Bush discussed her current initiatives to empower women in emerging democracies.
In honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Baylor supported sexual violence survivors and generated awareness on campus and in the community. The University's Title IX Office provides accessible resources and support for students.
An interview with the recipient of the 2018 Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching: Neil K. Garg, PhD, professor of chemistry at UCLA.
An overview of the ways Baylor Missions engaged the world over spring break.
The University honors one alumna and two undergraduate students who were named Fulbright Scholars.
Truett Seminary hosted a community reconciliation service to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Author and speaker Bob Beaudine encouraged Baylor staff members to consider time, energy and love when selecting daily lifestyle choices at the annual Outstanding Staff Awards ceremony.
The University honors nine staff members with the Outstanding Staff Award.
Launching this August, the ten-year Quality Enhancement Plan will foster student learning by deepening global engagement, with an emphasis on global health for the first few years.
Information provided by the Office of Sponsored Programs
The 2017 Baylor Traditions Ornaments raised almost $60,000 from 2,080 donors to help fund Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by Baylor students.
Three separate gifts will provide a boost to four academic divisions.
Across Texas and the nation, university students are increasingly seeking help for depression, anxiety and more serious psychiatric disorders. More than 75 percent of mental health conditions begin before the age of 24, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Moving away from home, making new friends and facing increased academic demands also contribute to college as a critical time for mental health resources.
For more than 95 years, Baptist Student Ministries (BSM and formerly BSU) has worked to equip college students across the country to follow Christ and transform the world. After a two-decade hiatus, BSM is back on Baylor’s campus and director Charles Ramsey, PhD, is excited to continue its work. “BSM exists to engage college students with the person and message of Jesus Christ and to equip them to work in partnership with churches to make a difference in the global community,” Ramsey said.
Faculty in Baylor University’s Environmental Science Department are not only educating the next generation of environmental scientists, they also are cultivating nutritious food, distributing fresh produce in collaboration with key partners across the greater Waco community and characterizing aquatic systems.
This past summer, Baylor theatre arts majors took part in a groundbreaking cultural exchange, sharing their talents and Christian faith in India.
Food insecurity is an issue rarely addressed on college campuses, but recent research has revealed that it often keeps students from bringing their best to the classroom on campuses across the country. Findings about Baylor specifically have resulted in multiple initiatives to address the problem. The latest addition is an on-campus food pantry called “The Store.”
In Spring 2018, Baylor will launch a new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) — an important component of on going SACS-COC accreditation. Global Baylor: Addressing Challenges to Human Flourishing will advance internationalization across campus in support of our mission “to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service.”
For more than 95 years, Baptist Student Ministries (BSM and formerly BSU) has worked to equip college students across the country to follow Christ and transform the world. After a two-decade hiatus, BSM is back on Baylor's campus and director Charles Ramsey, PhD, is excited to continue its work.
Recognizing the publications, presentations, awards, and honors from Baylor University's faculty and staff.
In the midst of wrestling with technology issues, thousands in the Baylor community have dialed 254-710-HELP (4357) and heard these words spoken by Donna Herbert, director of client support services. She leads a dedicated team of Help Desk consultants who received an average of 2,257 calls per month last year — about 76 every day.
Baylor University has been awarded an annual grant by the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $232,265 for five years to implement the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.
A new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program in the Baylor Graduate School aims to provide an innovative, career-focused education to develop skilled, empathetic care providers in a profession in which doctorate programs are struggling to keep pace with demand.
Students from 4th through 12th grades choose from dozens of courses offered on the Baylor campus, taking two classes per day for up to three weeks.
Baylor University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability has been honored for
the fourth time by SIERRA Magazine, which has named the University to its 2017 “Cool Schools” list.
On July 26, Baylor announced a $100,000 grant from the Moody Foundation that will be used to renovate and upgrade the historic structure’s first floor.
For the 7th consecutive year, Baylor University was named a “Great College to Work For” according to a survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The results are based on a survey of 232 colleges and universities, with only 79 institutions achieving this recognition.
Recognizing the publications, presentations, awards, and honors from the Baylor faculty and staff.
The annual tradition of passing the Baylor Spirit to the newest members of the Baylor Family took on a spirit of service.
Baylor 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.
The Mayborn Museum's participation in a unique, nationwide program is helping to enrich the visitor experience.
Manager of Benefits and Vendor Management Randall Brown helps outline the major distinctions between PPO and HDHP.
Megan Washington, the Xavier Domestic Exchange program's first participant, reflects on her experience.