President's Note

A primary focus of Baylor 2012 is the discovery of new knowledge to the glory of God and the betterment of humanity. A good example of the success Baylor is having advancing this goal can be found in the recent White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives National Conference on Innovations in Effective Compassion, June 26-27 in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Byron Johnson and the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion released a special report, "Not By Faith or Government Alone: Rethinking the Role of Faith-Based Organizations," at the White House conference, which included additional presentations by Byron, co-director of the Baylor ISR.

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Summer "Crisis Drill" Successful

Recent crisis situations Ð from natural disasters to health concerns to threats of violence Ð illustrate the importance of universities being fully prepared to take action in the event of an unexpected emergency. Last week, we conducted our third annual crisis management drill to test the university's response plan to an unforeseen emergency or crisis. All participants agreed that the drill this year was a remarkable success, and the response of the crisis team was appropriately swift and decisive.

In conjunction with our global strategic risk advisor and consultant, Baylor personnel who serve on integrated response, support and management teams were given a real-time scenario: a small plane crashed into the Dutton Avenue Office and Parking Facility, causing several casualties and severely damaging the backbone of the university's electronic communications network. The simulated incident tested Baylor's ability to use alternative means to communicate with various Baylor groups, manage the human elements of the emergency (including evacuations and notifications), respond to the media, and sustain the university's education and business operations.

Previous drills tested Baylor's crisis response to an international travel incident (2006) and a building fire (2007). The university now will take part in a post-incident review to ensure that all lessons learned are incorporated into Baylor's crisis management plan, which can be accessed securely through BearWeb here.

The site also provides a link for faculty, staff and students to update their contact information for Baylor's emergency notification system. Accurate information assures receipt of emergency notifications through the use of phone calls, emails and text messages.

Thanks to Warren Ricks (assistant vice president and chief of risk management), Jim Doak (chief of the Baylor University Police Department), Chris Krause (assistant vice president for campus services) and other members of the Emergency Response, Incident Support and Crisis Management teams. They are making sure that Baylor has a well-exercised response plan for emergency situations.

Premiere of LBJ Oratorio at Dallas Symphony for Baylor Alumnus

Baylor (1971) music alumnus and Pulitzer Prize (2005) winner Steven Stucky has composed a secular oratorio "August 4, 1964" that will be performed for the first time at the Dallas Symphony this fall. It is a work honoring the life of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The premiere event will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 18-20, and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in Dallas.

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Faculty and Staff Invited to Attend Leadership Summit August 7-8

I have mentioned before that Baylor is hosting the excellent Willow Creek Leadership Summit August 7-8. I have found this to be an outstanding conference for leaders at all levels, especially for those of us who work in a Christian community. This event also is an excellent way for us to connect with local churches.

I would encourage all members of the faculty and staff to attend. With Baylor serving as a host satellite site, the cost is very low for the value of this national conference. I encourage you to invite your pastor, minister, or other members of your church's staff to attend with you. Anyone with a Baylor connection receives the Baylor rate.

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Athletics Update

Sonja Hogg Selected for Women's Hoops Hall of Fame

Former Baylor coach Sonja Hogg is one of six to be inducted in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame's 2009 class. Sonja started the Louisiana Tech women's basketball program and nicknamed the team the Lady Techsters. Under Sonja, the Lady Techsters won the inaugural NCAA championship game in 1982 after winning the AIAW Championship the previous season. She posted a 307-55 record at Louisiana Tech and was head coach at Baylor from 1994-2000. Congratulations to Sonja on this great honor.

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