Presidential Perspective - September 21, 2017

Baylor Students, Faculty and Staff:

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. I heard that the attendance for the Family-Faculty Coffee at the Baylor Club was the highest ever. Maybe a coincidence, or at least a strong correlation, that it was “test week” for many of our students last week?

We want to extend Family Weekend via a new blog designed specifically for families that explores the many exciting things taking place on campus. Baylor Family News features stories about campus resources and opportunities, and articles for parents and family members as they walk alongside our students during the college years. Students’ families are an important part of the broader Baylor Family, and we hope you’ll share Baylor Family News to help them stay connected, informed and engaged.

Here are a few noteworthy items for this week:

• Unfortunately, hurricanes continue to be in the news and many in the Baylor Family are still dealing with the aftermath of Harvey and Irma. Baylor’s environmental science faculty have been carrying out water quality testing on Dickinson Bayou in southeast Texas to examine the environmental impact of elevated floodwaters on Texas coastal ecosystems. This week, a Popular Science article highlighted the contributions of scientists, such as our own Dr. Bryan Brooks, who are taking stock of what Hurricanes Harvey and Irma left behind, restoring these ecosystems and developing solutions for the future.

• Later today we will dedicate the Pullin Family Marina, honoring the parents of Baylor Regent Randy Pullin. Located across University Parks near the Beauchamp Athletics Nutrition Center, the Pullin Family Marina is a place where the entire campus community can enjoy outdoor activities on the Brazos River such as sailing and paddle boarding. Renovations to the marina added a shade canopy and aesthetic improvements, including a new centerpiece fountain. I am grateful to Randy, his wife Myra and their family for their continued commitment to Baylor and our distinctive student experience.

• Adding to Baylor’s reputation as a “Cool School,” the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability has been recognized for the fourth time by SIERRA Magazine. We are one of nine Texas universities and four Big 12 members to receive the designation. One interesting note: Over the 48 hours of Move In, we collected 15.6 tons of recyclable materials – a new record.

• I hope all of you will join me at McLane Stadium on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. as our Bears open up Big 12 play against Oklahoma. Our football student-athletes are working extremely hard on and off the field, and as a former student-athlete myself, I know how much they value the ongoing support of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the local community. While we all work together to rebuild our football program, I continue to be impressed by Coach Matt Rhule’s commitment to our University values and doing things the right way.

Thank you for your support and dedication to Baylor, and don’t forget Spirit Friday!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President