Academic Strategic Plan

Earlier this spring, Baylor University Board of Regents received a status update from President Linda A. Livingstone, PhD, on the Academic Strategic Plan which will drive the second phase of the University’s Pro Futuris vision over the next five years.

Illuminate, the title of the plan, refers to language taken from Pro Futuris, with “illuminate” cited eight times in the strategic vision launched in 2012. The light theme connects with Baylor’s current marketing campaign, “Where Lights Shine Bright,” and Illuminate will provide the foundational framework for a future comprehensive fundraising campaign.

“Pro Futuris signifies a growing academic enterprise dedicated to the search for new knowledge, not simply for the sake of knowledge, but for the love of all truth illuminated by our Christian faith,” Livingstone said. “There is much more work to be done between now and May on the Illuminate plan, but our goal remains constant: To bring light to the world as a preeminent Christian research university, building on Baylor’s historic strengths and strategically investing in key areas of research.”

Led by Livingstone and Interim Provost Michael K. McLendon, the Illuminate Academic Strategic Plan has come together over the past several months through a University-wide process that included the robust engagement of deans and department chairs and the involvement of faculty from Baylor’s 12 colleges and schools.

As Livingstone presented her status report on Illuminate to the Board, she centered on the plan’s four focus areas that build on the aspirations in Pro Futuris that Baylor will be a community recognized for:

Transformative educational experiences for undergraduates;
Excellence in teaching and mentoring;
Deep faith formation in the Christian and Baptist tradition; and
Research and scholarship marked by quality, impact and visibility.

In continued development are the plan’s multidisciplinary “signature” academic initiatives, which focus on key challenges facing society today.

As part of the ongoing Baylor Conversation Series, Livingstone and McLendon will present the Illuminate Academic Strategic Plan and gather feedback from the campus community through open forums this spring.

Livingstone will also engage alumni and friends of the University in off-campus Conversation Series events. After spring events in Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston, Conversation events will be held:

May 2, Denver
May 3, Atlanta
May 14, Austin
June 3-8, Multiple cities in California
June 13, Washington, D.C.

Illuminate, in its final form, is expected to be presented to the Board in May.