Presidential Perspective - October 11, 2018

Baylor Students, Faculty and Staff:

I am excited to report that interest among prospective students in attending Baylor continues to be incredibly strong. In fact, Saturday's Fall Premiere event is "sold out" and is expected to be one of the largest Premiere days ever at Baylor. Nearly 8,000 high school seniors, juniors, transfer students and guests have registered to explore our beautiful campus and experience college life. If you have an opportunity to interact with any of our Premiere guests, please welcome them to Baylor and let them know that this is a place "Where Lights Shine Bright."

Here are several campus happenings that may be of interest:

• In a message to our faculty and staff last Friday, I announced that we have resumed the search for Baylor's next provost, who is the University's chief academic officer. This search is a key element in bringing together the leadership team needed at this exciting time in Baylor's history. We have engaged AGB Search to assist our internal search committee as we identify potential candidates from across the country. Our goal is to have potential candidates identified later this fall, with in-person interviews taking place in early 2019, and to have the search completed by the end of the spring semester.

• As I mentioned in last week's Presidential Perspective, Student Appreciation Day is Tuesday, Oct. 16. I will be joined by the First Gent for a host of activities throughout the day, including lunch at a surprise campus dining hall, a special Dr Pepper Hour and a free dinner for all students on our front lawn at 6:30 p.m. We will have nine of Waco's favorite food vendors lining Allbritton House; all you need to do is bring your student ID. Brad and I can't wait to experience Baylor with you on Tuesday!

• One of the many ways that we recognize our faculty and staff who go "above and beyond" is through BaylorPLUS Salutes throughout the year. I love reading these when they hit my email inbox, as your stories are so inspiring and heartfelt. Salutes can be submitted by colleagues, students or parents, with recipients eligible to receive the BaylorPLUS Award each spring as a representative of exceptional service at Baylor.

• There are hundreds of rankings that dot the higher education landscape, and yesterday I ran across another one that seeks to shine a spotlight on the 30 best theological seminaries in the United States. According to the rankings, "In recent years, the George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University has matured into one of the best theological seminaries in the United States. Its reputation has attracted a number of excellent faculty members and some large donations. Theological students at the Truett Seminary have lots of opportunities for a well-rounded education. One is Truett's selection of unique cross-disciplinary experiences. For example, students can take one-of-a-kind classes like Sociology of Religion, Church-State Studies, and American Religious History, among others." Congratulations to Dean Still and our outstanding faculty, staff and students at Truett!

• If you haven't experienced Baylor Theatre's production of "Godspell," I would encourage you to do so before the show closes this Sunday, Oct. 14. The First Gent and I attended the other night, and our student performers were simply fabulous. The performance includes audience participation and even a few, fun Baylor references. More importantly, "Godspell" is a powerful retelling of the Gospel story for today. You can buy tickets here.

• Homecoming is one of Baylor's greatest traditions dating back to 1909, and you will find a complete list of all the activities scheduled for Nov. 1-3 at baylor.edu/homecoming. Tickets for the Saturday football game against Oklahoma State are available, and we need all of you to #BThere and help us "Stripe Out" McLane Stadium on Nov. 3.

Please keep the residents of the Florida Panhandle and others who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in your thoughts and prayers. We have many students and members of the Baylor Family in the storm's path as it continues toward the Carolinas. We know that God is the great provider in times of need, and we are reminded to be His hands and feet.

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President