News

At its regular fall board meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved new master’s degrees in burgeoning fields in engineering and education and received updates on future areas of academic focus for the University. In addition, the Board discussed strategies to fund the needs identified in the University’s new Baylor in Deeds strategic plan, which launched in September.

As we shift our attention to the start of another academic year, we want to share a brief update with you from last week’s annual July retreat of the Baylor Board of Regents. 

During its regular May meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved the University’s 2024-2025 operating budget, voted on Board and committee leadership and elected new at-large Regents – including a former Waco mayor and a top Texas healthcare executive who also has ties to the city.

Gathering on Baylor University’s historic Founders Mall alongside members of the University and Waco communities, the Baylor Board of Regents concluded its regular quarterly meeting today with a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Memorial to Enslaved Persons, one of the recommendations in the final report from the University’s Commission on Historic Campus Representations.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 26, 2024) – Baylor University announced today that five vendors have been selected as the University’s new campus facilities services partners, effective June 1, 2024. The vendors are HES Facilities Management, AHI Facility Services, TDIndustries, Sports Field Solutions and Texas Urban Enterprises.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 8, 2023) – Baylor University announced today that Chartwells Higher Education, a nationally recognized leader in food service management, has been selected as the University’s new dining services partner, effective June 1, 2024.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 10, 2023) – During its regular November meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents received a comprehensive update on the University’s Strategic Planning process, which will guide Baylor into the future as a preeminent Christian research university. The Board also approved four new academic graduate degrees and discussed Baylor’s position in the evolving higher education marketplace.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 3, 2023) – During its regular July retreat meeting last week, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved an agreement with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) to convey a parcel of land adjacent to campus to the Texas Baptists for construction of a Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) center.

As we turn the calendar to August and our attention to the start of another school year, we want to pause and share an update with you from last week’s annual July retreat of the Baylor Board of Regents.

WACO, Texas (May 19, 2023) – During its regular May meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents elected new leadership and approved the 2023-2024 operating budget, three renovation projects and two new degree programs – a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science/Master of Science degree in Biology of Global Health.

WACO, Texas (April 4, 2023) – Before a celebratory crowd in front of the iconic Tidwell Bible Building, Baylor University today unveiled and dedicated statues honoring the University’s first Black graduates, the late Rev. Robert L. Gilbert, B.A. ’67, and Barbara A. Walker, B.A. ’67.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 24, 2023) – At its regular February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents took action on several committee recommendations and received reports on a number of strategic University matters, including Baylor’s pioneering Faith and Character Study.

DALLAS and WACO, Texas – Leaders from the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and Baylor University have jointly reviewed the relationship agreement between the two organizations and deemed no changes are necessary. The special agreement, initially agreed upon on November 4, 2011, calls for a joint review by the BGCT and Baylor every 10 years. The most recent review was delayed two years as both organizations managed through the COVID-19 pandemic.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 4, 2022) – At its regular quarterly meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents focused its discussion on Baylor’s position in the higher education marketplace, highlighted by strong financial reports about upgraded bond ratings and positive investment returns amid continued strong demand for a Baylor experience and education.

WACO, Texas (July 29, 2022) – For the first time since summer 2019, the Baylor University Board of Regents held its annual summer retreat off campus, this time in San Antonio, the nation’s seventh largest city. The Board welcomed five new Regents to their first official meeting and – with no items on the agenda requiring Board action – focused its discussion on effective governance, Baptist history and looking ahead to the fall semester.

WACO, Texas (May 25, 2022) – At its regular May meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents voted to extend the contract of President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., to 2032 in recognition of her exemplary University and national leadership that has elevated Baylor as a preeminent Christian research university with strengths across the board in academics, research and athletics.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 18, 2022) – During its regular quarterly meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents celebrated the University reaching Research 1 status and eclipsing the $1.1 billion goal of the Give Light philanthropic campaign, received an update on the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion and participated in a discussion about Baylor’s holistic approach to student success.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 3, 2022) – Baylor University today announced a significant milestone as gifts and pledges to the Give Light Campaign have surpassed the initial goal of $1.1 billion, marking the campaign as the largest and most successful fundraising effort in the University’s 177-year history.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 21, 2021) – Baylor University and the City of Waco have announced an initial agreement to partner on the riverfront location of the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, which like its football predecessor McLane Stadium will be in the highest visibility area of the city’s growing Riverfront district.

I am overjoyed to share with you some wonderful news we learned this morning. We have received notification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education that Baylor University has achieved Research 1 status, joining the nation’s top research institutions as a doctoral university with very high research activity and as a preeminent Christian research university.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 16, 2021) – Baylor University has been named a Research 1 university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, joining the nation’s top-tier research institutions as a doctoral university with very high research activity and elevating Baylor as a preeminent Christian research university.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 5, 2021) – During its regular fall meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents affirmed the framework for the next five years of Illuminate, the University’s strategic plan, including hiring 100 new faculty to accelerate the University toward Research 1 status as the preeminent Christian research university.

WACO, Texas (July 16, 2021) – During its regular summer retreat meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents focused on Baylor’s strategic positioning for the future as the University enters the final year of the initial Illuminate strategic plan. The discussions spotlighted the extraordinary progress that has accelerated the University’s aspirations of joining the nation’s top Research 1 universities as the world’s preeminent Christian research university.

WACO, Texas (July 13, 2021) - Baylor University today announced that alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends combined to provide more than $161 million in given and pledged philanthropic support during the University’s recently completed fiscal year (June 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021). The Baylor Family’s philanthropy supports the Give Light Campaign, Baylor’s comprehensive fundraising campaign aimed at resourcing efforts to become the preeminent Christian research university.

WACO, Texas (May 14, 2021) – During its regular May meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved the first phase of a capital projects plan, including constructing the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and resuming the master plan for campus residence hall renovations.

WACO, Texas (March 5, 2021) – After winter storms postponed committee meetings during February's quarterly meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents reconvened committee meetings virtually this week with the full Board taking subsequent action to approve construction of an Autism Center and appointment of a new Student Regent. In addition, the Board announced the slate of Alumni-elected Regent candidates for the upcoming election this spring.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 19, 2021) - At its quarterly meeting held virtually, the Baylor University Board of Regents officially accepted the final report of the Commission on Historic Campus Representations, passing a resolution that expressed its gratitude to the 26 members of the Commission and sets a path forward for the University Administration to develop an action plan of the Commission's recommendations for Board consideration.

On behalf of my fellow members of Baylor University’s Board of Regents, I wish to express my deep and abiding gratitude to each of you for your selfless service during this most challenging of times.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 6, 2020) – During its regular fall meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved a new Ph.D. in anthropology and heard reports on the Illuminate strategic plan and Give Light comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Commission on Historic Campus Representations, student well-being and the Lab-to-Market Collaborative. The meeting also included retreat-related discussions, including on the current and future states of affairs in higher education and strengthening the University’s support for students of color.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 12, 2020) – The Baylor University Board of Regents met virtually today and approved the $9 million purchase of three commercial properties located on nearly two acres in downtown Waco.

For the 2020-21 election cycle, nominations are currently being accepted for one Alumni-elected Regent position.

WACO, Texas (July 17, 2020) – The Baylor University Board of Regents gathered virtually Thursday and Friday for its quarterly regular meeting to discuss and receive updates on numerous items, including the University’s plans for the fall semester in light of COVID-19 and the launch of the Commission on Historic Campus Representations.

Many years ago, Baylor University made a strong commitment to reflect the racial diversity of God’s creation among our students, faculty and staff. Through various task forces, the President's Diversity Council and other initiatives, significant progress has been made in several areas, including admissions, faculty hiring and our campus climate, to name a few. Yet we recognize we must do more as Baylor strives to be a caring Christian community for all of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

These are extraordinary times in our nation and in higher education, and I am honored to be the Chair of Baylor’s Board of Regents as we walk through these days together. I am equally honored to be working alongside the selfless, committed Administration of our University.

WACO, Texas (June 26, 2020) – As both “an opportunity and an obligation to pursue racial healing as an expression of the Christian faith and adherence to Biblical principles of justice and love,” the Baylor University Board of Regents has unanimously passed a Resolution on Racial Healing and Justice that openly acknowledges the University’s historical connections to slavery and the Confederacy. The Board’s acknowledgement initiates a process on racial conciliation across the University and calls on the Board and the University to “pursue opportunities to inclusively explore and engage in significant conversations about this aspect of the institution’s past.”

WACO, Texas (May 15, 2020) – At its regular spring meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved a $679.9 million annual operating budget for 2020-2021 and passed a resolution supporting the University’s continued commitment to its academic and Christian mission, while prioritizing the health and safety of the Baylor campus community amid the health risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As our state and nation respond to the public health crisis created by the global spread of coronavirus, Baylor University has been confronted by many unprecedented circumstances and, accordingly, has taken many equally unprecedented actions in response.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 26, 2020) – Baylor University has announced the slate of Alumni-elected Regent candidates presented for election this spring.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 24, 2020) – At its regular February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center – a new multi-purpose facility that will serve as an exciting new entry point to Baylor’s campus – and approved the final phase and project budget of the $21.2 million restoration of the University’s iconic Tidwell Bible Building.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 21, 2020) – Baylor University today hosted a groundbreaking ceremony honoring the philanthropy of Paula Hurd and the late Mark Hurd, who together provided the naming gift for the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, and kicking off the construction of a new multi-purpose facility that will serve as an exciting new entry point to Baylor’s campus.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 1, 2019) – At its regular fall meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved phase 1 design and fees for the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and the Baylor Basketball Pavilion and approved design and construction fees to fit-up shared research lab space for mechanical engineering in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC).

WACO, Texas (Oct. 18, 2019) – Baylor University is mourning the death of distinguished Baylor alumnus Mark V. Hurd, B.B.A. ’79, CEO of Oracle and Vice Chair of the Baylor Board of Regents.

Each summer the Baylor University Board of Regents hosts a retreat in conjunction with its quarterly meeting. This time allows the Regents to discuss the strategic direction of the University, as well as issues that impact all of higher education.

WACO, Texas (July 19, 2019) – During its regular July retreat and summer meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents celebrated the largest annual fundraising year in the University’s 174-year history, as members of the Baylor Family made $243 million in gifts and pledges during the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Locke Lord Chair Emeritus Jerry Clements has been named Chair of the Baylor University Board of Regents, effective June 1. She will be the first woman to serve as Chair of the Baylor Board.

WACO, Texas (May 17, 2019) – At its regular spring meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents celebrated the historic $100 million gift for Baylor’s $1.1 billion Give Light comprehensive philanthropic campaign that undergirds Illuminate, the University’s strategic plan, and impacts every aspect of campus while also bolstering financial support for students and the priorities of Baylor’s 12 schools and colleges.

WACO, Texas (March 6, 2019) – Baylor University, in conjunction with the Baylor Line Foundation (BLF), has announced the slate of alumni-elected Regent candidates presented for election this spring.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 22, 2019) – At its regular February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents focused the majority of its discussion on the first pillar of the University’s academic strategic plan Illuminate, which focuses on Baylor’s unambiguously Christian educational environment.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2018) – On the eve of the University’s 109th anniversary Homecoming, Baylor University officially launched Give Light, a $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign for the future of Baylor, during a celebration Nov. 1 on campus.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2018) - Baylor University today announced a lead gift from Mark and Paula Hurd, which spurs the institution’s $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign to create the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Efforts for the new center are the cornerstone of “Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor,” the University’s fundraising initiative announced on Nov. 1, 2018.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2018) – During its annual Homecoming meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents celebrated the public launch of Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor, as the University moves forward under its first-ever comprehensive philanthropic campaign. Give Light undergirds Illuminate, the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, and impacts every aspect of campus life – academics, athletics, student life and service learning – while also bolstering financial support for students, faculty and the entire campus community.

WACO, Texas (July 20, 2018) – During its regular July retreat meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents welcomed new Board members, heard an update from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., on the Illuminate Academic Strategic Plan and other University initiatives and approved $1.24 million gift for renovations to the Umphrey Law Center and Charles and Sandra Wallace Courtyard. The Board also discussed higher education issues with state and national leaders and set tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 academic year.

WACO, Texas (May 11, 2018) – At its regular spring meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents accepted the University moving forward with the implementation of Illuminate, Baylor’s Academic Strategic Plan, and took action to approve a $660.1 million operating budget for 2018-2019, five new academic degrees and new Board members.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 21, 2018) – Baylor University, in conjunction with the Baylor Line Foundation, has announced the slate of alumni-elected Regent candidates presented for election this spring.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 16, 2018) – During its regular February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents received a status update from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., on the Academic Strategic Plan – called Illuminate – which will represent the second phase of the University’s Pro Futuris vision over the next five years.

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the Baylor Family informed and engaged, we want to take an opportunity to provide a few brief updates following last week’s quarterly Board of Regents meeting.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 20, 2017) – During its annual Homecoming meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents heard updates from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone on the University’s recent successful accreditation visit, academic strategic planning process and new organizational changes, and celebrated the recipients of the 2017 Baylor Meritorious Achievement Awards.

I am pleased to announce that Kristy J. Orr will join the Baylor Family as the University’s new Board Professional. This key position emanates from the recommendations of the Governance Review Task Force, which were adopted by the Baylor University Board of Regents in February of this year.

Like all accredited universities, Baylor is governed by an independent Board of Regents who strive to reflect the University's many constituencies. Though this volunteer board brings to their service to Baylor a variety of backgrounds, interests and areas of expertise, Regents share a single goal: the continued advancement and support of an academically strong and Christ-centered Baylor University.

Last week the Baylor University Board of Regents held its quarterly meeting, which included an orientation for seven new Regents, a new committee structure and implementation of a comprehensive slate of governance reforms aimed at making our University even better.

WACO, Texas (July 21, 2017) – The Baylor University Board of Regents held its first meeting since adopting a slate of best-practice governance reforms in the spring that enhance operations, Board diversity, open communication and constituent representation.

WACO, Texas (June 1, 2017) – The Baylor University Board of Regents has approved W. Brett Beene, B.B.A. ’87, of Mexia, and Dusty Sanderson, B.A. ’79, of Amarillo, as Honoris Causa Athletics Regents. Both Beene and Sanderson were nominated for election by their respective organizations, the Baylor Bear Foundation and Baylor “B” Association.

WACO, Texas (May 12, 2017) – At its regular spring meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents announced structural completion of the 105 recommendations related to the institution’s response to sexual violence and implementation of best-practice governance policies and procedures, and took action to approve new Board members, a $621.7 million operating budget for 2017-2018 and a new joint B.A./M.A. degree in communication studies.

WACO, Texas (April 18, 2017) – Baylor University has selected Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., current dean and professor of management at The George Washington University School of Business, as the institution’s 15th president. Dr. Livingstone was the unanimous choice of the Baylor Board of Regents, following the recommendation of the 12-member Presidential Search Committee.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 17, 2017) – The Baylor Board of Regents today adopted new bylaws that will improve University governance by increasing diversity among the Regents, provide voting privileges to a second-term student Regent and give the public a more transparent view of Board operations and decisions.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 17, 2017) – At its February meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents approved the best practice recommendations of a six-member Governance Review Task Force that completed a detailed, independent review of the Board’s governance policies and practices. Over its two-day meeting, the board also heard a number of reports, including those on the ongoing implementation of recommendations received in May, the University’s presidential search, SACSCOC reaccreditation, admissions and athletics.

Baylor Board of Regents Chairman Ron Murff
Statement Re: Interest in Governance Issues

Last weekend a group of Baylor alumni called for members of the Baylor University Board of Regents and administration to resign. This was the latest indication that, as Baylor has gone through one of the most turbulent periods of its recent history, we yet find our university community at sharp odds.

Last week was yet another painful one for Baylor University. Some upsetting facts were included in a court filing I made in response to a defamation lawsuit against three Baylor regents. The filing detailed the information that compelled the board of regents to remove Art Briles as head football coach last May.

Statement by the Baylor Board of Regents Chair Ron Muff regarding a letter released by the Bears for Leadership Reform.

On behalf of the Baylor University Board of Regents, I would like to thank you for the invitation to participate in the proposed Baylor Line Foundation’s Town Hall Meeting on Governance Reform. We share a love and passion for Baylor that informs our decisions and actions to do what is best for our beloved university, now and into the future.

In November 2016, the Governance Committee of the Baylor University Board of Regents approached six individuals with significant for-profit and not-for-profit board governance experience to form a Task Force to complete a detailed, independent review of the Board's governance policies and practices.

Last fall, the Baylor Board of Regents created a Governance Review Task Force to assess board operations and to recommend changes. On Monday, the Task Force delivered its final report to the Board’s Governance Committee. The report includes more than 30 detailed recommendations for changes to the Bylaws and Guidelines for Board Operations.