Announcements
WACO, Texas (Sept. 20, 2023) – Richard Rankin Russell, Ph.D., professor of English and graduate program director of English at Baylor University, has been selected as a member of the inaugural cohort of Inklings Project Fellows for the academic year 2023-2024. Based out of the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life, the Inklings Project is an intercollegiate initiative that invites scholars to explore the worlds of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the other members of the famed Inklings author group.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 19, 2023) – Simulated fires in residence halls, learning to tie tourniquets, visiting with a therapy dog, as well as other activities like axe throwing and a simulated residence hall room fire demonstration, are among the highlights of Sic ’em for Safety Day, an annual event for students hosted by the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPS).

WACO, Texas (Sept. 15, 2023) – The new Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center officially opened less than a week ago, and Baylor’s new “front door” is already packed with events for the fall semester.
WACO, Texas (Sept. 8, 2023) – Under bright blue Texas skies, hundreds of special guests and members of the Baylor Family gathered for a significant moment in Baylor University’s history – the official dedication of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, the University’s spectacular new “front door” to campus at the corner of Interstate 35 and University Parks Drive.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 6, 2023) – The best hour of the week – Baylor University’s Dr Pepper Hour – is kicking off year three of its highly lauded Dr Pepper Hour Tour, delivering sweet treats and a VIP Baylor experience to high school students and Baylor Alumni families across the country.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 6, 2023) – This year marks Baylor University’s ninth annual Boundary Breaking Women’s Panel, hosted by the Women’s and Gender Studies program, which will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, on the fifth floor of the Cashion Academic Center.

***TEST COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY*** WACO, Texas (Aug. 30, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 22, 2023) – Baylor University is hosting a “welcome home” party for Judge Indy and Judge Belle – the University’s new American black bear cubs – at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat. The block party-style event will be held at the Bear Habitat from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 26.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 21, 2023) – Baylor University will celebrate the dedication of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center – the University’s spectacular new “front door” to campus – with HOWDY at the Hurd, presented by Pi Beta Phi and Baylor University, a free students-only event at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, on the south lawn of the Hurd Center.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 17, 2023) – Baylor University is mourning the death of Provost Emeritus John S. Belew, B.A. ’41, Ph.D., who served as a longtime chemistry professor well into the 2000s, The Jo Murphy Chair of International Education, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and later as provost, the University’s chief academic officer. Dr. Belew passed away Aug. 9 at the age of 102.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 15, 2023) – Hot summers in Texas are nothing new, but the excessive heat the state is experiencing this summer can quickly cause heat exhaustion and other serious complications. With temperatures expected over or around 100 degrees for the first few weeks of the semester, it is important for students, faculty and staff to take precautions to protect themselves and their friends and loved ones.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 14, 2023) - Memorial Dining is now open with a temporary entrance off 7th Street while renovation work is underway on Memorial/Alexander residence halls, home of the Honors Residential College. The entrance off 8th Street to Memorial Dining is unchanged and easily accessible.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 3, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4.

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.

WACO, Texas (July 31, 2023) - On Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPS) and its branches, including the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), along with 19 other local and federal law enforcement partners and emergency responders, will conduct a joint active threat training exercise in and around Baylor Law School and McLane Stadium on the Baylor campus.

WACO, Texas (July 31, 2023) – Nearly 60 rising middle school students will attend Baylor University’s nationally recognized iEngage Summer Civics Institute July 31-Aug. 4, with campers on the Baylor campus daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WACO, Texas (July 26, 2023) - Baylor University announced today the appointment of Garritt J. Tucker, Ph.D., as the inaugural Eula Mae and John Baugh Chair in Physics with a focus on innovative research and teaching in the area of materials science.

WACO, Texas (July 20, 2023) – Baylor University today announced the second-highest fundraising year in Baylor’s history, with more than $179 million given by alumni, parents and friends during the 2023 fiscal year (FY23). This achievement came during the penultimate year of fundraising for Give Light, Baylor’s comprehensive philanthropic campaign that has seen more than $1.37 billion given to support the University’s endowment, capital priorities and current funds.

WACO, Texas (July 20, 2023) – Baylor University announced today the appointment of Stephen Newby, D.M.A., as the inaugural holder of The Lev H. Prichard III Chair in the Study of Black Worship. Newby brings a background in music, scholarship and ministry to the new position, which provides interdisciplinary leadership, research and scholarship efforts associated with the growth of Baylor’s Black Gospel Music Preservation Program.

WACO, Texas (July 20, 2023) – Mark and Paula dreamed of creating a space where prospective and current students, alumni and visitors would be able to learn about the University, visit for homecoming and games, celebrate events and find top-notch Baylor gear, all in one location.
WACO, Texas (July 12, 2023) – One of the most striking features of Baylor University’s new Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center is the four massive columns that start on the interior floor of Carlton Hall and extend 96 feet high, stretching through the building’s roof and into the sky. The columns are more than a striking architectural feature, though; they represent a deep symbolic connection to Baylor’s history while providing a unique technology-rich and interactive experience for the entire Baylor Family.

WACO, Texas (July 12, 2023) – Baylor University announced today the appointment of Felipe Hinojosa, Ph.D., as the inaugural Jackson Family Chair for Baylor in Latin America, expanding Baylor’s international footprint and providing additional leadership to advance the priorities of the Baylor in Latin America initiative.

WACO, Texas (July 6, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7.

WACO, Texas (July 6, 2023) – Numerous details throughout the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center honor Baylor's history while simultaneously pointing toward its bright future. Some details are subtle nods to the campus, while others shine the Baylor light for all to see.

Baylor University’s Mathematics for Early Learners Academy (MELA), sponsored by the Baylor School of Education (SOE), will be held at the Mayborn Museum on the Baylor campus July 5-28 for students ages 4 to 6.

WACO, Texas (June 22, 2023) – Russell H. Dilday, Ph.D. a 1952 graduate of Baylor University, died June 21, 2023. From 1994 to 2000, Dilday served as distinguished professor of homiletics in Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Dilday also briefly served as acting dean of Truett Seminary in 1995-1996.
WACO, Texas (June 16, 2023) – More than 5,000 Baylor University students have been named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s Academic Honor List, which recognizes Baylor undergraduates for their outstanding academic work during each semester.

WACO, Texas (June 12, 2023) As an avid sports fan, historian, and pivotal member of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor’s Truett Seminary, Paul Putz, Ph.D., never dreamed that a message he shared at a Truett Chapel service would create a connection between Baylor and the family of the inventor of basketball.

WACO, Texas (June 8, 2023) – Baylor University today announced a $1.5 million gift establishing the first endowed chair position in the history of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing from the family of the School’s namesake, Louise Herrington Ornelas. The Louise Herrington Endowed Chair in Mental Health will support innovative research and teaching within the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, with a special focus on the areas of mental and behavioral health research, including the need for more mental health professionals.

WACO, Texas (June 6, 2023) – As the need for EV charging stations grows, Baylor University is getting ahead of the curve by bringing EV charging stations to campus, starting with installing a flagship charging station at the new Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center in time for its grand opening in September.

WACO, Texas (June 2, 2023) – Blasting off this summer is Baylor University’s STEM+ Camp Launch, designed for incoming fifth grade students from three Transformation Waco schools. Sponsored by the Baylor School of Education, with collaboration from the School of Engineering and Computer Science and funding from Waco’s Cooper Foundation, the program consists of three one-week sessions, taking place June 5-23 at the Mayborn Museum.

WACO, Texas (June 1, 2023) – Baylor University today announced a $5 million gift from John and Helen Carona of Dallas, providing significant momentum and support for the renovation and construction of the Honors Residential College, as well as the University’s other major capital priorities through the Give Light Capital Fund.

WACO, Texas (May 31, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, June 2.

WACO, Texas (May 30, 2023) – Baylor University’s Department of Religion has announced that Ba Wool (Paul) Kim has been named the recipient of the 2023 Robert L. Gilbert Scholar in Religion Graduate Stipend. Kim has been accepted to the University’s Ph.D. program in religion with a concentration in Old Testament studies.

WACO, Texas (May 23, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $7.2 million to the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty to operate its innovative Meals-to-You summer meals program for a fifth summer.

WACO, Texas (May 22, 2023) – Baylor University today announced the addition of two American black bear cubs to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat. The cubs, named Judge Indy and Judge Belle, will join the Baylor Family in the on-campus habitat as early as mid-summer.

WACO, Texas (May 21, 2023) – Baylor University researchers and faculty experts were featured in national and local media stories about the efficacy of hypnosis, college students and their need for sleep and the Baylor Board of Regents May meeting.

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 (May 14, 2023) – Baylor University researchers and faculty experts shared their thoughts and expertise with various media outlets on the effect of Instagram and TikTok on psychological well-being, a new study that provides insight into community dynamics during once-in-a-century pandemic and remembering how the 1953 Waco tornado changed the landscape of downtown.

WACO, Texas (May 7, 2023) – Baylor University researchers and faculty experts shared their thoughts and expertise with various media outlets on the relationship between anxiety and autonomic blood pressure regulation, expanding SNAP benefits for online purchases and a new exhibit at Baylor’s Martin Museum of Art, featuring selections from the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection.
WACO, Texas (May 4, 2023) – Baylor University today announced a $1.5 million gift from Charlie and Cindy Fuller of Woodway, Texas, and their family, establishing an endowed faculty chair position to support innovative research and teaching within the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.

WACO, Texas (May 4, 2023) – ***POSTPONED*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, May 5.
WACO, Texas (May 3, 2023) – Baylor University today announced a $1.5 million challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation of Midland, Texas, providing significant momentum and support for the renovation and construction of the Honors Residential College. The grant will fund a significant portion of the more than $7 million needed in philanthropic support to complete the project, one of many capital projects funded through the Give Light campaign.

WACO, Texas (April 28, 2023) - Baylor University offices will close early at 3:30 p.m. today (Friday, April 28, 2023), and no classes will be held on campus after 3:30 p.m., due to severe weather predicted to move through the Waco area, including the Baylor campus, this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has placed Waco and McLennan County under a Tornado WATCH until 8 p.m., which includes the potential for tornados, large hail and damaging winds.

WACO, Texas (April 27, 2023) – An exhibit of selected works from the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection, Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity, will be on display May 6 through Nov. 5 at Baylor’s Martin Museum of Art.

WACO, Texas (April 26, 2023) – UPDATE: The National Weather Service has canceled the Tornado Watch at 8:58 p.m. CT.

WACO, Texas (April 26, 2023) – Baylor University announced today that it has joined the Southwest Airlines® Destination 225° program, the airline’s pilot training program, as a university partner. The pathway program offers qualified collegiate aviators an opportunity to become a Southwest® First Officer.

WACO, Texas (April 25, 2023) – Highlighted by the graduate entrepreneurship program breaking into the Top 10 nationally, several Baylor University graduate and professional programs were among those ranked in the 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings, released today by U.S. News & World Report.

WACO, Texas (April 19, 2023) – Baylor University is inviting students, alumni and all associated with the Baylor Family to join in celebrating the graduation of the University’s beloved American black bear, Lady, as she moves from the campus habitat to a private, auxiliary facility fully maintained by her Baylor Bear Habitat caregivers, staff and veterinary team.

WACO, Texas (April 18, 2023) – The Baylor University Counseling Center has been accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS), the premier leader in setting the benchmark for the full range of professional counseling services on college and university campuses worldwide.