Baylor University Announces Trailblazer Scholars Program

Media Contact: Tonya B. Hudson, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-644-3301
Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia

Apply for a Trailblazer Scholarship on the Baylor Undergraduate Admissions website.

WACO, Texas (July 14, 2020) – Baylor University today announced the establishment of the Trailblazer Scholars Program, a scholarship program designed to recognize the importance of fostering diversity and mutual respect at Baylor University. Launching the program with $5 million in scholarship support, the University will actively engage alumni and donors to support growth in the program, with a goal of providing a cohort of 80 or more students scholarship support through Trailblazer Scholarships.

The announcement came from Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., during a virtual Town Hall event hosted by the Baylor Black Alumni Alliance and the Baylor Alumni Latino Group on Monday evening. The event featured Dr. Livingstone, U.S. Congressman Colin Allred, René Maciel, missions pastor at First Baptist Church-Woodway and member of the Baylor Board of Regents, and Michael McFarland, Ph.D., superintendent of Crowley ISD and member of the Baylor Board of Regents. The discussion was moderated by Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of Baylor’s Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media.

“Establishing the Trailblazer Scholars Program is a meaningful and tangible step in supporting, encouraging and equipping our students of color. Baylor University made a pledge to lean into opportunities to listen, learn and grow alongside our students, and this innovative new program is another step forward in fulfilling that promise,” President Livingstone said. “The scholarship support generated through this program will be invaluable to Baylor students as they follow their callings and complete their degrees. Through this program, students will be prepared as leaders who deeply enhance our campus community and are ready to impact their communities and professions upon graduation.”

Students in the Trailblazer Scholars Program will participate in leadership and service opportunities through Baylor’s Multicultural Affairs Department and through other groups and programs on Baylor’s campus. Trailblazer Scholarships honoring donors and trailblazers throughout Baylor’s history will be established to support these scholars. Scholarship funds will be awarded annually and are renewable to students who maintain a 2.5 GPA and are actively committed to conversations and initiatives advancing racial conciliation on Baylor’s campus and throughout our nation.

“The Trailblazer Scholars will help Baylor honor the good work of our students and foster a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment in which they will grow as leaders,” Kevin Jackson, Ph.D., vice president for Student Life said. “Baylor’s students are called to be lights in this world and are charged with graduating from this University to lead, serve and improve the communities in which they will live. But a life of service and such important community building must be developed during their time as students. We have had many inspiring examples throughout Baylor’s history of the impact our students can have at Baylor, and I look forward to witnessing how the recipients of the Trailblazer Scholarships will honor that legacy.”

Part of Baylor’s commitment to listen, learn and take actionable steps regarding racial healing and justice in America, the Trailblazer Scholars Program also reflects the University’s mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

For more information about how to support the Trailblazer Scholars Program, click here.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.