Linda Livingstone Awarded Omicron Delta Kappa Pillar of Leadership Award

Contact: Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-710-1961
Follow us: @BaylorUMedia on X and LinkedIn

Lexington, VA (Nov. 2, 2026) – Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, has named Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., recipient of its 2026 Pillar of Leadership in Academics and Research award.

The Pillar of Leadership in Academics and Research is bestowed on Omicron Delta Kappa members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in scholarship, teaching or research, including as a faculty member, researcher or academic administrator. The award recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments and commitment to service exemplify O∆K values.

Jennifer L. Waller, Ph.D., O∆K president and chief executive officer, presented the award to President Livingstone during a Baylor University leadership team meeting on Oct. 26, recognizing her vision and stewardship in elevating Baylor and strengthening higher education nationwide.

"Dr. Livingstone has paired ambition with mission, building a university where academic excellence and character formation go hand in hand," Waller said. "She represents what we aspire to be: leaders who use their talents not for personal recognition, but to open doors for others, to mentor the next generation of leaders, and to build institutions that serve the common good."

Approaching her 10th year in office, President Livingstone has led Baylor University through a period of unprecedented growth and achievement. During her tenure, Baylor launched two strategic plans, Illuminate and Baylor in Deeds; attained Research 1 designation, joining the few Christian universities nationwide to achieve that distinction; and completed the record-setting Give Light campaign, which raised more than $1.5 billion to support students, scholarships and academic programs. Under her leadership, Baylor has expanded opportunities for students, grown its faculty, increased its four-year graduation rate to a record 77.5% and broadened the University’s global engagement.

Beyond the Baylor campus, President Livingstone has served as chair of the board of the American Council on Education and chair of the NCAA Board of Governors, helping shape the future of higher education and the student experience nationwide.

Her involvement also extends to Baptist organizations with direct connections to education and leadership. She recently join the Board of Directors of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities (IABCU), which unites 46 Baptist colleges, universities and seminaries around the globe to help them better serve their students, faculty, staff and Christ.​ In addition, she is a member of the Executive Committee of the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF), the regional body of the Baptist World Alliance that connects Baptist member groups across the United States and Canada. Baylor University is a member of both the NABF and BWA.

ABOUT OMICRON DELTA KAPPA

Omicron Delta Kappa Society, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded in Lexington, Virginia, on Dec. 3, 1914. The founders established the O∆K Idea — the belief that individuals representing all phases of collegiate life should collaborate to support their campus and community. O∆K honors and develops leaders and promotes collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship, and service. The Society is located on more than 300 college and university campuses throughout North America. The Society's national headquarters is located in Lexington, Virginia. For more information about the award and the organization, please visit our website at www.odk.org.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for nearly 20,000 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 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.