News

New insights published in the journal Science explain how a paper-thin layer of clay powered Japan’s most destructive earthquake

As the weather continues to improve in Waco and across Central Texas, the Baylor University Waco Campus has returned to normal operations as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

The annual award honors Church Music Professor Randall Bradley, D.M.A., director of the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies, for his outstanding contributions to Baylor’s learning environment.

Jamie Rankin, Ph.D., University Lecturer in German at Princeton University and inaugural director of the Princeton Center for Language Study, will teach in residence at Baylor as recipient of the Cherry Award for Great Teaching.

Baylor University has announced a $30 million gift from the Moody Foundation of Galveston, Texas, to the University’s School of Education, now known as the Moody School of Education at Baylor.

Chart-topping artists La Fiera de Ojinaga and Los Pescadores del Río Conchos are headed this summer to Foster Pavilion, Waco’s premier concert venue, for a spectacular show on Sunday, July 19, at 6 p.m.

Los artistas La Fiera de Ojinaga y Los Pescadores del Río Conchos, que encabezan las listas de éxitos, se dirigen este verano al Foster Pavilion, la principal sala de conciertos de Waco para un espectáculo espectacular por la tarde el domingo 19 de julio a las 6 p.m.

Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., has announced James R. Brockmole, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, as the next Dean of Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences.

The Baylor University and Waco communities will join others across the nation to participate in multiple events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Baylor University has announced the largest gift in Baylor Baseball program’s history from Magnolia, the Waco-based and nationally recognized lifestyle company founded by Baylor alumni Chip and Joanna Gaines, naming Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark and supporting the program’s anticipated capital projects.

Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., has  announced that Tanya M. Sudia, Ph.D., R.N., FNAP, FAAN, has been selected as Dean of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, effective June 1.

President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., is a new member of the Executive Committee of the North American Baptist Fellowship, a regional body of the Baptist World Alliance that connects Baptist member groups across the U.S. and Canada. 

Don't miss the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters™ during their 100 Year Tour playing Saturday, Feb. 14, at Baylor's Foster Pavilion! Tickets are on sale now.

Baylor University experts to share ideas for resolutions that are easier to maintain while making a positive impact on our lives.

Baylor University and the collaborative Central Texas Cyber Hub have launched the K-12 Cyber Security Pathways Program to equip high school students with cybersecurity skills for immediate workforce entry or advanced education.

Baylor University offices & most facilities will close Dec. 22-Jan. 4, 2026, during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The University will reopen Jan. 5, with classes beginning Jan. 20.

Bella Buncher, B.S.Ed. ’25, is the seventh Baylor intern in nine years to be named Texas Clinical Teacher of the Year for excellence in classroom teaching.

Baylor University has received a $9.76 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch and provide financial support for the innovative Ministry for Life initiative at George W. Truett Theological Seminary. 

Baylor University’s Michael P. Foley, Ph.D., has researched many forgotten Christmas customs and folklore, including the darker – and eerier – side of Christmas. 

Baylor expert offers strategies for how adult daughters can create a balanced and meaningful holiday season.

John Crist, one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians, will bring his “John Crist Live Tour” to Waco Hall on the Baylor University campus on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Baylor has named experienced media and brand executive and former athletics administrator Doug McNamee as the Bears’ next Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Gray Media Group and KWTX Television will present a nationwide encore of “A Baylor Christmas,” with the annual School of Music concert airing on all Gray TV stations in the U.S.

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

Paul Carron, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, is exploring why so many people feel lonely, why it has become so common and what it reveals about modern life.

Colleges and departments from across Baylor University joined together for “Things We Don't Talk about at Dinner: Civil Discourse and Disagreement in Politics and at Church.”

From timeless tales to unexpected favorites, Baylor film expert highlights the Christmas season’s top treasured movies. 

Baylor's Future Church Leadership Certificate provides practical tools for ministry leaders and faith communities to navigate the challenges of ministry in a changing world.

Baylor experts share practical strategies to help donors support the causes they love with intention, confidence and lasting impact.

For the third consecutive year, Baylor University has been named to TIME's list of Best Colleges for Future Leaders for nurturing the career trajectories of the nation’s most highly influential leaders.

Baylor University positive psychology researchers explain how three science-based mechanisms of gratitude can increase feelings of gratitude and well-being. 

Baylor Honors College has been designated a Hidden Gem by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni for guiding students through a high-quality education across the liberal arts.

With Black Friday no longer just a day, holiday spending surges as shoppers embrace the longer season, sharper discounts and online convenience despite economic uncertainty.

Baylor is well-represented with 44 faculty on a prestigious list of the world's top 2% most-cited researchers.

Baylor Social Sciences Professor George A. Yancey, Ph.D., has been invested as a member of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters in recognition of outstanding scholarly achievement.

Commemorating its 20th anniversary with Wave 7 results, the Baylor Religion Survey has evolved into the most comprehensive national survey studying the role of faith in American life.

A new clinical trial led by Baylor's Gary R. Elkins, Ph.D., demonstrates that self-guided hypnosis can decrease hot flash frequency and intensity by over 50%, offering a nonhormonal option for the millions of women.

During its regular fall meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents received a progress report on the University’s Baylor in Deeds strategic plan from Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., including the plan’s “Bold Pursuits.”

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners to conduct a regular test of the Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7.

A new study by Baylor University social media researchers reveals that TikTok's short-form video design fuels engagement - and addiction - through ease, accuracy and surprise.

Baylor University is partnering with local schools leading up to this week’s National STEM Day to provide engaging science presentations for area students and teachers and connect Baylor researchers in the community.

Baylor President Linda Livingstone, Ph.D., will moderate a conversation on “We Follow Christ: Helping Women to Discern God’s Call” during a Baylor Libraries Author Series at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Baylor proudly announces the lineup of eleven dynamic speakers from across campus and Waco for its first-ever TEDx event, TEDxBaylor University: Innovation in Deeds. 

Baylor has announced a gift from Michael and Jennifer Hillman of Waco, establishing The Kathy Robinson Hillman Endowed Chair in Communication in honor of Kathy Hillman, B.A. ’73, and her 50 years of service at Baylor. 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Douglas E. Smith, Ph.D., has been elected an ASME Fellow in recognition of his exceptional engineering achievements.

Several parking lots and roads on and around the Baylor University campus in Waco will be closed starting Wednesday, Oct. 29, due to Baylor Homecoming-related activities. Baylor University Shuttle (BUS) services also will be modified.

Fast-rising Texas country music star Hudson Westbrook, whose new album Texas Forever features hit songs like “House Again” and “Sober,” is coming to Baylor's Foster Pavilion Friday, April 24, 2026.

Study challenges long-held assumptions, finding late-surviving dinosaurs lived in vibrant, regionally distinct communities.

Launched with a $1.5M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., Baylor’s Soundings Project brought together 12 Texas congregations over seven years to explore Christian vocation.

Liang Sun, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering at Baylor, has been elected as a 2026 Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

New Baylor research shows the right kind of support during pregnancy can make all the difference for new mothers returning to work after maternity leave. 

Carroll Crowson, director of student success and engagement in Baylor’s Foster Success Center, received EAB's Student Success Collaborative-Excellence in Technology Administration Award.

Amid rising antibiotic resistance, the MIGHTY initiative unites top academic and industry partners to develop a rapid, AI-powered platform for precision phage therapies – starting with oral health and expanding to chronic diseases

Finalists for Baylor’s 2026 Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching - the only national teaching award presented by a college or university to an individual for exceptional teaching - will present their on-campus lectures during October.

Baylor volunteers with the BearAid disaster relief organization served with Texans on Mission to rebuild homes damaged during the catastrophic July 4 flooding in the Texas Hill Country.

Mary Lauren Benton, Ph.D., is one of only three faculty nationwide honored by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network for inspiring innovation and real-world problem solving in engineering education

Daniel J. Watkins, Ph.D., is one of 20 educators nationwide selected as a member of the National Humanities Center's (NHC) Teacher Advisory Council for the 2025-26 academic year. 

Research led by Baylor biology assistant professor Jake Minich, Ph.D., followed over 1000 children in the African nation of Malawi to reveal how gut bacteria play a critical role in childhood undernutrition.

Paul E. Putz, Ph.D., director of Truett Seminary's Faith & Sports Institute, has won the American Society of Church History's Brewer Prize for The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports.

This year, Baylor University and the Baylor Office of Sustainability are “Inspiring Hope” to shine a light on the sustainability efforts around campus for Campus Sustainability Month.  

Baylor’s annual BearAware cybersecurity campaign reminds students, faculty, and staff to make smart and safe choices online.

Baylor University has been named by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as one of the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces of 2025 and No. 1 in the education industry for offering the best overall adoption benefits.

Jack Angelo Cummings, a New Jersey/New York City-based playwright, won the $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize for his play “& Sons” at the inaugural Baylor New Play Initiative Festival.

Q&A with Baylor historian David A. Smith explores the groundbreaking musical and its impact beyond Broadway

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3.

Baylor water quality researchers are building an internationally recognized name for excellence in research relied on by communities, state governments, reservoir management agencies and more.

Fall marks the second peak season for severe weather in Texas. Staying aware of these potential threats is crucial for safety, especially as weather patterns shift unpredictably during this transitional time.

In recognition of  National Preparedness Month and National Campus Safety Awareness Month,  Baylor reminds us that campus safety starts with situational awareness

Stephanie Boddie, Ph.D., has been appointed as The Fuller Family Endowed Chair for Social Justice in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. 

Baylor University is celebrating National Research Administrator Day today, Sept. 25, to highlight top-tier research throughout the University. 

More Baylor University students are graduating within four years than ever before according to annual enrollment data released by Baylor’s Office of Institutional Research.

Baylor University’s first-year experiences for students jumped to No. 4 nationally while its learning communities landed in the Top 10 in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

Dave Morehead, C.F.A., chief investment officer at Baylor, has been named Endowment/Foundation Chief Investment Officer of the Year by Institutional Investor.

Robert Elder, Ph.D., professor of history at Baylor, has received the prestigious $60,000 Public Scholars grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). 

Baylor has once again attained elite Honor Roll status as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program - this year in all 10 categories.

Communications expert highlights the unseen labor of “daughtering” and encourages families to honor and support their daughters on Sept. 25

Several parking lots and roads on and around the Baylor University campus in Waco will be closed Thursday and Friday because of Howdy at the Hurd-related activities outside of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.

Ten Baylor faculty members have been selected as 2025-2026 Baylor Fellows for their excellence in teaching and desire to advance the University’s commitment to transformational education.

Casts have been announced and ticket packages are on sale for the inaugural Baylor New Play Festival Sept. 26-28, culminating with the awarding of the $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to remove the northbound I-35 bridges over 17th and 18th Street as part of the four-year My35 Waco South Construction Project.

The Big 12 Fall Tour stops at Saturday's Baylor-Arizona State game at McLane Stadium, featuring a free tailgate concert with the Graham St. Clair Band at 4:30 p.m. at Touchdown Alley.

Francis Joseph Beckwith, Ph.D., has been appointed by the White House to serve on the Advisory Board of Legal Experts for the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission.

Baylor Connections, the University’s signature podcast, debuted a new video streaming option with today’s ninth season premiere episode.

Baylor researchers Leigh Greathouse, Ph.D., and Anakan Choudhury, Ph.D., highlight the game‑changing potential of AI to personalize nutrition aimed at cancer prevention and therapy.

Baylor University has adopted ForagerOne, a leading software platform that facilitates undergraduate student engagement in research and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty.

Baylor University will conduct a regular test of Outdoor Warning Systems (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, along with a required test of the Baylor Alert emergency notification system.

Lauren Daigle’s Sept. 12 concert at Baylor University’s Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion is officially sold out, creating a wave of momentum for A-list entertainment set for this fall.

The multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency notification system is in place to ensure members of the Baylor community have multiple ways to access up-to-date information about any campus emergency. 

Detailed information you need to know to plan ahead for Friday, Aug. 29, including parking lot and garage closures, campus operations and more.

Baylor University today announced the second-highest fundraising year in Baylor’s history, with more than $192 million given by alumni, parents and friends during the 2025 fiscal year.

In preparation for Move-In, Baylor University will CLOSE some campus parking lots and interior streets beginning at 6p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. ALL OF CAMPUS will be impacted.

A team of astrophysicists led by Baylor's Benjamin Rose, Ph.D., has released a powerful new simulation previewing the extraordinary discoveries expected from the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope.

Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business has announced the launch of a groundbreaking student competition designed to spark creative business ventures powered by artificial intelligence.

Tucker Wetmore, whose hit songs “3,2,1” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” have topped radio airwaves, will headline his first arena show at Foster Pavilion, Waco’s new premier concert venue, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.

Ty Myers will headline Howdy at the Hurd, hosted by Pi Beta Phi and Baylor University, a free students-only event on Friday, Sept. 19, outside the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.

Baylor University is mourning the death of Provost Emeritus Donald D. Schmeltekopf, Ph.D., who passed away July 30 in Waco.

Baylor University is mourning the death of Ronald L. Wilson, M.D., B.A. ’71, a beloved Waco physician, avid Baylor supporter and former member of the Baylor Board of Regents.

Planetary geophysicist Peter B. James, Ph.D., has been selected to serve on a prestigious NASA Science Definition Team charged with shaping the goals and design of a future robotic mission to the far side of the Moon.

Chemist and cancer researcher Liela Romero, Ph.D., has earned an Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation to further the development of new tools for chemical synthesis and drug discovery. 

Tickets are on sale now for the inaugural Baylor University New Play Festival Sept. 26-28, as part of the Baylor New Play Initiative to champion a new generation of American theatre.