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For more than two decades, Don Carpenter (BBA ’81) has made it his mission to invest in Baylor students’ lives.

The lessons he teaches in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business certainly matter. But ask former students what they remember most, and many will point not to a lecture or exam, but to a conversation or a word of encouragement from a mentor who believed in them when they needed it most.

Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, Ph.D., has been inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity’s Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College. 

Baylor is annually recognized among the nation’s best universities for undergraduate teaching and learning communities — ranking No. 27 and No. 9, respectively, in U.S. News‘ latest survey of higher ed.

One key component of Baylor’s success is the well-rounded education students receive — which, once again, has been recognized among the best offerings in the country. This spring, Baylor was one of just 19 universities in the United States to get an “A” for its core curriculum from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), putting Baylor among the top 2% nationally.

Since 1970, Baylor’s Institute for Oral History has been preserving (and sharing) the memories of history’s eyewitnesses. Today, more than 4,500 interviews are available online, many with the original audio files as well as a complete transcript for easy searching.

Among the collection are interviews with Texans from various eras who share their memories of Juneteenth — from June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black Americans in Texas first received news of their emancipation, to celebrations of that anniversary over the years.

A gift from alumnus John T. Williams, B.B.A. ’67, has established The Virginia and Tom Williams Endowed Chair in American Literature within the Department of English in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Students in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business gain practical experience and enduring values that prepare them to make a difference.

Each summer, Baylor’s campus transforms into a dynamic environment where learning is supported by doing, and experiences shape both young participants and the Baylor students who lead them.

There’s a Baylor experience that bridges high school debaters and aspiring basketball players, and connects future engineers with burgeoning musicians. That experience? Summer camps, on campus at Baylor.

For generations now, the Baylor campus has remained lively over the summer as camps like the Summer Debate Workshop or the Moody School of Education’s Talent Identification Program camps (just to name a couple) welcome future college students. Here, they get a taste of college life, from classrooms to dining halls to residence halls.

Baylor University is proud to announce that the TEDxBaylor University talk – “The Eight-Hour Sleep Challenge During Finals Week” – by Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., has been selected as an Editor’s Pick. 

From June through July, incoming Baylor students and their families will descend upon campus and the University’s hometown of Waco during New Student Orientation and Baylor Line Camp.

If you’re looking for law school education that truly prepares you for the courtroom, you can’t do much better than Baylor Law School. Earlier this year, U.S. News ranked Baylor Law’s trial advocacy program No. 3 in the nation — the program’s 17th straight year among the top five in the country.

In the science community, being named as a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is one of the more prestigious professional nods a researcher can achieve — not unlike election to a hall of fame in the world of sports.

Past AAAS Fellows include names like Thomas Edison and W.E.B. DuBois, along with a roster of scientists who have made significant contributions to their field. That list includes four current Baylor faculty, two of whom — Dr. Dwayne Simmons (biology) and Dr. Samuel Urlacher (anthropology) — were named among the 2025 class of AAAS Fellows.

Baylor already ranked No. 1 in Texas for most Fulbright scholars — and this year, 12 more BU students get to add their names to that list.

Each of those Bears is headed overseas as part of the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, studying and teaching in countries ranging from Germany and France to South Korea and Taiwan. Two more BU students earned similarly prestigious Rotary Global Grant Scholarships, which will fund their graduate studies in the U.K.

And that’s not all… Three Baylor professors have also earned Fulbright recognition, with awards providing them unique research experiences in South Africa, Antarctica, Slovakia and Brazil.

To understand why scientists are interested in white dwarf stars, it helps to think of fossils, or rings on a tree.

Dr. Barbara Castanheira, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Baylor, has long studied white dwarf stars — the dense, collapsed core of a dying star. White dwarf stars are of interest to scientists, perhaps somewhat counterintuitively, because they can tell us about early star formation despite being in the final stages of their life cycle — a cycle which lasts billions of years, beyond the scope of human study from start to finish. As opposed to the bright stars visible in the sky, white dwarf stars have shrunk in size and no longer actively produce energy. As their remaining energy burns out, they have a story of great interest to science.

Every spring, the Baylor Family bids happy retirement to professors and staff who have dedicated their professional lives to the university and its students. It’s always a bittersweet mix — sadness in seeing them go, happiness for a well-deserved next step — but we wish them all well in the next phase of their lives.

Here, we honor some of the longest-serving and most recognizable professors who are retiring this year — men and women whose faces will be missed, but whose impact will not be forgotten:

Researchers from Baylor University, BYU, Notre Dame and Yeshiva reveal gaps in how AI models handle faith and religion.

The Baylor Board of Regents celebrated the University’s second-best fundraising year ever, a growing endowment and continued success of the Extend the Line scholarship initiative.

The academic year is complete: finals graded, books returned, students graduated — and Baylor faculty honored! Congratulations to this year’s Baylor professors of the year:

For more than five decades, Baylor alumna Kathy Robinson Hillman, BA ’73, MLS, has embodied the spirit of Baylor University through her unwavering commitment to faith, education and service. 

Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug McNamee, B.A. ’03, M.S.Ed. ’05, is deeply connected to Baylor. 

One of Baylor’s own is now commander of the service’s oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force, the 5th Air Force, based in Japan.

For Tiffany Jones-Smith, BA ’95, what began as a passion for serving others has grown into a mission to advance kidney health and expand access to healthcare for all Texans. 

Many people enjoy watching anime as a way of unwinding with a pastime. 

A lot of great players have come through the Baylor Baseball program since Charley Carter (BBA ’98) set the program’s single-season home run record of 21 back in 1998 — David Murphy, Max Muncy and Shea Langeliers, just to name a few. But great as they are, none of them accomplished what Tyce Armstrong has done in 2026.

Entering the Big 12 tournament, Baylor’s first baseman has already mashed 24 home runs this season, breaking a record that stood for nearly three decades. A season that began with a bang in the season opener, when Armstrong became just the second player in NCAA history to hit three grand slams in one game, has somehow managed to grow even more historic from there.

Students in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business benefit from programs designed to enhance leadership skills.

Baylor Student Life cultivates a second-year experience for students to help guide their path to graduation and beyond.

Institutions of higher education in America are facing a host of challenging circumstances that are arguably unparalleled during the past century.

One of only 19 undergraduate students nationwide, and the only student from Texas, Ava Frescura, B.S. ’26, received an Undergraduate Research Award from the Society of Toxicology.

Following the first successful TEDxBaylor University event last fall, Baylor has released a YouTube playlist featuring talks from its inaugural event — a dynamic lineup of speakers from across the Baylor campus and the Waco community sharing innovative ideas, groundbreaking research and inspiring personal stories.

Recently named a top travel destination by Southern Living, Waco has a lot to offer! 

Twenty years after its founding, Baylor’s Black Gospel Archive (BGA) stands as one of the world’s foremost programs dedicated to preserving Black sacred music.

With Willie Nelson’s long-awaited return to Baylor University, Waco continues to hit a high note — and the momentum is only building. 

Championship team and a competitive venue put Baylor in the center of esports growth

U.S. News & World Report has included the University among the nation’s 30 Beautiful College Campuses.

Set to launch in Fall 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (B.S.B.M.E.) builds on Baylor’s established strengths in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. 

Baylor’s participation in National Engineers Week spotlights the year-round work of the University to inspire next generation of engineers.

Baylor University welcomes new deans in the College of Arts & Sciences and the Louise Herrington School of Nursing and an interim dean in the School of Music.

From gaining valuable on-set experiences to working alongside industry professionals, two Baylor film and digital media students applied skills learned in the classroom and expanded their knowledge of working on professional productions on the set of The Chosen. 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Baylor University have a partnership rooted in service and scholarship. 

Baylor University Career Center provides assistance to all Baylor students through tailored career coaching, connections with employers, graduate school planning and much more.

From fostering belonging to addressing isolation and mental health, the new Future Church Leadership certificate equips leaders and faith communities to navigate ministry in a changing world. 

For 10 years, Baylor Law School has set the national standard for experiential legal education with The Closer.

Baylor graduate and professional programs are ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Baylor is known for faculty who are dedicated to both the transformational education and top-tier research. 

Over the past 40 years, Steppin’ Out has become a tradition beloved by Baylor and the surrounding community.

Graduating seniors gathered one last time as students at McLane Stadium for Line to Legacy, an event designed to celebrate their accomplishments and welcome them as new alumni.

Baylor’s School of Education received a $30 million gift from the Moody Foundation of Galveston, Texas, supporting scholarships, expanding faculty research and providing resources to grow academic programs. 

Elite CAREER Awards spur high-level research by young Baylor faculty

Inside every human body are trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and more. Learn how Baylor researchers are making an impact studying these microscopic guests that play an oversized role in human health.

Among cancer types, colorectal cancers stand out, accounting for the second-most cancer deaths in 2025 — a statistic highlighting the need for new approaches to therapy and treatment.

Cory Dungan, Ph.D., and Michael Wiggs, Ph.D., who specialize in exercise physiology, are exploring ways to combat muscle loss in cancer survivors — particularly, pediatric survivors.

In the world of water research, Bryan Brooks, Ph.D., distinguished professor of environmental science, is a star, but his calling really lies in mentoring students to address a fundamental need for clean water around the globe.

As Baylor University pursues its distinctive goal as a preeminent Christian research university, the opportunity to build upon our foundational strengths in serving our students and the surrounding world has never been more promising.

Baylor received two significant grants from the Lilly Endowment aimed at equipping churches to serve the needs of their communities and congregations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, Baylor is doubling down on its most vital asset: fans. Under the leadership of Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug McNamee, B.A. ’03, M.S.Ed. ’05, the Fan First Era has officially arrived.

Spring brought the excitement of new seasons in Waco, with Baylor baseball celebrating a record-breaking investment in the future of the program.

Summer 2026 sports highlights

Last Thursday night was a memory decades in the making, as Willie Nelson returned to his alma mater and took the stage at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark.

Almost 75 years after he attended Baylor, the legendary country artist — at age 93 — performed for nearly an hour and a half on a picture-perfect evening. The sold-out crowd of more than 6,000 spanned virtually every age, from kids and college students on up — all brought together by a historic night.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — you did it!

This weekend, more than 3,100 Bears celebrated earning their degrees, the culmination of the Baylor experience. Thousands of their friends and family filled the Ferrell Center for each of the four ceremonies, and countless more watched online and joined in the celebration via social media to honor BU’s newest graduates.

The Global Flourishing Study is equipping families and organizations with the real-world tools to build conversations and communities where “the whole person” can thrive.

It's National Cancer Research Month, and Baylor researchers are leading the way on trailblazing approaches to effective therapies for some of the most aggressive cancers.

Baylor University’s core curriculum again has earned an “A” for the excellence of its core requirements from ACTA's "What Will They Learn?" project.

When Margo Paluch (BSED ’26) walks across the stage this weekend during Baylor Commencement, the senior elementary education major from Lake Geneva, Wisc., will experience a historic first as a member of the inaugural graduating class of Baylor’s newly named Moody School of Education. But she will also carry another first very close to her heart.

As a third-grade student teacher at Hewitt Elementary School just outside Waco, Paluch spent a day substituting in a self-contained special education classroom. That experience sparked an idea — a deeply personal one — about creating opportunities for her third graders to include others, be kind, and form friendships.

Jay Pulliam, Ph.D., will explore Antarctic ice shelf dynamics and the ancient geological connection between Antarctica and Africa.

Alan Lenz had heard all the stories about Baylor from his wife, Allison (BA ’94). Then the couple sent two of their kids to BU, and he heard even more incredible stories — enough that Alan felt he was missing out as the only non-Baylor member of his family.

This weekend, Alan and his youngest son, Robbie, will both walk the Ferrell Center stage at Commencement. Robbie (BA ’26) will receive his degree in communication, while Alan (EdD ’26) will receive his doctorate in education (learning and organizational change).

All year long, the Baylor Softball team challenged themselves by playing one of the nation’s toughest schedules, and they were rewarded for that effort by once again earning a selection into the NCAA Tournament — the program’s 17th in 23 seasons!

As Baylor University students prepare to move out of residence halls at the end of the spring semester, a campus-wide, student-led initiative is ensuring that usable items are not thrown away.

For a generation now, Baylor men’s tennis has set the standard for excellence in the Big 12 Conference. This year's Bears not only made the NCAA tournament, but have once again reached the Round of 16. Hosting NCAA early rounds for the 16th time in program history, No. 11-ranked Baylor swept Tulsa in the first round, then beat No. 22 Auburn 4-1 in the second round last week to advance.

In the Sweet 16, head coach Michael Woodson’s squad will host No. 27 Pepperdine on Friday (6 p.m.) at the Hurd Tennis Center. The winner will advance to the NCAA quarterfinals, hosted again this year by the University of Georgia.

On a campus of nearly 20,000 students — and with 160,000+ living alumni — there’s no shortage of great stories to tell from within the Baylor Family.

Baylor Magazine and BaylorProud share many of them in a written format, and Baylor Connections does the same in audio/video form. Now 19 episodes into its latest season, Connections this year has featured guests ranging from President Linda Livingstone and new Director of Athletics Doug McNamee to top Baylor researchers, student life leaders, and more.

Twelve Baylor professors have been honored with Outstanding Faculty Awards for exceptional teaching, scholarship and contributions to the academic community.

For nearly 30 years now, it’s become a theme that never gets old for Baylor’s Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs: a selection to the NCAA Tournament.

Once again this year, both teams are back in the NCAAs — the 28th straight appearance for the Baylor men, and 27th overall for the women — nearly three decades of excellence.

One of mainstream country music’s most popular live groups, Old Dominion is headed to Baylor University’s Foster Pavilion for an electrifying show on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.

Baylor anthropologist Duncan N.E. Stibbard-Hawkes, Ph.D., led a study of the Hadza and found that relatively equal outcomes are often maintained through “demand sharing.”

On Saturday, Baylor Acrobatics & Tumbling won its 11th — yes, ELEVENTH!!!!!!!!!!! — straight national title! The win extends a run that dates back to 2015 (there was no championship in 2020 due to COVID). Over those 12 seasons, head coach Felecia Mulkey’s squad has gone a mind-boggling 122-2, including a current 62-meet winning streak.

Last fall, Baylor launched its first varsity esports team, led by Baylor alum Adam Stanley (MDiv ’12). Just a few months later, the Bears have their first conference championship — and with eyes on even bigger prizes as they head to nationals.

It’s been almost 150 days — nearly five months — since we gathered at McLane Stadium around Baylor football.

That’s far too long.

This Saturday, the Baylor Family is invited back to McLane for “Baylor Fan Fest,” a festival-style celebration presented by McLane Children’s, featuring live music, local food trucks, interactive fan experiences, and a free open Baylor Football practice inside the stadium.

What if bacteria could be a tool to better deliver cancer drugs?

How would heart transplants be improved if hearts were better preserved while waiting for transplant?

These are just two of the many questions being addressed these days by Baylor researchers — professors and students alike — in departments across campus. It would take far more than this blog post to adequately capture the scope of Baylor research, but we can share a few examples of the latest work at BU:

What if bacteria could be a tool to better deliver cancer drugs?

How would heart transplants be improved if hearts were better preserved while waiting for transplant?

These are just two of the many questions being addressed these days by Baylor researchers — professors and students alike — in departments across campus. It would take far more than this blog post to adequately capture the scope of Baylor research, but we can share a few examples of the latest work at BU:

The Arctic Acclimatization & Sleep Optimization (ARKTOS) Research Center will advance collaborative research and testing on the impact of multi-stressor Arctic environments. 

For almost a century now, Diadeloso has provided Baylor students with a much-needed day off just as the spring semester reaches its crescendo — a day to rest and relax, have fun with friends, and make memories on campus that will last a lifetime.

Gray skies threatened to dampen the Dia activities, but thankfully the rain held off, allowing for all the usual festivities to continue as planned. Traditional Dia activities like games, inflatables and a petting zoo were mixed with newer favorites like axe throwing, Nerf gun battles and a rock climbing wall — all served up in the heart of campus on Fountain Mall.

It may just be the biggest stage in sports sales for a student. Representing their schools at an NBA or NHL arena, students step up to the table with industry professionals (who may someday be their colleagues) and make their pitch. If it feels like an NCAA competition, that’s intentional — and it’s Baylor that makes it possible.

Baylor’s Center for Sales Strategy in Sports and Entertainment (commonly known as “S3E”) is the driving force behind the National Collegiate Business Championships. This series of sales competitions brings together college students from across North America to help them sharpen their skills and test themselves in front of industry leaders. Numerous in-person and virtual competitions comprise the championships in both the U.S. and Canada.

In just one year, Baylor has gone from hosting no major concerts to offering a full slate of live music and entertainment events, placing both Baylor and the City of Waco on the radar of national touring artists.

On March 9, 1954, Baylor University admitted a student from a small town near Waco — just in time to start the spring term. His name was Willie Nelson.

Now, some 72 years later, the University is welcoming Willie back to campus to celebrate his Baylor ties and his legendary career in music and public service. Highlighting the reunion will be an outdoor concert by Willie Nelson & Family on Thursday, May 14, at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark, just a few weeks after his 93rd birthday.

When it comes to speeches with an impact, TED Talks are the big leagues — and through their TEDx series, they allow grassroots voices to share their stories of overcoming obstacles, lessons learned, innovation and more.

Last fall, Baylor faculty, staff, students and alumni took the stage at the inaugural TEDxBaylor University event, where they presented speeches based on the theme of “Innovation in Deeds,” connecting to the University’s strategic plan through their own personal stories. (Those stories are now available online for a global audience.)

The first two waves of data from the Global Flourishing Study, the most comprehensive empirical investigation of human flourishing ever undertaken, is now publicly available through the Center for Open Science at no cost and without pre-registration. 

In the spring of 1945, a group of Baylor students prayed for spiritual renewal for 90 straight days. Their prayers led to a movement that helped inspire ministries on campus and around the world, from the Journeyman mission program to the Passion Conferences.

Last week, thousands of Baylor students again gathered in Jesus’ name for FM72, an annual 72-hour on-campus prayer and worship event coordinated by Baylor’s Office of Spiritual Life in conjunction with local churches and campus ministries.