Partners in Advancing Baylor’s Mission

Linda Livingstone: Jason, I am excited to introduce you to the Baylor Family as you begin your role leading Baylor’s development and alumni engagement efforts. Can you share a few things about yourself and what drew you to Baylor?

Jason Diffenderfer: Baylor is uniquely positioned in the world of higher education. The combination of excellence in academic programs, research and athletics was important when I considered this opportunity, but Baylor’s Christian mission was what led me here. Baylor has been a school that I’ve admired from a distance for some time. I attended a Baptist affiliated university, Gardner-Webb University, which was formative not only in my educational experience but also in my faith journey. I’ve been fortunate to work at two large public research universities — both during $1 billion campaigns — that have been outstanding career experiences. But, when I reflect on the work we do in university advancement — working with alumni, parents and friends to invest in the future of the university — it’s important to consider the impact of those investments. And at Baylor, these investments can make an eternal impact on the lives of our students. 

Livingstone: We are celebrating the conclusion of Give Light, the University’s most recent philanthropic campaign, with a record of more than $1.5 billion in gifts and pledges and almost 100,000 donors participating. What is next for Baylor’s fundraising for strategic initiatives and student scholarships?

Diffenderfer: This is an exciting time to be at Baylor. The University has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years, and the Baylor Family has been incredibly generous in its support. As we launch Baylor’s next strategic plan, we know there are critical funding needs that will allow Baylor to continue this trajectory. Students are at the core of our mission, so continuing to increase the resources available — particularly endowed scholarships — will be a priority. But the student experience is significantly impacted by their professors and the spaces and places across our campus, so continuing our focus on establishing endowed faculty positions and funding for facility improvements will be critical in delivering that exceptional educational experience for our students. 

Livingstone: In your experience, what are the most compelling reasons alumni give to their alma maters? Do you see anything different about Baylor that makes you excited for the future of philanthropic giving here?

Diffenderfer: So often in my conversations with donors, I find that alumni have an interest in supporting their alma maters because of the support they received as students and the impact of their education in launching them into successful careers. Whether that support was through financial assistance to attend college, the time and attention a faculty or staff member invested in them during their academic career, or the valued relationships fostered with peers, these experiences are at the core of their philanthropy. All of these experiences create a level of affinity, but as individuals consider philanthropy, affinity to the organization’s present-day mission — not just the experience they had as students — drives their giving decisions. I think Baylor, staying true to its mission, will continue to separate itself from its peers and expand interest from alumni and others who have an affinity to advance Christian higher education in our country. 

Livingstone: Our ongoing relationships with alumni, parents and friends are very important to the life of the University. What are some of your priorities for cultivating even deeper connections with this group? 

Diffenderfer: Baylor provides a distinct student experience and is intentional about cultivating the Baylor Family, not just in name but as a core component of our culture. I believe our advancement efforts must ensure the Baylor Family is real, even after a student graduates or a donor makes a gift. As we are developing relationships with alumni, parents and friends, we also will be thinking about how we can extend the impact of and support for the Baylor Family. I’m looking forward to growing our engagement efforts as we continue to evolve and add lifelong value to the Baylor community. 

Livingstone: Given Baylor’s standing as a preeminent Christian research university, what message will you be sharing with our alumni and friends about the importance of their role as ambassadors for Baylor?

Diffenderfer: You’ve said before that “the world needs a Baylor.” I know the Baylor Family agrees. But for the world to get the Baylor it needs, Baylor needs to inspire our alumni, parents and friends to come alongside this great university and partner in advancing our mission. I’m looking forward to that essential work.