Pioneer and Mentor

Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes was a widely respected mathematician who became Baylor’s first Black professor in 1966.
In 1961, Malone-Mayes applied to Baylor in hopes of earning her Ph.D. in mathematics. Baylor had yet to integrate its campus, and she was rejected because of her race. She persevered to become the second African American and the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Texas, and the fifth Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics in the country.
By the time Malone-Mayes had completed her studies, Baylor had fully integrated. She applied and was selected as a faculty member in the math department. She became a highly regarded faculty colleague for her research and innovative teaching methods.
Adored by her students for her ability to connect with and mentor them, Malone-Mayes also was a leader in education statewide and nationally, including roles as director-at-large for the Texas section of the Mathematical Association of America, a member of the board of directors for the National Association of Mathematics and as a member of the executive committee of the Association of Women in Mathematics.
Malone-Mayes is one of many Baylor professors whose legacy of dedication to their discipline and their students lives on in the hearts of the Baylor Family. The relationship between student and teacher is exemplified by students often taking more than one class from the same professor or by faculty engaging students while on campus between classes or with an open door during their office hours. Faculty also go above and beyond for their students by working with them on internship opportunities, graduate school applications, and honors and recognitions.
Baylor faculty live among residents in our campus residence halls and often teach classes in the residential facilities. They engage students in social settings and encourage them as they build community. These faculty-in-residence serve as a resource for students in their academic journeys and are often seen hosting students for dinner, coordinating events and initiating discussions with student groups.
Baylor University’s transformational undergraduate academic programs and experiences were Top 10 national highlights in the 2025 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Baylor’s programs expose college students to new academic experiences that, research shows, are linked to student success and positive learning outcomes while fostering a rewarding undergraduate experience.