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For the second consecutive year, Baylor University welcomed to campus its second-largest and most diverse freshman class in university history, as more than 3,000 students moved into university residence halls prior to the start of the fall semester. Although enrollment isn't official until the 12th class day, nearly 3,100 freshmen are attending classes at Baylor, only the third time ever that freshman enrollment has topped 3,000.

George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University will honor five people as honorary alumni during its fall convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Baylor University announced Aug. 18 the completion of funding for the Baylor School of Social Work's first endowed faculty positions. The Diana R. Garland Endowed Chair in Child and Family Services in the School of Social Work and the Dorothy Barfield Kronzer Endowed Professorship in Family Studies will help attract and retain top-flight faculty, promoting the growth and prestige of Baylor's youngest school.

Members of the Baylor University Presidential Search Committee met July 22 to discuss the progress of the current search for the university's 14th president. With the help of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, and with the benefit of input provided during listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, the search committee has worked with Jerry Baker, principal of the national search firm of Baker and Associates of Atlanta, to develop the profile necessary for the next president of Baylor.

Eighteen students were chosen recently to receive the initial endowment scholarships made possible through a $4 million gift from the estate of Baylor University benefactor Allene Hubler, who designated the money for Baylor's Ministry Guidance program.

Baylor University alumnus Dr. Faber F. McMullen Jr. of Bellaire, Texas, passed away July 19. With his wife, Roxanna Connally McMullen, Dr. McMullen was an advocate for education as well as a lover of art, and he eagerly shared these passions with Baylor University.

A recent Baylor University music graduate from Copperas Cove has become the university's sixth recipient of a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in 2009, bringing the total number of Baylor students who have received the honor to 20 since 2001.

Baylor University announced today a $500,000 gift from the DeBakey Medical Foundation, establishing the Michael E. DeBakey, Selma DeBakey and Lois DeBakey Endowed Scholarship Fund in Medical Humanities at Baylor University. The scholarship will allow recipients, who will be designated as DeBakey Scholars, to continue the legacy of a family that has revolutionized the field of medicine in many ways.

Baylor University's quality as a top choice for students has been recognized in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and more recently by The Fiske Guide to Colleges. Now, a national publication in the field of higher education has recognized Baylor University as a high quality employer. Baylor is cited in eight categories as a "Great College to Work For" by The Chronicle of Higher Education's annual survey, released today.

Baylor University is one of only 44 public and private colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and Great Britain - and the only Texas Big 12 institution - named a "Best Buy" in the 2010 edition of The Fiske Guide to Colleges, a best-selling independent source of information for college-bound students and their parents.

Baylor University announced today a significant gift from the estate of Lee and Millie Harris of Bartlesville, Okla., establishing the M. Lee and Millie Harris Endowed Scholarship Fund in the Hankamer School of Business. The scholarship honors the couple's three granddaughters who each earned degrees from Baylor's business school: Stacy Lessman (BBA '93) of Yukon, Okla., Lori Rodgers (BBA '97) of Frisco, Texas, and Kristi Blauser (BBA '00) of Rockwall, Texas.

Baylor University's Presidential Search Committee wrapped up its scheduled listening sessions this week with three events for alumni and friends.

The Baylor University Board of Regents at its spring meeting today approved a $389 million operating budget for 2009-2010. The board also elected new regents and approved the conversion of an existing master of science in education degree with specialization in health education to a master of public health degree with specialization in community health education (MPH-CHE).

Leaders in the Central Texas and Baylor University communities joined together to celebrate the Baylor/Waco Foundation's "Big 5-0" with an anniversary dinner on April 28. Gathering at Baylor's Mayborn Museum Complex, the organization commemorated its golden anniversary of serving as a hometown support group and stirred up excitement for the 50th anniversary campaign.

Baylor University Alumnus Honoris Causa Lev H. Prichard III, 72, of Corpus Christi, passed away April 7. Prichard was initiated into the Baylor family through his wife, Ella, and friends and had long been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the university.

One of the world's largest collections of American Children's Glass is on permanent display - several pieces at a time - in the Mayborn Museum Complex's newest Discovery Room in the Jeanes Discovery Center. "Aunt Blanche's Tea Room" was dedicated and opened to the public for the first time on March 7, becoming the museum's 17th Discovery Room that provides visitors with hands-on, interactive learning activities.

Baylor University is mourning the death of Horton Foote, one of America's leading playwrights and screenwriters and Baylor's Visiting Distinguished Dramatist, who died Wednesday in Hartford, Conn., at the age of 92.

Baylor University Board of Regents Chair Dr. Howard K. Batson today announced the appointment of a Presidential Search Committee who will lead the national effort to select the university's 14th president.

The Baylor University Board of Regents today approved a new doctoral program in curriculum and teaching in the School of Education that will address the growing need for more high quality university-based teacher educators to prepare the next generation of teachers for public, private and Christian school service.

Fred and Princess Cameron of Houston will receive one of the most distinguished awards given by Baylor University - the Founders Medallion - at a ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, during Chapel. Established in 1969, the Founders Medal is reserved for men and women whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of the university.

Four Baylor University psychology professors have started the Baylor Addictions Research Consortium, a new community substance abuse and dependence education program that brings to the Waco area the first structured educational program taught by research experts in substance abuse and dependence.

For the second consecutive year, Baylor University has been ranked as one of the nation's top 50 "Best Values in Private Colleges and Universities," according to findings published in the February 2009 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.

A Baylor University researcher has discovered a new species of pea existing in the Hill Country, adding to the nearly 300 species of legumes in the state.

Baylor University formally dedicated the much-anticipated Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletics Complex and the Simpson Athletics and Academic Center Friday, Dec. 12, during a ceremony in the center's Champions Gallery.

Baylor University gained yards in its quest for gridiron glory with the Nov. 15 groundbreaking ceremony of the Jay and Jenny Allison Indoor Football Practice Facility. The facility provides a critical component of the vision for the Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletics Complex and will provide Baylor student-athletes with a premier practice space as they strive for victory.

Baylor University's Class of 2009 has taken to heart W.B. Yeats' words, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." This year's Baylor senior class gift will light the fire of education, both figuratively and literally.

The Baylor University Board of Regents today announced that the university has received a significant naming gift from Baylor alumni Jay and Jenny Reid Allison of Frisco, Texas, for the Jay and Jenny Allison Indoor Football Practice Facility, which will complete the Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletic Complex. The announcement came at the conclusion of the board's annual Homecoming meeting.

Baylor University will hold its 99th Homecoming celebration Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 with a variety of traditional events and activities for students and alumni.

Baylor University Alumnus Honoris Causa Harry Chavanne passed away Oct. 24 in Houston at the age of 96. Along with his wife, Baylor alumna Hazel Prince Chavanne, who preceded him in death, the couple was committed to serving students and promoting Christian ethics education at Baylor.

East Texas Baptist University today named Dr. Dub Oliver, vice president for student life at Baylor University, as ETBU's president, effective June 1, 2009. He will succeed current ETBU President Bob E. Riley, who will retire next summer after 17 years as the university's president.

Baylor University will host the 27th annual Missions Week from Oct. 13-17, allowing the Baylor community to interact with missionaries from around the world.

Four generations of the Wolf-Sims family have attended Baylor University, and the family will be honored Oct. 10 with the 2008 First Family of Baylor Award given by the Baylor Alumni Association.

Jim and Joanna Heffington Nelson of Austin have been named Baylor University's Parents of the Year for 2008. The couple will be honored during the halftime ceremony of the Baylor vs. Iowa State football game Oct. 11 at Floyd Casey Stadium.

Parents can experience what life is like as a "Baylor Bear" through various traditions and activities as Baylor University hosts 2008 Parents Weekend on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, on the Baylor campus.

Faber and Roxanna Connally McMullen never forgot the stalwart commitment of Baylor faculty. After all, it was Baylor faculty who laid the groundwork for Dr. Faber McMullen Jr.'s career as a respected cardiologist. The McMullen-Connally Faculty Center, complete with the McMullen-Connally Family Art Collection, was dedicated Oct. 3, in tribute to the McMullens' parents, as well as professors who went the extra mile to serve students.

The Baylor University Libraries dedicated the Ray I. Riley Digitization Center and the Dottie S. Riley Conference Room during a ceremony on Oct. 3. The facilities' completion marks a significant step forward in the digitization capabilities of Baylor Libraries.

Baylor Law School has awarded its prestigious Leon Jaworski Scholarship to Elena Cincione of Chicago. The full-tuition scholarship, named for the Baylor Law alumnus who served as Special Prosecutor during the Watergate crisis, is awarded to incoming law students who have outstanding records in advocacy programs, such as debate, mock trial and moot court.

Mike Blackman, a Baylor University journalism graduate and veteran reporter and editor, has joined his alma mater as the Fred Hartman Distinguished Professor of Journalism. As the newest addition to the journalism department, Blackman will bring in several prestigious speakers throughout the year.

Baylor University has enrolled 14,541 students, the largest overall enrollment in university history, according to official 12th-day enrollment statistics compiled by the Office of Institutional Research and Testing. The university also enrolled its second largest and most diverse freshman class, as well as record numbers of students in the Graduate School and George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

Dedicated Baylor University alumnus and former trustee Milfred Lewis of Missouri City, Texas, passed away Sept. 2 in Houston. A lifelong leader, he advanced Baylor through his generous philanthropy to the university, including the naming gift for the Lewis Art Building of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center in the late 1970s, as well as nine years of service on the Board of Trustees.

The Baylor University Student Foundation recently was selected as the 2008 Association of Student Advancement Programs' (ASAP) Outstanding Student Foundation. The announcement was made during the 2008 ASAP Network Convention in Salt Lake City.

Dr. Howard K. Batson, chairman of the Baylor University Board of Regents, announced today the appointment of Dr. David E. Garland as interim president of Baylor University. Garland will succeed Harold R. Cunningham, who has been acting president since July 2008.

Husband-and-wife deans at Baylor University, David and Diana Garland, have joined seminary and social work forces and been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to educate and equip indigenous church leaders for effective, holistic ministry in their home cultures.

Before America's Super Bowl every year, there's one question as anticipated as the game itself: who will sing the national anthem? So who will perform the national anthem (or anthems) before Sunday's finals of the European Soccer Championship, a worldwide stage that rivals the Super Bowl? Texas native and Baylor University graduate Eddie Gauntt will perform the German national anthem before Sunday's internationally televised match in Vienna between Germany and Spain.

A Baylor University language and literacy program has received a generous gift of $82,000 from Waco Scottish Rite.

Three Baylor University students - including one who has been awarded the prestigious honor for the second consecutive year - have received Critical Language Scholarships to study in Russia during a two-month intensive program this summer.

Baylor University has received a $200,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to conduct the first national research on clergy sexual abuse of adults. The unprecedented initiative - announced by Dr. Diana Garland, dean of Baylor's School of Social Work and director of the study - will help communities and congregations develop new practices and policies to prevent clergy sexual abuse and ensure that survivors receive appropriate care.

The Baylor University Board of Regents at its spring meeting today approved a $366 million operating budget for 2008-09. The board also elected Dr. Howard K. Batson of Amarillo to serve a one-year term as chair, effective June 1. Donell Teaff of Waco was elected vice chair. Regents also approved two new degree programs - a bachelor of science in computing (BSC) degree and a nurse midwifery doctorate in nursing practice (NM/DNP) degree.

Two Baylor University seniors - Lauren Hughes of Cedar Creek Lake and Cleyera Martin of Kemp - have been selected to receive the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, bringing the number of Baylor students who have received the honor since 2001 to 14. The flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, the Fulbright Program is designed to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries."

Two recent Baylor Law graduates were among the top three scorers on the February 2008 Texas Bar Exam. Thomas Keane of Dallas received the second highest score on the exam, while Ashley DeForest of Houston received the third highest score. Stephen Shackelford Jr., who received his law degree from Harvard, was the top scorer.

Residents in some rural Texas counties with a small population are less likely to be issued a severe thunderstorm warning by the National Weather Service than if they live in an urban county with a large population, even though the storm's intensity might be the same. That's just one of the findings from a Baylor University study looking at the issuance of severe weather reports and severe thunderstorm warnings over a 20-year period.

Baylor freshmen Amanda Mitchell and Samantha Stephenson won second place in the Spring 2008 Capsim Foundation(R) International Challenge, a global online business simulation competition designed to teach the essential elements of running a business. Each participating team ran a $40 million company for five to eight years in the online simulation, which emphasizes finance, cause and effect relationships between functional areas, competitive analysis and satisfying customer demand.

The Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University has been chosen as the recipient of the 2008 Exhibition Award by the Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art (CASETA). The announcement was made at the organization's annual symposium held April 12-13 in Fort Worth.

Catherine Sykes, a Baylor University graduate student in social work from Glen Allen, Va., received inspiration for her research project while sitting at breakfast one morning. Because she had at one time suffered from an eating disorder, and saw many of her friends still suffering, she wondered what she could do to address the situation. Her cereal box gave her the answer.

Two Baylor Law School students who will clerk for the Texas Supreme Court will take part in commencement exercises this Saturday. Josh Fogelman and Jeff Watters, who will begin their clerkships in the fall, are part of a graduating class of 70 students who will receive their juris doctor degrees at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, in Jones Concert Hall at the Glennis McCrary Music Building on the Baylor campus.

Dr. Robert Darden, associate professor of journalism at Baylor University, has been selected for the 2008 Baylor Centennial Professor award, which will allow him to research black gospel artists and the effects of their music on the Civil Rights Movement. The award coincides with Darden's work on Baylor's Black Gospel Music Restoration Project.

Baylor University's Board of Regents today approved the construction of the $1.3 million Carlile Geology Research Building, which will be built adjacent to the Baylor Sciences Building. Regents today also approved a new research institute and two doctoral degree programs, as the university continues to add to its research infrastructure.

Baylor University alumna and former Baylor First Lady Mary Russell McCall was presented with one of the university's most distinguished awards - the Baylor University Founders Medallion - during the Jan. 28 Founders Day ceremony in Waco Hall. Established in 1969, the Founders Medal is reserved for men and women whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of the university.

Baylor University has named Dr. Stephen D. Davis, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Pepperdine University, as the 2008 recipient of the

Baylor University offices and campus facilities will vary their regular operating hours during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. University administrative offices, with the exception of the development office and other essential services, will be closed for the Christmas break Dec. 22-Jan. 1.

Baylor University's Class of 2008 represents students from different backgrounds, majors, organizations and ambitions. However, these students are united by more than a common graduation year, as more than 84 percent of Baylor students receive financial aid of some kind to attend Baylor. Starting this year, Baylor's senior class gift will establish and support an endowed scholarship fund that will allow more students to experience Baylor, thanks to Baylor students who went before them.

After nearly a decade in the making, the 9-foot-tall, 1,200-pound Pyfer bear sculpture has a new home in front of Baylor University's McLane Student Life Center. The bronze sculpture, created by Dr. Douglas W. Crow, professor of German and sculptor-in-residence at Baylor, and funded through a generous gift by Carol (Trice) and John F. Pyfer of Lancaster, Pa., was installed Nov. 12 in the island circle in front of the SLC.

Baylor University announced today a $5 million gift from Clifton and Betsy Robinson of Waco that will provide the financial means for some of the nation's highest achieving high school students to obtain a top education at Baylor.

Russell and Betty Pilcher of Highlands Ranch, Colo., were honored as Baylor University's Parents of the Year for 2007, during the halftime ceremony of the Baylor vs. Colorado football game Oct. 6 in Waco, Texas.

Longtime Baylor University supporter and Alumna Honoris Causa Eula Mae Baugh passed away Aug. 29 in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 89. Baugh and her late husband, John F. Baugh, were ardent supporters of Baylor. From serving in volunteer and leadership roles for the university to generous financial support, the Baughs left an indelible impression on the University and the Texas Baptist community.

The Baylor University Board of Regents concluded its three-day July retreat on Friday, approving the formation of the Baylor Advanced Research Institute (BARI) and upgrading the medical humanities program, and announced Baylor's plans to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first Baptist churches with a year-long celebration beginning in fall 2008.

Baylor University announced today a $1.2 million gift from the estate of John Reagan Harris of Center, Texas, that will establish the John Reagan Harris Endowed Scholarship Fund, as well as the John Reagan Harris Endowed Music Ministry Excellence Fund within the Baylor School of Music's Center for Christian Music Studies.

Jack Folmar, a former Baylor University trustee and regent designated an Alumnus Honoris Causa for his dedication to the university, died Monday, July 9, in Dallas. A memorial service for Folmar will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 13, at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, with a reception immediately following.

Dr. David Garland, dean of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, has announced the appointment of Dr. Dennis Tucker, associate professor of Christian scripture, as associate dean of the seminary.

Baylor University is among the most productive research universities in the nation, according to a new study released by Academic Analytics, a corporation based in Stony Brook, N.Y. that measures faculty scholarly productivity. Baylor also placed in the top 10 among large research universities in Texas, defined as institutions with 15 or more Ph.D. programs across multiple disciplines.

A physical monument is in place for the first time in Baylor University history to honor the memory of 10 students, known as the Immortal Ten, who died in a tragic accident near Austin more than 80 years ago.

Baylor University has added another Fulbright Scholar to its growing number of students who have received the prestigious honor. Joy McCullough, a recent University Scholar graduate from Los Alamos, N.M., will study aquatic toxicology in Finland beginning this fall on a Fulbright Scholarship.

Baylor University President John M. Lilley released the following statement today about the passing of Ruth Graham, wife of renowned evangelist Billy Graham and mother of Baylor regent Anne Graham Lotz.

Love letters written by a Civil War soldier in the early 1860s have crossed into the digital age, thanks to a local physician and the Baylor University Electronic Library.

A $250,000 gift from Don A. and Ruth Vernon Buchholz of Dallas brought Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing Simulator Fund halfway to its goal - and comes with a challenge for other School of Nursing supporters to fully fund the $500,000 project.

Longtime Baylor University supporter Anna Elizabeth Sturgis Jeanes died at her home in Waco on June 6. Jeanes was a beloved wife, friend, community leader and member of the Baylor family.

Following services this morning at First Baptist Church of Waco for Baylor University President Emeritus Herbert H. Reynolds, the funeral procession of vehicles will proceed during the noon hour through the Baylor campus. The procession will travel along on Fifth Street to Oakwood Cemetery.

The Texas House of Representatives honored Baylor University President Emeritus Herbert H. Reynolds on Saturday, May 26, with a memorial resolution, HCR 277 by Rep. Jim Dunnam (BBA '86, JD '87). Both the House and Senate then adjourned in Reynolds' honor.

Baylor University President Emeritus Herbert H. Reynolds, the 11th president of Texas' oldest continuously operating university, died suddenly May 25 in Angel Fire, N.M. He was 77.

Baylor University's Mayborn Museum Complex is pleased to announce its 2007 summer traveling exhibit - Wrapped in Tradition: The Chihuly Collection of American Indian Trade Blankets - which will be on display in the Thomas E. and Emilyne Weed Anding Traveling Exhibit Gallery at the museum from May 20-Aug. 18.

The Baylor University Board of Regents at its spring meeting today approved a $345 million operating budget for 2007-08. The board also elected officers, heard an alumni report and celebrated the groundbreakings of two significant facilities to be built on the Baylor campus.

Baylor University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the McMullen-Connally Faculty Center at 2 p.m. Friday, May 11, at the construction site on South Fifth Street between Speight and Bagby Avenues. A reception will follow immediately in the Ed Crenshaw Student Foundation Center.

Baylor University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the $34 million Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletics Complex and the Simpson Athletics and Academic Center at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at the construction site on University Parks Drive, near the Baylor Marina, bringing Baylor's football operations back to campus for the first time in the modern era.

Raising a five-figure dollar amount is a challenge. Raising it in small increments, at a suggested $25 per gift, is even more difficult. However, that is exactly what the Baylor class of 2007 did, and on April 24, they dedicated their senior class gift - landscaping the Draper/Old Main Complex courtyards.

In recognition of their vision, leadership and generosity to the university, Baylor University honored Ken and Celia Carlile of Marshall with the dedication of the Ken and Celia Carlile Atrium in the Baylor Sciences Building during a ceremony on April 25.

Longtime Baylor University servant-leader Dorothy Barfield Kronzer died April 14 at the age of 84. Kronzer's 67-year relationship with Baylor was characterized by her dedication to leadership positions on the Board of Trustees and Alumni Association executive board and her faithful philanthropy to the university.

Baylor University announced today that the university's Martin Museum of Art and Mayborn Museum's Traveling Exhibit Program will benefit from an endowment funded by the Virginia Frances Webb estate.

The Baylor University Board of Regents at its February meeting today approved plans to construct the Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletics Complex and the Simpson Athletics and Academic Center, a $34 million complex that will integrate the Baylor athletics department and football program into the campus environment for the first time in the modern era.

Baylor University President John M. Lilley announced today the appointment of Dr. Karla Leeper as chief of staff, effective June 1. Leeper, who currently serves as associate professor and acting chair of the department of communication studies, will succeed Professor Michael D. Morrison, who is returning to teaching duties at Baylor Law School.

Under the landmark Brooks arch, with nine members of the Samuel Palmer Brooks family looking on, Baylor University broke ground May 12 on Brooks Village, the university's newest residential community that is expected to open in fall 2007.

Baylor University will hold two dedication ceremonies today (Friday, April 28).

With all the tradition and pageantry of a time-honored ceremony, Baylor University inaugurated John Mark Lilley as the institution's 13th president April 21 in the Ferrell Center on the Baylor campus. The ceremony, which included performances from the School of Music and a keynote address from Newsweek Managing Editor Jon Meacham, is available via streaming video at

The Baylor University Board of Regents at its spring meeting today approved a $317 million operating budget for 2006-07 and authorized the construction of a new facility off of University Parks Drive for the university's intercollegiate equestrian program.

Baylor University President John M. Lilley announced today the appointment of Dr. J. Randall O'Brien as executive vice president and provost, effective immediately. O'Brien has served as interim vice president for academic affairs and provost since June 1, 2005.

James L. (Skip) Rutherford, the "major mover" behind the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark., will visit Baylor University on Wednesday, May 3, to discuss the value and impact of a presidential library on a local community.

Baylor University presented the 2006 Milton T. Gregory Distinguished Service Award to Carroll and Aline Groner Webb of Waco, during the April 8 meeting of the Baylor Development Council.

In appreciation of his loyal support and commitment to Baylor University, Troy M. Mays of Amarillo, Texas, received one of the most distinguished awards given by Baylor - the 2006 Founders Medal - at a ceremony Jan. 30 at Baylor.

Baylor University Board of Regents Chairman Will Davis of Austin has appointed David Sibley to chair an eight-member Presidential Inauguration Committee to oversee plans for the April installation of Dr. John M. Lilley as the university's 13th president.

Baylor University has enrolled a total of 13,019 students for the spring 2006 semester, an increase of more than 300 students over last spring's enrollment, according to official 12th-day enrollment statistics compiled by the Office of Institutional Research and Testing.

Baylor University's investment return rate of 14.2 percent on its endowment for fiscal year 2005 ranked the university in the top 6 percent of all U.S. colleges and universities (44th out of nearly 750 institutions), according to information released Jan. 23 by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).