Baylor University

Baylor University
Name	Baylor University
Established	1845
Type	Private research university
Religious affiliation	Baptist (Baptist General Convention of Texas)
Endowment	$2.0 billion (2023)
President	Linda Livingstone
Students	20,626 (Fall 2022)
City	Waco
State	Texas
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 1,000 acres
Colors	Green & gold
Nickname	Bears
Mascot	Bruiser (Bear)
Website	www.baylor.edu

Baylor University is a private Baptist research university located in Waco, Texas. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, it is the oldest continuously operating university in the state. The institution is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and maintains a historic affiliation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

History

The institution was chartered on February 1, 1845, by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas, making it the oldest university in the state. Its founders were pioneers like Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor, James Huckins, and William Milton Tryon, who sought to establish a Christian institution of higher learning. Originally located in Independence, Texas, the university moved to its current location in Waco in 1886, facilitated by a land offer from the Waco Chamber of Commerce and the construction of a new campus. Key historical developments include the merger with Waco University in 1886, the admission of women from its inception, and significant growth under presidents like Samuel Palmer Brooks, who served for three decades during the early 20th century. The modern era has been marked by substantial academic expansion, the achievement of R1 research status, and navigating challenges such as the Baylor University sexual assault scandal in the 2010s.

Academics

The university is organized into twelve degree-granting schools and colleges, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the Hankamer School of Business, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. It offers over 125 undergraduate majors, 80 master's programs, and 47 doctoral programs, including a Juris Doctor through the Baylor Law School and a Doctor of Medicine through the Baylor College of Medicine (now independently located in Houston). Notable academic programs include the Honors College, the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, and highly ranked offerings in entrepreneurship, law, and health professions. The university's libraries, anchored by the Moody Memorial Library, hold over 2.7 million volumes. Faculty are engaged in significant research initiatives, with funded projects through agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Campus

The main campus spans approximately 1,000 acres along the Brazos River in Waco, featuring a mix of historic and modern Collegiate Gothic architecture. Notable landmarks include Pat Neff Hall, the Armstrong Browning Library housing the world's largest collection of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning materials, and the Mayborn Museum Complex. The campus is centered around Fountain Mall and includes significant facilities like the Baylor Sciences Building, the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, and the McLane Stadium, which hosts NCAA Division I football games. Recent developments include the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and ongoing expansions to research and residential facilities.

Student life

Student life is characterized by a strong tradition of campus involvement, with over 330 student organizations. A prominent feature is the role of Christian ministries and mandatory chapel attendance for undergraduate students. The university hosts a vibrant Greek system, with numerous chapters of Panhellenic and Interfraternity councils. Major annual events include Diadeloso (Day of the Bear), a traditional campus-wide holiday, and Homecoming festivities. Residential life is centered around several living-learning communities and residence halls, fostering a close-knit campus environment. Student media includes the *Baylor Lariat* newspaper and KWBU-FM radio.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Baylor Bears, compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. The program has achieved national prominence, particularly in basketball, where the men's team won the NCAA national championship in 2021 under coach Scott Drew, and the women's team, coached by Kim Mulkey, won three national titles (2005, 2012, 2019). The football team has won multiple Big 12 championships and played in prestigious bowl games like the Sugar Bowl. Other successful programs include acrobatics and tumbling, which has won multiple national championships, and track and field. Athletic facilities include McLane Stadium, the Ferrell Center, and the Baylor Ballpark.

Notable alumni and faculty

The university's alumni, known as Baylor Bears, have achieved distinction in numerous fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include former Governor of Texas Ann Richards, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. In entertainment, alumni include actors and comedians like Steve Martin, Angela Kinsey, and Dennis Quaid. The world of sports features stars such as NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, WNBA player Brittney Griner, and MLB player David Murphy. Distinguished faculty have included Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David G. McComb, theologian and author Roger E. Olson, and former United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins.

Category:Universities and colleges in Texas Category:Baptist universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1845