About The Baylor Line

Sections

Our Mission

We believe there’s a story for every Baylor grad. Our purpose is to tell those stories by providing coverage from beyond campus in an independent, rigorous, and alumni-centric way. We believe that when every Baylor grad is engaged, informed, connected, and accepted, their voices can empower a better Baylor Family. Will you join us in this mission today?

Our Values

The work we do day-in-and-out is driven by our values. While we’re committed to many, we feel these four sum up our core identity best: 

  1. Integrity – We do what’s right — especially when the stakes are high.
  2. Independence – We act in the best interest of our mission and our members, without fear or favor.
  3. Inclusivity – We believe the Baylor Family gets better when every Baylor grad is included.
  4. Innovation – We’re here to build a bigger, better Baylor Line — investing in what works, not what we’ve always done.

Our History

Since 1859, we’ve been in the business of connecting, informing, and supporting alumni. We’ve been known by many names — Baylor Ex-Student’s Association, Baylor Alumni Association, Baylor Line Foundation. In each era, we’ve kept that same mission: building a better Baylor Family. We’re the oldest alumni organization in Texas and we’ve survived many storms, still standing strong and proud. All along the way, we’ve been publishing the stories of every Baylor grad. If you want to read about possibly our most defining moment, check out The Real Story issue. If this is your first time learning about The Baylor Line, welcome. If you’re a seasoned member, welcome back.

Our Work

Today, you know us as a trusted source of independent coverage from beyond campus. We believe there’s a story for every Baylor grad and it’s our job to tell them all. We do this through print, digital, audio, and video journalism, as well as with in-person, virtual, and annual events highlighting the best in the Baylor Family. Our public service journalism is free to read and supported by members, corporate sponsors, major donors, an endowment, and various other revenue streams.

Our Members

At Baylor Line, membership matters. We’ve made it 165 years thanks to their support and we plan to earn your trust, support, and partnership for generations to come. Membership costs just $45/year — with major giving tiers available starting at $1,000/year.

Our Leadership

The Baylor Line is published by Baylor Line Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Since 1859, we’ve been an independent resource to alumni, students, faculty, and fans of Baylor University. As a nonprofit organization, The Baylor Line does not have an owner, but, instead, is governed by independent, volunteer directors, who make up our board. They’re all committed to our values of inclusivity, independence, and innovation. They guide the organization, approve the budget and major programming decisions, and invest in the longevity of The Baylor Line. An executive committee, made up of members of the board of directors, oversees the chief executive officer. Learn more about our board members here.

Staff Leadership

Our senior leadership manages the day-to-day functions of The Baylor Line, including the various departments and initiatives. The team is overseen by the chief executive officer. Additionally, our newsroom is managed by the editor-in-chief. In partnership, the CEO and editor ensure that our deep commitment to rigorous journalistic and ethical standards are upheld.

CEO
Jonathon Platt (’16, MA ’19)

Editor-in-chief
Kourtney David (’22)

View a list of the entire Baylor Line team and their bios.

Board Leadership

Our board is led by four officers. Together, with the a chair of the editorial committee, they make up the executive committee, which is tasked with overseeing the CEO, finer financial internal controls, and the strategic plan of the organization. The editorial committee independently oversees the editorial standards and operations of our journalism.

Chair
Karen Walden Jones (’86)

Chair-elect
Sharon McDonald Barnes (’78)

Secretary
Lindsey Davis Stover (’99)

Treasurer
Robert Morales (’93)

Chair of Editorial Committee
Robert F. Darden (’76)

Learn more about all our board members here.