In Memoriam
The Baylor community mourns the loss of two members: Provost Emeritus Donald D. Schmeltekop and alumnus, physician and former regent, Ronald L. Wilson, M.D.
Ronald L. Wilson, M.D. (‘71), lived a life of caring for others in the Baylor and Waco community. He attended Southern Arkansas University on a basketball scholarship, before transferring to Baylor during his sophomore year, where he met his wife Betty (‘72). At Baylor, he served as a professor, a member of the College of Arts and Science Board of Advocates and the Robbins College of Health and Human Science Board of Advocates, and the Baylor Board of Regents from 2010 to 2019.
He graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1974 – serving as a physician in the US Air Forces until 1983 and later transitioned into private practice in Waco until 2013. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Woodway and served on multiple Baylor advisory boards. In an article from Baylor, former Board Chair Joel T. Allison (‘70) said, “Ron was always very willing to speak, even during the most difficult of deliberations, and we were blessed by his dedication as a Regent, proud alumnus of Baylor and beloved physician in our community.”
Donald D. Schmeltekopf, Ph.D. (‘62), Schmeltekopf returned to Baylor as Vice Provost in 1990, later adding Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Emeritus. He had a vision to uphold Baylor’s strong Christian message – having worked in the development of Baylor 2012.
He helped to cultivate four academic divisions – George W. Truett Theological Seminary, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work and the Honors College. He and his wife established The Donald and Judy Schmeltekopf Endowed Scholarship in the Honors College, Endowed Lectureship in Ethics and Culture, and Graduate Fellowship.
Called to Lead
Dr. Burt Burleson (BA ‘80) retired from his position as the university’s Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life after 17 years of service this past May. Dr. Charley Ramsey (BA ‘97, MA ‘00) was recently named the new Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life.
Ramsey, a double Baylor graduate, isn’t new to higher-ed roles at Baylor. From 2017-21 he served as the director of Baptist Student Ministries at Baylor and over the last four, he served as an associate chaplain and director of campus ministries and church connections. In a Baylor Proud blog post he said, “My prayer is that we will walk in the light of Christ and be known for the way we love and serve others.”
Ramsey has shared his vision for spiritual life: nurturing faith through action, fostering character formation, and promoting respectful dialogue in Baylor’s diverse academic and faith community.
Over the Moon
Peter B. James, Ph.D., associate professor of planetary geophysics at Baylor, served on the science team of three NASA missions: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL), and the MESSENGER mission – now selected to serve on another NASA team that will help shape the goals and design of future lunar missions.
In an article from Baylor, James said, “Our job is to define the science objectives and technical requirements for a mission that could fundamentally expand how we understand the Moon’s geology.”
James is also integrating his work into the classroom. His course “Grand Challenges in Science,” guided non-science majors through the process of designing space missions – mainly through the introduction of spacecraft constraints, hypothesis testing, and the impact of space exploration from a Christian worldview.
Baylor Bears to Watch
Baylor football season kicks off in just 21 days, the Bears have been working hard all summer.
Bill Connelly of ESPN made a list of the “40 most important players,” naming Sawyer Robertson No.35. Last season, the Bears didn’t have a good start, but when Sawyer Robertson entering as QB1 after Dequan Finn’s injury, he threw over 250 yards in just six games.
Redshirt sophomore running back Bryson Washington’s preseason accolades signal a potential breakout season – specifically his mention on Doak Walker award watchlist, only presented to the most outstanding college running back. In his freshman season, Washington held a rushing record for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 11 games. He’s also preseason All-America, All-Big 12 and All-Texas selection.
Junior punter Palmer Williams has been named a Second-Team preseason All-American – Williams held the best punting season in college football and Baylor history. He averaged 49.35 yards per punt on 43 punts. Williams is one of 15 candidates on the 2025 Ray Guy Award preseason watch list. He also helped rank Baylor No.8 in the NCAA in net punting average.
With all of this being said, we have to ask will Baylor have a repeat of their 2021 season or will it be another halfway comeback. I am expecting big things with all of our great players being ranked so high and on multiple award watchlists. Let the new kids on the block experience rushing the field.
