As of January 1, 2026, The Baylor Line is under new leadership with Sharon McDonald Barnes (‘78) assuming the role of president of the board of directors for The Baylor Line Foundation (the publisher and fiscal sponsor of The Baylor Line) for a two-year term.
Lindsey Davis Stover (‘99) joins Barnes in leading the organization’s board as president-elect. Her term as president will begin on January 1, 2028. Davis Stover was also re-elected to serve as secretary of the board for another two-year term.
A full list of directors can be found here.
Barnes, an 11-year veteran of the board, brings a career of service in the healthcare and human resources sectors to her leadership position. She currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for MyCHN, a healthcare network in the Houston Gulf area. She has also served as a general member on the Texas Medical Board since 2001. Barnes previously served as president-elect from 2023 to 2024 with previous board president, Karen Walden Jones (‘86).
Additionally, Robert Morales (‘93) was reelected to serve as treasurer of the board and Kaye Robinson Callaway (JD ‘09), Jones, and Maleesa Smith (‘16) were reelected to two-year terms as independent directors.
“It is both humbling and exciting to step into the role of president at this moment in The Baylor Line’s history,” Barnes said. “Over the next two years, my vision is to champion every Baylor story, especially those that have not always been heard.”
Throughout her time on the board, Barnes has served in a variety of roles, including on the communications committee, providing guidance and insight on the 2023 CEO search committee and personnel committee, and for many years on the executive committee.
“Sharon is an ideal leader for our organization,” said Jonathon Platt (‘16, MA ‘19), CEO of The Baylor Line. “From the first time I met her, while serving as editor-in-chief of The Line, I’ve trusted Sharon for advice and guidance. Her affirming nature and fresh perspective will serve to strengthen the tremendous success we’ve seen in recent years as The Baylor Line turns a new corner in its storied, 168-year history. I’ve looked forward to partnering with Sharon in her capacity as president for two years now. I’m excited to see all she will lead and accomplish.”
Barnes and Platt see representation, inclusion, and community as key areas of focus for The Line.
“This is a season of growth, inclusion, and renewed energy, and I am honored to help guide it,” Barnes said. “My aim is to strengthen the bonds that connect our alumni across generations, backgrounds, and life experiences. Grounded in collaboration, innovation, and purpose, I am committed to strengthening alumni connections, advancing our storytelling platforms, and expanding opportunities that uplift and inspire the entire Baylor community.”
Davis Stover joins Barnes in leading the organization as president-elect. She currently serves as a partner at Edwards, Davis Stover, & Associates, a consulting firm with special expertise in defense, veterans, transportation, and energy programs. She is also a co-founder of 1953 Tequila, an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila founded, farmed, and led by women.
“I am equally excited to work alongside Lindsey as she steps into her role as president-elect,” Barnes said. “Her wisdom, drive, and collaborative spirit will be invaluable, and together we will lead with intention, integrity, and a shared commitment to elevating The Baylor Line for years to come.”
Both Barnes and Davis Stover have served on The Baylor Line Foundation’s board for many years.
“I am honored to serve as president-elect of The Baylor Line Foundation board of directors,” Davis Stover said. “I am proud to support the independent voice of every Baylor grad and to champion our mission of strengthening the Baylor community through meaningful storytelling, transparency, community, and stewardship. I am also grateful for the leadership of Sharon as she serves as president. Her dedication, integrity, and vision continue to guide The Baylor Line forward.”
Davis Stover has served as secretary of the board since 2023, previously serving on the executive committee, programs committee, and the 2023 CEO search committee.
“Both Sharon and Lindsey have served as mentors to me for many years now. It is wonderfully exciting to work with them both in these new roles,” Platt said. “Honestly, I feel like we’re just getting started. And what a great group to do such important work with.”
In partnership with the entire board of directors, Platt and the staff at The Baylor Line, and key stakeholders, 2026 will be a year of growth and continued advancement for the independent voice of Baylor alumni.
“When every voice is valued, our Baylor Family grows stronger,” Barnes said.
The Baylor Line is the independent alumni magazine for every Baylor grad. Since 1859, we’ve been in the business of connecting, informing, and supporting alumni. We’ve been known by many names — the Baylor Ex-Student’s Association, the Baylor Alumni Association, and The Baylor Line Foundation. In each era, we’ve kept that same mission: building a better Baylor Family. Through inclusive, rigorous, and independent storytelling, The Baylor Line provides coverage from beyond campus free of charge at baylorline.com, through our many community events, and an 80-year-old, award-winning print magazine. Subscribe to the latest updates for alumni at baylorline.com/newsletters.
