“At some point in their Baylor journeys, practically all of our students have taken a class in Tidwell, which houses some of our core disciplines, and we are grateful that this Baylor tradition will continue on for future generations because of their generosity.”
These remarks, delivered by President Linda Livingstone at the re-dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Tidwell Bible Building on August 25, were met by smiles, nods, and a few outright affirmations from the crowd assembled. Among the guests were donors, administrators, past and current students, and the professors who now call Tidwell their new (or newly remade) home and those who spent their careers teaching and mentoring from this building.
Thanks to the generosity and leadership from the Sunderland Foundation and a completion gift by Barbara “Babs” Baugh before her passing in 2020, Baylor’s 67-year-old Bible Building just completed a major, multi-million-dollar renovation. And — WOW! — is it astounding.
Beginning in May 2020 and completed ahead of schedule, the remodel of Tidwell improves not only the look of the storied building, but also the useability of one of campus’s most trodden structures. Originally dedicated in 1954 and named after the long-serving religion professor, Josiah Blake Tidwell, the building has roots all the way back to 1936, when its inception was originally conceived by a large group of students.
Over the years, Tidwell has housed a number of departments and served as classroom units for even more disciplines, including religion, history, foreign language, music, philosophy, sociology, and nursing. Now, fully renovated and gleaming with potential for generations of students to come, Tidwell will serve as the on-campus home for religion, history, and sociology.
Throughout the building, visitors can see an increase in technology in existing teaching areas and the complete remodeling of other spaces. Miller Chapel — for generations of Bears one of the most beautiful and sacred spots on campus — now encompasses levels of offices and teaching resources.
We hope you’ll stop by Tidwell on your next jaunt to campus and soak in the renewed, renovated beautiful of a building so many Bears have loved throughout the generations.
Where Miller Chapel once was now you’ll find offices and academic space. The beautiful stained glass is still present, making the space feels both modern and historic.
New study areas provide unique locations for students to gather for group projects or secluded preparations.
