30 Years of Engineering and Computer Science
In 1980, engineering and computer science were merged, leading them to open up the School of Engineering and Computer Science in 1995. Since then, ECS has expanded its academic offerings to include disciplines such as aerospace engineering and cybersecurity informatics.
Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science Daniel Pack, Ph.D, said in an article from Baylor, “Looking ahead, we seek to grow our academic programs, including aerospace engineering, bioengineering, and materials engineering, as well as advanced computing and AI.”
A New Space for Bears
Baylor has made initiatives this year to make attending games with young children more accessible, with the Baby Bear Family Lounge located in McLane Stadium and the Foster Pavilion.
During Homecoming, Baylor Occupational Therapy students and Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing faculty helped fund and staff a sensory room. The sensory was offered for people who needed a break and offered a comfortable environment for visitors to recharge before returning to the festivities.
The idea came from Doctor of Occupational Therapy student Kristi Baker, OTA, while completing her doctoral capstone with BCDF. The sensory rooms’ environment is designed to help calm and regulate emotions. The room is fit to shape any need, including dim lighting, soft music, and stations with therapy balls, sand, and more.
In an article from Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baker said, “Spaces like this create belonging for everyone, people with and without disabilities. That’s how we move forward: inclusion for all, not just a designated area for some.”
Teacher of the Year
Bella Buncher (B.S.Ed. ’25) has been honored as Clinical Teacher of the Year for the state of Texas. This award is given to student-teachers who achieve excellence in the classroom. Buncher is the seventh Baylor teacher-intern to receive this award in the last nine years.
Buncher currently teaches second-grade and resides in Georgia with her fiancé. When entering Baylor, she didn’t know what her major would be; as she took classes in both business and education, her online teaching class left the biggest impact on her. From that moment on, she knew teaching was her calling.
In an article from Baylor’s School of Education, Buncher said, “Baylor prepared me more than I could have ever imagined. On my first day, I did feel nervous, but I also felt a lot of peace knowing that I’d done this before.”
More to come on Football
Although the season didn’t end in a bowl game, the fans cheered the Bears all the way until the end: head coach Dave Aranda is getting his contract extended, welcoming Joe Klanderman as the new Defensive Coordinator, and multiple players are getting recognized for their hard work.
Accolades – Senior tight end Michael Trigg has been named to The Sporting News All-America Second Team. Trigg is the most decorated BU All-American since Jalen Pitre in 2021. He now stands atop the Baylor tight end leaderboard in career receiving yards, while ranking second for receptions and touchdowns. Senior offensive guard Omar Aigbedion has been named to the Pro Football Sports Network All- America Second Team, becoming the first offensive lineman since 2021 and first guard since 2-13 to earn All-America distinction.
Change in the schedule – Baylor’s game against SMU in 2026 has been canceled and replaced with Louisiana Tech. The game would have marked the 79th matchup. The game is canceled due to the ACC moving to 9 conference games in 2026. The most recent meetup against Louisiana Tech was in 1996, where the Bears won 24-16. Though the Bulldogs’ current coach, Sonny Crumbie, has led the team 7-5 record in 2025 and their second consecutive bowl trip.
A New Grant
Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary received a $9.75 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to provide financial support for the Ministry for Life initiative. The initiative is designed to help theological schools across the U.S. and Canada address their most critical challenges while also equipping pastoral leaders for the future of Christian ministry.
The five-year grant will fund new staff positions, expand partnerships, and collaborative programs aimed at strengthening ministry preparation and leadership for Christian congregations.
