Updates from the Regents
The Baylor Regents held their regular February meeting on the 19-20th.
At the meeting, the board approved a new degree: A Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. The program will be housed in Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and will help meet a growing need for biomedical engineers in Texas as advances in technology continue expand.
They also approved an increase in tuition of approximatley $1,978 annually for the 2026-2027 academic year. To counter the increase, the university plans to increase scholarship funding by $3.8 million and extend some form of financial aid to more than 90% of students.
Finally, the Board approved new Student, Faculty, and Alumni-Elected Regents. Chase R. Cortner, a junior management and philosophy major from Tampa, Florida, will begin his first-term as a non-voting Student Regent in June. Student Regent Spencer Yim, a junior University Scholar from Connecticut, will enter his second-term as a voting Student Regent through 2027. Finally, Chris Hansen, M.F.A., professor and chair of the Department of Film & Digital Media, was approved to serve a three-year term as faculty regent.
Susan “Suzii” Youngblood March, B.A. ’72, of Kerrville, Texas, a policy consultant for the H.E. Butt Foundation in San Antonio, was elected by Baylor alumni to a three-year term as an Alumni-elected Regent. Her term will begin on June 1.
AI Certificate Program
In collaboration with the City of Waco, the School of Engineering and Computer Science has developed an AI in Government certification. The on-campus course will prepare employees of the City of Waco to use AI in their daily work. The first program will be taught by Keith Schubert, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical Engineering.
“We believe AI training can help our city operations become more efficient, which benefits everyone and can potentially save taxpayer money in the long run,” said Mike Searight, CIO, Information Technology with the City of Waco, according to a Baylor Press Release. “Knowing that this training is being conducted by one of Baylor’s best professors is especially exciting for us.”
Time’s Best College for Future Leaders
For the third year in a row, Baylor has been named by Time Magazine as one of the best 100 colleges for future leaders. The recognition is an affirmation of Baylor’s mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service. It is ranked No. 70 on the list, No. 4 in Texas, and No. 5 in the Big 12.
“Baylor University is committed to developing leaders who dedicate their lives to service within their professions, and we are honored to be one of TIME’s Best Colleges for Future Leaders,” says Baylor President Linda Livingstone, according to Baylor Proud. “This achievement reflects how deeply leadership and service are woven into Baylor’s Christian mission. We are proud of our Baylor Alumni, whose experiences at the University shaped habits and virtues that inspire them to lead with purpose, live for human flourishing, and pursue a vision that transforms the world.”
Black Worship Festival
This week, Baylor University’s School of Music hosted the Black Worship Festival, a celebration of Black sacred music. The event included concerts, lectures, worship experiences, and academic discussions. Kevin Bond, a 10-time Grammy Award-winning producer and composer, offered two lectures – one focusing on his extensive experience in the creative industry and another on the spiritual dimensions of musicianship.
The School of Music will also present a landmark performance of The Hosea Oratorio: A Gospel Jazz Hip-Hop Spoken Word Fusion. This original work has been in the making for more than a decade by Baylor’s Stephen Newby, D.M.A., the Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship, professor of music, and ambassador for the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University.
Baylor IEEE Fellow
Emmanuel Agamloh, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical engineering at Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, was elected as an IEEE Fellow Class of 2026. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recognizes members with extraordinary accomplishments in the field. Agamloh is being recognized specifically for his expertise in electric motor test procedures and efficiency standards.
“It is deeply humbling to be elected IEEE Fellow. While this recognition is bestowed on an individual, such an honor cannot be achieved without excellent collaborators, mentors, students, colleagues, family, and friends,” said Agamloh in a Baylor Press Release. “I have been blessed to have the best people around me in all these categories, and I am grateful for the support that I have received.”
Robert Doyle Day
For years, Robert Doyle, Ph.D., professor of biology and founding director of Baylor’s Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), has been working tirelessly to serve Waco’s water systems. To honor his efforts, at a recent city council meeting, Waco Mayor Jim Holmes proclaimed February 17, 2026, as Robert Doyle Day.
“I came to Baylor because of the City of Waco,” Doyle said, according to a Baylor Press Release. “The partnership with the city, the institution, and the people will be the shining part of my recollection of my academic career, and I am delighted that it is continuing with a new generation of professionals both at the city and at Baylor, so thank you so much; it’s been an honor.”
Bridging the Gap
When a patient steps into a medical office but doesn’t share the same language as their physician, communicating essential medical information can be difficult.
An exciting new study led by physicists at Waco Family Medicine and Baylor University Linguists is investigating solutions to that very problem. Currently, a lack of medical interpreters in the US means that bilingual employees are stepping in to assist, without any formal training.
Researchers at Baylor have developed a training model for heritage Spanish-speaking employees that helps them become qualified medical interpreters. The model is replicable and affordable, and the research was recently published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine.
Their efforts will help reduce the risk of miscommunication from provider to patient regarding important medical issues and improve the overall quality of care.
“It’s important to recognize and respect the language that people speak because when you are ill, it is challenging (or impossible) to have to speak another language with your doctor,” said lead author Karol J. Hardin, Ph.D., professor of Spanish and director of Spanish for Health Professions at Baylor University, in a Baylor Press Release. “We have to be able to communicate with people compassionately and effectively if we’re treating them in healthcare.”
Sports Roundup
Acrobatics and Tumbling
Baylor’s top-ranked acrobatics and tumbling team remains undefeated this season after dominating UMHB on Sunday, February 22. At the meet, the team debuted a new skill – the 3 high slide to split pyramid. This puts the team on a 53-meet winning streak.
Equestrian
The Baylor equestrian team upset No. 7 TCU 11-8 at the Willis Family Equestrian Center Saturday afternoon. Senior Lauren Jorgensen earned both Most Outstanding Performer honors in Fences and Flat. Junior Carley Rutledge earned the nod in Horsemanship and rode a career-high score of 77.50.
Softball
Baylor Bears softball extended its dominance over Sam Houston Bearkats softball on Wednesday, in their 14th straight win over the Bearkats. Sophomore Faith Piper led the charge with a multi-hit performance – her sixth career game with multiple hits and fourth this season.
Men’s Basketball
Baylor men’s basketball carried a halftime lead Tuesday night at Foster Pavilion against No. 2 Arizona, but ultimately lost, falling 87-80. Next, the Bears are heading to Florida to face off against UCF on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT.
