Baylor’s Christian commitment and academic excellence ‘unusual’ in 21st century

At an institution as old as Baylor — founded by Baptist missionaries in 1845 by the Republic of Texas! — each generation has a choice. It can chart its own course, or build off the existing foundation. The list of American colleges and universities that have drifted away from their foundation of Christian faith is long, and includes venerable names like Harvard, Yale and Princeton. It would be easy for Baylor to follow in their paths — to abandon its Christian faith in search of more students or a more lofty academic reputation.

But, by God’s grace, we have not. Instead, we have been able to grow and improve our university not in spite of, but because of our Christian heritage. As President Ken Starr explains it, “It’s deeper than a Christian environment; it’s Christian commitment combined with academic excellence. That’s pretty unusual in the 21st century, and it’s what makes Baylor so special.” He elaborates in this video:

President Samuel Palmer Brooks’ final message, read to the Class of 1931 after his death, addressed the graduating seniors: “To you … I entrust the care of Baylor University. To you I hand the torch.” Those treasured words remind us that it’s up to us to keep building Baylor.

Thanks for all you do, Baylor Nation: for all the Baylor students you hire as interns, for all the Baylor events you attend on (and off) campus, for all the good news you spread about Baylor to friends and family, and for all the ways you find to give back to your alma mater, via your time, talents and gifts. It makes a person proud to be a Baylor Bear!

Sic ’em, Bears!