TIME names Baylor among nation’s top 40 colleges for future leaders

Baylor’s mission has long been to “educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service.” A new survey by TIME magazine says Baylor’s been doing exactly that.

Baylor checked in at No. 40 in the nation on TIME‘s inaugural list of the 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. The publication studied the resumes of 2,000 U.S. leaders — CEOs, politicians, Nobel recipients and more — to find where today’s leaders got their start, with Baylor standing out among the nation’s best.

At No. 40 overall, Baylor stands in good company — just behind Johns Hopkins, and just ahead of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Baylor came in third in Texas (behind only Texas and Texas A&M), and third in the new Big 12 (after Arizona State and Iowa State).

It’s no surprise, when you think about notable Baylor alumni — but it’s always nice to see others outside the university recognize what’s happening at BU. Looking back through history, scores of names jump out: former Texas governors such as Pat Neff (AB 1894, AM 1898) and Ann Richards (BA ’54); prominent business leaders such as Joe Allbritton (LLB ’49; Allbritton Communications) and Mark Hurd (BBA ’79; HP, Oracle); and notable pastors, such as George W. Truett (AB 1897; First Baptist Dallas). More recently, we’ve profiled Bears such as Chris Dull (BSED ’95; CEO of Freddy’s), John Rainey (BBA ’93, MBA ’95; Walmart CFO), Gabe Madison (BBA ’00; Bonton Farms president), and Maj. Gen. Joel Carey (BA ’92; U.S. Air Force). We could go on, but you get the idea.

“Baylor University produces outstanding leaders who commit themselves to a life of service in their professional fields, and we are honored by this recognition, especially as Baylor’s level of leadership and service is integrally connected to our Christian mission,” says Baylor President Linda Livingstone. “We are proud of and grateful for our Baylor alumni, who were transformed by opportunities at the University to cultivate habits and virtues that orient their leadership toward human flourishing and a vision to change the world.”

Sic ’em, Baylor leaders!