News

For more than five decades, Baylor alumna Kathy Robinson Hillman, BA ’73, MLS, has embodied the spirit of Baylor University through her unwavering commitment to faith, education and service. 

Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug McNamee, B.A. ’03, M.S.Ed. ’05, is deeply connected to Baylor. 

One of Baylor’s own is now commander of the service’s oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force, the 5th Air Force, based in Japan.

For Tiffany Jones-Smith, BA ’95, what began as a passion for serving others has grown into a mission to advance kidney health and expand access to healthcare for all Texans. 

Many people enjoy watching anime as a way of unwinding with a pastime. 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Baylor University have a partnership rooted in service and scholarship. 

Graduating seniors gathered one last time as students at McLane Stadium for Line to Legacy, an event designed to celebrate their accomplishments and welcome them as new alumni.

Last Thursday night was a memory decades in the making, as Willie Nelson returned to his alma mater and took the stage at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark.

Almost 75 years after he attended Baylor, the legendary country artist — at age 93 — performed for nearly an hour and a half on a picture-perfect evening. The sold-out crowd of more than 6,000 spanned virtually every age, from kids and college students on up — all brought together by a historic night.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — you did it!

This weekend, more than 3,100 Bears celebrated earning their degrees, the culmination of the Baylor experience. Thousands of their friends and family filled the Ferrell Center for each of the four ceremonies, and countless more watched online and joined in the celebration via social media to honor BU’s newest graduates.

When Margo Paluch (BSED ’26) walks across the stage this weekend during Baylor Commencement, the senior elementary education major from Lake Geneva, Wisc., will experience a historic first as a member of the inaugural graduating class of Baylor’s newly named Moody School of Education. But she will also carry another first very close to her heart.

As a third-grade student teacher at Hewitt Elementary School just outside Waco, Paluch spent a day substituting in a self-contained special education classroom. That experience sparked an idea — a deeply personal one — about creating opportunities for her third graders to include others, be kind, and form friendships.

Alan Lenz had heard all the stories about Baylor from his wife, Allison (BA ’94). Then the couple sent two of their kids to BU, and he heard even more incredible stories — enough that Alan felt he was missing out as the only non-Baylor member of his family.

This weekend, Alan and his youngest son, Robbie, will both walk the Ferrell Center stage at Commencement. Robbie (BA ’26) will receive his degree in communication, while Alan (EdD ’26) will receive his doctorate in education (learning and organizational change).

In the spirit of National Nurses Week and Mother’s Day, Baylor Nursing highlights mother-daughter alumni DNPs bringing recognition to the value of midwives.

A decision to leave Rome for Baylor changed the course of Dr. Marco Chalaby's life—and ultimately led to an act of extraordinary sacrifice and compassion.

The Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing proudly celebrates the 100th birthday of Marie Chiles, longtime supporter of the nursing school and Baylor University. She currently serves on the LHSON Board of Advocates and has a passion for supporting aspiring nursing students who are dedicated to follow their calling to Learn. Lead and Serve. and be the hands of feet of Christ for their future patients and their families.

Baylor golf alum Johnny Keefer (BBA '24) competed in the Masters this week, marking the first time a former Bear competed in the Augusta, Ga., tournament since Jimmy Walker in 2017.

The rookie automatically qualified for the most prestigious event in golf after winning Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year in the 2025 season, which also earned Keefer his PGA Tour card.

In just one year, Baylor has gone from hosting no major concerts to offering a full slate of live music and entertainment events, placing both Baylor and the City of Waco on the radar of national touring artists.

On March 9, 1954, Baylor University admitted a student from a small town near Waco — just in time to start the spring term. His name was Willie Nelson.

Now, some 72 years later, the University is welcoming Willie back to campus to celebrate his Baylor ties and his legendary career in music and public service. Highlighting the reunion will be an outdoor concert by Willie Nelson & Family on Thursday, May 14, at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark, just a few weeks after his 93rd birthday.

One of Baylor’s own is now commander of the service’s oldest continuously serving numbered Air Force, the 5th Air Force, based in Japan.

Lt. Gen. Joel Carey (BA ’92), recently promoted to a three-star general, took command earlier this week at a ceremony in Tokyo. The move was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in January, the latest promotion in Carey’s distinguished career since he got his start at Baylor more than 30 years ago.

She’s been called the “Mother Teresa of Bangalore,” and her lifetime of service is the subject of two books — a biography published in 2008, and a children’s book published in 2021.

But before the books, before the recognition, before the lifetime of service, Rebekah Ann Naylor (BA ’67) was a Baylor Bear.

Baylor University’s 2026 Senior Class has selected Walter M. "Sparky" Matthews, M.D., B.A. ’92, as the 2026 Collins Outstanding Professor, an award that recognizes and honors outstanding teachers at Baylor. Retired from the U.S. Air Force as the First Surgeon General (Acting) of the United States Space Force, Dr. Matthews returned to his alma mater in 2020 to teach in the Honors College as clinical professor and pre-medical mentor in the Honors Program.

What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a thriving business for Alyssa Paschke (BA '23). See how this Baylor alum turned creativity, lessons learned at Baylor, and entrepreneurial grit into a growing boutique in Austin.

Three months ago, Baylor Director of Athletics Doug McNamee (BA ’03, MSED ’05) made it clear at his introduction as AD that improving the fan experience would be an immediate priority.

True to his word, McNamee and Baylor Athletics this spring have rolled out a series of “Fan First” announcements aimed at “making the fan experience more vibrant and gamedays more accessible.” Baylor football fans this fall will find significant changes to the gameday experience, including:

For Jerusha Hull (BA ’08), Baylor wasn’t just where she studied — it’s where her calling took root and friendships became family. 

Blair Alger Belchic (BSW '15, MSW '16) didn't just inherit a Baylor legacy: she inherited a calling to serve. Growing up in a family where all four of her mother's siblings attended Baylor, and with a grandmother who worked as a school counselor, the seeds of social work were planted early on in her life.

If one goal of college is to get you a job in your chosen profession, then the Baylor men’s basketball program is one of the best job training programs in the nation.

For the second straight year, Baylor ranks among the top 10 universities with the most players currently in the NBA, one behind Kansas and ahead of such programs as North Carolina, Villanova and Texas. A school-record 11 Baylor alumni played in the NBA last year; this year, 10 Bears have seen time on NBA rosters.

From Costa Rica to Baylor and on to the Super Bowl, Giancarlo Guerrero's story inspires us all.

Charles (BS ’70) and Linda (BS ’70) Massler’s chance meeting as Baylor freshmen in 1966 blossomed into a lifelong partnership marked by love, service, and shared purpose on campus. Over more than 56 years, their journey shaped by faith, tradition, and dedication has inspired a life built together with heart and meaning.

When David J. Negrón Sr. (BA ’61) walked the halls of Baylor University, he was majoring in mathematics — but his creative spark was impossible to ignore. During his time on campus, Negrón was actively involved with Student Activities and found support (both emotional and financial) from Marie Mathis, director of the Student Union Building, who recognized his artistic talent.

Baylor University has announced a $30 million gift from the Moody Foundation of Galveston, Texas, to the University's School of Education, supporting scholarships, expanding faculty research and providing resources to grow academic programs. In recognition of their transformational gift and enduring commitment to the University, the School of Education will be renamed the Moody School of Education.

From the Baylor University Golden Wave Band to the world’s most extreme racecourses, Dr. Ashleigh Tran (BA ’15) continues to push the limits of what’s possible.

Baylor football will host six games at McLane Stadium as part of its 12-game 2026 regular-season schedule. The Bears will open the season Sept. 5 against Auburn in Atlanta.
 

At Baylor, Pedro Aulestia (BBA ’09) discovered a faith-centered foundation that carried him through challenges and onto the global stage. Today, that calling is shaping international relationships and earning the highest national honor from Ecuador.

For the seventh time in nine years, a Baylor Bear is Texas’ student-teacher of the year.

This year’s honoree is Bella Buncher (BSED ’25), now a second grade teacher north of Atlanta

Baylor University today announced the largest gift in Baylor Baseball program's history – a gift from Magnolia, the Waco-based and nationally recognized lifestyle company founded by Baylor alumni Chip (BBA '98) and Joanna (BA '01) Gaines. The gift will name Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark and support the program's anticipated capital projects.

For Suzy Thompson Mighell (BA ’87), Baylor was more than a campus — it was home, shaping her faith, leadership, and lifelong commitment to giving back to the Baylor Family she loves.

Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., has  announced that Tanya M. Sudia, Ph.D., R.N., FNAP, FAAN, has been selected as Dean of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, effective June 1.

The NFL regular season is over, and the playoffs are here. As games begin this weekend, Baylor fans will have multiple opportunities to cheer on their fellow Bears as they pursue a Super Bowl victory.

This season began with 16 Bears on NFL rosters, and with the field whittled down to just 14 teams, there are now five Bears on active playoff rosters. All of them played meaningful roles in helping their teams get there:

Ed Kinkeade (BA ’74, JD ’74) earned both his degrees at Baylor in just five years, but the faith, friendships, and sense of service he gained have lasted a lifetime. From becoming the youngest judge in Texas to mentoring future Baylor lawyers, his story is one of purpose rooted deeply in Baylor.

Every student walking Baylor graduation stages this weekend has proved their resilience in some form or fashion — but few will have shown the resilience in the months leading up to Commencement as Baylor Nursing student Mahala Griffin-Halvorson.

This summer, Mahala and her husband, Caleb, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child when life took an unexpected turn. Their son, Hudson, was born 13 weeks early, entering the world at just 1 pound, 9 ounces on June 20. The Halvorsons found themselves fervently praying for their son as nurses cared for him in NICU, providing intensive care to strengthen and save his life.

How did a Baylor freshman at 17 become a world-recognized preacher and mentor to hundreds? Dr. Joel Gregory’s Baylor-rooted journey is nothing short of remarkable.

It’s almost like Doug McNamee’s whole life was geared toward this moment.

A Baylor Bear, through and through. Experience working at every level of Baylor Athletics, and in the corporate sector (with a special focus on business and branding). It all adds up to what you see in Baylor’s new Director of Athletics, Doug McNamee (BA ’03, MSED ’05).

Baylor alumni follow their callings into engineering fields where they put their Baylor experience into action – solving real-world problems that make life better and safer for others. 

Class notes for the Spring 2026 edition.

Jeff Dorrill, B.B.A. ’83, J.D. ’85, is a testament to boundless curiosity and dedication. His life embodies the spirit of a true Baylor Renaissance man.

Currently serving as the president and CEO of TIAA, Thasunda Brown Duckett, M.B.A. ’01, is the company’s first female CEO and only the third Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, earning Baylor’s 2022 Alumna of the Year honor. 

The fourth annual reunion of the Baylor Black Alumni Alliance was held in September. Participants honored distinguished alumni and enjoyed opportunities to connect throughout the weekend events. 

Joseph DeWoody, B.B.A. ’05, M.B.A. ’06, was named Energy Services and Technology Executive of the Year in the D CEO 2025 Energy Awards. The Awards honor excellence and innovation in oil, gas and renewable energy in North Texas.

Ashley Killough, B.A. ’09, calls herself a storyteller. Through journalism and international studies, she has always been a curious person — curious about the world, the people in it and how they interact with each other across divides. 

From seminary to the courtroom, Baylor’s first joint MDiv/JD graduate, Elizabeth “BB” Sanford, is turning faith into action and redefining what it means to serve with purpose.

From Baylor ROTC to leading space acquisition for the U.S. Air & Space Forces, Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy Jr. credits Baylor with shaping the servant-leader he is today — and his story shows what it truly means to lead with faith and purpose.

For the third consecutive year, Baylor University has been named to TIME's list of Best Colleges for Future Leaders for nurturing the career trajectories of the nation’s most highly influential leaders.

According to a recent study, 44% of Gen Z Americans (ages 13-28) regularly watch anime. The animation style, which largely originates from Japan but has found a worldwide following, features a unique animation style and complex storylines. With anime becoming more mainstream in the last decade, more streaming services are adding titles to their libraries in order to cater to such audiences.

Anime-focused streaming service Crunchyroll, headquartered in the Dallas area, is among those leading the charge when it comes to providing the most robust collection of anime — and one of the people helping guide Crunchyroll is a Baylor alum.

From reviving old traditions to giving back in a big way, the Sigma Nu brothers proved their bond is stronger than ever — and their 4th Annual Alumni Weekend might be their best one yet.

Forty-five years after their Baylor story began beneath the campus oaks, Shirley Hunter (BS '79) and her late husband, Steve (BBA '80), have a legacy that now grows along the "I Believe" walkway, a living tribute to faith, love, and the Baylor Family that became their own.

Clyde Hart (BBA ’56) came to Baylor in 1952 as a student-athlete, then returned in 1963 as the Bears’ head track and field coach — a role he would hold for the next 42 years, followed by another 14 in another role with the program.

That’s 60 years wearing the green and gold as a student and coach — fully two-thirds of his life, after his passing on Saturday at age 91.

Every Saturday at McLane is like a Baylor Family reunion — but Homecoming weekend is THE annual family reunion, the one you don’t want to miss.

The nostalgia factor was high for the thousands of Bears who made their way home to Waco this past weekend for Baylor Homecoming 2025. For those who couldn’t make it — or for those who want to relive it — we bring you a look back at the weekend:

For so many in the Baylor Family, Homecoming is more than just a weekend — it’s the joy of showing loved ones that Baylor spirit, revisiting old stomping grounds, and reconnecting with the people and places that shaped their stories. Every October, that first glimpse of the bonfire signals that we’re home again.

For Scott Floyd (BA ’11, MDiv ’14) and his wife, Olivia (BS ’15), Homecoming has always carried extra meaning. The couple met in 2012 when Scott was in his second year at Truett Seminary and his future wife was a Baylor sophomore. Their friendship quickly blossomed into something more, and by the time Homecoming rolled around in October, they were officially dating.

Wesley Bryan (BS '13, MBA ’16) credits Baylor’s Robbins Healthcare MBA program with jump-starting his career, noting that its emphasis on teamwork, faith and interpersonal skills prepared him for leadership in healthcare. Now director of business development at Southwestern Health Resources, he continues to pursue sustainable, people-centered solutions while reflecting on the lasting impact of his Baylor experience.

From The Voice stage to leading worship in Waco, Holly Tucker (BA '15) has used her God-given talent to inspire others—always carrying her Baylor Family with her along the way. A third-generation Bear, she continues to share her gifts locally and nationally while celebrating the lifelong community she found at Baylor.

It all started in 1942, when Mary Allen English (BA ’42), a young Baylor graduate, stepped into the halls of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. At the time, pediatric cardiology wasn’t a specialty; in fact, it barely existed. But under the mentorship of groundbreaking physician Helen Taussig, English finished first in her class and helped define an entirely new field. (She also married a classmate on her graduation day, becoming Dr. Mary Allen Engle.)

By the 1950s, Engle was leading the charge to treat congenital heart defects in infants — without invasive surgery. After completing fellowships at both Johns Hopkins and Cornell, she joined the faculty at New York Hospital–Cornell University Medical Center, where she founded and led the Division of Pediatric Cardiology. The innovations coming out of her lab would save countless children’s lives.

When Tiffany Jones‑Smith (BA ’95) graduated from Baylor, she couldn’t have known that her future would involve leading a statewide health initiative. Still, her heart for service and community was already clear. Today, as president and CEO of the Texas Kidney Foundation and chair of the Texas Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force, she’s become a fierce advocate for health equity, early screening, and life-saving policy. Her work reaches thousands of Texans each year, especially in communities where access to care has been historically limited.

It all started in 1951, when Jarrell McCracken (BA ’50, MA ’53), then a Baylor student, reimagined the Gospel with a twist: as a play‑by‑play radio game featuring two teams, Jesus vs. Satan, refereed by God. He dubbed it “The Game of Life,” pressed a mere 100 vinyl records — and changed the course of contemporary Christian music forever.

Baylor Homecoming is just a month away — time to make your plans (if you haven’t already)! Here’s a round-up of what you’ll want to work into your schedule:

Ashley Westover was inspired to pursue occupational therapy after witnessing its transformative impact on her brother. While pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees at Baylor University, she worked with the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing for her capstone project focused on the experience of people with disabilities and the church. Now serving as both a pediatric occupational therapist and a church staff member, Westover integrates her faith and professional expertise to create more inclusive worship environments and advocate for the role of spirituality in holistic care.

Music has long added elements of pageantry and aura for the U.S. Armed Forces. For the U.S. Navy, the Navy Band Sea Chanters is the musical voice of the aquatic branch. And now, a Baylor alumna stands among their ranks.

Alissa Ruth Suver (MM ’25), a conductor and soprano vocalist who graduated from Baylor in May, earned a highly coveted and highly competitive spot among the Sea Chanters — and then further demonstrated her commitment to the role and the cause it supports by completing Navy boot camp.

From an early age, Thasunda Brown Duckett’s father taught her an old proverb: Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

That advice has served Duckett (MBA ’01) well. Over the last decade, she’s served as CEO of Chase Consumer Banking (2016-21) and, since 2021, as CEO of TIAA — a leading financial services provider that ranks among the 100 largest corporations in America. Her success earned her recognition as Baylor’s Alumna of the Year for 2022.

Cheering on our Bears in the NFL is second nature to Baylor fans — from legends like Mike Singletary (BBA ’83) to current stars such as Jalen Pitre (BBA ’20, MSED ’21), there’s no shortage of Baylor alums who have made us proud at the next level.

But it’s not just on the field; all across the NFL, Baylor Bears can be found in front offices and training rooms, discovering talent on the scouting trail and generating revenue in tickets and sales. 

Former Baylor men’s basketball legend Adam Flagler has added another championship to his resume, winning the 2025 NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

By now, you probably recognize the photo above. It was a powerful moment from last year’s Texas Bowl that resonated across social media — Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson stopping to pray for an injured opponent.

The person who captured that meaningful moment was not a professional sports photographer (at the time), but a Baylor student. Joaquin Torre (BA ’25) was on the sideline, advancing toward his dream of becoming a full-time sports photographer. He was moved by the response to his photo, which represented a meaningful moment for him as well.

JJ Joe (BBA ’93, MBA ’94) was more than a record-setting quarterback—he was a trailblazer and a lasting voice of the Baylor spirit. His leadership on and off the field continues to inspire the Baylor Family.

Each of the last two years, Baylor has been named among TIME magazine’s top 40 colleges for future leaders. In their research, the publication’s editors studied the resumes of thousands of U.S. leaders to see where they got their start — with Baylor standing out among the nation’s best.

That’s certainly true in the field of education, where countless Baylor alumni are serving as principals, deans, superintendents, etc. In the world of higher ed, 40 Baylor Bears are now the top executives at colleges and universities around the world — the most since BaylorProud began tracking this list in 2011. Here’s a quick rundown of those currently serving as presidents and chancellors:

Long before she was recognized for her work in Baylor’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Liela Romero (BS ’11) was a Baylor student, much like the ones she now teaches. As she worked in Dr. Kevin Pinney’s lab, she gained the experience she needed to launch her career — from Baylor, to UT Southwestern Medical Center and MIT, and now back at her alma mater.

It’s the same sort of experience she now seeks to impart in her own students, as they combine molecule mixtures that could someday produce cancer drug leads.

After Dr. Burt Burleson (BA ’80) retired in May following 17 years of service, Dr. Charley Ramsey (BA ’97, MA ’00) was named the university’s new Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life.

Ramsey isn’t new to Baylor, higher ed, or spiritual guidance. A two-time Baylor graduate (and Phi Beta Kappa scholar), Ramsey was director of Baptist Student Ministries at Baylor from 2017-21, then served the last four years as BU’s associate chaplain and director of campus ministries & church connections. Overall, Ramsey’s ministry and academic career has spanned more than two decades, including global mission leadership, interfaith scholarship and faculty appointments in the U.S. and South Asia.

Peter Burnett (BA ’03) says Baylor shaped the way he leads, loves, and connects—and now he’s helping others heal and grow.

Baylor University is mourning the death of Ronald L. Wilson, M.D., B.A. ’71, a beloved Waco physician, avid Baylor supporter and former member of the Baylor Board of Regents.

Chemist and cancer researcher Liela Romero, Ph.D., has earned an Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation to further the development of new tools for chemical synthesis and drug discovery. 

As Baylor’s Board of Regents holds its regular summer meeting this week, five new Regents are taking their seats at the table to start new terms: two serving at-large, plus one new Alumni-Elected Regent, one new BGCT Regent, and one new Student Regent:

The Baylor Department of Theatre Arts doesn’t just nurture young talent; its members are also producing projects that are making waves — including an Oscar-qualifying short film!

ADO (as in “Much Ado About Nothing”) is the brainchild of Sam Henderson (BFA ’05), an assistant professor in both Baylor’s film & digital media and theatre departments. The film (which Henderson co-wrote and directed) follows a middle school theatre teacher caught in an unimaginable situation when her class’s rehearsal is interrupted by a school shooting.

Dr. Geoffrey Griggs (ABC ’25) arrived in Waco over a decade ago—but it’s the people, purpose, and powerful traditions that made Baylor feel like home.

The Hill Country is a special place to Texans, including many in the Baylor Family. As news spread of the catastrophic July 4 weekend floods in and around Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country, the impact was felt far and wide. The flash floods claimed the lives of over 100 people, and many remain missing.

Throughout the Baylor Family, the desire to respond in a meaningful way was evident. In addition to the many Baylor alumni who reside in the Hill Country or have vacationed in the area, the region’s many camps have welcomed generations of Bears who retain those memories of friendship, recreation and spiritual development nurtured there. Quickly, the Baylor Family’s prayers were joined by action to support our neighbors to the south:

Brothers Steven (BBA ’09) and Robbie Cutbirth (BBA ’21) credit their Baylor experience with inspiring their latest venture: restoring the historic building in Elgin, Texas, and opening Cutbirth Family Dental. Blending modern care with small-town hospitality, the practice reflects values they gained at Baylor—integrity, leadership, and community. 

Back when he was a student sportswriter for The Baylor Lariat, many of Shehan Jeyarajah’s professors and colleagues recognized his talent, and may have even used the words “rising star” to describe him.

But now, it’s official: The Football Writers Association of America named Jeyarajah (BA ’16) as its 2025 Edward Aschoff Rising Star award recipient, a highly coveted title presented annually to an elite young sportswriter.

Two Baylor Bears were drafted in the first six rounds of the 2025 MLB draft — BU’s 32nd and 33rd picks in the last 35 drafts, dating back to 1991.

Sixth-year senior Gabe Craig, the Bears’ closer, was picked by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round, while senior shortstop Tyriq Kemp was selected one round later by the Kansas City Royals.

Baylor University announced a $2.5 million gift from alumni Susan and Lee Bush of Athens, Texas, establishing, in part, the Lampsato Endowed Chair of Baptist World Missional Engagement and the Lampsato Endowed Fund at Truett Seminary.

I want to provide an important update regarding a recent matter involving a grant awarded to the Center for Church and Community Impact within the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.

From Denney Willie to Davis Wendzel, no fewer than 48 Baylor Bears have reached baseball’s highest level over the last century-plus. Willie debuted in 1911, Wendzel in 2024, and there’s been a host of Baylor greats to reach Major League Baseball in between, including All-Stars, a Rookie of the Year, and a Hall of Famer.

So, who are the best Baylor alumni to reach the big leagues? That’s a question we first aimed to answer six years ago. Since then, five more Bears have reached the big leagues, and we’ve seen players stake their claim for a new spot (or a higher spot) on the list. So, we humbly present our new-for-2025 list of the nine best Bears in Major League history:

For the fifth straight year, a Baylor Bear was taken in the first round of the NBA draft — and this one went higher than any Bear before him.

With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe — making the Big 12 Freshman of the Year the highest draft pick in Baylor basketball history. The previous mark was held by Ekpe Udoh, who was selected at No. 6 by the Warriors in 2010.

What started with a brave leap from Hong Kong in 1959 has grown into a multigenerational Baylor legacy. 

When Nelson Yim (MS ’63) arrived at Baylor to study chemistry, he didn’t know the language, the culture, or what to expect. But he said “yes” to an opportunity that would change his life, and the lives of his future family.

Dog mom, author, entrepreneur—and proud Baylor Bear—Anna Reiman (BBA ’13) is on a heartfelt mission to share God’s love with the next generation, all featuring her mini Goldendoodle, Cowboy. 🐶 📚

Since graduating from Baylor four decades ago, Doug Rogers (BFA ’82) has truly had a fairy tale career.

From Friends and The Drew Carey Show, to Shrek and Tangled, to the castles at Disney Shanghai and Hong Kong (pictured above left), to Turning Point Ministries’ Why the Nativity?, he’s seen a myriad of projects come to life.

Charles M. Ramsey, Ph.D., B.A. ’97, M.A. ’00, associate University Chaplain and director of campus ministries and church connections, has been selected as University Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life, effective June 9. 

We could write a month’s worth of posts about recent Baylor graduate Kristen Nakamura (BA ’25). She was a Getterman Scholar, and a University Scholar studying English and math with a minor in creative writing. An award-winning poet whose Honors thesis and undergraduate research included translating the post-WWII haiku shared between her Japanese-American great-grandmother and her twin sister. Tutor. Piano teacher. BRH Choir member. Mission trip veteran. HRC College Council. Summa cum laude graduate. Phi Beta Kappa. Fulbright ETA recipient to Indonesia.

But for all of those honors, what Nakamura really wanted to talk about was the community and sense of belonging she found at Baylor.

The annual Alumni Awards honor graduates who advance Baylor’s mission in their careers and lives.

Baylor graduates are highly sought after in the workplace, with an impressive 91% placement rate of recent graduates in either employment or grad school. This success is in part thanks to BU’s strong relationships with top employers, and the Baylor Career Center’s concierge-style approach to recruitment that benefits both student and employer.

Recent data shows these are the top 10 employers hiring the most Baylor grads right out of school:

You may remember the name Deonte Epps (BA ’13) from a post we wrote a couple of years ago, as the Baylor alum was working his dream job at ESPN as a content creator. Today, Epps is not only a content associate (a promotion from his last role); he’s also an Emmy winner, thanks to his work with ESPN’s NFL Live, which won the Emmy for Outstanding Studio Show – Daily.

Baylor Men’s Golf alumni are making a splash in the professional ranks.