“What I’m trying to do in this role is build a bridge between the people who want to be able to do something because their faith commitments have motivated them to care for our planet, but they need [a] vehicle to drive change,” Beilke said.

“I think we’ve really leaned into some of those things that have always been important to Baylor and we’re really seeing it pay off in the number of applications that we’re getting and… the quality of students that are coming to Baylor,” President Linda Livingstone said.

“Without the $100 million over the next year because of the endowment, every student would have to pay an additional $6,700 in their tuition,” Morehead said. “That is why the endowment is such an important funding system for the school.”

Among these unfinished projects are missing baseboards, furniture and glass panes for interior buildings. Some individual dorms are lacking window blinds, with others missing the window trim entirely. The elevators are still floored with plywood and missing ceiling tiles. Numerous students have also reported air conditioning and electrical issues.

Baylor University is gearing up for a new semester, welcoming many students back and introducing freshmen to their new home away from home. A Baylor professor and upperclassman have three tips to ensure that students succeed this fall.