Notable Baylor Alumni: Shaping the World Through Leadership, Innovation, and Service

Baylor University, a private Christian institution located in Waco, Texas, has a rich history of fostering exceptional minds and empowering its graduates to make a meaningful impact on the world. Over the years, Baylor has nurtured a diverse and distinguished alumni base, comprising individuals who have excelled in various fields, including business, politics, entertainment, academia, and public service. This article celebrates some of the most notable Baylor alumni who have left an indelible mark on their respective domains and continue to inspire generations to come.

Business Leaders

Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business has produced a plethora of successful entrepreneurs and business executives who have played pivotal roles in shaping the global economy. Among the most prominent are:

• Ken Langone (BBA ’54): Co-founder of Home Depot, one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers, with over $132.6 billion in revenue in 2021.
• Jim Turner (BBA ’67): Former CEO of Centex Corporation, a Fortune 500 homebuilding company, and current Chairman of Baylor University Board of Regents.
• Diane Hendricks (BBA ’66, Hon. Doctorate ’16): Founder and CEO of ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing, siding, and windows in the United States, with annual revenue exceeding $10 billion.

Political Luminaries

Baylor graduates have made significant contributions to the political arena, both at home and abroad. Some of the most notable alumni in this field include:

• George H.W. Bush (BA ’48): 41st President of the United States, served from 1989 to 1993.
• Michael Deaver (BA ’63): Former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan, known for his influential role in the Reagan administration.
• Robert Gates (PhD ’74): Former United States Secretary of Defense under both Republican and Democratic presidents.

Entertainment Icons

Baylor has also produced a number of prominent figures in the entertainment industry, who have captivated audiences with their talent and creativity. Some of the most notable alumni in this field include:

• Matthew McConaughey (BA ’93): Academy Award-winning actor, known for his roles in films such as “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Interstellar.”
• Channing Tatum (Did not graduate): Actor, producer, and dancer, known for his roles in the “Step Up” and “Magic Mike” franchises.
• Amy Grant (Did not graduate): Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, known for her contemporary Christian music.

Academic and Scientific Pioneers

Baylor’s scholars and scientists have made significant contributions to academia and research, advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of human understanding. Some of the most notable alumni in this field include:

• Dr. Francis Collins (PhD ’74): Former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), renowned for his leadership in the Human Genome Project.
• Dr. Richard Startzman (PhD ’93): Scientific Director of the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, which aims to collect health data from 1 million Americans.
• Dr. Mark Hofmann (PhD ’87): Professor of chemical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and inventor of the microfluidizer, a device used in medical diagnostics and drug delivery.

Public Servants

Baylor graduates have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and making a positive impact on society. Some of the most notable alumni in this field include:

• Ann Richards (BA ’54): Former Governor of Texas, known for her progressive policies and outspoken advocacy for the underprivileged.
• Kay Granger (BS ’65): U.S. Representative for Texas’s 12th congressional district, and the longest-serving Republican woman in the House of Representatives.
• Dr. Susan Kozak (MA ’84): President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, which provides food assistance to over 250,000 people annually.

Conclusion

Baylor University’s alumni base is a testament to the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and its mission to prepare students to use their talents and knowledge to serve humanity. The notable alumni featured in this article have made extraordinary contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting legacy on the world. They serve as role models for current and future Baylor students, inspiring them to strive for greatness and make a meaningful impact on society.