Strategic Plan
Executive Summary
The School of Music’s strategic plan, outlined below, sets a bold vision for the next several years, advancing Baylor’s mission to integrate faith, learning, and service while transforming lives through music. It seeks to elevate the School’s role as a leader in music education, performance, and scholarship while fostering a vibrant and supportive community for students, faculty, and staff. By amplifying our presence locally and globally, reimagining the curriculum to address the demands of the modern music landscape, and prioritizing interdisciplinary connections, the plan aspires to position the School as a beacon of excellence. This plan focuses on creating dynamic learning opportunities and ensuring operational and financial sustainability. It is built around four overarching pillars, each supported by key priorities that align with Baylor In Deeds. Together, these elements lay a strong foundation for a thriving and impactful future for the School of Music.
Pillar I - Meaningful Presence
Pillar 1 strengthens the Baylor School of Music’s presence, relationships, and impact on campus, in Waco, nationally, and globally through visibility, recruitment, global engagement, community partnership, and alumni engagement.
Priority 1: Amplifying Visibility
Raising the Baylor School of Music’s presence regionally, nationally, and internationally, showcasing the exceptional talent of our students and faculty while fostering connections that inspire growth and collaboration.
Tasks:
Place SOM activities and performances in as many campus-wide settings and publicity materials as possible (First Year Experience, ticket sales during registration, tours for students).
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Coordinate new or existing SOM events with other BU events/campus initiatives and/or holidays/celebrations to strengthen integration, including themes.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Create a SOM marketing plan to develop external audiences.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Launch a branded inaugural School of Music season showcasing premiere events across the School with VIP guests and sponsorship opportunities.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Optimize SOM website for prospective students and event attendance.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Strategic positioning of the School of Music in influential rankings, publications, and peer networks.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Use social media to highlight supporters/donors of the SOM.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Introduce quarterly newsletter update from the Dean reporting financials, enrollment, facilities, accomplishments.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Priority 2: Reimagining Recruitment
Reconsidering how and where we recruit, allocate scholarships, and engage prospective students amid changing demographics—while remaining rooted in excellence and faith-based values.
Tasks:
Launch a comprehensive recruitment strategy identifying primary and secondary markets.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Consideration of non-performance based scholarships for academic areas of the SOM.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Increase SOM Endowment to allow full coverage of tuition and fees for graduate students to align enrollment needs with artistic ambitions and eliminate inequities.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Host arts magnet school actors/admissions counselors on campus.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Establish connections and relationships with key churches and HBCUs that facilitate outreach and collaboration.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Leverage international alumni connections to recommend international students for admission.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Partnership between Gateways or Sphinx and Black Gospel Archive.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Priority 3: Global Engagement
Preparing students for meaningful global careers through international partnerships, immersive experiences, and sustainable global strategy.
Tasks:
Develop pathway programs and partnerships with other conservatories and mission locations.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Launch School of Music study abroad experience.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Explore SOM satellite location abroad aligned with Music & Mission.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Inventory existing faculty and university relationships with international universities and explore partnerships and study abroad opportunities.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Leverage faculty, alumni, and School of Music friend connections to activate a global network benefiting student outcomes and job placement.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Priority 4: Campus & Community-Wide Enrichment
Enhancing the School’s role as a cultural and educational leader by sharing teaching, research, creative activity, and service across campus, Waco, and the region.
Tasks:
Create a Music Festival in Waco tied to campus and expand camp programming.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Establish a School of Music Academy / Community School to unify community programming.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Explore possibility of community music school.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Explore concept of arts integration in business.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Increase SOM event marketing to Waco community.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Map all current community, church, international, and alumni outreach activities
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Priority 5: Alumni Engagement
Building intentional and meaningful relationships with Baylor School of Music alumni to support mentorship, networking, advocacy, and long-term connection.
Tasks:
Build a searchable alumni database to strengthen connections and share opportunities.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Establish a “SOM Homecoming” weekend welcoming alumni and connecting them with students.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Establish SOM Alumni Chapters to increase engagement, mentoring, and career development.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Highlight alumni accomplishments regularly through School communications.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Host alumni receptions to reconnect graduates and celebrate their achievements.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Initiate alumni gatherings outside of Waco aligned with SOM events.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Launch external School of Music awards for distinguished alumni, music educators, and philanthropy.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Pillar II - Dynamic Education & Scholarship
We will equip students with a relevant, forward-thinking curriculum that ensures professional success in a variety of creative fields and emphasize innovation in curriculum design, interdisciplinary collaborations, and advancing excellence in programs and research to position the School of Music as a leader in education and creative impact.
Priority 1: Curriculum Innovation & Career Preparation
We will reimagine our curriculum to attract a diverse student body and prepare graduates for meaningful careers. By embracing diverse musical traditions, integrating industry trends, and offering accessible online and hybrid courses, we will equip students with essential hard/soft skills and progressive, hands-on experiences throughout their degree—and by building partnerships with industry leaders, we can offer students real-world opportunities that distinguish them in the competitive arts landscape. Regularly review and adapt the curriculum to reflect trends in the music industry, including technology, entrepreneurship, non-traditional career paths, and diversifying musical genres. Integrate experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, capstone projects, and formal partnerships within the industry and community. Establish pathways for interdisciplinary minors and certifications that prepare students for diverse career opportunities. Embed career skills, such as networking, portfolio development, technology proficiency, and financial literacy, into core courses.
Tasks:
Adopt School of Music learning objectives for undergraduate programs.
Baylor in Deeds:
Create a senior capstone course where students graduate with a career portfolio and professional leads.
Baylor in Deeds:
Explore new undergraduate offerings across the music industry.
Baylor in Deeds:
Explore the possibility of new online and/or hybrid graduate programs.
Baylor in Deeds:
Identify course topics with potential for broad impact on student population and adapt for online delivery.
Baylor in Deeds:
Organize additional co-curricular internship opportunities.
Baylor in Deeds:
Reexamine the music core and create a distribution list for core classes.
Baylor in Deeds:
Priority 2: Interdisciplinary Collaborations
Interdisciplinary and cross-curricular partnerships allow the Baylor School of Music to expand creative horizons and address complex challenges by connecting music with fields such as technology, education, business, and healthcare. By leveraging the unique strengths and value of the School of Music, these collaborations enhance the quality and impact of both our programs and those of other disciplines across campus. This integrated approach fosters enriched learning experiences and positions Baylor as a leader in innovative, cross-disciplinary work. Create joint programs with technology, business, law, healthcare, and the social sciences to explore the intersection of music with these fields. Use faculty expertise to initiate interdisciplinary research projects, with grants targeting collaborative work. Connect with existing or host annual interdisciplinary showcases that bring together diverse fields to explore music’s role in broader contexts internal or external to campus.
Tasks:
Formalize and expand partnerships with other disciplines and faculty on campus through standing committees – Church Music/Truett, School of Music & the Arts, Voice and Poetry, etc.
Baylor in Deeds:
Take inventory of existing interdisciplinary programs and develop webpage documenting them.
Baylor in Deeds:
Launch arts research symposium to connect arts disciplines and arts-related research
Baylor in Deeds:
Explore interdisciplinary teaching opportunities and cross-listed classes.
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Priority 3: Advancing Excellence in Programs, Creative Activity, and Research
To enhance our impact, we must evaluate our current programs, and faculty expertise, identifying areas of strength to preserve and expand, while exploring new directions that align with the School’s mission, evolving needs, and interdisciplinary research opportunities on campus. Create structures and opportunities that enhance support for faculty and student research and creative endeavors that highlight the School’s unique contributions, such as performances, publications, compositions, recordings, or research collaborations that position it as a national leader. Conduct an inventory of faculty creative activities and research to identify areas of excellence, interdisciplinary potential, and underutilized opportunities for leadership in the field. Identify and invest in programs or research initiatives that connect music to other disciplines (i.e. technology, health, entrepreneurship, cultural studies) or align with emerging trends, address societal challenges, or highlight the School’s unique the School’s unique strengths to advance its reputation and impact.
Tasks:
Build a School of Music Research Committee to foster faculty and student research, identify School-wide grants, and support interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Increase faculty development funding beyond $800.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Support research and creative projects with internal funding opportunities.
Baylor in Deeds Commitments:
Establish a Dean’s Awards for Faculty Teaching and Faculty Research/Creative Activity.
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Pillar III - Resonant Culture
We are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment that unites faculty, staff, and students around shared purpose and growth, rooted in Christian faith. By prioritizing faith, well-being, and a balanced lifestyle, we aim to build a vibrant, caring community that equips people to flourish.
Priority 1: Faith Is at the Core
At the Baylor School of Music, spirituality and Christian faith are central to our mission and guide how we serve and inspire our students. We aim to create an environment where creativity, learning, and service reflect our shared values. Consider course gen-ed or cross-listed offerings that link faith and music. Partner with campus ministries to create co-curricular opportunities that merge music and spirituality.
Tasks:
Restart Faith & Music Concert and collaborate with IFI/Theatre/Art.
Baylor in Deeds:
Bach Cantata collaborative reading once per semester.
Baylor in Deeds:
Consider course gen-ed or cross-listed offerings that link faith and music.
Baylor in Deeds:
Fruit of the Spirit theme for SOM each semester/year.
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Priority 2: Supportive Culture for Faculty & Staff
The School of Music should be more than a premier destination for students pursuing music—it should also be an exceptional and supportive workplace for faculty and staff. We thrive on the diversity of people, perspectives, and musical traditions, which enrich our creative community in Waco. We should focus on challenges for both faculty and staff in the areas of work-life balance, professional development, leadership development, community development, access to resources for scholarly and creative activity, and more. Implement a mentorship program for new faculty and staff to support their professional and personal integration. Create development opportunities through retreats, workshops, or working groups for faculty collaboration, mid-career support, and leadership development. Regularly assess workplace culture and address areas of concern through anonymous surveys and transparent action plans.
Tasks:
Determine a schedule and format for professional development for School of Music faculty and/or staff, including leadership development and mentorship programs.
Baylor in Deeds:
Establish dedicated budget and clear process for faculty creative and scholarly projects.
Baylor in Deeds:
Establish School-wide communication expectations (email, after hours, etc.).
Baylor in Deeds:
Launch an annual School of Music Staff Merit Award (consider student nominations).
Baylor in Deeds:
Integrate more wellness programming into the student experience and curriculum (faculty/staff-facing wellness).
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Priority 3: Flexible & Sustainable Scheduling
Our current class and ensemble scheduling model has contributed to overwork, stress, and fatigue among students and faculty. Alongside curriculum reexamination, we must develop a scheduling approach that emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and opportunities for individual growth. Develop scheduling policies that prioritize well-being by limiting back-to-back commitments and creating common availability windows. Experiment with asynchronous or hybrid teaching models to reduce stress and improve time management for faculty and students.
Tasks:
Implement a revamped, holistic academic course schedule that aligns start times to cross-list interdisciplinary courses, creates common meeting time, and maximizes space utilization.
Baylor in Deeds:
Explore mapping degrees as an extension of our student time audit.
Baylor in Deeds:
Priority 4: Student Well-Being & Support
Fostering the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our students is as vital as their artistic and academic growth. Prioritizing faith and wellness, alongside robust student services like academic advising and wellness resources, empowers students to thrive personally, professionally, and spiritually, preparing them for successful careers and fulfilling lives. Centralize wellness resources, including academic advising, mental health support, peer mentorship programs, and international student support. Host workshops on stress management, healthy performance, and well-being, are integrated into the curriculum and/or student experience. Create a culture of feedback by establishing open forums and regular touchpoints for students to voice their needs.
Tasks:
Assess School of Music students on 7 areas of rest through a feedback form to determine deficit areas and create plan.
Baylor in Deeds:
Develop more opportunities for cross-division and cross-department community among students.
Baylor in Deeds:
Establish a SOM policy for extra rehearsals, programs, special events that supports student wellbeing.
Baylor in Deeds:
Healthy snacks (integrate into student success center) – look at Jacobs Student Wellness Center.
Baylor in Deeds:
Implementation of peer mentoring program for students including leadership development.
Baylor in Deeds:
Establish a rotation system for large ensembles that is equitable across the School and supports student wellbeing.
Baylor in Deeds:
Pillar IV - Sound Foundations
We are committed to building a strong financial and operational foundation to support our future needs for people, programs, and facilities. We seek new ways to creatively steward our resources so that we can meet the needs of our current operations, prepare for an ambitious future, and serve our campus.
Priority 1: Modernizing Facilities
A professional environment is essential for fostering creating and reflecting the world-class artistry that is demonstrated by faculty and students. We will focus on continuing to renovate and expand Baylor School of Music facilities through modernizing classrooms, acoustic areas, practice spaces, and shared community areas will strengthen connections across disciplines and improve teaching and research environments. Build a facilities master plan to guide renovation and expansion priorities based on student and faculty needs. Engage donors by creating naming opportunities for key facilities or new construction projects.
Tasks:
Develop a plan for short- and long-term goals for technology, facility maintenance, and improvements.
Baylor in Deeds:
Complete a comprehensive inventory of all capital assets, instruments, equipment, and technology and develop process for sharing resources across School of Music.
Baylor in Deeds:
Ongoing room-by-room improvements to School of Music facilities.
Baylor in Deeds:
Update flooring, finishes, artwork, digital signage, and external signage.
Baylor in Deeds:
Incorporate video streaming and recording in Meadows and RHH.
Baylor in Deeds:
Update aesthetics, finishes, and digital signage in lobbies.
Baylor in Deeds:
Priority 2: Operational Excellence & Staffing
To sustain strategic growth, we must invest in staff that includes providing professional tools, supporting staff retention, and offering professional development. Operational excellence also requires prioritizing efficiencies through standardized procedures, stronger coordination with the University, and more focus on technology in classrooms, performance spaces, and research. Conduct an operational efficiency review to identify gaps in staffing and technology support. Provide regular professional development opportunities for staff and ensure equitable workload distribution. Establish a technology advisory committee to assess current needs and recommend future investments.
Tasks:
Conduct an operational efficiency review to identify staffing and technology gaps.
Baylor in Deeds:
Create a student workforce strategy for training and retention.
Baylor in Deeds:
Develop student worker hiring plan with increased number of positions and compensation.
Baylor in Deeds:
Develop a multi-year hiring plan for faculty and staff based on SOM needs.
Baylor in Deeds:
Establish quality and response expectations between operations staff and faculty and students.
Baylor in Deeds:
Add video screen capacity in RGR and Jones Hall.
Baylor in Deeds:
Priority 3: Scholarships, Faculty, & Program Support
Investing in scholarships, faculty support, and program development is critical to maintaining the School’s excellence and preparing students for meaningful careers. Prioritize investment in faculty research grants, travel funds, and professional development. Launch fundraising campaigns highlighting the direct impact of scholarships and faculty support on student outcomes. Develop endowed scholarships targeting underrepresented demographics or students in high-need areas.
Tasks:
Establish new faculty financial support mechanisms.
Baylor in Deeds:
Explore Community Engagement scholarship tracks for focused study with donor support.
Baylor in Deeds:
Support faculty and program needs through financial planning and development.
Baylor in Deeds:
Scholarship chamber groups to serve as School of Music ambassadors and elite chamber experience.
Baylor in Deeds:
Priority 4: Developing New Revenue Streams
To sustain excellence, the Baylor School of Music must diversify its revenue streams beyond endowment in order to support and sustain the School’s programs, people, and facilities. Expand offerings in certificate programs, online courses, and community music initiatives in addition to graduate programs that require less subsidy. Offer sponsorship opportunities for major School events.