Provost To Retire At End of Academic Year

Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Baylor since 1991, announced during the fall faculty meeting in late August his plans to retire effective May 2003.
"This is a bittersweet moment for me personally and for Baylor University," said President Robert B. Sloan Jr. "Don Schmeltekopf has guided Baylor's academic 'ship of state' through what has perhaps been the most significant period in the University's modern era. His commitment to the idea that faith and learning are not mutually exclusive found its greatest expression through his work in developing Baylor 2012, our 10-year vision."
During the 11 years Dr. Schmeltekopf has served as provost, Baylor created four new academic divisions -- George W. Truett Theological Seminary, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the School of Social Work and the Honors College; added five PhD programs -- in biology, church-state studies, sociology, philosophy and mathematics; and established the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core program. 
In addition, participation in international studies programs has increased, the faculty has grown from 580 to 750, faculty research and scholarly activity have increased, the University Scholars and Distinguished Professors programs were initiated and faculty compensation has improved.
"I cannot imagine, for me, a greater opportunity within the academic world than serving as provost of Baylor University," Dr. Schmeltekopf said. "I believe deeply in the mission of Baylor 
as an eminent Christian university. This work has been my life's passion for the past 12 years."
A tenured professor of philosophy, Dr. Schmeltekopf will remain at the University and engage in a leadership development project among Christian colleges and universities throughout the United States.
A provost search committee was selected and began its work in late August.