Jeffrey's Provost Duties Begin June 1

At the completion of a comprehensive national search, Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr. announced in November the appointment of Dr. David Lyle Jeffrey, Distinguished Professor of Literature and Humanities, as provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective June 1. 
Dr. Jeffrey, who currently serves as senior vice provost, will succeed Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf, who announced last August he will retire as provost in May (see "A Life's Work" in this issue). 
As the University's chief academic officer, Dr. Jeffrey will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of faculty who share a commitment to the University's mission, who pursue excellence in scholarship and who model a life of service to students. An eminent Christian scholar, teacher and author, Dr. Jeffrey also will provide leadership to the deans of all academic programs as they implement the imperatives of Baylor 2012, the University's 10-year Vision. 
"David Jeffrey is a most worthy successor to Don Schmeltekopf, who has led in the creation of Baylor's academic vision through Baylor 2012 and has been integral in the first year of its implementation," Dr. Sloan said. "Dr. Jeffrey will bring enormous vision, energy and intellectual power to this office. He has a keen ability to relate to all generations of the Baylor family and exudes to everyone he meets a warmth of spirit, breadth of knowledge and ability to communicate across disciplines. I am thrilled that he has accepted the challenge of serving as provost and look forward to his leadership in Baylor's academic life." 
Dr. Jeffrey came to Baylor in fall 2000 as a Distinguished Professor. In June 2001, he was appointed to the newly created position of associate provost, and three months later was named senior vice provost.
"When first coming to Baylor, I had not anticipated an administrative role, but was compelled simply by the unique vision and heightened sense of mission that had been developing under Dr. Sloan's leadership," said Dr. Jeffrey, who will report to the president and serve on his executive council. "To be offered a chance to partner in this way with the president, his administration and all of Baylor's faculty, staff and students, I count as the signal honor of my academic life."