Presidential Search Progressing

Coinciding with the Board of Regents' annual summer retreat, members of the Baylor University Presidential Search Committee met July 22 to discuss the progress of the current search for the University's 14th president. 

With the help of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, and with the benefit of input provided during listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, the search committee has worked with Jerry Baker, principal of the national search firm of Baker and Associates of Atlanta, to develop the profile necessary for the next president of Baylor.

An attractive Presidential Search Prospectus has been developed, and personal contact with prospective candidates and paid advertising for the position began in August.

Dr. Kenneth L. Hall, president and CEO of Buckner International, Dallas, and chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, praised the inclusiveness of the process. "Having been engaged in the listening sessions, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee actively participated in the development of the presidential profile. We spoke for the views that were expressed during the listening sessions as well as the views of the individual groups we represent. Throughout the process, our input was welcomed and is now reflected in the presidential profile. As we begin the call for nominations, members of the advisory committee will solicit and welcome the suggestions of our various constituencies."

"We've enjoyed a collaborative process with discussions that have been spirited, thought provoking and, ultimately, very instructive," said Presidential Search Committee Chair Joe Armes, BBA '83, MBA '84. "We learned so much in the listening sessions and continue to be grateful for the time and input provided by everyone who participated."

The listening sessions were held in various locations throughout Texas in April and May. Additionally, an online form was provided on the Baylor Presidential Search Web site for the Baylor family to provide input regarding the University's next chief executive. The latest news about the presidential search is posted to the Web site, which also includes audio podcasts of the open listening sessions and a copy of the Presidential Search Prospectus.

During the Regents' regular business, the Board approved $3.9 million in personnel and non-personnel requests that comprised the 2009 Summer Review, part of the University's ongoing practice of reviewing current budget savings and making reallocations to enhance university programs and services.

The meeting also included the presentation of the University's annual report for the previous year. Interim President Dr. David E. Garland offered updates on progress made in achieving the imperatives of Baylor 2012, the University's 10-year strategic plan. Highlights from the past year included an increase in the number of doctoral programs, growing demand for on-campus housing, increasing minority enrollment, enhanced alumni engagement and the construction of the Simpson Athletics and Academic Center and the McMullen-Connally Faculty Center.

A special feature of the three-day meeting was a dinner for Regents and welcomed guests hosted by Waco residents and Baylor supporters Nell and Jim Hawkins at their home Wednesday evening. A number of prominent Baylor alumni joined Regents to learn more about University initiatives and progress. Among those in attendance were Jay Allison, BBA '78, MS '80, JD '81, president and CEO, Comstock Resources Inc., and Jenny Allison, BS '78, MS '80, past-president, Baylor Women's Council of Dallas; Ken Carlile, BA '69, PhD '96, co-chairman, Carlile Companies, his brother, Steve Carlile, BBA '73, JD '75, chairman/CEO, Home and Garden Party, and Penny Carlile, BA '73, president of Home and Garden Party; Paul Foster, BBA '79, president/owner, Western Refining Co.; Bob Perry, BA '54, chairman of the board, Perry Homes Ltd.; Walter Umphrey, BBA '59, JD '65, senior managing partner, Provost & Umphrey Law Firm; and John Eddie Williams, BBA '76, JD '78, founding partner and attorney, Williams Kherkher.

To download a copy of the Presidential Search Prospectus, visit www.baylor.edu/president/search.