Charting the Course

During its regular May meeting, the Baylor University Board of Regents affirmed the University’s next strategic plan through 2030 and charged the administration to begin a rollout in Fall 2024. The Board also approved expanding the University’s longstanding motto by adding Pro Mundo (For the World) to Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana (For Church, For Texas).

The Board elected leadership and new at-large Regents, and these roles became effective June 1. Regents re-elected William “Bill” E. Mearse, B.B.A. ’78, M.B.A. ’79, to a second term as chair of the Board, and Melissa Purdy Mines, B.A. ’90, as vice chair.

The Board welcomes four new Regents. New at-large Regents are Kyle Deaver, B.B.A. ’86, J.D. ’93, partner in the Waco law firm Deaver and Deaver and former mayor of Waco; and Charles E. Williams, president of Baylor Scott & White Health Dallas-Fort Worth — West Region and Baylor Scott & White — Fort Worth, and former president of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Hillcrest in Waco. Serving as the faculty Regent is Andrew Arterbury, B.A. ’90, Ph.D. ’03, who has taught at Baylor since 2003 — first in the Honors College, and more recently as professor of Christian scriptures at Truett Seminary. The student Regent is Meghan Fletcher, B.S.F.C.S. ’20, M.S.Ed. ’22, who is a doctoral candidate in higher education and leadership.

Regents recommended by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and confirmed by the Board are Tyler C. Cooper, B.B.A. ’94, M.D., serving a second term; D. Diane Dillard, B.A. ’76, J.D. ’79, serving a second term; and René Maciel, M.S.Ed. ’91, serving a third term.

Katie Jo Luningham, B.A. ’11, was affirmed by the Board for a third term as the incoming alumni-elected Regent.