L. Gregory Jones Welcomes Key Role in Leadership

In May, following a unanimous recommendation from the provost search committee, Baylor University welcomed Dr. L. Gregory Jones as executive vice president and provost. His wife, the Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, associate dean for ministerial formation at Duke Divinity School, has also joined Baylor as senior fellow in the Institute for Faith and Learning.

As the University’s chief academic officer, Dr. Jones is leading Baylor’s academic enterprise, which includes 12 schools and colleges, its research centers and institutes and the University Libraries. He is working with the Executive Council, Council of Deans, department chairs, faculty, staff and Regents to energize a unified academic vision and foster excellence in teaching, learning and research within the context of a Christian worldview.

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve Baylor University as its executive vice president and provost. My wife, Susan, and I have long admired Baylor’s commitments, aspirations and leadership role in Christian higher education, and we have developed deep affection for the Baylor community and the rich history that inspires it,” Dr. Jones said. “I also believe that Baylor’s best days are still ahead, and I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively across the University and beyond to help Baylor realize its promise as a leading Christian research university.”

Leadership Appointments

In July, Dr. Jones announced three leadership appointments in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

Michelle Berry was promoted to vice president for academic operations and strategic finance, a role that will focus on the operational and financial strategies to equip the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost to advance Baylor’s strengths at the intersections of the University’s schools and colleges and enrich transdisciplinary initiatives that enhance teaching, learning and research.

Dr. Lori Baker was appointed vice provost for strategic initiatives, collaboration and leadership development. In this role, she will work on leveraging Baylor’s academic strengths across the campus and building more robust capabilities for Baylor’s faculty and deans to work together.

Dr. Darin Davis was named vice president for university mission. His appointment adds expertise in the Office of the Executive Vice President as he works with students, faculty and staff across the University to emphasize the mission-centric focus distinctive to Baylor as a Christian research university.

“The appointments of Michelle Berry, Lori Baker and Darin Davis will help us build stronger and strategic capabilities in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost,” Dr. Jones said.