Quotes from Today's Presidential News Conference

November 4, 2005

Media Contact: Larry Brumley (254) 710-1964 or mobile (254) 709-9950

A transcript of today's news conference is available here.

The Baylor University Board of Regents today unanimously elected Baylor Distinguished Alumnus and University of Nevada, Reno President Dr. John M. Lilley as the University's 13th president. Dr. Lilley was the 11-member Regent Presidential Search Committee's unanimous choice and will take office Jan. 2, 2006.

Will D. Davis, chair of the Baylor Board of Regents: "At every place of service in his career, Dr. Lilley has been known as a consensus builder. His collaborative approach involving governing boards, faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends has allowed him to lead the campuses he served through periods of dramatic growth and enhancement. He brings to Baylor University the energy, passion, vision, experience and leadership to guide this institution to greater prominence. Those traits, combined with a deep love for this institution that was cultivated during his years as a student here, Dr. Lilley will, I believe, be a great leader for Baylor University."

Bill Brian, search committee chair and member of the Baylor Board of Regents: "Dr. Lilley's life was transformed by his experience as a Baylor student. His distinguished career in higher education in California, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Nevada has kept him in places distant from Waco and Baylor, specially equipping him now to come home to his alma mater, unfettered by identification with any faction. His faith commitment and recognition of the historic and present important relationship between Baylor and the Baptist General Convention of Texas helped committees to see in Dr. Lilley great promise for leading Baylor faculty, staff and students forward to even greater achievement. These and other factors led the search committee to recommend him unanimously."

Dr. John Lilley:

"That is what Baylor needs, is unity and moving forward and building on its tremendous history. When you think of its incredible history, back to 1845 Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, this is the place. I am grateful to be here and look forward to working with all of you."

"My sense is that everyone in this whole discussion, whatever its dimensions, No. 1, loves this university and wants it to grow and prosper as a Christian university in the Baptist tradition. We also want it to be a top tier university. The regents have affirmed that and the Faculty Senate has affirmed that. The question is, how do we implement that? What is the balance needed? What is the touch needed? That is going to be a long series of conversations."

"I think this is a time for us to build on Baylor's recent history as well as its very long history. The atmosphere that I experienced as a student, both in the classroom and out of the classroom, and particularly First Baptist Church, that meant everything to me. It was transforming for me and I want it to be transforming for every young person who comes to Baylor University. It is that profound a place. Frankly, that's why I'm here - only for Baylor."

"Baylor has been the crown jewel of Texas Baptists, and I believe it still is based on the information I have and will do everything within my power to make sure it remains there. Our Baptist connections and the tradition of Texas Baptists is very important. I will do everything I can to strengthen that."

"My fundamental premise is that communication builds trust and lack of communication builds mistrust."