Dick Ellis Announces His Resignation As Athletic Director

WACO, Texas - Baylor University athletic director Dr. Richard "Dick" Ellis announced his resignation today, effective May 31.
In announcing his resignation, Ellis said, "Recently, Baylor University has had a change in leadership when Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr. became president June 1, 1995.
"Anytime there is a change of this nature, the president wants to have people of his own choosing in his senior administration. I have been aware that Dr. Sloan would prefer to make changes within the athletic department administration, and I appreciate that he has allowed me time to search for other career opportunities.
"Recently, there has been speculation regarding changes within the Baylor athletic department and this is not productive for any program as we continue to move forward. Therefore, today I am announcing that I will resign as Baylor's director of athletics at the end of the school year on May 31, 1996.
"This will now allow Dr. Sloan to make his personal selection of who will be the next Baylor athletic director. This will also allow me the opportunity to help in the transition by providing whatever support I can to Dr. Sloan's nominee.
"I've had many wonderful experiences at Baylor and the athletic program has had many significant accomplishments in the past few years. In no way do I take personal credit for any of these accomplishments. It has been a total team effort involving the entire athletic department. It has been a privilege for me to have worked with so many wonderful professionals, and I will do everything in my power to assist the Baylor Bears as they move forward into a promising future."
Dr. Sloan said, "All of us at Baylor owe Dr. Dick Ellis our appreciation and gratitude for his leadership of the athletics department over the past three years. He has been a model of integrity, loyalty and hard work as he has led Baylor athletics through times of growth and challenge. We wish him great success as he pursues his goals for the future."

Said Dr. Stan Madden, Baylor University spokesman, "Changes inevitably come in athletics programs, but Dick Ellis can be proud of his contributions to building Baylor University. The Ellis years have helped establish the foundation for the future of our athletics programs."
Ellis became athletic director on Sept. 1, 1993. He came to Baylor from Clemson University in May of 1992 and served as deputy athletic director under Grant Teaff. Ellis also served in athletic capacities at the Air Force Academy, Texas A&M and Arkansas.
In addition to his 26 years of intercollegiate athletic experience, Ellis also served as an Air Force officer and was a combat pilot in Viet Nam.