Retiring Provost Honored With Colloquy On 'The Baptist And Christian Character Of Baylor'

April 22, 2003
News Photo 1299

by Lori Scott Fogleman

Baylor University faculty members examined "The Baptist and Christian Character of Baylor" during a two-day colloquy April 10-11, honoring Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf, provost and vice president for academic affairs, who will retire in May.
The presentations at the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center offered differing perspectives on the various dimensions of Baylor's faith mission and its integration into the teaching, scholarship and service endeavors of the university community. Selected faculty members presented their positions on the session topic, followed by short papers in response and open discussion.
Law School Dean Brad Toben said the colloquy provided a "fitting tribute" to Schmeltekopf's "inspiring leadership" over the past 12 years.
"In his role as provost, Don Schmeltekopf has provided constant, encouraging support to the Baylor faculty, and he has contributed enormously to the university's mission and standing as a major Christian university," said Toben, who also serves as The Gov. Bill and Vara Faye Daniel Professor of Law.
The colloquy honoring Schmeltekopf was sponsored by Baylor School of Law and the Council of Deans.


Session I - A University in the Largest Sense of the Word

The first session - "A University in the Largest Sense of the Word" - featured Dr. C. Stephen Evans, university professor of philosophy and humanities. The session was moderated by Dr. Wallace L. Daniel Jr., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and The Ralph L. and Bessie May Lynn Professor of History. Responses to Evans' paper were given by Dr. James M. Bennighof, professor of music theory, director of academic studies and associate dean for academic affairs in the School of Music; Dr. Marianna Busch, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry; Dr. Gerald B. Cleaver, assistant professor of physics; and Dr. M. David Rudd, professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the doctor of psychology program.


To read more about this session, click here.


Session II - Faculty Hiring, Tenure and Promotion

The day's second session focused on "Faculty Hiring, Tenure and Promotion." Dr. Pauline T. Johnson, professor of nursing and director of the graduate program at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, moderated the session, with position papers presented by Dr. Mikeal C. Parsons, professor of religion, and Dr. Robert M. Baird, professor and chair of the philosophy department and Master Teacher. Respondents were Dr. Diana R. Garland, professor and chair of social work and director of the Center for Family and Community Ministries; Mark W. Osler, assistant professor of law; and Dr. Charles A. Weaver, professor of psychology and neuroscience and chair of the faculty senate.


To read more about this session, click here.


Session III - Keynote Address by Dr. David Solomon

A reception and dinner in the Barfield Drawing Room featured a keynote address by Dr. David Solomon, The H.B. and W.P. White Director of the Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame and former Baylor visiting distinguished professor.


To read more about this session, click here.


Session IV - What Does It Mean to Support Baylor's Mission?

The final colloquy session addressed the question, "What Does It Mean to Support Baylor's Mission?" Position papers were presented by Dr. Owen T. Lind, professor of biology, and Dr. Ralph C. Wood, university professor of theology and literature. Dr. J. Mark Bateman, associate professor of educational administration and executive associate dean in the School of Education, moderated the session. Responses were given by Dr. Marjorie J. Cooper, professor of marketing; Dr. Byron P. Newberry, associate professor of engineering and chair of the university tenure and promotion committee; and Dr. Roger E. Olson, professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary.


To read more about this session, click here.