Presidential Search Listening Sessions Continue at Baylor University

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As Baylor University continues its search for its 14th president, the Presidential Search Committee held the next round of listening sessions April 29, hosting a general session for university staff. Jerry Baker of Baker and Associates, the search firm selected to assist in the national search, also was on campus to meet with the search advisory committee.

"Today's session with staff added an important component in our information-gathering process," said Joe Armes, chair of Baylor's Presidential Search Committee. "It is clear that the Baylor staff members are deeply committed to the university's mission and have a distinct perspective to share with the committee. We thank them for their insight and their willingness to join us today."

The meetings are part of an on-going series of listening sessions hosted by the committee to provide an organized forum for key stakeholders to provide input regarding Baylor's next president. Previous general sessions were held for faculty and students. Statewide listening sessions with Baylor alumni will begin on May 5 in Houston with a meeting at Tallowood Baptist Church at 7 p.m.

During today's session, staff members shared their ideas about the personal and professional characteristics, qualities and experiences they feel are most important in Baylor's next president. Several staff members addressed the importance of a president who supports and values the work and expertise of Baylor's professional staff of more than 1,200. Staff also said the university's next leader should be an approachable and compassionate servant-leader, who is visible on campus, in the community and throughout the world and shares the common commitment of the Baylor family to the university's mission and vision.

"There is a deep love for Baylor among our staff. More than half of our staff members have been with Baylor for six years or longer, and nearly a third have been here over a decade. Today's listening session represented a very significant opportunity for them to voice their opinions and suggestions to the Presidential Search Committee," said Angela Funai, president of the Staff Council. "I appreciate the staff and their supervisors who recognized the importance of today's session. The comments they provided, coupled with the feedback given at the other listening sessions, will be valuable in developing the profile of the presidential position."

Additional information, including a form to provide input to the search committees and audio podcasts of all open sessions can be found at www.baylor.edu/president/search.