Five years ago today, Ken Starr took office as Baylor University’s 14th president. Looking back over that time, we see many of the best years in the university’s 170-year history, from academic rankings to campus happenings, from athletic accomplishments to financial support.
There has never been a better time to be a Baylor Bear, and Judge Starr’s leadership as president and chancellor has played a large part in accomplishing that. This university release runs down many of the highlights of Judge Starr’s tenure; we’ll be examining those more in depth on this blog over the course of the summer. Here are just a few:
- Best U.S. News ranking in school history;
- Adoption of a new strategic vision, Pro Futuris;
- Record interest in a Baylor education, from applications through enrollment;
- Campus guests such as Sandra Day O’Connor, Condoleezza Rice, George Mitchell and Joe Lieberman;
- Construction of new facilities such as the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, East Village Residential Community, Elliston Chapel and McLane Stadium;
- Three national titles and 28 Big 12 team championships;
- Five consecutive bowl games for the two-time defending Big 12 football champions; and
- The most successful fundraising period in Baylor history.
Amazingly, while leading the university in all these areas, President Starr has also found time to do countless other things. Whether sharing his expertise as a Baylor Law School professor or running with the Baylor Line freshmen before football games, meeting with D.C.’s most powerful to sharing a float with students at Dr Pepper Hour, Judge Starr has represented Baylor with distinction in a thousand different arenas — all to serve our students.
Thanks for serving our beloved Baylor so faithfully and with such excellence!
Sic ’em, President Starr!