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Mixed Responses to Baylor University's Proposal

October 17, 2009

To send your own comments, e-mail BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com.

My wife and I joined the alumni association when we graduated and have been members for about thirty-five years now. When we joined, it never occurred to me that the association was independent of the university—not that it really would have mattered to me. I am proud that my wife and I and two of my three children are all Baylor graduates, and I am also glad to have been a life member of the association for all these years. We all love Baylor and bleed green and gold, and I, for one, am tired of this dispute. I don’t care how you do it, but settle this dumb argument in some way and move forward!
Dr. Roger D. Metcalf ‘73
Arlington

I'm torn about this, primarily for two reasons: I do not trust the Board of Regents, and I'm beginning to wonder if the BAA now sees itself as nothing but a "check and balance" on Baylor leadership.

I'm a 2007 graduate, and I was given a life membership in the BAA by my parents at graduation. Perhaps to the dismay of many BAA members, I came to Baylor because of the Baylor 2012 initiatives. Nevertheless, my support of 2012 policy does not mean I support the way the Board of Regents leads. Its general lack of accountability to its constituents makes me deeply suspicious of it, and the Lilley administration's leadership problems, which were largely board-generated and which I saw up close as a student, proves the Board of Regents is in need of a shake-up. My personal opinion is that the Board of Regents should be voted on by staff, faculty, alumni, and, yes, current students. But that topic is for another discussion altogether.

I sometimes wonder if we really speak for the alumni as a whole. If the BAA has 19,000 members, and there are over 140,000 living Baylor grads, do we really have the moral authority to claim that we speak for all Baylorites? My concern here is that a few people in both the university and the BAA are waging battles of the past. Yes, the urgency with which the university has changed its tune (and tone) is surprising. And yes, I'd like to see the university modify its proposal, particularly regarding editorial control of BAA publications; however, is that alone what we're basing our opposition on? Moreover, is independence a means of serving Baylor or an end in itself?

I think we really need to ask ourselves some hard questions about our purpose. Are we serving Baylor as best we possibly can? I don't think so, and I think both sides are in dire need of a fresh start with one another. I can appreciate protecting dissenting opinions and speaking truth to power when needed. But is that alone our reason for being? I certainly hope not.

While I have great reservations about merging into the university, I think we need to take this opportunity to examine our role. If we seek to work with the university to better Baylor—not merely to counter policy—then we've got our priorities straight. But if we seek to remain independent for independence's sake alone or to lament for the past, then we've lost sight of our purpose.
Brandon Bellows '07
Fort Worth

This in-fighting is the most immature, un-Christian-like behavior that I've witnessed since the split in the Southern Baptist and General Baptist Conventions of Texas.

I am a Christian, a proud alum who has encouraged (with success) many young people to choose Baylor over other universities, a cum laude graduate of the business school, and a BAA life member. And I was an advocate and donor.

My guess is that you may have jeopardized both of the latter with this silly, bitter fight.

Take off the gloves, and go into a private room. Pray and talk it out; leave us out of it, and leave the public out of it. Grow up and get past this, or else it will further damage Baylor's reputation. Let the egos on both sides make their way out. You both have good points; focus on those and how you can work together.

Personally, I like the idea of independence for the BAA. Baylor—yes, Baylor—needs to be held in check like any other human-run organization. But "market trends" are also important to note. Be original; find a way to have both!

Please pray about this and do what God wants, not what individual egos want.
Pam Thompson Paglino ’87
Canton, Mississippi

I attended Baylor because it was a Baptist university teaching Christian values in all things. I have no real idea what it has become these many years later, but I suspect that it has just gotten too big for its britches in wanting to be all things to all people.

I am embarrassed about all of the judgment and controversy that Baptists have gone through in the last many years. Just get back to teaching Christian principles in all things and leave the judgmentalism to God. That is the only answer. There is nothing that Satan likes more than "holier than thou" people judging others and deciding whether they are worthy of God.

This disunity causes more harm to God's kingdom than anything I can think of. All sides need to come together and strive to be Christ-like in all things period! I don't want to be ashamed of my school any more. Baylor is a Baptist Christian university and has been since its inception. It is time everyone associated with it acted like it! My prayers are with all who are trying to do the right thing.
Sue Beth Simmonds Bendele '62
Austin

I see nothing in the BAA’s mission statement that makes it a “watchdog” organization to provide “checks and balances” to the governing body of Baylor University. Governance of the university is vested in the Board of Regents under the law. Selection of a president is not an “election,” as Baylor University is not a membership organization. The president reports to and is accountable to the Board of Regents—period. The president is responsible for all operations. All other matters of governance are the responsibility of the regents.

Disagreement and expression of various viewpoints are vital to all organizations and should be encouraged in any system. But is seems to me that when time, energy, and money are spent in determining “who is in charge,” we are taking away from the missions of the university and the alumni association. Perhaps both organizations need to go back to the basics of their respective missions and determine the most efficient and effective use of resources to make sure the missions are accomplished.

Unfortunately, most of my adult life has been spent in the Baptist wars. This BAA versus Baylor seems to me to be another extension of us versus them (deep undertones of moderates/liberals vs. conservative/fundamentalists). When will it ever end?

I will always love Baylor and be loyal to her because of her place in my life. I will always have affection for the BAA as a member of one of the First Families of Baylor and the first Fling committee. However, I am sick to death of the fights. Can reasonable people please come to reasonable decisions and move on? If the activities and programs designed to keep alumni engaged with the university are continued and enhanced, I really don’t care who runs the show.

At the end of the day, I don’t have a “vote” on this issue, nor do I want one. No matter the outcome, I will continue the legacy of my grandparents, parents, and son to light the ways of time for the next generation of Baylor Bears who will make a difference in the world.
Christi Harman Stinson ’71
Aledo

I have been hearing about issues between the Baylor Board of Regents and the BAA but have not been following it closely. However, one phrase in the e-mail I just received from the BAA jumps out at me. That phrase is “while being governed by a self-perpetuating board of twenty-one individuals who have limited checks and balances to their authority.” My feeling is that it shouldn’t matter whether the BAA is independent or not, but I strongly feel that one of its purposes should not be to serve as some sort of balance to the Board of Regents. Corporations and other organizations all over the country are run by their boards. That’s their job. There are so many ways the BAA can serve Baylor alumni.
Winston Wolfe '64
Memphis, Tennessee

I appreciate the opportunity to present my perspective on the latest proposal from the Baylor administration to the Baylor Alumni Association (BAA). As a life member of BAA and an active supporter of Baylor, I feel like many alumni with whom I speak—stuck in the middle. I have friends and people whom I respect on both sides of this matter. After reading the administration’s proposal and subsequent communications from BAA (include the latest issue of the Baylor Line), I understand the reasoning presented by both sides and recognize their respective positioning. Having said that, I believe now is the time for leadership rather than positioning from both Baylor and BAA for three reasons.

The emotional escalation and length of this conflict continue to strain relationships within the Baylor family as more people feel forced to choose sides. When people indicate they may not support the university depending on how this matter is resolved, we have crossed a dangerous line. In addition, this conflict has now extended into a third administration, which means the problem is likely not personalities or processes but fundamental differences between the parties. Unfortunately, many of the communications I read seem to focus more on style rather than substance. Leadership from both sides should focus on jointly resolving the fundamental differences to prevent further schisms within the Baylor family and to jointly facilitate the healing process.
The information I have read indicates Baylor has approximately 140,000 alumni and BAA has 19,000 members. While I recognize no university will engage all of its alumni, the gap of 121,000 appears significant. This statement is not meant as a criticism of the BAA but a statement of fact. While the BAA numbers might increase without this conflict, the size of this gap represents a major challenge. Unless this gap is closed substantially, the current approach of both parties will continue resulting in redundancy (e.g., two magazines) and potentially further segregation among the alumni. The closure of this gap will likely not occur without a joint effort of Baylor and BAA leadership. The future success of Baylor depends on engaging a larger percentage of our alumni going forward.
I am concerned about the potential influence this conflict may have on our presidential search. Baylor represents an outstanding opportunity with strong potential, but this type of conflict could dissuade some good candidates from considering this position. While some people may say the right candidate could or should resolve this issue, the level of emotion involved is likely to force a new president to choose sides thus alienating a significant group of alumni at the start of his or her tenure. I believe we should avoid this situation by resolving this issue among ourselves now, so a new president can quickly focus on strategic university matters.

Because of the importance and urgency of this matter, I encourage the BAA leadership to seriously consider the administration’s proposal. From my perspective, presence on the Board of Regents represents a significant point, though I would suggest the alumni position have the same tenure and status as other board members. Offering positions to BAA staff appears reasonable on the surface, though I am sure some detail points require further discussion. Combining the publications and allowing the alumni director to present an independent opinion allows for a dissenting voice, when needed, but my sense is BAA should perhaps ask for an independent section within the publication rather than one article. Internet technology also provides significant opportunities to present dissenting opinions. In summary, the proposal appears to have some key points to consider and should provide the opportunity to engage in further meaningful discussions.

Based on the content and tone of BAA communications regarding the proposal and how it was presented, some alumni believe BAA leadership may have already determined its position. I trust they are wrong and encourage BAA leadership to demonstrate a sincere effort to jointly resolve this conflict with the Baylor administration. All parties involved in this conflict love Baylor University. It is time for everyone to allow our love for the university to exceed personal preferences and bias. You will remain in my prayers.
Bill Mearse '78, MBA '79
Houston

The divisive nature of so many recent Baylor topics is exhausting and embarrassing. I am much more interested In Baylor spending time hiring qualified teachers and professors who are interested in teaching so that my children do not have to repeat courses and needlessly extend their educational expenses.

Baylor should be about getting the best education possible and preparing for a world in which collaboration, teamwork, and service are of paramount importance. The stubbornness with which so many factions argue about things at Baylor is not the example one would want one's children to emulate as they embark on their careers and work to serve others.

Let's respect our chosen leaders and work with them to restore a sense of professionalism and decency to the Baylor name.
Kimberly Brown Reene ’81, MBA ‘82
Leawood, Kansas

Now you are beginning to see that the "fundies" were not so dumb after all.
Bill Sutton ‘64

I would appreciate a better understanding of problems or issues the Board of Regents believes an independent alumni association presents—and the urgency of taking this or any other action on them now. The latest issue of the Baylor Line and the BAA’s recent e-mail have offered a consistent point of view I am inclined to agree with, but I must admit the lack of clarity on the regents’ point of view leaves me unsure what I am disagreeing with.

The confusion on my part comes from both parties. If we are all in this together, with a common mission and common goals, why do the regents feel the BAA must be brought under the university’s control? And, aside from heritage and history, why is the leadership of the BAA fighting so hard to prevent it? If the issue is economics, the pros and cons of the two choices should not be difficult to describe. If the issue is how to manage a consistent message to the world about Baylor University, I would like to know how the messages the BAA is sending differ from those which the university is sending.

If the issue is simply control, then, in my view, we are wasting our collective energy. The lack of an independent organization will not prevent any alumni I know from throwing rotten vegetables from the cheap seats if they don’t like the performance.

So I would ask that someone please clarify the issue the regents wish to solve by absorbing the BAA into the university’s operations. I’m inclined to agree with the BAA leadership that it is unnecessary, but I must admit I don’t know what I don’t know.
D. R. Brown ‘78

If the BAA ceases to exist as a separate entity, do we get our life membership dues refunded? Would Baylor charge a membership fee? What happens to the BAA’s other assets, especially current assets? What about monetary gifts and other donations given by alumni to BAA?

I think these are all issues which should be addressed prior to any merger.
Steve Bagwell ‘87
Ada, Oklahoma

The in-fighting at Baylor is sickening. The interim leadership and self-perpetuating regents of Baylor are leading the university down a path of ridicule and marginalization. Baylor University looks infantile and parochial. Will Baylor become central Texas’ Bob Jones University, Oral Roberts University, or Liberty University? I do not want Baylor considered as their peers, but the current direction points straight to this end. Baylor should be in a peer group with Notre Dame, Duke, and Vanderbilt. Instead, Baylor falls increasingly behind SMU, TCU, and Brigham Young in denominationally tied universities.

Because this situation has been building for fifteen to twenty years, I did not recommend Baylor to either of my daughters. They instead graduated from SMU and North Texas. I will not contribute financially to Baylor until the university is stabilized in its leadership and is transparent and consistent in its dealing with its various constituencies: students, faculty, alumni, denomination, and community. I will not recommend Baylor to any high school student seeking a high quality university experience.

The actions of the interim leadership, regents, and BAA are reducing the “perceived value” of my degree. “My Baylor” is now the subject of derision and controversy, and it is extremely painful to watch.

If you want an example of “how to do a Baptist university right,” I urge you to review the past decade of California Baptist University.
Name Withheld

The proposal from Baylor to bring the BAA into its organizational structure certainly has ignited the prolific public expression of personal opinions on the matter. Being a resident of California for the past twenty-five years has left me a little uninformed of the nuances behind the changes and actions of Baylor and the BAA during that time. However, I have kept up with what has happened at Baylor, and here is how I see the current decision facing the BAA.

After reading the proposal of the regents, I only know what they suggest are the reasons behind their proposal; the growth of the alumni organization's membership and inclusion of alumni in a more direct relationship with the university's administration. I would be naive to say that these are their only objectives; however, these are the only objectives I can seen stated in the proposal.

I have seen an indication from the leadership of the BAA and many members a desire to remain independent for the purpose of an independent voice on issues that Baylor faces. And it is their belief that with the end of their organizational independence will come the end of uncensored and independent expression of ideas and genuine beliefs for the good of Baylor. Again I would be naive to think that these are the only reasons behind their desire to remain independent.

My personal view is that to accept the proposal serves the stated desires on both sides of the issue. As I see it, the BAA would have much more influence from inside the administration than it does as an ancillary organization. I also believe that the joining of the BAA to the university would increase the involvement of the alumni at the heart of where daily decisions are made and philosophy and practice are forged.

To remain separate means that the sounding of an independent voice is distorted by the lack of its responsibility. To be a part of the university means that a voice will have more credibility because it also accepts to bear its appropriate portion of the responsibility. It is too easy to criticize the decisions of others when we personally do not face the responsibility of that decision; though we may be affected by the consequences of those decisions. This is why an influential voice of the alumni's position from inside the administration is so vital to the health of Baylor.

All that being said, the decision of the BAA to accept or reject the university's proposal would best be made by a vote of its members. I am a life time member and will support whatever the "voice" of the members decides. I do not feel the need to fight for personal independence from the BAA even if the majority of the members does not agree with my view.
Jeff Moore '78
Redlands, California

I must admit that I am very unhappy with the childish squabbling that has been going on between Baylor and the BAA of late. The BAA is too adversarial, and Baylor is too controlling (and afraid of bad press).
Jon Fisher '68
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Officially recognized as the general alumni organization of Baylor University, the Baylor Alumni Association is an independent legal entity.

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