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Responses in Support of the Baylor Alumni Association's IndependenceOctober 6, 2009
Page 1 of 2
(Go to Page 2)
To send you own comments, e-mail BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com.
If the Baylor Regents are performing their duties in an honest, ethical matter, why are they afraid of the alumni association?
Anne Reesing Tiller '78
San Antonio
Keep it separate. If BAA is put under regents, then regents have control. Alumni have lost their voice and independence.
Why are regents afraid of independence of BAA? Why do they want to
control the BAA? They make a mess of what they do as it is. Sorry but
it's true, in my opinion.
Keep BAA separate from regents.
E. V. May Jr. '47
Livingston
I have always strongly enjoyed all of my communications with the Baylor
Alumni Association and am proud to be a member. I think it is
absolutely ridiculous what the Board of Regents is trying to do. You
may pass my name on as someone who is strongly opposed to the
dissolution of the BAA and its charter. Thank you and good luck in this
endeavor.
Jennifer Allen '06
Kingwood
As a Baylor alum, life member of the Baylor Alumni Association, mother
of a Baylor student and two future Baylor students, I would like to
thank you. BAA needs your wise leadership to continue to serve and
support Baylor alumni. The Baylor Alumni Association should remain
intact as the historically independent voice of Baylor alumni.
My beloved alma mater, Baylor University, will always be my first
choice for my children's higher education. However, the Board of
Regents' and interim president's actions to overtake the Baylor Alumni
Association are unfortunately questionable at best, suspicious at
worst, and certainly not in the spirit of goodwill to its faithful
alumni. I personally hope that the BAA would remain intact as a
separate entity working in partnership with the university.
Please continue to do what is best for Baylor, while maintaining independent representation for Baylor alumni.
Name Withheld
The regents are acting like a bunch of spoiled babies. Is the Gestapo
looking for anyone who wants to keep a system of check and balances on
their activities? Hang in there BAA and prevent them from making Baylor
a Bible college.
Kenneth B. Nichols '70
Beaumont
I am shocked at the behavior of the Board of Regents. I will continue
to support the Baylor Alumni Association and will help in anyway I can.
Please don't give up!
David L. Scott '87
Gatesville
I appreciate your notification about the recent actions and proposal of
the Board of Regents. As a longtime member and current life member of
the alumni association, I am disappointed to say the least but
unfortunately not necessarily surprised. There has been a slow movement
away from the BAA as an independent body despite the lip service paid
to us over the last five to six years. This started around the same
time as the new Baylor publication by the university to compete with
the BAA publication. This is only a small example, obviously.
I agree that the BAA needs to maintain an independent voice and be
recognized as such for purposes of keeping our interests as alumni in
the forefront, but also allowing the Baylor family to continue to grow.
The regents' failure to recognize this seems shortsighted, in my
opinion. Discussions and proponents for new Baylor students as well as
significant monetary contributions comes from the alumni—not the
regents. Alumni are the folks in the community and standing up to
promote Baylor on a day to day basis. My education at Baylor has
allowed me to open many doors and to think independently and "outside
the box." I try to instill these qualities in my own children who
hopefully will attend Baylor as well. If all facets of the university
are controlled by the Board of Regents, the thinking "outside the
standard box" is diminished, and this hurts all of us. Our own
government has checks and balances, and certainly they don't always
agree, but that is what makes it functional and truly representative of
the people (alumni).
I strongly urge that you do not agree to the proposal. I think the
current check and balance system that is allowed by an independent
association serves us all—including the university—to make the Baylor
family stronger in the end.
Dr. Dennis Gable '88
Plano
Tell the regents one word: "Nuts!” All them old farts will know what
that means (World War II, Battle of the Bulge). If the regents want a
fight, by God let's give them a fight they won't forget.
The regents have no right to demand anything out of the BAA, except to
tell us to keep our noses out of how they run the university. Likewise,
the BAA should keep its nose out of trying run the university.
So my advice is send the proposal back with the word "Nuts" in big,
bold letters on the cover page. We haven't had a good fight at Baylor
in a long time, so let's have one now.
Harvey L. Nelson '78
Katy
As a 1983 graduate of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, I think
that I will never give a dime to Baylor University. I made the
conscious effort to steer my children away from the university (two of
whom are National Merit Scholars with cumulative GPAs of 4.2 or
higher). I will not actively disparage the university, but neither will
I "talk it up." A university that is unwilling to allow an independent
alumni association is a university that has something to hide. Absolute
control, whether at a university or in government, is absolutely a bad
thing.
Deborah Amsler Quigg '83
Aurora, Ohio
Thank you for informing me of the request of the Board of Regents to
the Baylor Alumni Association that the BAA be dissolved. I wish I knew
all of the reasons for the request. However, I would strongly encourage
the BAA to resist such a request prayerfully and with full advice from
the members. After all is said and done, I support a unified university
and alumni association but with mutual respect by each of the parties.
Some questions naturally arise in this situation:
- Do other universities have completely separate alumni associations?
- Is the regents' proposal consistent with other universities' form of management?
- What is the primary reason(s) for rejecting the regents' request?
- How would alumni be better served if the regents' request is granted by BAA?
- How would alumni be less well served if the regents' request is granted?
- What
power or authority do the regents have to dissolve relations with BAA
and create a competing BAA within its governance structure?
- Assuming such power and authority exists, what would be the impact on the BAA?
- Do
the regents own copyrights and trademarks, logos, etc. such that
permission to use them could be denied use to BAA if the regents chose
to deny such permission?
- Equally, does
the BAA own such copyrights, trademarks, logos, etc. that permission to
use them could be denied use to the regents if BAA chose to deny such
permission?
- Are there are other
technical data that one party or the other owns that if denied would
cripple effectiveness of the other organization?
Obviously the questions raise thorny issues that can be injurious
if the worst-case scenario ensues. I would pray every day that the
present organizational separation can continue. You have my
encouragement as a single individual to explore every avenue of support
for BAA continuance in its present historic tradition and
organizational form.
Dr. John B. Peper '55
Centennial, Colorado
First of all, thank you for keeping all of us informed as to all of the
"goings on" with the Baylor Board of Regents and Baylor University.
Please stand fast in opposition to the proposal.
Tom Crofts '65, JD '72
San Antonio
I support the view that the BAA should remain independent of the university.
Gary W. Jurney '81
Cypress
Please do not accept this proposal by the regents. As a member of the
BAA, I feel like we share the best that is for Baylor and its alumni.
To be put under the control of the Board of Regents would deny us the
rights that we have shared in the past. Starting with the class of
1915, four members of my immediate family have graduated from Baylor.
I have not always agreed with the regents and their board's choices
and, without the BAA to separate us from this dominating board, I feel
that we would lose what representation we have with the current
standing of the BAA as well as having an organization that promotes
what the alumni stand for.
This is not the first time that this board has tried to run roughshod
over us, and we need to stand up to them again and refuse to be bullied
and kowtowed by them. Stand tall and proud of what you have
accomplished in the past and be prepared to further the advancements
that you have programmed for our future. I will be waiting to hear that
you have decided to continue the way that you have been going in the
past for all of us that you represent.
Byron Penrod '66
Abilene
If you decide to allow Baylor to control the association, then I will
cancel my membership and never give a penny to the university. This is
Baylor's way of gaining control and getting rid of the checks and
balances that the current arrangement has.
Bill Hollis '04
Austin
I view the recent proposal by the Board of Regents to be an unabashed
attempt at controlling and censoring those who would speak out against
decisions made by the administration and the Board of Regents.
Ultimately the message that they are sending is, "We will do what we
see fit to do, and we refuse to be held accountable for our decisions.
We do not really respect the opinions of anyone other than ourselves
and do not desire anything from our alumni other than their donations."
I know that sounds cold, but so do the actions of the regents.
As far as advice on what to do, I'm really not sure. Regardless of
whether their position is one that is really in the best interests of
either the university or the alumni association, they do have you
between a rock and a hard place. Complete animosity toward the alumni
association by those who control Baylor could make it very difficult,
if not impossible, to continue to support the university and help build
for the future. For instance, they could ban all Baylor personnel from
in any way communicating with the alumni association. I realize that
sounds rather drastic, but apparently they are willing to do whatever
it takes to eliminate an independent voice from alumni from being
heard. So you may have no choice but to take their offer.
My biggest fear is that the Board of Regents has no feel for how
strongly many of the alumni feel and will continue to take actions such
as this that totally alienate their support base. I am not a large
contributor to Baylor, so my concerns are something they would not
worry about, but I know that actions such as this would certainly
preclude any future donations to the university from myself or my
company.
Ron Barnett '76
Waco
No, no, a thousand times no. I think we need to give serious thought to
our reasons for remaining independent like the Texas Exes and other
university alumni groups.
Terrell Blodgett '43
Austin
Please proceed as a separate fiduciary for Baylor alumni representing
our unique voice. Since I graduated almost twenty years ago, I believe
the alumni have been a stable, consistent voice around Baylor
while at times the administration and regents have ricocheted around.
I trust that you will continue to proceed in attempting to be
collaborative for the good of current and future Baylor students,
alumni, and supporters.
Susan Moore, JD '90
Austin
It is my utmost wish that the BAA stay independent of Baylor.
Mary Farrar Johnson '77
Houston
I feel you should know that the new vice president for student life,
Kevin Jackson, decided to forward an e-mail to the entire Baylor
student body about the regents' offer to the BAA. The e-mail he
forwarded was originally sent to the faculty, but Jackson decided to
tack on a few words of his own in support of the regents' offer.
While I trust that faculty and staff know a bit of the background and
history of why the Baylor Alumni Association is independent from the
university, many students don't. In fact, for many of us, this is the
only time we've heard much at all about the BAA and the Board of
Regents being at odds with each other, and it paints an incomplete and
dishonest picture. I am extremely uncomfortable with the way the
administration is trying to win students over by only giving us their
side of the story, and I'm extremely disgusted at this piece of
propaganda landing in every student's inbox at Baylor. Trying to drag
the current student body into this is a low and slimy move, and quite
frankly I think Jackson should get in a lot of trouble for doing this.
I find it disconcerting that all of the regents' moves towards the BAA
in recent years have been to "preserve the BAA's independence," but the
second this school year started their tone took a complete 180-degree
turn to "the BAA needs to relinquish its independence." Such a
flip-flop from a politician would get extreme suspicion from that
politician's constituents, so there is no way on earth I would trust
such a move from our board, regardless of what the e-mail from Jackson
and Garland says.
Students deserve to know the whole story as to why the BAA is
independent from the university, and why that is important. We also
deserve to know the BAA's side in regards to the allegations of being a
"watchdog" or "district attorney" towards Baylor. I was supposed to
graduate a couple years ago, so I get the BAA's e-mails, which I do
look at occasionally to see if any of my friends who graduated are
popping up yet. Most of them seem to be filled with snapshots of Baylor
alums' lives, with a little Baylor news on the side. What news is
reported seems to be more factual as to what's happening on campus than
opinionated. Thus, the "watchdog" claim just doesn't hold water to me.
The fact that the regents want complete control over the alumni voice
suggests that they don't want any news they don't like to get out, and
that is something I find extremely troublesome.
Stef Schrader, Class of 2010
Waco
I am extremely disturbed by the university's seeming "takeover" of the
BAA, and I disagree with this proposal wholeheartedly. Baylor alumni
are a diverse group of people and may or may not be in line with the
university's credos or beliefs. To that end, I feel that it is
important that the alumni association retain its independence, so that
alumni of differing opinions will not be quashed or silenced.
Thank you, BAA, for being there to speak for all alumni. I pray that it remains so.
Paul J. Williams '83
Dallas
Stay strong and independent. I can't give much financial support, but if you need me to do anything, let me know.
Les Marshall '79
Waco
I smell a rat! The Baylor regents are up to something, and I don't
trust them. First, they don't want us (BAA), and now they do?!
Charles Brite '80
Blanco
If the BAA agrees to dissolve, I will not reenroll as a dues-paying member in the association that follows.
As you mention in your e-mail, "maintaining a delicate balance between
learning and faith" is crucial for an institution such as Baylor.
Diffusing the power of "voice" so that voices outside Baylor's
imprimatur may be heard is important.
Charles H. Golden '93, MA '96
Olathe, Kansas
Our family will figure out ways to raise our contributions to BAA. I don't know how you stand the devaluation that is ongoing.
Having taught in communications, Truett Seminary, and the School of
Business, I find this move the very last straw. Only hiring Ralph Reed
or some other Liberty University racist to be our new president could
take us lower.
Fred Miller '65
Austin
Sounds like an old Howard Hughes ploy. If someone upsets you, buy the company they work for and fire them. Don't let it happen!
David E. Wade '82
Waco
As a supporter of Baylor University and the BAA, I feel the proposal is
a way of controlling and silencing the association. I have been very
pleased with BAA and its operation over the years. I would personally
regret Baylor taking over the operations of the BAA. Many good points
were made in the timeline about Baylor's "change of stance."
I would encourage the Board of Directors for the BAA to reject the
proposal and keep the association separate and independent of the
university, as the agreement was made two years ago. I have two
children that are looking forward to attending Baylor in the coming
years, and I would regret to have this association not present for them
to be a member of when they complete their education. I realize I am
only one voice but I say no to the university's proposal to dissolve
the BAA and merge it into university operations.
Mark Berg '86
Baytown
I oppose putting the BAA under the Board of Regents. Keep us independent so we can be a watchdog, not a lap dog.
David Moseley '69
Dallas
Like so many, I'm astounded by all this. The BAA should be commended
for its diplomacy and ability to work through the process (if you can
call it that) with level heads. The timeline seems invaluable and
reveals a very sadistic mind-set from the Board of Regents. Some of
those particular people need to be exposed for what they are. I'm so
disappointed in Dr. Garland's position on this. He should know better
as an academic.
Dr. David Chrisman '87, MA '90
Belton
I am a longtime member of the Baylor Alumni Association, and the
organization is my primary and preferred link to the university. As a
journalism professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, I read
the Baylor Line from cover to cover and look forward to each issue. It is wonderfully written, designed, and edited.
Truthfully, I simply glance at and recycle other Baylor newsletters,
magazines, and publications. I am not interested in public relations
materials, but I faithfully follow news about the institution and
faculty members whom I love and respect. Reading "Down the Years"
remains one of my favorite pastimes.
Without the Baylor Line
and without my membership in the Baylor Alumni Association, I would
have no relationship with the university; therefore, I'm stunned by the
proposal by the interim president and Board of Regents, and I
respectfully ask them to reconsider their shortsighted conclusions. The
Baylor Alumni Association deserves autonomy, as well as the 100 percent
support of the institution it helps to represent.
Dr. Jan Poe Whitt '77, MA '80
Superior, Colorado
I find this proposal absolutely absurd. As a life member and frequent
supporter of BAA and Baylor, I urge the BAA to stand firm in previous
decisions to maintain autonomy. I will not support an alumni
association that is taken over by the regents, and I will not
contribute to Baylor if it forces such an action.
Kristine McKenzie Gentry '94, MES '96
Missouri City
The course of Baylor's actions toward the Baylor Alumni Association
only underlines the reason we need an independent alumni association.
Joe H. Hicks '59
Belmont, Massachusetts
Especially in these turbulent times, I believe clear, independent
voices are required. The BAA should continue to maintain a cordial
relationship in spite of unexplained requests that can easily be
misunderstood.
Gary Taul '77
La Grange, Kentucky
My vote after reading the proposal from the Baylor Board of Regents is a resounding no.
Kenneth R. Bowling '57
Burnet
As a 1983 graduate of Baylor University, I admit that I have been one
of the "silent" majority of Baylor alumni. I have watched from a
distance as events have unfolded. My daughter is a senior at Baylor
right now, and I have been truly unimpressed with many of the actions
of the university—particularly concerning financial aid. This latest
move by the administration and the Board of Regents is not only
underhanded but what I would consider unethical. Over the years, I have
been proud of my standing as a Baylor alumna—however, at this point in
time, I am not proud of my university. Please cast my vote for keeping
the BAA a separate entity. I see no reason to give up the independent
status of the BAA. Shame on the Board of Regents and the administration
for trying to strong arm the association.
I spoke with my daughter about this, and she said the official story on
campus is that the BAA approached the university about taking over and
absorbing the association. I forwarded her your excellent letter and
told her to send it to all of her friends. I am shocked at the
propaganda being spread by the university regarding this issue, and I
am saddened that such a fine institution feels it has to stoop this low.
Stick to your guns and stay independent.
Laura Schweers Doth '83
Ruidoso, New Mexico
It was with mild surprise that I learned of the Board of Regents
proposal that the BAA dissolve its charter. This is entirely consistent
with past actions to render the association redundant. Seemly there has
been an uneasy truce for a number of months, but this action clearly
demonstrates that there has been no change in attitude among the Board
of Regents members. I consider the current proposal to be the moral
equivalent of assisted suicide. The BAA's governing board was more than
kind to respond that they will "strongly consider the merits of the
proposal.”
What did surprise me was the timing of the latest salvo. It comes at a
time when the Presidential Search Committee is working to identify
candidates for the post of president of Baylor. One can only imagine
how this news has been received by those persons who in other
circumstances would be honored to be considered for such a post.
Back in October of 2007, among other things I wrote in a letter to Jeff
Kilgore that I assumed that in due course the BAA would be forced to
leave its campus offices in the Hughes-Dillard Alumni Center. I hope
this will not occur but more than likely it will. In closing, I urge
the BAA board to stay the course and remain the conduit by which the
collective voice of Baylor's alumni can be heard.
Ben R. Man '57
Edmond, Oklahoma
Though you are not taking an official "poll," I strongly support the
Baylor Alumni Association maintaining its autonomy from university
leadership. Clearly there is an agenda on one side of this transaction,
an agenda not readily apparent to the "outside the loop" alumni.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Baylor and am saddened that there is
such tension between the university and the alumni association.
Vaughn W. Davidson '91
Bellaire
I see no reason why an association that has a charter from Baylor as an
independent organization of alumni should almost be ordered to absolve
itself so the regents are assured that they have control of the media.
As a personal and close friend of former Baylor Line
editor Sherry Castello, I want the alumni to respectfully and kindly
decline to dissolve themselves into an advisory bunch of ditto heads! I
remember going through something similar to this while serving on the
Christian Life Commission of the BGCT during the recent reorganization.
We fought and won the right to continue in a prophetic role of speaking
to Baptist churches and the convention, not for the board of directors.
Cyrus Boyd Fletcher '57
Baytown
I am not only a life member of the BAA, but also a former, two-term
director of the BAA in the late 1980s and mid 1990s. I am acutely aware
of the strides made by this association over the years.
The summary of interaction that I just read between the Board of
Regents and the BAA, through its attorneys, and the inconsistency that
this Board of Regents has shown are alarming. It is astounding to me
that the BAA has to hire attorneys to deal with the threats leveled at
the BAA by the administration and regents of our own alma mater!
Does this strike you like it does me? I consider it to be absolutely
reprehensible. Thanks for standing up to this continued coercion from
regents and administrators. Why is it that the Board of Regents seems
so paranoid about its own alumni association. Is it that they cannot
control us?
After 150 years of existence, the BAA is stronger than ever. Having the
BAA staff on the payroll of the regents is not an option. This would
weaken the organization to the point of non-existence.
Let me state clearly to you that I do not support the request from the
Board of Regents for us to voluntarily dissolve the Baylor Alumni
Association.
C. Sam Smith '76
Waco
Against.
Steve Bostick '75, MBA '76
Eddy
I'm 865 miles and twenty-three years from any close connection with
Baylor, so I won't pretend to know all the ins and outs of the Baylor
Alumni Association's relationship with Baylor University and its Board
of Regents. All I know is that I trust and appreciate the work of the
Baylor Alumni Association. I know the alumni association is as
dedicated to Baylor and its future as any group. And I know a
responsible, independent voice for alumni is something I value.
Mike Krapfl '86
Ames, Iowa
My wife and I are both life members of the Baylor Alumni Association,
and for the first six to seven years after our graduation we were
active in forming the alumni club for the Denton and the surrounding
area, primarily hosting "student send-offs" in August of every year. As
this event grew every year, we were able to increasingly involve area
alumni who enjoyed the opportunity to acquaint themselves with new
families beginning their Baylor experience as well as have an annual
event that let us stay in some kind of contact with the area Baylor
family.
The support the Baylor Alumni Association provided for these events was
tremendous—from helping coordinate mailing lists to providing Baylor
cups, napkins, and balloons and even helping to coordinate with the
Chamber visits by the bear mascot.
As the demands of our own family grew, we reluctantly made a decision
to not be as involved with the "send-off," and the event kind of
fizzled, which we now both regret. The BAA has always been something we
felt we would like to support again someday.
And so, today is as good a time as any—if you don't count the hotdog I
had at the BAA tailgate last Saturday—to renew an interest in seeing
the BAA succeed.
We both believe very strongly in the independence of the BAA, particularly in the independent voice of the Baylor Line.
In the twenty-seven years since my graduation, I have never read an
article that I felt was counter to the mission of Baylor University.
The effort at transparency the BAA seeks in the decision-making
processes of the university is among the significant elements that
would be jeopardized without a coordinated independent entity.
I would strongly encourage the board of the BAA to reject the proposal to dissolve its charter.
Chip Sargent '82
Aubrey
Please don't let this happen! I cannot believe "they" would resort to this action. Keep us informed, please.
Corky Altenburg
Wharton
I support the independence of the BAA. I hope you will resist the
efforts of the regents and administration to dissolve our association.
I feel that my life membership would become worthless.
Larry Bowles '67
Houston
Personally, it seems like Baylor wants 100 percent control of all
information about the university that is communicated to alumni. This
seems fishy, and I don't trust it. If the BAA serves as a "watchdog" on
Baylor, as the Board of Regents claims, then good.
Every organization, especially one of great size and import, needs
"watchdogs." I would prefer it if the BAA rejected the proposal and
maintained its independence.
Lee Weldon Bailiff '99, MS '01
Fort Worth
I want to stay independent from the university.
Nancy W. '73
Houston
I don't understand totally, but no! Stick it in your ear, Board of Regents!
Dr. William J. Burris '81
Arlington
I didn't know that Baylor has twenty-one czars who believe all power
belongs to them and their appointed president. You must remain a free
and separate organization.
Bill Little '54
Bolivar, Missouri
My feeling is that you should tell the Board of Regents no, or perhaps, hell no.
Dr. Jim Morton '68
Waco
I live and work in Communist China where the media and many aspects of
life are monitored and controlled by the strong central government. I
can't help but to see the request for a hurried decision by the Board
of Regents as wanting to stifle discussion and push through a decision.
I also can't help but see a correlation between the strong-arm tactics
of the Chinese government and the board. Why ask for this decision now;
why in such a hurry? Any decision of this magnitude begs for open,
honest, and thorough discussion, which haste negates.
To me, I see this as a move to control and possibly censor the BAA.
Also, this following statement disturbed me: "For the past three years,
the Board of Regents has rejected the BAA's continued requests for an
official audience with regents to address any concerns and to discuss
mutual efforts focusing on restoring unity and moving Baylor forward."
What does the Board of Regents have to fear? Why will they not grant
an audience to the BAA? Very curious.
Blessings!
Stew Roberson '81
China
Please do not do this. Tell the Board of Regents that you will not bow to their tactics. We support the BAA.
Jason Fuller '95
Silsbee
As a life member of the BAA, I vote NO on dissolving the association
and giving all assets to the university. In the last few years, I have
been somewhat concerned in the direction the university is taking and
this kind of high-handed action is part of that concern. So, I add my
voice to those who desire an independent alumni association.
I currently work for a small Christian college as the director of
advancement, and the alumni office is assigned to me. There are many
days that our alumni director (and myself) wish that our alumni
association was independent of the college. It is my prayer that this
will be resolved in such a way that it benefits both the association
and Baylor.
Mike Reynolds '78
Gainesville, Georgia
REMAIN INDEPENDENT.
Dr. Ted Edwards '57
Austin
I am shocked and dismayed at the course of conduct that Baylor's
Regents have chosen to pursue. Apparently they are serious and
therefore a serious response is in order. A level response without
being contentious is what I believe is needed at this point. The
Regents' proposal is astounding—particularly in the manner that it
was presented. But irregardless of whether the Regents were
disingenuous or not, the Baylor Alumni Association's response should be
cordial and well thought out. I believe that a response that is
polite, temperate, and not harsh in language, which emphasizes the
association and its members' love of Baylo, is really what should be
imparted.
I am sorry that the Regents feel that the alumni association
is no longer relevant or worthy, in their opinion, to be part of
Baylor and Baylor's history and experience. They are just plain wrong,
and that's about the most charitable that I can put it. The BAA should
not dissolve, but should continue to maintain its independent
status—and, as always, continue to support Baylor and be an
independent voice that tells the truth.
B. Allen Cumbie '69, JD '73
Bay City
Just wanted to weigh in. I am against the proposal to dissolve the
Baylor Alumni Association and absorb it into the university. I believe
the BAA must continue to be independent to best serve Baylor.
Dr. Amanda Heidemann '95
Ballwin, Missouri
I can see no convincing reasons that would argue for merger/absorption
of BAA by the BU Board/admin. Please accept my statement as support for
both the BAA and BU.
Jerry W. Barrett, PhD '68
Morganton, Georgia
By all means resist. I am adamantly opposed to the university usurping
this organization's mission. In other words, more strongly stated, I do
not trust the regents to run this organization and will promptly resign
if they take it over.
Gary R. Cunningham '71
Ozark, Missouri
We would like to express our disapproval of the dissolution of the BAA.
We feel it is critical that the BAA remain a separate entity free to
express views of the alumni.
Brian '79 and Linda Porter Smith '78
Dallas
Please, do NOT let the BAA be dissolved!! This is a terrible decision
on the part of the present Board of Regents, and I feel they are really
overstepping their bounds. The BAA needs to remain a separate entity
and should not be governed by Baylor University.
Priscilla Presley Fisher '74
San Antonio
As an alumnus that has not been overly active in school activities
since graduating in 1954, I am not very representative, maybe. Before
the recently added Heritage Club, I had not been on campus for about
thirty years. At first, I could not afford to make the trip. Later, I
was not very connected to the argument between the two sides in the
political arguments. About the time I had decided that I could afford
to participate, Baylor's president involved the university in the
politics of religion, and I really backed off. When my class came to
its fiftieth anniversary, I decided to put these feelings aside and
join in the Heritage Club activities. We went to two of these events
and then the Board of Regents began to harass presidents, and my wife
had problems with Parkinson's Disease. We are unable to travel now, and
Baylor may have shot itself in the foot again in my case. There are
hundreds of people like me.
In regard to the recent action by Baylor University, it seems to be
unusually combative in the tenor of its communications and really does
not hide this arrogance. This sounds like the tone that Dr. Reynolds
had when he hijacked the university to suit his politics. I could never
trust the Board of Regents nor the interim president, now. On top of
this, I am too old to care anymore. I just hope there is some clarity
to those that are in charge that they are somewhat bossy and not very
Christian in actions. I support BAA in the present situation. By the
way, some of those so-called top-tier colleges/universities are a joke,
and Baylor could follow them in this area, too.
Dr. Jim Sturrock '54
Longview
I have limited resources and have not been able to support Baylor as I
would have liked to do, especially now that I am retired. But I am well
aware of the special role that the BAA has always played in Baylor's
life and the excellence of the Baylor Line magazine through the years.
The strained relationship that has come about with the Board of Regents
reflects the efforts of the board in recent days to control the alumni
in addition to their ongoing role as the guiding force of the
university. The BAA has always reflected the concerns and values of the
alumni and as such has been invaluable in trying to keep Baylor as a
university that is committed to maintaining a broad liberal arts
curriculum and the best possible teaching efforts.
I have strong reservations about the BAA giving up its independence.
While the idea of cooperation is appealing, it should only come if the
BAA can go back to its role prior to the Sloan presidency. Cooperation
is great; control is not.
Please think long and hard before giving up your traditional role under
a separate charter. Thanks for all you have done to promote a better
Baylor in the fifty-plus years since I first came to the Baylor campus
in 1958.
Chuck Frevele '63
Sapulpa, Oklahoma
I am fully supportive of the BAA maintaining its status as an
independent organization. As a past president of the board of my
under-grad school's (a private Christian school in Dallas, Trinity
Christian Academy) alumni association, I fully understand the
importance of the role of this organization and its need to maintain
independence.
Holly West Johnson '88
Littleton, Colorado
You can consider my membership canceled if this action goes through. My
tie to Baylor has been more of memories than approved policy.
This is just another dictatorial act beginning with Baylor's separation
from many Baptist and Evangelical friendly churches. I hope my last
trip to Baylor for Homecoming will not be a sad occasion.
Hugh Davis '54
Springfield, Missouri
A merger of BAA with the university, in my opinion, would be a mistake.
Judge James K. Walker, LLB '60
Levelland
Here's the point of view of one alumnus who cares.
As students during the Reynolds-Sloan transition, we saw Dr. Sloan
appear on the scene masquerading as some sort of Third-Way, Clinton-era
progressive. With the first dance on campus to distract us, and even a
hand extended to the NoZe Brotherhood, a lot of us fell for his
perfidiousness—at least for a while. While we danced and hosted Sloan
at the Pink Tea, Sloan covertly (and eventually openly) advanced a New
Evangelical Right style agenda that if taken to full fruition would
leave Baylor with little more credibility than Oral Roberts U and those
of its ilk. Mandatory swimming lessons anyone? You might need them if
someone sinks in your baptistry!
Prior to this great betrayal, practically every president from Brooks
to Reynolds had struggled to increase Baylor's standing as an
institution of higher learning. Sloan was too deluded in his own agenda
to see that you can't attain status as a "world class research
university" if you've eviscerated your own credibility by requiring all
new tenured faculty to submit to a mistrustful, invasive, and bizarre
inquisition on his or her personal faith as was being carried out by
Sloan personally. And tragically, Sloan succeeded in corrupting the
Board of Regents. Sloan's promotion of Greek life on campus was equally
transparent and disgusting, as he likely saw them as pawns in his game
who could be organizationally influenced from the top down, purchased
for the economical price of a new cavern of Greekness where once a fine
parking lot stood.
Baylor has never been the home of New Evangelical Right type thinking
and never should be. Rather, Baylor has always represented the honest
and hard working type of Baptist who knows it's OK to tie one on and
dance on Saturday night so long as you harm no one and show up for
church the next morning. This type of rank-and-file Christian has far
more intellectual credibility than Sloan, if not quite as much false
piety. Baylor is not a home for Puritans nor for megalomaniacal
leaders. I personally view the New Evangelical Right as an immoral
corruption of Christianity by power-hungry individuals hell bent on
recreating some version of the "good old days" that they fantasize
about; it is a vain attempt to force an evolving society into the small
box of their minds. The New Evangelical Right in America is a constant
source of intolerance and hatred—one that Baylor does not need.
As Sloan's agenda, which I estimate as being nothing less than evil and
highly destructive to Baylor, further unfolded, the Baylor Alumni
Association served as the only true bulwark from which to defend
Baylor's soul and credibility. With a lot of hard work, a bit of luck,
God's grace, and probably some tears of Elmo, the light of the BAA and
Baylor's true spirit prevailed. If the regents are again trying to
destroy the BAA, it is proof only that the regents have again deluded
themselves in the evil ways of the New Right, and that the BAA should
fight them as hard as ever, giving no quarter.
The sad reality is that Baylor's flesh of brick and mortar has
progressed immensely over the last decade while large swaths of its
intellect regressed into territory not seen since the 19th century. The
best thing Baylor could do right now would be to roll its intellectual
clock back to 1994 and thus rejoin the path of righteousness and its
own true identity.
And just in case I didn't make it entirely clear already, I support an
independent BAA in perpetuity, and that is why I'm a life member!
Baylor University itself has not seen one penny of support from me
since all this 2012 nonsense started, nor will they until all the evil
has been flushed from the colon of the Board of Regents. Call in the
Almighty Cleanse!
Bro. FinkelsteiNoZe
Austin
I believe that the BAA should remain its own entity as it has for the past 150 years.
Allie Norwood '07
Denton
As a proud alumni and strong Baylor and BAA supporter, I am troubled by
this move from the Baylor regents. Why are they doing this? What is
their explanation? We can only guess as you have done in your e-mail
communication to the alumni.
I encourage the BAA to remain independent. The offer from the BOR
appears on the face of it to be an attempt to assume control of the BAA.
Marc D. LaChey '77
Richardson
I strongly support the independent BAA remaining independent. The BAA
represents the true Baylor values . . . the values, history, and
tradition that the Board of Regents has been trading on but
nevertheless trying to change.
If the BAA succumbs to the merger, then every life member should
receive a refund of his dues because of the breach of promise of
belonging to an independent alumni association.
Judge Max Bennett '60, JD '62
Weatherford
The alumni association should remain a separate entity from Baylor!
And here's what my son, BBA '88, had to say about the request: I would
tell the Baylor Board of Regents to “pound sand” but probably not that
nicely.
This is why I don’t get involved in the Baylor stuff exactly because of
stuff like this—makes me completely crazy, and I don’t have time to
spend on junk like this during my day.
Gilda Humphries Stanford '59
Brownwood
We believe that BAA should continue as a separate entity.
Paul '70 and Christy Marsh Haines '70
Franklin, Tennessee
As an alumnus and a supporter of Baylor, I am chagrined by the
secretive, disingenuous and ham-fisted approach to the BAA by the Board
of Regents. I am also disappointed in Dr. Garland for his complicit
behavior. It makes me extremely reluctant to support Baylor in the way
that I typically have and genuinely want to in the future. Further, it
calls into question what I had at least perceived as a general
improvement in the environment at the university. It is also ironic,
though perhaps lost on the Regents, that Baptist tradition considers
independence on matters of thought, conscience, and faith foundational.
I regret the approach of the Regents and support the thoughtful,
measured, and straightforward approach of the BAA. Unfortunately, I am
pessimistic that Regents will respond in kind. Therefore, I think it is
critical to get the facts out as you are doing. I also think that
alumni ought to begin to target individuals on the Board of Regents to
express their disdain for the tactics employed.
Rick Bostwick III, JD '78
Waco
It is disturbing to read of the Board of Regents' request that the BAA
dissolve. Without belaboring the point, please hear my most fervent
request the BAA remain independent and continue to support Baylor and
its alumni in the fashion that has proven so successful. In a nutshell:
we don't need them; they need us.
Steve Lackey '71
Beaumont
Please, do NOT give away the alumni association's independence.
Something about the request just doesn't sound right. An independent
voice is needed to continue.
Lois Fanette Rhodes '67
Gurley, Alabama
I am absolutely amazed at the most recent developments related to
above. It seems like only yesterday that a similar attempt was made by
OUR university, and then everything seemed to get back to normal. This
attempt to eliminate our organization seems much more blatant and
repulsive. Just hang in there, and don't let the powers that be
eliminate our beloved Baylor Alumni Association. In light of the
magnitude of support, financial and otherwise, that Baylor University
receives from Baylor Alumni Association, it would seem that someone has
lost their sense of direction. This, in many ways, resembles what is
going on Washington these days.
Your hard work and devotion is greatly appreciated, and I am confident that everything will be resolved in our favor.
Travis E. Doss '70
Austin
I am concerned with this action. The alumni association is what keeps
me up to date on the happenings with Baylor. This action will be sorely
missed.
Dr. Danette McNew Hovenden '79
Garland
I was just on campus this past weekend—twin daughters are freshmen at Baylor this year.
I read the article about the Regents wanting the alumni association to
merge with the university. I sincerely hope the alumni association's
Board of Directors decline this magnanimous offer. The association has
a vital role in promoting Baylor and criticizing Baylor. I hope it
continues as it is, and more so!
Stacy Houser '77
Cortez, Colorado
I have grown quite tired of the spirit of bickering and infighting that
has seemed to plague Baylor for these past years. It is quite
regrettable that peace can't seem to be made between the parties of
interest and all work together for the common good of Baylor University.
That being said, I am not persuaded that changing the status of the BAA
that has worked for so many years is in the overall best interests of
the Baylor alumni or Baylor University.
Frank D. Thomas Jr. '74, JD '76
Woodway
I graduated from Baylor in 1973, my wife in 1983, and my daughter in
2009. I am invested. But I fully believe the association should stay as
it is. Independent and responsive.
Dr. Jimmy Goates '73
Odessa
Thanks for sharing the collective response from the Baylor Alumni
Association to the proposed changes in relationship with Baylor
University. I graduated from Baylor years ago and have been a life
member of the alumni association for quite sometime. In addition, we
have three children who graduated Baylor, and all three hold life
membership in the alumni association. From these two perspectives, I
would pose several questions:
-
Was the proposal that was presented negotiable or was it presented as a take or leave solution?
-
Why did Baylor not work earlier to coordinate, collaborate, cooperate
with the alumni association to engage more active alumni in activities
such as the network and other social and communication efforts?
-
Is there some real legitimate reason that a dissolving of the current
association and formation of a "new" association is needed? I find this
to be somewhat disturbing in terminology since there are likely some
legal terms and ways to make a more palatable transition, if this is
indeed what is sought.
-
How many members do the boards of regents or governing boards of all
those universities to which Baylor was compared have and what is the
relationship of those affiliations?
-
Why is the term "tier one" still being used when Carnegie
classification does not use this term anymore and in fact, has not been
using it for a number of years?
As I read the original proposal presented, I had an extremely negative feeling as to the intent and the tone.
I certainly hope that a positive outcome will result from the
conversations that you all have at the board level, and I do appreciate
the opportunity to share these concerns and thoughts with you from the
perspective of an alumnus.
And since my life memberships are in the alumni association, if that is dissolved, will those dollars be returned to me?
Name Withheld
Thank you for the email alerting me (and other alums) of the
university's plan. It is very disheartening that the university would
demand an audience with the board, instead of request one and wait
their turn. If they are acting in this manner now, without thought to
protocol and respect, I feel they will most certainly act this way in
the future should the BAA be absorbed into their command. I hope that
the board of BAA will remain independent from the university's control
and an independent voice for alumni and their families. Baylor holds a
very special place in all of our hearts and without checks and balances
and an independent voice, I am deeply concerned with what they plan to
do in the future. Usually when a group takes a stand like this they are
planning to hide something. Guilt-free people and organizations are
always open to transparency and communication. It is becoming clear
that the Baylor Board of Regents and current administration is not.
Please stand strong for the organization and all of us.
Kimberly Schuler Florsheim '00
Lafayette, Louisiana
I do not want the university and Board of Regents to take over the BAA.
Since I have been in college to this current day, the Board of Regents
have been through four presidents (including interims). With such
turnover and changing of the guard, so to speak, it makes me nervous
that the board is demanding to take control over the BAA, which is
running efficiently and effectively apart from them. If the university
was to take over the BAA, who is to say they would not have major
changes in leadership every two years? This is no way to build
relationships with alumni or to increase donor support.
I agree with your questions about why the demand to meet right now, and
why the rush to get the proposal looked at? The way the Board of
Regents is handling this situation only adds to my concern and
questions of their motivation.
The BAA is running excellently! Please continue to operate as you
currently are and fight against becoming a department of the university.
I have been really impressed with how connected I still feel to Baylor
and everything going on there because of the Baylor Alumni Association.
I only want to support the university, and I think you all do a great
job in allowing that to happen.
Bethany Tiffin '07
Dallas
Thank you for sending this information. I've not followed the history
of this issue closely and read all your attachments and time lines with
great interest. I have every confidence that you will review the BU
proposal with the greater good of the university and the Baylor family
in mind. And my confidence rests with you rather than the Board of
Regents to represent the thoughts of alumni.
As in years past, especially during the Sloan administration, I am
saddened by the heavy handedness and pettiness (for lack of a better
word) of the Board of Regents. I am most perplexed by the timing of all
this. Why now? Why during an interim administration? The selection of a
new president and the associated vision such a person brings to BU
would seemingly be of greater gravitas than the existence of an
independent BAA.
Nonetheless, BU's proposal outlines some interesting advantages and
opportunities. I am not in a position to judge their merit, but trust
that you will continue to represent us well during this discussion
process. It seems to be common sense that a loyal and financially
supportive alumni base is strongest when the decision to be loyal and
generous is arrived at through independent judgments and communication
about BU's activities and strategic plans. Or maybe not?
I have a son at Baylor. My interest in BU being and achieving all that its mission demands is a high priority for me.
Thank you for your work on our behalf.
Sharon Hemphill Watson '84
Willow Park
The Baylor Regents are just wrong on this. Keep up the good work on behalf of our alumni and keep the BAA separate.
Thanks for all your hard work on behalf of our alumni.
Neil Shoop '66
Dallas
I stand by the Baylor Alumni Association as the organization develops a
response to the latest "power grab" by the Board of Regents of Baylor
University.
The BAA must remain independent. It seems to me the regents want to irritate and alienate the members of the BAA. Stand firm!
John B. Powell '56
Woodstock, Georgia
My vote is NO. I prefer the BAA to continue to be an independent
entity. The Baylor alumni office should be a small one, devoted to a
communication point of contact type office, with no policy mission.
Name Withheld
Dissolving the Baylor Alumni Association is a TERRIBLE idea. I was very
disturbed to read of the university administration's request that the
BAA dissolve itself and come under the complete control of the
university. This is a terrible idea and smacks of a return to the days
of the USSR. Stick to your guns and resist, resist, resist.
We need a strong and independent BAA. If the administration feels that
the BAA is a watchdog, so be it. We need to BE a watchdog.
Troy Dungan '59
Dallas
The BAA is the only trusted, tried, and true voice of Baylor Alumni. It
should continue to be a separate entity maintaining a voice of reason
and broad representation of opinion to the university. Do not succumb
to the greedy and power hungry "Ivory Tower"!
John M. Hamman '88
Plano
By all means possible the alumni association must retain its original
charter, goal, and independence. We are the most powerful oversight
group for sustaining the integrity of the university. As an alumnus, I
look first to the alumni association for unbiased information and
guidance—certainly not the self-perpetuating board of regents or their
administrative appointees. We need to maintain our independent voice.
Dr. Raymond H. C. Teske Jr. '66, MA '69
Huntsville
As an alum, I would prefer for the BAA to remain separate from the
university. I enjoy having the BAA be a distinct and separate voice for
alumni.
Alcie Hensley Massman '91
Dallas
After reading the history of the relationship between the BAA and the
Board of Regents and the interim president, I am dismayed at the
blatant grab for control over the independent BAA. The independence of
the BAA should be maintained as per the original charter. For decades
the relationship between the Baylor administration and BAA has been
productive and mutually beneficial for Baylor (at least until
recently). Now it appears that one side wants to use the alumni for
propaganda purposes and not for the benefit of Baylor. This is deeply
troubling.
Again, I reiterate that the BAA should be independent and should be
allowed to function on the campus for the benefit of the student body
and the alumni. The Board of Regents and the administration should also
have the same goals and should be willing to work closely with the BAA
to achieve these goals.
If the current BAA is dissolved, then I respectfully request a refund
of my lifetime dues ($600) from Baylor. The Board of Regents should be
informed that a refund of dues paid by all alumni to the BAA over the
past fifty years be an option that they are required to offer to
individual alumni.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond. It appears I will not be
offered the same opportunity from either the president or the regents.
Feel free to share my opinion with the concerned parties and, of
course, their legal counsel.
Dr. Dennis E. Schellhase '80
During World War II we called this "Unconditional Surrender"! Baylor's
terms sound entirely different from the position of both McCall and
Reynolds. A return to the BAA's relationship during their
administrations seems the only logical and fair solution.
Cecil Singletary '49
Waco
Although I am not a graduate of Baylor University and am a recently
retired professor with emeritus status, I am aggravated by the regents'
action toward the BAA. I do not believe that the regents can be trusted
as they have reversed their decisions related to the BAA without just
cause and continue to try to find other pots of money that they can ill
advisedly handle. If they had been responsible stewards of BU's legacy,
they would not have ever drawn this line in the sand. I completely
support whatever the BAA wants to do because I have observed too much
chicanery from the regents the past thirteen years I have served at
Baylor, and I always am on the side of any group that I feel has not
been treated fairly.
Name Withheld
Without going off on a screed about Baylor's sad demise into a
doctrinaire Bible college, please be assured that I support an
independent alumni association.
Ed Menger '85
Houston
We want to let you know that we are very much opposed to the proposal
to dissolve the BAA and have it become a part of the university.
Van '62, MSEd '71, and Mary Roberts Massirer BA '60, MA '62
Crawford
As a past member of the BAA and a Baylor alum, I do believe it is best
for the BAA to remain an independent organization from Baylor. Alumni
need an independent group we can count on to inform the university of
our views. If the BAA is attached to Baylor it becomes a sounding board
for what or how the university wants to be seen, not the outside views
of alum that the university needs to hear.
Over the last two decades Baylor has continually moved from its
original Baptist roots to a more liberal-minded version of itself.
Baylor now has a religion department with professors who don't believe
in what most Baylor students (past and present) say they believe.
Professors should be in line with what Baylor says it believes. They
are teaching our children. Even in classes that are not religious in
study, a professor's beliefs are conveyed.
In the university's quest to be on the world stage and a competing Big
12 school, we have allowed our beloved Baylor to be infiltrated by
those who desire to make us "less backwards or more tolerant.” Last
time I checked, the Bible was/is still the moral authority, popular or
not!
I love Baylor, but am very disappointed in some of the changes I see.
It has been my desire for my children to continue my family’s Baylor
legacy, but I am now concerned that it will no longer be the Baylor I
remember or conservative enough for my family.
The world has enough private universities that were founded on
Christian beliefs they have now abandoned. Baylor needs to be different
and hold tight to its Christian heritage.
Jennifer Wall Sitton '98
Bryan
Please just say "No thank you" to the overture by Baylor regents to
merge the BAA with the university. I am a life member, an Alumna by
Choice, and a retired professor of Baylor. Sadly, over the past several
years, I have realized the Baylor regents as a whole cannot be trusted
to say or do anything in the best interest of the true Baylor
University.
Linda Cobbs
Waco
Regarding an item in Baylor Proud, don't you think it's a bit misleading to say that the Tribune-Herald
endorsed the university's proposed consolidation with the Baylor Alumni
Association? The headline of the editorial actually reads: "Baylor bid
to bring alumni association into fold rates strong consideration." The
editorial goes on to say "we feel strongly that the BAA owes it to
Baylor, its alumni and Waco to seriously consider this proposal at the
very least as a starting point in all future negotiations." So, rather
than an endorsement of the university's plan, it sounds rather like an
encouragement to consider the option. I know that Baylor Proud
is generated by the university, but it should be honest and forthright.
And what gives with the tag line—"Sic 'em, Baylor and Baylor alumni!"?
Shouldn't it read "Sic 'em, Baylor and the Baylor Alumni Association"?
Dan Everhart '01
Boise, Idaho
Unfortunately, it looks like the Board of Regents has taken an
entrenched position, and the only option for the BAA is to acquiesce or
go it's own way until and if there is a sea change in the powers that
be at Baylor.
The plus side of this, if there is one, is that at this moment in its history, Baylor needs a strong, independent voice.
Mike Collom ’67
Mount Pleasant
This is an ugly turn of events and an unpleasant ending. One can see
the deterioration occurring in the correspondence chronicled in the two
attachments. It appears that the Board of Regents does not wish an
organization with an independent voice and access to a large following
to exist.
I support the Baylor Alumni Association in its work to remain an
independent organization representing the alumni of Baylor. As a token
of that support, I joined your organization a few days ago. Thank you
for working on our behalf.
Jos Wristers '66
Galveston
I am opposed to losing our identity to the Board of Regents and the
university. I guess being so far from the campus and so many years
removed from graduation, I have been careless. I would like to go on
record as opposing losing the voice of BAA to the university; it smacks
of control that would silence any objections or effort to benefit the
university from the body of alums.
Gene Medaris '53
Valdez, Alaska
I support the BAA.
Mary Middleton Buchwald '67
Lawton, Oklahoma
I read with sadness (and some anger) the request by Baylor to the BAA
that it dissolve its charter and became a branch of the university
administration. I am completely opposed to this. I feel that Baylor and
its alumni are both benefited by the existence and operation of an
independent alumni association. I cannot understand why Baylor wants to
do this, though I have guesses that I do not feel like sharing. My wife
(Judy Czachurski Stephenson—class of 1974) had an emphatic one-word
response—"No!" A reponse with which I fully concur and completely share.
Donald Rae Stephenson '75
Bothell, Washington
After you've thoroughly considered this proposal, tell them to shove it.
Dr. Kerry Owens '87, MA '88
Temple
The BAA is the best thing Baylor has going for it!! Could you send me a list of the Board of Regents?
Betty Sue Stoker Elliott '64
Fort Worth
I received the e-mail from Baylor Proud
the day before I received the BAA notice. My first reaction upon
reading the "proposal" was that is wasn't a proposal at all. It was an
ultimatum. Proposals in my business tend to serve as a beginning point
of negotiations, not an ending. I wasn't surprised when I received the
BAA notice, that indeed, the BOR "proposal" was an "ultimatum.” There
didn't seem to be any room for negotiations about any of the tenets in
the letter, nor did it appear that there had been any dialog at all.
Furthermore, the proposal was very one-sided, basically requiring the
BAA to capitulate to the board in all of its activities.
I have been concerned about the board's lack of openness in the past
several president appointments and continue to be so today. As with any
lessons learned, the lesson the board should have learned from their
past failing efforts to employ an effective leader, is that openness is
important for the health and well being of the university. Openness
should be sought, not avoided. Efforts that require cloaking in secrecy
are always subject to doubt, and second guessing.
I strongly urge the BAA to completely investigate this "proposal" and
if it is possible to survive as an independent organization within the
strictures of the proposal, then it must be considered. However, if
being folded into the overall Baylor administrative umbrella means that
your independent voice is lost, then you must resist, and it will be
incumbent upon alums like myself to find the way to allow you to
continue your efforts.
Gerry Dunlap '78
Doha
Please keep BAA as an independent entity. There needs to be an
independent voice for Baylor alumni. Some check and balance is always
in order and especially so at Baylor.
Rex Carey '61
Midlothian
Please reject the ridiculous and shameful Board of Regents proposal.
The BAA should remain independent. The Board of Regents and the interim
president are not serving the best interests of Baylor University.
Russ Newman '51, MA '54
Austin
I want to cast my vote in favor of the Baylor Alumni Association
retaining its independence from Baylor University, the university
administration, and the Board of Regents. I am appalled at how Baylor
recently amputated the BAA (including taking all links off its website,
phone system, etc.) then sought to swallow it whole. The way the latest
demand was presented was extremely pushy and heavy-handed, rude, to say
the least.
Despite assertions about not trying to silence anyone, I think that is
exactly what this is about. For 150 years, the BAA has supported the
best interests of Baylor, sometimes including providing a forum for
dissenting voices. By the way, unlike Baylor, the BAA has not found it
necessary to terminate its chief executive officer twice in the past
few years. It seems that the administration and Board of Regents should
have more pressing issues to address than trying to take over the very
well-functioning alumni organization.
Let's don't let them push us around!
Linda Fields Hargus '70
Seattle, Washington
I read with interest the email update regarding the "relationship"
between Baylor University and the Baylor Alumni Association and the
university's request to dissolve the association in favor of presenting
a "united" voice. I find it interesting, if not extremely informative,
that the request was made during what was to be a celebration event for
a very successful organization.
As an alumnus, I urge you to stay the course. You provide the only
independent voice for honest assessment of our university, its
programs, faculty, and staff. Baylor University needs you, whether they
know it or not, because without you there would be no means of getting
out "the rest of the story" to those who care.
Hold fast, stay true to your mission, do not waiver, and do not be
swayed from your path. In the end, Baylor will be grateful as well.
Jim Sinclair '71
Houston
I am writing to express my shock and concern over the Baylor Regents'
request that the Baylor Alumni Associatio. dissolve and turn over its
assets and operation to Baylor. I believe that in light of the past
problems, it is imperative that the BAA remain independent of the
Baylor administration to provide a voice of reason in times when some
factions try to steer our beloved university in a direction not in line
with our history.
I would LOVE to see the BAA print T-Shirts for Homecoming for all
alumni to buy and wear who agree with keeping the BAA independent. I
could see a sea of BAA T-shirts lining the parade route and filling
Floyd Casey Stadium to show our solidarity with the BAA! We have season
tickets to the football games, and I would certainly wear my T-shirt to
the games and spread the word to the alumni sitting in our area of Bear
Heights to add their voices to the number of alumni against dissolving
the BAA. Let us know what else we can do to help!
Joyce Robinson Shoop '67
Dallas
As a recent graduate, I have had a very limited amount of exposure to
the Baylor Alumni Association compared to many. However, I am very
appreciative of its outreach efforts, its sustainability as an
organization and its ability to act as a magnet for those individuals
who, while they thoroughly enjoyed their time at Baylor, do not feel
that the university's administration has been appreciative of their
views on university matters.
What I see in the BAA is a group that is willing, and more importantly
able, to receive all suggestions to promote Baylor University to
former, current, and prospective students as well as those outside the
"Baylor Bubble," regardless of whether or not these views align wither
the university's vision.
I fully support the independence of the BAA and implore it to reject
the university's proposal. The following line item is the main reason
why:
August 24, 2009
The BAA learns that Interim President Garland reported to faculty that the BAA is "harming and damaging" Baylor University.
While I recognize that the BAA has absolutely no intention of "harming
or damaging" the university, I think this statement truly speaks to the
power in numbers behind the BAA's ability to act as a check on our
beloved university. I think that this unique leverage will allow us to
move Baylor forward.
Alex Knight '08
Littleton, Colorado
I do not believe the dissolution of the Baylor Alumni Association and
assumption of its role by Baylor University would be in the best
interests of Baylor alumni or Baylor University at this time.
Mike McCarthy '82
Keystone, Colorado
As long-time members of the Baylor Alumni Association (my husband and I
have member nos. 75 and 76), we are deeply concerned about the Baylor
regents' request. Their complete "about face" is such a troubling
surprise. They seem to want to have complete control.
I was unable to go to the "listening session" when they came to Fort
Worth. That was the meeting regarding the new president of Baylor. Many
have said that they really did not seem interested in other ideas.
What a shame for the regents to want to dictate as if they "own"
Baylor. What has happened to servant leadership? It is our hope and
prayer that logic, not their arrogant wills, will prevail.
We fully support our association.
Paul '50 and Alice Marrett Curtis '52
Fort Worth
The arrogance of these people—Christians—still amazes me. I know we
have wanted to try to "work things out," but when your house is on
fire, you shout out the danger and warning.
We need to do the same.
Betsy Armstrong Rogers '64
Dallas
I say fight the Board of Regents with all we have. They have NO RIGHT
to demand these things and as far as I'm concerned it indicates yet
another group of regents who don't get it and have gone way beyond what
they are supposed to be doing. It is one more power grab, pure and
simple. That David Garland is agreeing to go along with it is extremely
disappointing to me and certainly lowers my opinion of him.
The Board of Regents needs to get over themselves and run the
university somewhere besides the ground—and keep their mitts off the
alumni. I think they may have just awakened a sleeping giant that's
already sick to death of the federal government getting into things
they shouldn't—I don't expect it from my alma mater.
Independence of the alumni association is vitally important to me—and
frankly it's one reason I went ahead and became a life member after all
these years. I like that we aren't beholden to any other group except
fellow alums—and with the constant changes on the campus and the
various personalities involved, I think it's only right we should stay
above the fray.
Cynthia L. Peterson '79
Hallsville
I think it would be a huge mistake to dissolve.
Brandon Avants '07
San Diego, California
I would advise against dissolving the BAA charter. The BAA is most effective as an independent organization.
Dr. Tyler Greenfield '80
Kingsport, Tennessee
I completely support you as an independent organization and believe
that you very well serve us, the Baylor alumni!!! I believe that
separation is key in continuing the factual and unbiased communication
for those of us who are now further away from the Baylor community. I
appreciate your articles in the Baylor Line
and have always appreciated the "watch dog" aspect the association
represents—obviously we need this (after reading what has happened!),
and I don't see being a "watch dog" as a negative. I am in agreement
with the 96 percent of those polled who "believe the BAA should serve
as an organization that responsibly and candidly represents the
collective interests and values of Baylor alumni and provides a forum
for the Baylor family to address issues concerning the well-being of
the university." I am saddened to read of the manner in which the Board
of Regents sought out to "communicate" with the BAA, especially during
a time of celebration. Very strange.
I am alarmed about the Regent's 180-degree change in perspective of the
BAA remaining independent! I will be waiting and watching to see what
unfolds. Thank you for all you do, BAA! I support the independent
Baylor Alumni Association!
Kristine Mulheim '93
Wheeling, Illinois
On the surface and without knowing the particulars of the arrangement,
I am opposed to dissolution of the BAA. It smacks of a power grab and
silencing dissenting views—not to mention the high value of the assets
that would be controlled by the university. I think the BAA would
become inconsequential and eventually disappear altogether under this
arrangement. Thank you for allowing this forum for opinions.
Debbie Franks Kern '79
North Richland Hills
I have always enjoyed the Baylor Line and have appreciated the efforts of the BAA. You have my support in your efforts to remain an independent organization.
Diane Neal Herrera '84, MS '86
Spring City, Pennsylvania
Please keep the BAA separate. It should remain a partner and not become
a department. The BAA is a great organization and will hopefully be
able to maintain its independence. Please keep up the good work.
Vicki Haak Humphrey '80
Southlake
I continue to be dismayed by positions of the Baylor Board of Regents.
My best interests are represented by the Baylor Alumni Association, so
press on with your usual good work knowing you enjoy the support and
prayers of most of the good old Baylor line.
Ed Dyer '66
San Antonio
This latest proposal from the Board Of Regents to dissolve the BAA and
make it a part of the university is a continuation of the Robert Sloan
generated fundamentalist movement that is still alive and as dangerous
as ever. They want complete control over any potential dissent from the
alumni. This is what happens when a minority faction has control of the
regents who don't represent the majority of the alumni. If the BAA
accepts the proposal we should change Baylor's name to Texas
Fundamentalist Baptist University.
Tom Walker '68
Waco
I am sure that the leaders of the Baylor Alumni Association must
carefully study the proposal presented by the Board of Regents to
dissolve the charter of the alumni association. However, I hope that
the outcome is that it remains in the best interest of the alumni
association, alumni, and Baylor University for the alumni association
to be an independent organization. If I were voting, I would vote
against this proposal.
I would be happy to submit a more considered opinion.
Scott Lewis '83
London, England
My wife and I met at Baylor. We are lifetime members of BAA. We watched
from a distance at the power struggle between the then Board of
Trustees and the new proposed Board of Regents. We watched as this
power struggle became a destructive force within the Baptist General
Convention of Texas proceedings. We watched as the reputation of Baylor
was soiled by all of the in-fighting, and we weathered the storm. As I
read the chronology of events, some of the old questions come rushing
back.
What is at the heart of this dissolution request? Is this just a power
struggle for control of an organization that raises significant dollars
for programs regarding the university? Is this the Board of Regents
making a play to become the only source of power for an organization
that keeps the alumni "in the loop" in terms of finances, information,
and growth?
Conversely, if the BAA is totally committed to preserving the
relationships created with the alumni, and if in the proposed new
organization the staff will be retained, why can't the same level of
service to the alumni be retained? Is this just a method by which the
organization is renamed or are there deeper issues of control? As a
teacher of social studies in public school and as a dual credit
instructor, I have learned to be cynical about any "ruling"
organization that wants to change the rules after making an agreement,
especially when that change is deemed urgent and necessary. I do not
want to put myself in a position to be railroaded into a decision.
This is what I see happening. I have read the information disseminated
by BAA. I have read comments from other alumni on both sides of the
issue. What I have not seen or read is what I would call an open and
honest explanation of the motivation for the proposal. Until such time
as I see that, I am reluctant to support such a proposal.
Finally, my concerns range to the areas that I will be affected. Will
there be diminished services for alumni (i.e. discounts on Sing
Tickets, informational publications, etc.), and is the new embodiment
of alumni services going to be solely reliant on our "love of the
university" for its support? Thank you for time and attention.
Kevin Pitman '88
Paradise
I am just flabbergasted that the regents would take this step to
basically alienate and anger Baylor University's largest base of
support.
Please put me down as being against this proposal.
Kirby Warnock '74
Dallas
I am not in favor of the BAA being incorporated into the university. My vote would be no!
Terry C. Lawson '75
Fort Worth
It's about the stupidest idea I've heard of, but it is a really good
way to disenfranchise the alums. I'm not exactly sure why they want to
make this type of power move but the next time someone from Baylor
calls I guess I should be more than happy to say no thank you to a
requested donation. If they ask why I'll simply say the regents actions
with the BAA.
Roger '80 and Leslie Gates Brinkley '76
Monument, Colorado
After repeated, failed attacks by German forces upon the U.S. held City
of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, WWII, The German commander,
Generalleutnant Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz asked the U.S. to
surrender Bastogne. When U.S. General Anthony McAuliffe, acting
commander of the 101st Airborne Division, was told of the request for
surrender, a frustrated McAuliffe responded, "Nuts!" After turning to
other pressing issues, his staff reminded him that they should reply to
the German demand. Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. O. Kinnard recommended
that McAuliffe's initial reply would be "tough to beat." Thus,
McAuliffe wrote on the paper delivered to the Germans: “NUTS!” General
George Patton's Third Army relieved Bastogne days later.
Perhaps, the BAA should consider telling David Garland and the Board of Regents, "NUTS!"
Blake G. Powell ’87, JD ’90
Austin
We, Zack and Nancy Pannell, both Baylor grads, oppose the proposal of
the Baylor regents. We believe the BAA should remain as it is, an
independent entity that continues to support Baylor, as it always has.
We are disturbed by this turn of events and we, too, wonder why this
change of direction by the Regents. Keep us posted.
Zack '57 and Nancy Roberts Pannell '57
Denton
Please just say "NO." Saying yes would be a betrayal of the trust of
all of the Baylor alums that have come before us. You do have to
applaud the Baylor Board of Regents—they sure know how to help us
celebrate our 150 years as an independent alumni association. We must
always be a strong voice that both loves and supports Baylor
University, and the only way we can do that is to be an independent
voice. I do find myself wondering why they made this request now? Does
it have something to do with the selection of a new president, or is
there some other issue that is driving this?
Michael W. Parker '76
Cedar Park
A tragic event, indeed! Another nail in the Baylor coffin. My mother,
Ruth Hunt, toiled many hours to make the alumni association what it is
today. My father, Arch Hunt, former vice president for placement and
student financial aid, would not be amused, I am certain. Independence
is what makes for a strong alumni association. Consistent views makes
for a very dull and uninspiring organization.
My response to the Baylor Board of Regents would be a resounding "NO"!
Dr. Arch William (Bill) Hunt '58, MS '59
Athens
Thank you for your well-written e-mail regarding the regents' request
to dissolve the BAA. I find it sad that the regents continue to feel
threatened by the alumni association. I was concerned when they pressed
to make the BAA independent and am outraged that they now want it
dissolved. After reading the timeline, I am convinced the regents want
nothing more than to create a rubber stamp association that promotes
their own agenda.
Count me as one who agrees that the association must continue to have a
strong independent voice. Thank you for everything you have done to
strengthen the BAA.
Suzan Cordell Knox '74
Crockett
Please continue the good fight. We need the alumni association to
remain dedicated to Baylor, its students, and faculty, as well as to
its alumni—not to the Board of Regents.
John '72 and Jane Primm Waters '73
Dallas
I find it distressing that the regents would demand a meeting with the
BAA after refusing our past requests for audience with them.
Robespierre, Lenin, Castro, Chavez, Hitler, et al., ad nauseam, all
understood that to control the press (our publications) and to dissolve
all organized groups (the BAA) that might offer opposition are moves
that are essential to the success of any despotic regime.
Those who do not understand history are condemned to relive the past.
Without our independent voice, I fear that Baylor University will not
continue to be the beloved institution we have known for our posterity.
Dr. Lannie E Devin '82
Idalou
I believe that the proposal should be rejected. If the BAA turns over
editorial control to the university, who will be watching the "Hen
House"?
Charles Gordon Metcalf, LLB '64
You have my full support. The Board of Regents is disgusting.
Joe Kilman '57
San Angelo
I fully support your effort to remain as an independent voice to all
Baylor alumni. I fear the Baylor Board of Regents, who answer to
earthly being, will eventually swat you down. In the meantime keep up
the good work as you are the only independent voice of what is
happening at Baylor.
Jack W. Redding '55
Fort Worth
It is my opinion that Baylor Alumni Association should remain
independent. With the university operating under an interim president,
this is definitely not the time to even consider a change such as this.
R. Wayne Cessna '61
Jacksonsville
My initial reaction is that it is healthy for the BAA to remain
independent. The university indicates that most private schools have
alumni associations that report to the institution, but I believe an
independent association is important in this case because Baylor is a
private school. I appreciate that there is competition for a finite
universe of alumni dollars between the two institutions, and there are
no doubt synergistic possibilities that could come about from a
combined effort.
It is a healthy exercise for the BAA to study the university's proposal
at length and weigh the various strengths and weaknesses to accepting
or declining the proposal. However, an independent association, in
light of the university's private status, does provide us a venue for
preserving the value of the Baylor degree (and a voice for the very
alumni that are served by that goal).
Let's face it—the university has a number of stakeholders that it must
satisfy. It's important that alumni remain one of these stakeholders
with equal parity, and an independent voice carries a bit more
potential to achieve that parity.
After 150 years, is the current model broken? What is the purpose of
proposing this significant change now, before a new president for
Baylor is named?
David Patterson '95
Aurora, Colorado
I'd like to see a petition to dissolve the Board of Regents and
recreate a governing body that is answerable to Baylor's stakeholders.
In the past few years, the Board of Regents has done many things in
direct defiance of the wishes of Baylor's student body and its alumni.
An institution such as Baylor deserves better.
Ryan Young '06
Waco
My wife, Anita, and I strongly believe that the BAA should remain independent.
Michael A. White '57, MA '62, EdD '69
Hewitt
I am very disappointed in the Board of Regents and the interim
president to demand such action! I prefer that the BAA remain an entity
governed by its own board and not to be a part of the university.
I joined the BAA with a lifetime membership years ago when I graduated.
What would happen to others like me who became lifetime members thirty
or more years ago? Would our membership still be valid and recognized?
I hope a satisfactory solution can be found that will allow the BAA to
remain separate from the university, yet supportive of the mission of
the university.
Marcia Maxey Hicks '78
Webbers Falls, Oklahoma
I am weary to the point of exhaustion fighting against and worrying
about that regent faction (now, apparently, plus Garland) over the last
decade. My last hope was and is the independent influence of the BAA.
Therefore, speaking for myself, if the BAA yields in any way to the
regents and administration's request/demand, my pocketbook is closed
and my support for Baylor University will be over. Please stand firm.
Bill McCleary '63
Shenandoah
Thank you for sharing the shocking details of last Saturday's blatant
display of power politics by the current university administration and
regents. This act is nothing more than an attempt on the part of a
political elite to consolidate power by eliminating any perceived
threat to their reign. At least this cabal has apparently abandoned
their more subterranean attempts to destroy the association. The
probable reason for this shift in tactics is the fact that their
previous actions have not been successful. On the contrary, it seems
that the association has grown stronger.
This is a great example of corporate greed—grab everything that you can
and take no prisoners. What a wonderful example for present and future
Baylor students to follow. Somehow, I don't think this is the type of
Christian education that the founders had in mind.
Randy Fields '70, MBA '71, JD '77
San Antonio
I've seen a copy of the e-mail you sent to BAA members regarding the
proposal from the Board of Regents. Here's my input: Politely suggest
to the regents that they can put their proposal where the sun don't
shine.
Randy Horick '79
Nashville, Tennessee
As a lifetime member of the BAA with a BA from 1980 and two daughters
attending Baylor, I would vote against the loss of an independent
alumni association. If there are really good reasons for the BAA to
dissolve and merge with and be controlled by Baylor, I hope we could be
made aware of these reasons. No reason to rush if there is nothing to
hide
Dr. Tamie Dearen Erratt '80
Bryan
I am against the Baylor Board of Regents absorbing the BAA into the university.
Ted Marney Edwards '87, JD '90
Sarasota, Florida
My wife and I definitely are not in favor of this move. I think we, as
Baylor alumni, should have our own organization that is not a puppet of
the Board of Regents.
Homa '54 and Jackie Kemper Hill '55
Ridgeland, Mississippi
As a member of the alumni association, I am opposed to the take over proposal by Baylor University.
Crawford Long '70, JD '73
Waco
I am a "casual graduate" of Baylor; a transfer student my junior and
senior years. I casually joined the alumni association and casually
read the e-mails from the BAA. But I have always been proud to say
that I was a graduate of Baylor University.
So I was caught off guard at how shocked I was to hear about these
recent developments. So very sad. I shall cease all support of the
alumni association and Baylor should the Board of Regents be successful
in their demand to take over the operations of BAA. If there are votes
to be counted, please count mine as being in favor of retaining the
independence of the Baylor Alumni Association.
Connie Crozier Willan '73
Justin
In response to Baylor regents' demand that the Baylor Alumni
Association terminate its existence as a self-governing organization,
dissolve its charter and turn over its assets, personnel, operations
and editorial control to the university, I respectfully ask every
alumni to voice his or her opinion to the Baylor Alumni Association now.
As a lifetime member of the BAA, I, for one, strongly advise BAA to
maintain its independent status and never give in to this oppressive,
reprehensible "take-over" by regents.
Leading up to this demand, regents have impeded the BAA in its
ordinary, daily fulfillment of its commitment to Baylor's alumni. The
regents' actions show poor leadership, a destructive way of doing
business, a total lack of consideration and complete disregard for
long-standing traditions. The best example of their total disregard of
a time-honored tradition is that they presented their demand for
termination during the BAA Board meeting celebrating the 150-year
anniversary of the Baylor Alumni Association.
Not only the message, but their method, is an affront to the Baylor
Alumni Association and to every alumni. Their actions threaten the
cohesive spirit that has always existed between the administration and
alumni.
In interim president Garland's letter to the Waco Tribune-Herald
he states that "our proposal is to take the current BAA and join forces
with Baylor's alumni network and communications program." When did
Baylor's alumni network and communications program change from the
Baylor Alumni Association to another entity?
Regents have characterized the BAA as a "watchdog" organization. Its
purpose and commitment to Baylor has never included anything remotely
associated with a "watchdog" mentality. This characterization alone is
a strong indication that these regents do not want dissent, opposition
or even discussion about their policies and actions. This
characterization by itself can stand alone as the very reason why the
BAA must maintain its independent status. It also may indicate that it
is time for the BAA to become a watchdog in reality.
Interim president Garland said in his letter of propaganda to the Trib
that "we find alumni associations which, in their loyalty to their alma
mater, partner actively with university leadership" and
organizationally operate under the university's oversight. This
suggests that alumni associations that are independent are not as loyal
to their universities. I submit that loyalty and active partnership
are not compromised by independence.
Historically, the BAA and trustees have had, for more than twenty-five
years, an exceptionally good relationship while the BAA maintained its
independence. Independence was never a problem when discussion was
encouraged and respected and differences were resolved amicably.
It is very clear that the independence of the BAA is only a problem to
the current regents. I am at a loss as to their reasons and motivation
for such behavior, but I am led to believe that personal agendas must
be more important than what is best for the community as a whole.
Honest dialogue is essential and cannot be severed arbitrarily as the
regents are doing now.
It is a sad day when leaders of Baylor try to undermine the
150-year-old tradition of the Baylor Alumni Association and its
thirty-plus years of independence. The BAA has acted in a respectful
and accommodating way to work out any differences between the BAA and
the board of regents. The Baylor Alumni Association is the very best
reflection of the spirit of Baylor University, and it communicates with
its alumni about Baylor fairly and honestly as an independent,
self-governed association.
Texas A&M Alumni Association and the University of Texas
Ex-Students Association, as two examples, operate independent
organizations governed by alumni. Their regents encourage alumni to
voice their opinions.
The Baylor Alumni Association should be able to serve the alumni and
the university mutually in the same honorable way it has operated for
thirty years. The board of regents should respect its independence and
commitment to Baylor University and recognize its significance to the
alumni as past trustees have done.
I became a Baylor student, not because of a group of regents, a
university president or course offerings, but because of what Baylor
alumni instilled in me. Baylor University was part of them and they
exemplified the spirit of friendship, truth, unity and Christianity
that used to be so much a part of Baylor's atmosphere and spirit.
There is a heart and soul in every organization. I believe the Baylor Alumni Association and the Baylor Line
are the heart and soul of Baylor. They represent the people who teach
and show new people why Baylor is so important to each of us
individually and collectively.
The regents' demand that the Baylor Alumni Association terminate its
charter is needless. It is not about streamlining operations, progress,
change or the need for oversight as the regents suggest. This action by
the regents is about control and the elimination of dissent.
To maintain the lifetime support of thousands of alumni, these regents
must withdraw their demand and find new ground on which to build a
strong alliance between the administration and alumni. Only through an
alliance built on respect and goodwill can Baylor preserve its best
traditions and its very heart and soul.
Sheryn Jones '69
Highland Village
It sounds to me like the Board of Regents is being unreasonable. As a
proud Baylor grad, I'd like to think that the university had better
sense than to try to dictate where our money went! I would not be in
favor of being given over to the university until they can demonstrate
that they are getting back to the principles that I supported years
ago. Hang in there and remain independent!
Debbi Erdman Garbade '92
Pearland
I have reviewed the timeline of events you posted as between the BAA
and the Board of Regents, as well as the Board of Regents' proposal
that was submitted to the BAA last Saturday. I have also tried my best
to keep up with the situation as it unfolded over these past few years.
Although, I am appreciative of the spirit of the gesture, I am not
comfortable with the proposal as it is currently being presented. I
agree that there should be a sense of cooperation and respect between
the BAA and the university, which will in and of itself lend to
positive work and service from such a relationship for the good of the
whole.
But, I also agree that it is important for alumni to be informed from
an objective perspective of those matters that are more complex and far
reaching into the future and even the past of the university and that
require a full and complete review of all of the issues from every
possible angle. The BAA, while it is the largest cheerleading squad for
Baylor University and its benefits and blessings that it gives its
students and the community, the BAA is not to be viewed or used as a
“rubber stamp” association for the university.
I would respectfully request that the BAA decline the proposal in its entirety.
Pam Johnson '82, JD '85
Longview
Good luck as you deal with the current crisis. For what little it's worth, I hope you can resist the takeover attempt.
Harold F. Bass '71
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
It is wrong. Please reject the regents' proposal. Now more than ever,
the voice of independence and the "watchdog" role is needed.
Terry Beneke '75
Dallas
The BAA should remain independent. That is best for Baylor and provides
at least some amount of checks and balances as well as an unfiltered
platform for alumni.
Mark Bass '69
Lubbock
I am fully supportive of the BAA as it is now. This was and is the
association that I joined more than twenty years ago, and this is the
association I want to remain a member of. If the university absorbs our
association, then I may have to "die" or revoke my lifetime membership.
There is a lot to be gained for the university if they receive control
of the BAA. There is everything to be lost if the BAA allows the
university and its Board of Regents to take control. I strongly believe
that an outside voice that has strong ties to the university, such as
the present BAA, is healthy and helps keep the university accountable
for its
present and its future.
Please stay the course for our past, present, and future!
Lisa Bond '82
Yokohama, Japan
More of the same. Please stay separate.
Dwight A. Thrash '53
Lufkin
The BAA should remain as it is—a separate unity. An interesting
question for those of us who joined the BAA as life members: Would we
get a full refund from Baylor, since it is obvious that we are not
members of Baylor University just alumni?
Kennith R. Owens '54
Irving
Absolutely not! Do not even consider such an "offer." The idea of a
non-independent alumni association in this day and age is inane. The
BAA is the one source of true and real information that alumni have.
Don't let us down!
Matthew R. Burchette '89, MA '98
Denver, Colorado
The BAA should remain independent, but with a very close working
relationship with Baylor's administration, faculty, and student body. I
don't understand or agree with the hostile approach the regents are
taking.
But as the BAA now finds itself pushed into a corner, my vote is to
tell the regents no. They want something, but why should it be given?
No good reason that I can think of.
Roy Todd '76, MSE '77
Carrollton
I have not written before but have followed all of this and just want
to add that I find Baylor's behavior in this matter appalling at best.
It is just another example in a long string of the university making
poor decisions that has lowered its esteem in my eyes. There are many
people who no longer mention to others that they graduated from Baylor,
and for good reason. The university is undermining the allegiance of
its own alumni wherever the organization ends up landing. So very sad.
Name Withheld
I personally think the Board of Regents and interim president’s request
is not in the best interest of the BAA. I'm not in favor of such
proposal at all and believe it would cause a loss in having any say so
in the future.
Clif Wigley '57
Robinson
Don't you guys roll over on this. Remain strong. We deserve our
independent voices outside of the university. "Don't tread on me."
Kyle Neuman '78
Benbrook
I am appalled by the Baylor regents’ actions and I strongly urge you
not to succumb to their outlandish wishes. I see no possible benefits
for us as alums or for the university as a whole in this move. They are
simply trying to silence any discussion that may oppose the actions of
the university and take dictatorial control which is unwarranted and
unwelcome.
Stephanie Drumm Allen '90, MSEd '91
Fort Worth
As a recent graduate of Baylor, I stand behind the independence of the
Baylor Alumni Association. Having had three presidents preside over my
time at Baylor, and having the Board of Regents shrink and expand at
will, I'm glad that the alumni association has been here to describe
objectively what was going on with the leadership of Baylor.
During my time at Baylor, I had the displeasure of meeting only regents
who seemed painfully unaware of what was going on with life on campus,
as well as with alumni. An independent, well-qualified, and connected
voice is important to holding the regents accountable to the students,
faculty, and alumni family.
John Nicholson '07
Houston
Abner McCall always valued an independent alumni association. No need to violate his wise counsel.
Just as we seek counsel of older, wiser souls in our own personal and
business matters, Baylor is advantaged to have an independent alumni
association that can give that wise counsel that comes from distance,
age, and experience, hopefully preventing rash decisions by those
younger, less experienced, and closer to the matter.
Nita Kissel Fanning '76, JD '78
Waco
I would like to see the BAA remain independent from the university.
Keep up the good work. Clearly you're doing something right if the
Board of Regents is seeking to censor you by dissolving the BAA.
Kathryn Wellborn Fuller '96, MSEd '99
Silsbee
My husband and I throw our support behind the BAA completely. We trust
that you will gather information, consult with appropriate people,
study the proposal, and make the best decision for Baylor alumni.
I have worked at Baylor for twenty-four years now. I have two Baylor
degrees, my parents each earned two Baylor degrees, my grandmother
earned two Baylor degrees, and my husband also has a Baylor degree. I
cherish my experience as a Baylor undergraduate student, and today I
get up every morning and drive an hour to come to work here. I would
not trade my current job for anything. I love Baylor University and am completely committed to her success.
My gut instinct, of course, is to say that the BAA must retain its
independent status. However, that being said, we also trust you all to
make the final decision and we want you to know that we will be praying
for you all as you go through this process.
Laura Massirer Scott '84, MSEd '89
I am outraged, not shocked. Their rival magazine (useless) was the
giveaway. This is a power-grab to eliminate any voice other than the
official party line, whatever it is.
First they reduced the board to gain control, as if that wasn't
apparent. They are still stung by the departure of Sloan—a president
with the same ego-driven control needs as themselves. They tolerate
only weak leaders—easy people to control.
This will cost Baylor a fortune, and hand control to the fundamentalist element in the state.
Dr. Clyde Fant '56
Deland, Florida
Under no circumstances should the independence of the Baylor Alumni
Association be conceded. The Board of Regents has a shameful history of
compromising Baylor's academic integrity in the name of social
Christian conservatism. Here in the East, Baylor's image was tarnished
as it became seen as an institution that was more interested in
pursuing a religious agenda than maintaining an educational institution
that facilitates academic exploration and discourse. My degree as an
Honors Program graduate was tarnished in the process. I would be much
happier if the Board of Regents disbanded itself and was reconstituted
by a diverse board of individuals who are true educators rather than
religious apologists.
Dr. David L. Scasta '72
Milford, Pennsylvania
I am disappointed by the request. I believe that alumni need to remain independent.
Wes Anthony '60
Friendswood
I am only vaguely familiar with the issues the BAA has had with the
Board of Regents in recent months. That said, as a former athlete
(baseball, 1971-1974), I am familiar with some of the tricks the
athletic department has pulled of late. It is clear to me that as the
fortunes of the athletic department seem to be turning in a positive
direction, the department has less and less use for former athletes.
I believe that the leadership of the BAA is correct in their suspicions
regarding the recent proposal made by the Board of Regents. No way does
this group make a proposal so counter to their recent positions because
it is good for the Baylor Alumni Association. Clearly there are motives
behind their position change, and I would not trust them as far as I
could throw them. My suggestion is to do the necessary due diligence,
but walk away.
Rick D. Fox '74
Kingwood
Please reject the proposal by the Baylor regents. I strongly believe that the alumni association should remain independent.
Amy S. Titus '82
Dallas
Baylor regents have lost their collective minds. The BAA is about all I
can depend on to get the truth; plus it's my connection to my friends
and fellow Bears. The information in the Baylor Magazine
might be interesting to parents of current students or other
university-leader types, but little in there is interesting to me. BAA
publications seem to sort through the chaff and present items of
interest to alumni, plus provide the real deal on fundraising. The
articles and information available from the BAA on graduates is
interesting to guys like me.
I am not totally up to speed on all that has happened over the recent
years between the BAA and Baylor, but what I see seems to be jealousy
and greed, with a money and information grab on the part of Baylor. Put
my name on a list of people who, if BAA is dissolved, will send our BU
diplomas back to the interim president and drop our names off their
list of graduates. It would be too embarrassing to admit being from a
school with a group of twenty-one idiots and a "lame duck" leader that
cannot seem to see past Fifth Street.
Allan Cox '71
Tomball
Your e-mail stated the facts quite clearly and without prejudice. I am
suspicious of a request for a "quick action," especially after severing
ties last year. It sounds, on the face, like the Board of Regents wants
to gobble up BAA, for whatever reason, but I can't think of a good one.
Cheryl Campbell '73, MA '75
Tomball
Has Paige Patterson infiltrated our Board of Regents?
Ken Pace '59
Mesquite
As a life member of the Baylor Alumni Association, I want to strongly
express my opinion that the proposed dissolution of the association is
bad idea. In any case, no action should be taken until a new
administration is in place.
Flynn Bucy '77, MBA '78
McLean, Virginia
Stay independent and put on that watchdog hat they accuse of wearing.
Their request alone makes me wonder what they are up to. You need a
seat at the table of the Board of Regents. Maybe you could set up a
trust where alumni can make donations to Baylor, but it would be
controlled by the BAA. You could release the funds once this nonsense
is corrected and you have the position and voice you deserve. The time
of being nice has passed; stand up for what is right!
Boyd Hawkins '84
Coppell
As a life member of fifty years, I have just read the timeline and find
it shocking that the administration of Baylor University has assumed an
adversarial posture to BAA and done almost everything possible to
continually attack and cripple the BAA. The proposal appears to be a
Trojan Horse or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Beware.
With this kind of background on the history of the relationship, I look
on the proposal made by the university to dissolve the BAA independent
status with mistrust. I seriously doubt that the administration of
Baylor University has the intelligence, judgment, or managerial
expertise to manage the Baylor Alumni Association for the betterment of
the alumni or the university.
The Board of Regents has not been able to hire a competent president in
the last two tries and now it appears the interim president is just as
incompetent. I cheered when Baylor University was able to separate
itself from being run by fundamentalist religious fanatics and
seriously questioned the implementation of Baylor 2012.
The timing of this fiasco has dashed my hopes of really enjoying the
150-year anniversary of the BAA. As an two-time graduate of Baylor, I
very much support having an independent body of alumni who can openly
discuss issues about the course of the university and not be placed in
a position where a free voice would not be heard. How could any
intelligent person even reason that placing the BAA under the wing of
the university would be a good choice?
If the regents had any idea what they were doing, they would do
everything in their power to leverage the strength of the alumni
association and make it a "partner" in the success of Baylor, not try
to squelch it.
Wes Kouba '76, MS '79
McKinney
I encourage you most vehemently to continue your independence no matter
what the pressures from the current administration and the Board of
Regents.
What is happening now is just why so many of us were so violently
opposed to a Board of Regents with its inbred nature and no outside,
independent influence, instead of the previous system of a Board of
Trustees with strong ties to the Baptist General Convention of Texas to
provide outside influence, input, and balance. A system of electing
regents without any outside checks or balances is exactly why so many
of this country's Christian-founded universities have now slid into the
Devil's pit. You are now seeing one result of what this kind of
inbreeding leads to.
Please, let's keep our BAA independent of them so that we can function
as at least a minor check and balance on them for Baylor's greater good.
Ronald H. Linam, Class of '58
Denton
We are adamantly opposed to the university's proposal to bring the BAA
under the university administration. We see no good that can come from
this arrangement, but rather much harm. It is an effort, pure and
simple, to muzzle the BAA and prevent any criticism of administration
and regent policy decisions.
The consequences of resisting this effort to intimidate and control the
BAA will no doubt lead to punitive action by the regents. We must be
prepared to accept those consequences and move forward to fulfill our
historical role at Baylor.
John, PhD '75, and Karen Wigger Wood '79, MA '87
Waco
I do not understand how, after 150 years of mutual respect and
cooperation between the BAA and Baylor University, suddenly the
university has taken an adversarial posture. Is this all about power?
Stick to your guns, BAA, and don't let anyone push you around. Whether
they want to admit it or not, the university needs the BAA and its
loyal membership as it has always been, and with this attempt to
"neuter" it they are doing a great injustice to themselves and the
thousands of alumni supporters that help to sustain our great
university.
John Waters '72
Dallas
The two main reasons that Baylor would want control of the alumni
association are control and money, as in controlling the money. The
powers that be probably feel threatened that alumni see the BBA as the
group they would support instead of supporting Baylor in general. Also,
there may have been some actions taken by the BAA that Baylor does not
approve of. Living halfway around the world I don't know what this
could be, but something probably set them off. I also think the alumni
are being "mushroomed" as there is more to this than is being reported,
probably something personal.
In any case, I don't think an interim president should take this type
of action. Wait until there is a permanent president and work out the
details with him and the other leaders.
It seems beneficial to the institution long-term to have an independent
alumni group. Those in charge of the university from time to time may
not want to bother with being accountable to anyone outside their
board, which is understandable if it were their company. However,
Baylor is bigger than those who temporarily run it. Baylor also belongs
to current and future students, alumni, employees, and benefactors.
Just like our government, there should be checks and balances so that
no one entity can dictate its will upon others who are unwilling to
agree but who don't want to walk away from a vision or purpose because
of temporal personality conflicts. Honest conflict ultimately brings
about better results than when one person (or group) makes decisions in
a vacuum.
I support both institutions being separate in carrying out their
business, but unified in the overall mission to educate young people
within a Christian environment to become the best they can be.
Mark P. Yablon '88
McKinney
I have read about the offer from the university to take over the BAA.
While there are probably some reasons for this to happen, I doubt any
are very strong.
Bill Loden '79
College Station
I am absolutely opposed to the BAA giving up its independence and
becoming a part of Baylor. I see only two purposes for the regents'
desire to absorb the present BAA:
- To silence any alumni dissent to the regents' dictatorial rule over the future direction of Baylor
- To put the "new" BAA to work raising funds for Baylor with no control over how those funds are spent.
This is bad for the BAA, alumni, and Baylor University. The
leadership of Baylor University has totally ignored the stated purpose
for which Baylor was originally established. I don't think any of the
Baylor founders would recognize the Baylor of today as the one they
chartered and envisioned. That is very sad.
Sylvia Morris Ashley '64
Sedona, Arizona
I am deeply concerned by the administration and governing board's
request to have the BAA fall under the university's control. As an
graduate of Baylor, I have always depended on the BAA's candid and
forthright views from many perspectives on how our university has
changed and is continuing to meet the needs of its students and alumni.
I depend on your independence to keep me up to date on current
happenings, as I am a military spouse and am far from my Baylor family
more often than not.
I strongly urge you to reject the regents' proposal! I hope others will join me in voicing their opinions as well.
Courtney Boyd Smotherman '97
San Diego, California
I cannot but believe that if the BAA dissolves its charter and becomes
another department of Baylor, it will have, for all intents and
purposes, ceased to exist. We, who have been around for a while, know
the Baylor administration is as fickle as it can get. What is being
said today can just as well be reversed next year.
My gut feeling is that the BAA should maintain its independence. I
don't care what other universities have done to dissolve and digest
their alumni organizations.
Marcia Miracle-Glenn Cooper '67
Waco
I have read with interest the recent proposal put to the BAA by the
Baylor regents. I believe that you presented a fair assessment of the
request. It is my opinion that Baylor University will be better served
by having the BAA remain as an independent organization. The Board of
Regents should consider the independence of the BAA as a good thing and
take BAA recommendations and ideas under serious consideration and
advisement. After all, the role of the BAA and the regents is to do
what is best for Baylor. My vote is to reject the proposal and to stay
independent.
Gordon Utgard '70
Grapevine
I feel the recent action of Baylor's Board of Regents is a kick in the
gut to me as an alumnus of Baylor. I feel as if I have no voice in
Baylor anymore. I am being controlled by the regents. If that is what
they want, so be it. But as an alumnus, I feel as if I have been
abandoned by a university that I have loved so much.
Dick Senter '58
San Antonio
The current distance between the BAA and the university is not only
appropriate, but financially better for the university. As a single
department in a huge institution, fundraising by the alumni association
will be diminished as the multitude of different departments compete
for common venues and sources for funds. Two separate entities raising
funds is innately better than one, especially when that one has a large
number of other irons to heat over common coals.
More importantly, the only way I feel I get a total picture of what is
happening at Baylor is to compare the reports that come white-washed
through the administration with the reports that come from un-entangled
observers. As both an employee and alumnus, I see the continued
separation as critical to the best interests of both the university and
the large body of alumni. We might still have a president destroying
much of what has made Baylor the fine, unique institution it is if it
were not for the clear window provided by the articles in the Baylor Line.
Paula Teague Marshall '78
Waco
This proposal, particularly with the rationale that a non-independent
alumni association absorbed into the university is common among other
universities, strikes me as shocking and disturbing.
It doesn't matter what the setup at other schools is. For a domination
that was founded on such bedrock principles as church freedom, Bible
freedom, and soul freedom, it's appropriate that the largest Baptist
institution in the world reflect those values of independence and
freedom in its alumni association. It's a light that sets us apart and
is, in my opinion, in lockstep with the vision, faith, and independent
nature of our founders and is at the core of the philosophy of George
Truett, for whom our fine seminary is named.
In my six years on the Board of Directors of the BAA, I don't recall
ever hearing the word "watchdog" used in any discussion among the
board. I do recall hearing hundreds of times from many, many people the
phrases "love of Baylor" and "service to Baylor."
David McCollum '72
North Little Rock, Arkansas
I am convinced that the BAA should remain self-governing. This simple
fact should not in anyway pose a threat to the university or its
regents, even though the two sides disagree. The alumni should have and
deserve an independent voice. Without independence, alumni have no
voice or real representation. We will have reduced the organization to
merely a group of people with pom poms. I don't like that idea.
Alumni have traditionally been, and should remain, a strong voice of
and for the university with independent representation. I do not
believe the university needs more cheerleaders. Let us not forget that
the university was founded by the Republic of Texas, by men of strong
convictions and character but with a common purpose and goal: higher
education with Christian values. I’m against anything other than that.
Perry Taylor '87
Midland
After reading the university’s proposal, performing a unscientific
sampling of the structure of other Texas university alumni groups, and
reviewing the historical relationship between the alumni association
and Baylor, I strongly encourage the association to maintain its
independence.
While I wholeheartedly agree that it should be a primary function of
the BAA to support the advancement of Baylor, I find the university's
recent actions undermine the stated intentions contained in their
proposal. Their actions lead me to believe that their true intent is to
suppress dissent within the Baylor family, and my sense is that
substantially all of the conflicts between Baylor and the association
have been instigated by the university in recent years.
I think that over the past fifteen years there has been a fundamental
disagreement within the Baylor family as to whether the university
should continue its mission to provide a quality, affordable, and
Christian-based education or whether it is more important to seek to
propel Baylor into the upper echelon of research institutions. While I
certainly appreciate the campus development that has been driven by the
Baylor 2012 ten-year vision, I am very concerned that Baylor has
abandoned its commitment to students in favor of an emphasis on
research and development that is likely doomed to failure.
As a Baylor alumnus and parent I place a huge value on the truly unique
qualities Baylor offers to students. Solid Christian values, focus on
the individual student, and quality instruction truly set Baylor apart
in my eyes. Although I was too stupid to take full advantage of these
offerings as a student, Baylor still did an exemplary job of preparing
me to succeed in life. The university helped ensure that I had the
secular and spiritual foundation necessary to live a productive and
fulfilling life. When my daughter chose to go to Baylor, I was very
pleased with her decision. At the same time, I am distressed that
Baylor has already priced itself out of the reach of many.
If Baylor was truly committed to its mission, students, and alumni, its
leaders would be devoting their funds and energy to engaging in
dialogue with those that hold Baylor dear and not seeking to quash
dissenting opinions. I pray that the leaders of our great institution
can find the inspiration to map a more productive course in their
relations with my alumni association.
Tom Frederick '80
Katy
The BAA should remain independent from the university and the Board of
Regents. Baylor alumni need a voice, and the Board of Regents is not
that voice. The BAA is.
David Brannan '79
Round Rock
I believe the organization should be separate. It sounds like an
attempt to squelch an independent voice, and that is not good. Baylor
did not want to be squelched by the BGCT several years ago when they
changed the way regents are elected, but now it seems they don’t want
to extend that to anyone else.
Randy Mitchell '79
Houston
Do not join with the university. Stay independent. I'm afraid of what
would happen if this independent voice were under the rule of the
regents..
Roy D. Welch, '52
Ballwin, Missouri
I have read the proposal from the Board of Regents with both
disappointment at the totalitarian spirit it displays and downright
outrage. Baylor has been a vital part of my life for the last forty
years, but I cannot recognize the Baylor I have always known in events
of recent times. It is my hope and my prayer that in spite of all
official pressure, the BAA will resist this misguided attempt at
annihilation with complete success.
Name Withheld
Stay independent. You can't go back and forth depending on the whim of
who is on the board from term to term or who is president of the
university. As far as I am concerned they have burned their bridges.
When they took all the alumni employees out of the Baylor retirement
and health insurance plans, it was the last straw. I hate those kind of
tactics, which are reminiscent of how Paige Patterson threatened
Southwestern Seminary professors.
The association is being coerced by being given a short deadline.
What's a few more weeks or months when you consider that the
association has been around for 150 years?
I love the Baylor Line.
What the university has put together doesn't even compare. Your
association provides a wonderful service to the membership. Keep up the
good work!
Carl Bonds '59
Richardson
Remain separate.
Name Withheld
Can this be put to a vote by the alumni? Let us help you decide. The
Regents need to remember that you don't mess with senior citizens!!
Especially those who pray!! At Baylor, we were taught to have faith in
God but use what God gave us to think for ourselves.
Lou Bilderback Jones, Class of '58
Chino Hills, California
I am deeply concerned with the offer from the university and urge the
alumni board and director to reject this so-called "truce." There are
still too many unresolved issues that, I fear, will be buried if the
union occurs. Please do not submerge the independent identity of the
alumni association.
Thanks for all you do.
Karen Muhm Holder '67, MA '80
China Spring
I have been so happy to be a graduate of Baylor and an active member of
the Ex-Students. I deeply regret what is being done to ruin this. I
pray that there will be a re-evaluation before all is lost.
Margaret Scott Terrell '60
Tyler
In response to your request for comments on the current issues
surrounding the BAA's relationship to Baylor, these are my thoughts:
The Baylor Alumni Association needs to remain independent of the
university. We do not need the university to control what we report
about the university to alumni.
Furthermore, Baylor has strayed in recent years from its unique
heritage of being a strong liberal arts university dedicated to
excellent teaching in the classroom. An independent BAA needs to be
around to keep pointing the university toward true north.
Libby Willis '81, MIJ '82
Fort Worth
In my opinion, the interest of Baylor University and the alumni are
best served by an independent alumni organization. The BAA has
established an excellent record of communicating unbiased news reports
to the membership. The financial management of the BAA is excellent, as
shown by their balanced budget and unqualified audits.
REJECT the proposal of the Baylor Regents and maintain an independent BAA.
Richard D. Foster '70
San Antonio
Absolutely the Baylor Alumni Association should retain its identity and
NOT be dissolved and absorbed into Baylor's university departments. It
is clear, after reading the historical timeline, that the Board of
Regents and interim president do not respect nor care about the wishes
or opinions of the many thousands of Baylor alumni.
I appreciate the work of the BAA and do hope that the association will
be able to continue to serve independently the needs of Baylor alumni.
Carol Stuart Garrett '80
Ashburn, Virginia
Keep the BAA independent from the Board of Regents. The BAA does not need to dissolve its charter. That’s what I think.
Brenda Stewart Youngblood '77
Plano
Stand firm, guys! This is a ridiculous power play.
Molly Reddell Hornbuckle '74
Austin
I am a multiple-generation Baylor Bear and a 1990 graduate. I am
forever proud of the independent voice and undying support of the BAA
for Baylor and its alumni community. I implore you to stay strong and
to reject any and all offers by the current Baylor Regents.
The university under the leadership of recent Regent regimes has been
increasingly suspect in its intentions and woefully behind in its
ability to deliver and guide the university forward as a leading
institution. In many circles, it is becoming a regional player or more
prone to jokes than praise.
Muting an independent voice would remove one of the remaining checks
and balances and would ultimately lead to a “mono-mindset” that could
prove to neuter the progress and legacy of the university. I am more
than happy to provide more feedback and thoughts on this matter. But,
please know that I will increasingly look elsewhere for my donations
and collegial support should this move occur.
Melissa Purdy Mines '90
Austin
Seems like we need to know why the school wants to shut us down. Maybe
they do not want any outside critics. In general, it seems independence
is an asset and in the best interests of Baylor.
Thanks for your good work.
Roland Garcia '81
Houston
I have one word to say about this proposal—No! Since the university no
longer contributes to the BAA, they cannot cut off funding that does
not exist. Worst-case scenario is that you would have to vacate the
building, if Baylor owns it, and find another place to exist. But I
believe God would make a way.
Thanks for continuing to be strong and INDEPENDENT!
Robyn Richard Dadig, att. '69-71
Richardson
I have a story to illustrate my point. In the late 1970s, my wife
worked for an oil-field supply company called Sperry-Sun. That company
was bought by a larger company called NL Industries and the name was
changed to NL Sperry-Sun. The employees were told that their jobs were
safe for at least two years. Nothing was supposed to change except that
the employees would get better benefits since they were now with a much
larger company. But, in less than two years, NL had replaced ALL of the
former Sperry-Sun managers with managers from NL Industries, and
everything had been changed. Those Sperry-Sun employees that were left
started saying that NL Sperry-Sun means that it is No Longer Sperry-Sun.
I think that the same thing will happen if the BAA disbands and becomes
a part of Baylor University. ALL of your jobs will be in danger. There
will no longer be an independent voice telling us what is going on at
Baylor. All of our information will be propaganda or marketing pieces.
And I do not think that killing the BAA will improve giving, help them
hire a president, or help Baylor start moving toward Tier One. Also, I
think such a move would make the alumni just more suspicious of the
Sloan supporters who are now running the Board of Regents.
In my opinion, if you are doing the right thing, then you do not have
to strong-arm your way into a meeting and try to kill an independent
entity. People who are doing the right things generally are calmer,
more patient, and seek to establish a consensus. Look which group is
the calmer, more patient one in this situation.
I think that Baylor University is getting more desperate. Putting these
people as regents was supposed to improve things, but giving is down,
they cannot hire a president, and they cannot even buy their way into
Tier One with new buildings or paying students to retake their tests.
Since Baylor is desperate and the BAA is not, I think that you should
use the leverage that you have right now. Baylor University needs the
alumni a whole lot more than the alumni need Baylor, especially right
now.
Stay independent! Use the leverage that you have right now! Keep us
informed as you have been doing for years and years and years!
P.S. I think that you should take a poll of the BAA members. I am
pretty sure that a large majority would support keeping the BAA
independent, and then you would have numbers to show BU, instead of
just the opinions from some of us.
Don Haney '72
Richmond
The Regents’ request is abhorrent. What purpose is served by the
dissolution of the BAA? Is the elimination of a critical, independent
voice? Or do they simply hold alumni in such poor esteem? Clearly, I am
against the BAA dissolving! I am as ardent a fan of BU as any alum but
I also do not support all of the university’s agenda.
As an alumnus, I have the right to be heard when it comes the value and
reputation of my degree. That value and reputation have a direct
correlation to the policies (academic, athletic, political, etc.)
Baylor espouses. No agent dependent upon its principal can truly voice
concern without fear of reprisal. An independent and critical BAA must
remain.
M. Brent Turk '95
Beaumont
I believe the BAA as it is right now is good for the university.
Dr. Jon W Williamson '82
Arlington
My reaction to this request by Baylor University to dissolve the Baylor
Alumni Association is immediate. No. No. Don’t do it. Don’t do it for
the good of the university, its integrity, and its future.
This is just the latest move by those who are rising once again into
positions of power at the world’s largest Baptist university who would
move the school away from the qualities that make Baylor a world-class
school. This bent is evident in the proposal itself:
“Baylor needs a vibrant, nonpolitical, supportive alumni organization
communicating with its alumni around the world,” the proposal stated.
In separate interviews, Beauchamp and Stone both characterized the
proposal as an offer by the university to bring the alumni association
into line with “best practices” of other major universities around the
nation.
Baylor officials have insisted the number of universities with
independent alumni associations is small and getting smaller, and
Baylor’s relationship with its alumni association is unique among
private universities.
Because of the continuing threats to remake Baylor into their own
intolerant, narrow image, an independent alumni association is
essential. They fear an association with power. They want an
association that is compliant—bring it into line. They want to silence
any opposition.
Have you read their magazine? It falls into the category of junk mail.
If the university takes over editorial control, they have no worries
about discontent with university policies and practices getting in
print. The content will be filtered and vetted. It will be a
fundraising tool. It will not qualify as journalism.
The proposal does recognize that “Baylor’s relationship with its alumni
association is unique among private universities.” I like that fact. It
should be unique.
Their proposal is wrong in so many ways.
Jim McNabb '69
Austin
As a former Baylor student and alumni, I am appalled at the
heavy-handedness displayed by Baylor's Board of Regents. I like the
fact that the BAA is a separate entity and can show alumni "both sides
of the story."
This action seems to be a witch hunt by the current Board of Regents
based on the alumni association's reluctance to blindly accept the
goals of Baylor 2012. I expected a "Christian" university like Baylor
to show more respect to others that might have differing views.
Diana Nelson '82
Frisco
As lifetime members of the Baylor Alumni Association, we are very
concerned about the future of this valuable source of information about
our university. We have enjoyed the alumni association all these years
and want to continue the relationship. We feel it is important that the
alumni association be an independent force in order to be free to
represent the alumni without censorship and interference by the current
ruling factions who do not represent the feelings of the majority of
the graduates from our fine university.
Please do all possible to maintain that valuable independence—for all
of our sakes—and the sake of the integrity of Baylor University in the
future.
Nelsyn '43 and Julia Howard Wade '48
San Augustine
Please let the BAA stay independent rather than becoming just another
outlet for the Board of Regents. We think that an independent BAA is
one of the sources of Baylor's greatness.
Robert '59, MA '64, and Carolyn Wybourn Dale '59
San Antonio
Thank you so much for the information regarding the recent request by
the Regents. Since receiving your e-mail, I have done a great deal of
research on my own. I cannot come up with a viable reason as to why the
BAA should dissolve its charter. This is very concerning to me as a BAA
member. While I have great pride in Baylor and trust that leadership
will continue to grow the university in the appropriate manner, I have
reservations about not having an independent voice for the alumni,
which is so important to the welfare and continued growth and integrity
of the school. It concerns me to think that at any time—past, present,
or future—that there would not be an independent body of alumni,
receiving factual information in order to help continue Baylor in an
appropriate manner. Since graduation (and having other Baylor alums in
my family I have read BAA information/publications for many years), I
truly cannot recall receiving information from the BAA that made me
think you were doing a disservice to the university or undermining
leadership in any way.
It is further troubling to hear the manner in which the Regents chose
to bring about this discussion. I would be more than happy to address
my concerns to the leadership at the university as well.
Thank you for your time and for keeping us informed.
Carol Rucker Plant '98
Plano
I find it completely inconsistent with the purported goals of Baylor
2012 that the Regents would seek to squelch perceived dissent by
seeking to dissolve the BAA. If the Regents truly aim to build Baylor
into a world-class academic institution, they must encourage reasoned
debate on university governance and direction with open minds and in
open forums. I can't believe this is the same institution where Dr.
Elmer Duncan taught us that truth was found through challenge and
examination.
I also note that the university has done nothing to keep alumni
informed of its position on this issue—no letters, no e-mails, nothing
in the marketing magazine it publishes is available to help me
understand why the Regents would take this position. I am left without
understanding of the Regents' thought process or the expected benefits
to be gained from the dissolution of the BAA. In contrast, the Line
has published letters and commentary both in support of and critical of
the Regents and the administration. I can only conclude that the
Regents see the BAA as a mechanism through which challenges to their
actions may be expressed, and they desire to end these challenges once
and for all.
I will never make a contribution to the university nor will I consider
paying tuition for any of my three children to attend Baylor as long as
the Regents find it necessary to silence the voice of alumni or any
other constituent.
Lisa Newton Johnson '83
Oak Park, Illinois
Click here for more responses (Page 2).
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