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Responses in Support of the Alumni Association's Independence
October 27, 2009
To send your own comments, e-mail BaylorLine@BaylorAlumniAssociation.com.
Will someone please ask the administration and the Board of Regents
this one simple question and keep asking it until you get an honest
answer: What specifically has the BAA done to make you so mad (and
please, no denials that you are mad) that you feel it is better for the
university's alumni to get all their information about the school and
its programs from an administration-controlled office, rather than from
the historically and much-respected independent alumni association
which now exists? Until the administration and regents speak OPENLY to
this question, anything else they have to say is not worth hearing.
Hal Wingo '57
Baylor Regent, '93-'02
Santa Fe, New Mexico
As a lifelong resident of this community—but not one that attended
Baylor—I have observed from the sidelines efforts to control her for
many years. Just this past week, I received an e-mail from the current
interim president of Baylor inviting me to support their efforts to
bring Baylor's alumni association underneath their corporate control.
Baylor’s forefathers demonstrated wisdom and courage when they agreed
to the following terms in the current License Agreement between Baylor
and their alumni association: ". . . it is understood that Licensee is
an independent 'voice' of alumni of Baylor University, and the
positions taken by Licensee (editorial and otherwise) which may be
contrary to the administration of the University or its Board of
Regents shall not be alleged by Licensor to constitute insufficient
quality and shall not be grounds for Licensor's termination of this
License Agreement.”"
It is interesting that the regents portray Baylor's alumni
association—one that is separate and independent—as the only one of
that type that exists within a private university in America. Of
course, they helped to set it up this way, as the regents approved the
agreement referred to above in January 1994. Present at that regent
meeting were Judge Abner V. McCall, President Herbert H. Reynolds and
Rev. Neal T. Jones (father of current regent Buddy Jones). Ostensibly,
each of them thought the rights bestowed upon the alumni association
were important, even though the proposed structure was unusual.
I wonder if the alumni association would relinquish their independence
if the Board of Regents would agree to become a democratically elected
organization? It has always troubled many that the regents perpetuate
themselves without answering directly to their alumni constituents.
Seventy-five percent of them are selected by a very small group of
their current board—the others are selected by the Baptist General
Convention of Texas. Currently, none of the groups—faculty, students,
or alumni—that should have a representative voice on the Board of
Regents enjoys that basic right.
William L. Clifton Jr.
Waco
For me, this issue became clear in October 2002 as to the direction the
Board of Regents was taking with respect to the BAA. I supported the
BAA then and would urge the BAA to reject the Board of Regents
"proposal" now. I wrote President Sloan a letter, which included the
following:
Dear President Sloan:
After reading today's articles in the Waco-Tribune Herald relating
to Baylor University I feel obligated to let you know some of my
concerns regarding important policies of Baylor University.
First, I am troubled and disappointed by the decision of the University to essentially destroy the Baylor Line in order to create the new Baylor Magazine. Every objective of the new Baylor Magazine could have been achieved more easily and with much less cost to the University through the Baylor Line, with
the sole exception of complete control of the editorial content of the
magazine. Despite any other stated reasons, the only true reason for
the creation of the Baylor Magazine is for complete control. To argue otherwise would be to insult the graduates of my university. Honestly, I have never found the Line to disagree with the policies of the university on any major issues, but obviously the administration believes the Line is
a rogue entity that needs to be destroyed. I also find the "request" of
the university to take the name of the alumni association to be
extremely arrogant. If the administration really believes that the Line can
survive without any real support from the university then the newly
created organization should come up with its own name. I feel confident
that if any effort is put into such an endeavor a visible and creative
name can be found. . . .
In very short order, I received a thoughtful reply from Larry Brumley
(then assistant vice president for external affairs) supporting the
actions and the need for the Board of Regents' actions in 2002. The
reply is as follows, which I had permission to share:
Rob,
Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns. We value
feedback from alumni, particularly when it is as well thought out as
your comments are. I will let the president's office respond to most of
your points. The one concern that I feel most qualified to address is
the one regarding Baylor Magazine.
The difference between Baylor Magazine and the Baylor Line is primarily found in the respective publications' missions.
The mission of Baylor Magazine is
"to communicate to Baylor University constituencies the aspirations,
needs and accomplishments of the University community in a compelling,
engaging and timely manner. We accomplish this objective with
reporting, writing and artwork of high professional standards that seek
to capture the vitality of Baylor’s heritage, mission and vision. In so
doing, the magazine hopes to foster a sense of active belonging, pride
and an ongoing connection among the Baylor community."
Simply put, the Baylor Line is an alumni magazine and Baylor Magazine is
a university periodical. Our magazine's circulation is wider and its
reach broader. We include parents, donors, peer institutions and media
outlets in our circulation. We mail to all alumni, regardless of their
affiliation with the Baylor Alumni Association. Fewer than one-fifth of
our alumni population are members of the Association, and therefore the
vast majority of our alumni did not receive regular communication from
the University prior to our launching Baylor Magazine. The University could not afford to continue ignoring this glaring gap in our constituency relations.
The Baylor Line is a very fine magazine. We don't consider it a "rogue entity that needs to be destroyed." While the Line hasn't,
as you stated, disagreed with University policies, its content just
doesn't address all the communication needs of the University. Again,
that's because the two publications have different missions. The
editors of the Line, I'm sure,
wouldn't want to change their agenda to accommodate the communication
needs of the University. They value their independence, and as such
they have "editorial control" of their publication. They would no more
appreciate the University coming in and telling them what to put in
their magazine any more than we would want their editors telling us
what to put in ours.
We have received scores of letters and e-mails from alumni since we launched Baylor Magazine. Some of them have specifically stated that they got more out of Baylor Magazine than they ever did from reading the Baylor Line. So as strongly as you feel about Baylor Magazine being a threat to the Baylor Line, know that there are other alumni who have found Baylor Magazine to be a meaningful tool in reconnecting them with their alma mater.
Finally, I have to wonder why, if the Baylor Line is
so valued by our alumni, that only 20 percent of our graduates find it
important enough to pay $50 a year for an Alumni Association membership
to receive the magazine?
We continued our dialogue over several e-mails, with my main point
being that the goals espoused by the Board of Regents for the changes
could have been addressed more easily and in a much more cost-effective
manner through the BAA as opposed to the newly created Baylor Magazine,
etc. I appreciated Larry's very cordial e-mail dialogue, but walked
away from the discussion with the utter belief that the Board of
Regents had just taken the first step toward silencing the BAA and was
trying to gain more "control."
After reading the disingenuous proposal from the Board of Regents to
"combine resources," it is clear that the Board of Regents has now
stepped up the battle and is in the final stages of destroying the BAA.
Why? Power and control are the only legitimate answers I can find. I
doubt anyone, regardless of their position on the merits of the Board
of Regents versus the BAA argument, can look at the proposal as
anything but a farce.
This episode is not a pretty picture for my university, but continues a
host of poor decisions the Board of Regents has made (in my opinion)
over the past 10 plus years. We need to mend fences as a Baylor family
and start moving Baylor forward without taking two steps back at
seemingly every turn. This is not the way to unite the Baylor family,
but that doesn't seem to be important to many on either side of the
fight. While I support the BAA, I also need to point out that the BAA
is not perfectly clean in this dispute. The BAA has also done things
that have deepened the divide and made the Board of Regents even more
dedicated to the actions now being proposed. Both sides would be better
off looking in the mirror and finding a better solution—after the BAA
rejects the offer.
Rob Collins '92, JD '95
Dallas
Because of my love for Baylor and my concern for her future, I will "stand in the gap" by supporting the independence of the Baylor Alumni Association.
Kay Nowlin Brown '72
Houston
The time at Baylor and the education they gave me and our two children have helped shape who we were as missionaries and as persons in society.
I struggled to become a life member many years ago and always cherish the relationship.
In short order, I feel that the Baylor Alumni Association has made and continues to make a lasting contribution to the university. It has functioned well as a discrete body, but has been loyal. To become a mere department would take away some of the independent value that the association makes to the university.
A. Clark Scanlon '50
Richmond, Virginia
I am disgusted by the current state of events at Baylor and strongly support the continued independence of the alumni association. While my daughter considered Baylor, I am now so proud that she decided to attend TCU for her education. Given the Baylor board's obvious attempt to control of the direction of the university and all of the news related to their decisions, it seems likely that they will only ensure even more conservative, single-minded policies should they succeed in gaining total control of the alumni association. Please do not allow this to happen. I do not want to be ashamed to tell others that I graduated from Baylor!
Debbie Strange Symington '82, MSSP ‘83
Austin
As an alumnus by choice and BAA board member, do not accept the regent/administration proposal to dissolve the association.
Dr. Rufus B. Spain, ABC
Waco
To me, number six in the merger proposal says it all: "The Baylor Line and Baylor Magazine will be consolidated into one publication, with Baylor MAINTAINING EDITORIAL CONTROL." As a holder of a degree in journalism from Baylor, this part of the proposal really struck home.
Control is what this ridiculous proposal is all about. Please, please do not let this happen! The regents say it's not their purpose to silence anyone. Apparently, they very much want to silence the alumni. We must remain independent at all costs.
Barbara Bond Barrier ‘56
Georgetown
I believe the BAA should remain independent and hope that the history and tradition of the organization is maintained.
Joe Millender ‘75
Houston
I also believe that "freedom," "independence," and "unique" are positive rather than negative words. My question to those members of the Board of Regents is, "Why the need for 'control'"? Do we not trust our alumni to act in a responsible Christian manner in expressing their opinions, or is it the fear that the opinions might differ with those members of the Board of Regents?
Supporting Baylor and even supporting the leadership is not the same as demanding that we all agree all the time. Thanks to God, we have all been placed in a country that is indeed "unique," independent, and free from tyranny. Thank goodness our forefathers had the courage to question the status quo and disagree. I doubt that Baylor University would be the unique place that it is had people not had the courage to disagree and voice their opinions.
There is a need for a forum where brothers and sisters have the opportunity to respectfully voice their opinions. That may be that sometimes we don't agree. What benefit could there possibly be to the alumni for a small group to control this venue? What benefit, ultimately, would it bring to our university? For whatever might be the benefit to the Board of Regents in exercising total control, I don't think that the price of the BAA losing its "voice" is worth it. However, I do think that taking time to listen to the vast numbers of alumni that represent our university all over the world and consider those viewpoints can only continue to enrich our university.
Cynthia Gallant Taylor, MS ‘83
Carrollton
Stay independent.
Stan Kopec ‘74
McKinney
I am contacting you to ask that you reject the Baylor Board of Regent's proposal to terminate the Baylor Alumni Association. It is imperative that the BAA remain an independent voice for all Baylor graduates.
Amy Cloud Hobart ‘96
Alexandria, Virginia
After reading of the concerns of the proposal to instill the BAA under the umbrella of the university, I personally called the five other prominent university alumni associations in the state, University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, and Southern Methodist University. The structure of their alumni associations structure and policy were split down private versus state schools. The state schools were all three separate and independent from their respective universities, and the private schools were under control of their respective universities. What others do should not control us, but to make good decisions we should always investigate similar situations.
Since state schools are public, it is understandable that they would be independent of their universities. None of the three seem to be suffering because of this relationship. The private schools by nature are completely funded by tuition and endowments. That being the case, I would think that their alumni associations would tend to be independent because they are the main contributors to the university—obviously not.
I wonder why 150 years ago, Baylor's alumni association chose to be separate and independent of the university.
The most successful democracy ever is not controlled by one branch, but even with the internal struggles the United States is still a decent place to live. Our legislative and executive branches are chosen by their constituents. We may not always agree with the outcome, but it is still an open election. The United States has freedom of the press. Even though I don't always agree with their slant, they many times do draw attention to our shortcomings. Our immigration problem is not with taxpayers leaving the borders but with those who desire to enter. So others must think it's fairly successful.
The Soviet Union was a representative government, but the representatives represented their constituents in theory only. They were chosen from an elite group. The constituents did not vote on the controlling body nor had input contrasting our form of representative government. Their ruling body told the constituents what was good for them, not the opposite. The Soviet Union squelched the media. They nor the current replacement governments have an immigration problem.
A marriage, as any relationship, that never has conflict is not successful but only tolerated and frequently doesn't reach its potential. When conflict rises in successful relationships, it is discussed and dealt with through compromise and consideration. That is characteristic of a healthy relationship, not complete control by one member.
Mike Pruitt '75, MSEd '81
Euless
I have read the comments by Powell, Hill, etc. I agree with them. Keep the alumni association independent of the university.
L. Duane Alcorn ‘60
Lake Jackson
I say stay independent. This is another ridiculous attempt in a backhanded and through-the-backdoor way for fundamentalist to take control of what was never theirs to start with. I am proud of my Baylor heritage, but if the BAA decides to do this then they will be victims just like what happened to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which I am now ashamed to say I attended.
Kerry Ayn Neuhardt ‘76
Fort Worth
I do not understand the motivation between the action of the Baylor Trustees.
The alumni association has served the university for many years and deserves credit for many of the advances made to faculty selection and retention, expansion of buildings, and grounds. The association has been effective with keeping in touch with alumni, publishing the magazine, etc. WHY FIX SOMETHING THAT IS NOT BROKEN?
I question the good-faith intentions of the trustees.
Sim Goodall '56, JD ‘58
Arlington
Keep the BAA independent.
Jerry ‘69 and Becky Nowlin McCullough ‘70
Arlington
It is important for the Baylor Alumni Association to continue its independent status. Tell the regents "NO"—Firmly and Loudly!
Claude Duffey Brown, BA/JD ‘56
Fort Worth
Having spent many joyful hours over the years encouraging and supporting the Baylor alumni in the Central Texas area, I can definitely say, "Let the Baylor Alumni Association stay independent of the university!!"
Pam Dial Taylor ‘67
Belton
As a life member of the Baylor Alumni Association, I am opposed to Baylor University taking over the association.
Kevin Kent '79
Mt. Pleasant
What are the Board of Regents thinking???? Sounds to me like an attempt at hostile takeover of a progressive organization by a bunch of control freaks! I don't think they can tolerate success. We are the check and balance to the governance of Baylor.
The association must not be a lamb led to the slaughter! We are "ALUMNI." Our association is an "ALUMNI" association. We are in support of the university but are apart from it. We all have been under Baylor's administration, but that is in the past. If we capitulate to the regents demand, I will seriously consider sending in my life membership card in protest.
Don Byrne '67
Odessa
In Jeff Kilgore's October 12 column, reference was made to the question posed by the Board of Regents as to what the BAA perceived as the cost of editorial independence. To me, the question is more about what the cost of the LOSS of editorial independence and freedom is to the BAA and how will that loss serve the Board of Regents?
As a graduate of Baylor whose parents met there, whose sister graduated from there, whose two children recently graduated from there, whose niece is now a freshman there, I feel quite justified in expressing my total support of the BAA's continued independence and freedom. Baylor University means so much to me, and the BAA has continued to be a wonderful link which promotes and maintains those traditions that make Baylor so special to us. I feel the BAA serves the university and does not pose a threat.
Jennifer Selman Robbins ‘72
Kountze
The need by the Baylor Board of Regents to exert complete control over Baylor University is very troubling. The sentiments expressed by Jack Loftis, Paul Powell, and Dr. William Hillis accurately reflect my viewpoint. I strongly believe the Baylor Alumni Association should remain as an independent voice.
Peggy Jones Mitchell ‘58
Hurst
This is a very difficult e-mail to write. I have run the gamut of thoughts and emotions—sadness, disgust, anger, hopelessness, shock, horror, and righteous indignation. I have been lied to, sneered at, and horrified that my beloved university would have to go through something so pointless. Are Baptists not the bedrock foundation of liberty? Do we not encourage each other to speak for ourselves? Is humility not valued anymore?
Surely there is something more. One can only assume that the Board of Regents has something bigger that they want to hide to demand the dissolution of the BAA as we know it and love it. If not, please forget this struggle, withdraw the demands, and get on with more important things to help our young people have a wonderful experience at Baylor.
Babs Baugh, Class of ‘64
San Antonio
I totally agree that we should remain independent.
Peggy Jernigan Yeiser '58
Durango, Colorado
Don't do it!! The events of the last twenty years engender suspicion. (Matt. 7:15)
Nelson Forsyth '60, MD ‘64
Dallas
I'm writing to express my hopes that the Baylor Alumni Association will
continue to maintain its independence (editorial and financial) from
the university administration. I have always admired and appreciated
the professional quality of the Baylor Line.
Jacquelyn Scott Fehler ‘88
Greenville, South Carolina
We have read the three responses and totally respect the individuals who expressed their opinions about the alumni association. We agree wholeheartedly with what they had to say.
Bob ’57 and Charlotte Green Neal ‘57
Memphis, Tennessee
Without any hesitation, I cast my vote in favor of BAA independence. Maybe if they had not been so arrogant, some compromise could be possible. Not this way.
Dale Horton ‘65
Longview
I've needed to write this e-mail for a long time. Each time the "merger" proposal is discussed, I am amazed at the arrogance of the university. How can the university think "controlling" the alumni association will make Baylor a better place? How does putting the school in debt, raising tuition so high kids are discouraged from attending, and starting their "own" magazine better engage the school?
Baylor's alumni are the main focal point of the university and the main focus of fundraising. The administration should embrace our opinions and our dollars.
I disagree with the administration's request of the alumni association to disband and turn over its assets. The alumni association should remain a separate entity.
Lisa Gallagher Ellrich ‘89
Allen
Some say the Baylor Alumni Association should not be independent, that while "perhaps" there should "sometimes" be a watchdog organization for Baylor, that organization should not be an alumni association. Poppycock. There should ALWAYS be an independent entity that is willing and able to report on what is negative (as well as on what is positive) about Baylor. Such an entity serves a crucial role in making Baylor the best it can be. And of course an alumni association can serve in this role. Surely we would not ask alumni to bear false witness! Indeed, who better than alumni to "speak the truth with love" about Baylor?
Dr. Deborah Davis Schlacks ‘78
Superior, Wisconsin
I simply want to share my thought that it is crucial for the alumni to have a voice independent from the university leadership and regents. They each have their role, but there also needs to be a forum for a check/balance. The vast majority of the time, the alumni will be in agreement and support of the university's plans and vision, but when there is genuine disagreement the alumni need a clear and independent voice. If it were not independent, I'm not sure I would as interested in being a member.
Dr. Richard P. Boyer ‘86
Louisville, Tennessee
NO! Keep the BAA independent! The independent relationship worked just fine as long as Baylor was Baylor! Now Baylor has become something odd and different, something unBaylor, something unlike what it was when I, my mother, and my grandmother attended. In fact, Baylor now appears to be so unBaylor that I am not encouraging our two high school children to consider it for college. It saddens me, but I must put our children's best interests ahead of family tradition.
Mary Wheat Lehoczky ‘74
Leawood, Kansas
The independent relationship between the Baylor Alumni Association and Baylor University worked well for decades. It can, and should, work well again. Don't be deceived by insincere arguments that the purpose of the regents' proposal is to consolidate resources or streamline operations; any duplication of efforts was created by a prior Baylor administration, not the BAA. The attempt to dissolve the BAA is a power grab for editorial control (and I have yet to hear any critic of the BAA articulate exactly what allegedly objectionable material the BAA has published). Attacking the alumni association is not what is best for Baylor—and is a tremendous waste of time, energy, resources, and valuable tuition dollars.
Stay independent.
Rhonda Reynolds Winslett '82, MBA '83, JD ‘86
Plano
I graduated from Baylor in 1970 and am a life member of the BAA.I am behind you 100 percent. We must have an independent voice.
Dr. Tom Turlington ‘70
Flint
Since Baylor is unlike other universities that have alumni associations dependent on the boards, we need to remain independent. BAA represents a strong, thinking voice that has always been needed and will be even more necessary in the future of the university as decisions are made that affect all those that, as Samuel Palmer Brooks stated, "have a care for her."
Lori Payne Williams ‘84
Waco
We love the school but enjoy the independent support of the BAA and do not want to see it change.
Joe ’63 and Ann DuBois Ferrell ‘64
Arlington
I support the BAA remaining independent. There are so many positives that have been achieved under the current structure that I cannot see how assimilation will make things better. The old southern phrase "if something's not broke, don't fix it" definitely comes to mind.
Johnny Hibbs ‘79
Sherwood, Arkansas
I would like to see the alumni association maintain its autonomy, but in close relation with the regents and administration of Baylor, like it was for so many years. Also, I would like the Baylor Line to be the official magazine, dropping the other that was added several years ago. It is superfluous. If this requires members of the regents, editorial board, or those active in the administration, so be it. There just ought to be a way of mutual cooperation and unity of purpose of the two organizations and the two magazines. This should come from dialogue and consultation that can bring unity without sacrificing freedom—both should be dedicated to the mission statement of Baylor. I pray for clear minds and Christian cooperation in the solution of this unnecessary problem. If interpersonal relationships are at the heart of the matter, the guilty parties should reconcile or get out of the way of a solution.
I would prefer not to have my name publicized because of my special relationship to Truett Seminary, but the above are my thoughts on the matter. We greatly appreciate the BAA. Stay in there with a sweet spirit! Save old Baylor!
Name Withheld
Stay independent!
Tricia Kohls Diamond ‘03
Waco
Do the TRUSTEEs want to not listen to the ones who are setting the standards?
Barney Epps ‘50
Arlington
So a year after unceremoniously cutting off the BAA, the administration wants to take it over completely? This kind of inconsistency and back-door maneuvering is exactly why the BAA and Baylor are best served with an independent voice from alumni. The administration and the regents wanted to separate themselves from the BAA, and that's what they got. Don't get sucked back in. If they're really interested in improving relations, how about compensating the BAA for the numerous valuable services they provide the university for free? That would be a sensible start. I'm all about extending the olive branch, but this current proposal looks more like a snake.
Claire St. Amant '08
Tysmentsya, Ukraine
There was an excellent article on the editorial page of the Fort Worth Star Telegram this morning regarding this issue. Sheryn Jones did a great job of outlining the steps that have precipitated this move by the administration. I am in complete agreement with her. Keep the BAA independent.
Evelyn Daniel Whittington '51
Crowley
For those of us who do not live in the Waco community, it is sometime difficult to sort through all of the commentary in order to understand why the move to alter the relationship between the university and the alumni association has come about. I'm sure I am overlooking some of the nuanced issues, but for me the point is that a great deal of energy is being expended to change something that has worked well to integrate all segments of the Baylor community. It seems to me that what the board and the administration wish to do is directed toward strengthening one segment—theirs—by silencing the cacophony of voices that has enriched the Baylor spirit for both students and alumni. To do so may seem appropriate to those who believe a narrowing of Baylor's mission is an improvement, but such an achievement would obviously marginalize members of the Baylor family who appreciate the more inclusive approach. I admired the Reynolds administration; I often disagreed with the Sloan administration. But, so long as Baylor was home to many points of view, the coming and going of different leadership did not threaten my pride in nor my affection for Baylor.
Now I feel that I am being asked to take sides in a family squabble in which the parent organization is telling its children that if they cannot conform they cannot remain at home. My simplistic response to the current circumstances may be more emotional than rational, but isn't that what Baylor spirit and the ongoing relationship with Baylor University long after graduation really is about? The independence of the BAA is necessary for Baylor to be the place where everyone continues to feel welcome. Please keep that door open.
Lyn Beck Fenwick, JD ‘75
Fort Worth
It is imperative that the BAA remain independent. I do not understand why the current administration and regents believe they know more about institutional history for 150 years than the association. I cannot attend the [Homecoming] meeting Friday because I am involved in my fiftieth class reunion dinner, but I say "stay the course" and hold on tight. Baylor is unique in so many ways, but this type of "takeover" is wrong. Baylor regents must not understand the amount of money they will lose if they continue this path. BAA, stay united.
Kathryn Byrd White ‘59
Arlington
As a someone who has been involved in higher education a majority of my career, I am totally against Baylor's proposal to end the BAA's independence. I was on the faculty of TCU from 1978 through 1986, and I have continued involvement in adult education through my own consulting firm based in Fort Worth. Academic freedom on a collegiate campus is a cornerstone of college education. Being able to present diverse ideas in a non-political environment is the key to teaching the next generation. Exposing people to all ideas and allowing for diversity is what makes us strong. We don't have to agree with every idea or political concept presented, but our country was and is founded upon the right of individuals to remain free. To only allow those opinions that are guided by others with a political or religious agenda, or agenda of any kind, is to weaken and distract our colleges and universities from their primary purpose.
It is very important that the Baylor Alumni Association remain independent so that we can promote Baylor University through education that is education for its own sake.
Patti Biancosino Thomas ‘70
Fort Worth
It would absolutely be a tragedy for the BAA to give up its autonomy at 150 years of age.
P. A. Strother ‘67
Waco
I am writing to express my complete support for the continued independence of the Baylor Alumni Association. Frankly, I feel that right wing social conservatives and religious fundamentalists have already stolen my university from me. I see very little about its current administrative direction to which I can commit. The only hope for any kind of balance and input from alumni is from the alumni association. Without this input, a small cabal of regents and administrators are free to do what they will with what used to be a beacon of freedom based on Baptist principals of freedom of conscience. I predict that if the alumni association "folds up," we will continue to see a general decline in alumni giving.
Thank you for your continued education in regards to this issue.
Stephen Lee '71, DMin ‘79
Belton
I absolutely believe that the BAA should remain independent from Baylor University!
Jennie Kadjar Brantley ‘94
College Station
As a 1960 graduate of Baylor and a member of the Endowed Scholarship Society, I want the BAA to be independent of Baylor University. Further, I was astonished when I heard that the Board of Regents wanted the BAA to desist.
Robbie Davis ‘60
Mount Vernon
I believe that the alumni association should remain independent of Baylor University. As an accountant, I understand very clearly the importance of independence and "checks and balances." The alumni association has always kept us, as alumni, informed about any and all events and issues taking place at the university, and I appreciate that. It is our strong "link" to the heartbeat of Baylor University. The alumni association has a strong heritage based on its independence, and we should stand firm on this issue.
Nancy Karkalits Beazley ‘78
Burleson
I oppose the Board of Regents proposal to become part of the university. The independent voice of the alumni association, championed by two of our most noteworthy presidents, is needed now as much as ever, probably more so.
On the other hand, to the extent the Board of Regents is willing to cooperate, I recommend the association continue in its efforts to seek peace. That will require both sides coming to the table. Maybe the refusal of the regents' proposal will hasten the process.
I am extremely disappointed in the actions of the Board of Regents and the apparent fear of any voice that the board sees as dissent. And what dissent is the alumni association guilty of—advising its members of issues impacting the university? Should the alumni not be informed about faculty concerns and votes of no confidence? Exactly what has the association done that has caused the regents to conduct this "unsolicited takeover" attempt?
Good grief! Why would the regents of a university fight its own alumni? And this does not appear to me to be just a war against the association; it's a war against the alumni. Look at the names of the members of the association's board. I see the names Lacy, Tinsley, Baugh, Willis, and Reynolds, among others. Why does the university fight people who, individually and with their family members, love and have done so much for the university?
Fred C. Weekley '62, LLB ‘63
Arlington
As one who worked at the Baylor Line during Jack Dillard's days of leadership of the BAA, I cannot imagine the association coming under the control and administration of the president's office at Baylor. From its beginning, the BAA has been a loyal supporter of Baylor University, and I hope it always will be. At the same time, there has been occasions when the university has needed criticism from trusted sources. It could always count on getting both from the BAA and never have to question our motives. They, the administration, knew that the BAA's feedback was "truth in love." If the BAA became part of the university's organizational structure, I would fear the loss of that kind of feedback.
I do not support moving the BAA into the university's administration, regardless of who is chosen president.
James F. "Beetle" Bailey ‘54
Sandy, Utah
Please note that my wife and I support the alumni association's independence.
Hank, MBA '95, and Carrie Campbell Babin '96
Houma, Louisiana
The alumni association should graciously decline Baylor's offer to merge. It needs to stay independent.
Clarence ‘58 and Charlotte Stinson Carpenter ‘70
Waco
I am opposed to the proposal to end the independence of the Baylor Alumni Association.
David E. Grove '76, JD ‘77
Beaumont
My wife and I are unalterably opposed to the proposal by the Board of Regents that the BAA should surrender its independent status and place itself under the leadership of the Baylor Board of Regents and administration.
I write from the perspective of someone who has two Baylor degrees, who has taught at Baylor first as a professor in the history department and later as a Ben H. Williams Professor and Director of the Center for Banking and Financial Institutions the Hankamer School of Business, has served in the Baylor administration as assistant to the president for academic affairs under President Abner McCall, and was the initial director of the 1984 decennial self-study for the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities. I have also served on the Development Council, as president of the Friends of the Baylor Libraries, and president of the alumni association. I am a life member of the BAA, and my wife, Merilyn, and I are very proud of the fact that twenty-four members of our respective families have attended Baylor.
Without hesitation, I can attest to the fact that what the Board of Regents is proposing is diametrically opposed to the vision that both Presidents McCall and Reynolds had for the Baylor Alumni Association. As far back as 1968, President McCall was expounding his dream of an alumni association that was financially independent of the university and able to challenge any attempt, internal or external, by any rogue group to take the university in an unworthy direction, whether the impetus came from religion, athletics, academics, or from unvarnished desires of simple greed or power.
After President Reynolds succeeded Judge McCall, the two of us had a number of conversations about the same urgent need for an independent status for the alumni association. These conversations became more intense and urgent in the time between his retirement and his untimely death.
The general behavior of the Board of Regents during the past decade reveals just how prescient these leadership giants were in their planning. The rich irony in the Board of Regents proposal to the BAA lies in the fact that the Board of Regents has shown itself by action and pronouncement during this period that it has been almost totally dysfunctional and incapable of operating its own affairs in accordance with generally accepted standards for boards of trustees of institutions, profit or nonprofit.
For over twenty-five years, my professional work has included speaking to, counseling with, and writing about effective board behavior. The Baylor Board of Trustees (later "Regents") has provided a considerable body of anecdotal evidence of behavior that would best be avoided.
In my personal opinion, there are "Seven Deadly Sins" that boards and board members of nonprofit organizations should seek to avoid if the board is to provide effective leadership to the organization to which its members have been elected or appointed.
- Failure to understand the role of a fiduciary. A board member is a trustee of the organization's future. He/she is there to serve the interests of all the stakeholders of the organization. In Baylor's case, this would include at a minimum students, faculty, alumni, parents, administrators, the Baptist community, vendors, accrediting bodies, the general American and global academic communities, the state that provided its charter, and the general community in which it is located. It is a violation of the legal "duty of loyalty" for any board member to serve his own parochial interests, to blindly follow the lead of any other board member, or to be a rubber stamp for the interests of any board member or administrator. To demean or work against the legitimate interests of any stakeholder group is to violate this fiduciary trust, or to favor the work of one group to the detriment of another is abdicating fiduciary responsibility.
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Becoming part of a clique or special interest power group. It has been no secret within the Baylor community that the Board of Regents has been seriously split for several years. Committee leadership recommendations have been ignored and rump groups have elected others than those recommended; chairs have been removed and others placed in their positions; and split votes have characterized board action on many issues. Campaigns have been carried on outside of the board room.
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Conflicts of interest. Board members have been given no-bid contracts to provide university services. Board members have voted for and encouraged their own family members to succeed them as board members (sons succeeding fathers and wives succeeding husbands) as if the position were hereditary. In similar fashion, members of the same business organizations have succeeded their partners. Further, board members who had reached the end of their eligibility of length of service were reelected via appointment by the Baptist General Convention of Texas in order to continue their board membership. Board members have reportedly changed church memberships and denominational relations in order to become eligible for board membership.
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Betraying confidentiality. For a number of years, the Board of Regents have found it almost impossible to keep its actions confidential. Stories and rumors increase dramatically at the end of any board session, some of it always far-fetched, and other information later confirmed by events. Some of this is perhaps inevitable with the issues being so divisive, but the amount of it being far greater than is healthy for the university.
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Becoming a rubber stamp for the CEO. During the presidency of Robert Sloan, the board was often guilty of being a cheerleader rather than a governance organization. The board was sometimes guilty of not asking for accountability until the egregious action was over, such as the time a jet was purchased prior to board approval.
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Micromanagement. Since the Sloan presidency, Baylor has had four presidents in less than half a decade. Board members have involved themselves in various areas of the campus that the Southern Association considers the province of the university's administration. This includes challenging faculty, students, coaches, and staff about matters that certain board members do not condone. It creates tension for the challenged and a general climate of fear on the campus.
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Damaging the fundraising prospects of the university. (This is a special responsibility of trustees of eleemosynary institutions.) The Board of Regents has not only alienated the giving interests of a host of alumni, they have seriously damaged the giving relationship of several of the university's most generous donors. In 2004, I had a list of forty-three alumni who had removed Baylor from their wills as a result of the issues surrounding the Sloan presidency. At that time, the value of those instruments exceeded an estimated $400 million. Since that time, a number of alumni have reported that they have ceased their giving to Baylor until the current philosophy of the Board of Regents toward the BAA has been reversed. Athletic fundraising continues to show some success, but general fundraising is obviously suffering.
The above list is merely suggestive and not exhaustive. It does not include matters such as making "2012" an end and not a means; the debt situation, which has led to more than an 85 percent reliance upon tuition; the unhealthy emphasis on athletics at the expense of academics; the surge in administrative employment and expenses; and the philosophy of emphasizing research at the expense of teaching.
My wife and I are Episcopalians and over seventy. I am not eligible and have no interest or desire to be a member of the Board of Regents, nor would I once again wish to become a member of the Baylor administration or faculty. I have, however, spent a lifetime loving Baylor and the kind of very good regional, teaching-oriented, liberal arts, Christian university it had been until delusions of grandeur seized the administration and the Board of Regents a decade and a half ago. I desperately hope the BAA remains an independent voice to call on Baylor to move once again toward the kind of Christian and academic greatness it was once reaching.
Dr. Bill Carden '59, MA ‘61
Waco
I am very disappointed by this effort to take control of the alumni association. I believe it should remain independent. If the university is that afraid of criticism, then it needs to take a serious look at where it is headed.
Paul Lansdowne ‘92
Waxahachie
I have given this issue a lot of thought, and I have studied the relevant material distributed by both the Board of Regents and the BAA. I feel independence is the best option for the BAA to be able to serve Baylor best in the future.
Roland Jeter ‘75
Irving
The independence of the BAA sets Baylor apart from other institutions. Our alumni association has a personal relationship with Baylor alumni; it is part of the Baylor experience. We are not Texas or Texas A&M, and we should not become them. The university and the association working side by side is in Baylor's best interest.
My confidence in the administration has waned over the last several years. Decisions that have been made have proven to be problematic for Baylor. The faculty and student associations have disagreed with various administrative decisions over the past decade as well. Without the voice of the alumni association, their concerns would not have been heard by the majority of Baylor alumni and friends.
While I do believe the administration is finally moving in the right direction, thoroughly searching for a new president, there is a long way to go to regain my confidence. I also believe that this is not the right time to call for this change, nor was the manner in which this proposal was delivered appropriate, another administrative decision that I question. I strongly encourage the BAA to stand strong and independent through this time of transition. I also encourage the Baylor regents, administration, and the BAA to work closely to maximize the relationships Baylor maintains with alumni.
Laura Corwin Talley ‘88
San Antonio
I think the BAA should stay independent.
William W. Bell ’60, JD ‘65
Brownwood
I would like for the Baylor Alumni Association to maintain its independence from Baylor University.
Dorothy Ellen Walsh Hoban ‘44
Corpus Christi
The latest attempt by the Baylor board to take over the alumni association is another example of power grabbing, mean spiritedness, and utter disregard for what is most important, which is the growth and betterment of our beloved Baylor University. How sad to waste so many people's energy on such a thing and detract from so many tasks that need to be done on behalf of our students and our actual buildings. The alumni are not going to allow this, so quit wasting our time.
Kathy Newton Courtland ‘72, MSEd ‘75
Houston
As a lifelong Baylor Bear, I would like to express my support for the continued independence of the Baylor Alumni Association.
The Baylor Alumni Association represents what is good about Baylor University and has for over 150 years. Their continuous support—through their gifts, financial and otherwise, service, presence and leadership—have been a constant stabilizing force throughout the history of Baylor University. The alumni association is open to any demographic, any socio-economic background, any political affiliation, any field of endeavor, etc., as it should be. Alumni members are provided a managed avenue for giving and participation, as well as, and most importantly, an uncensored venue to ask questions and voice concerns regarding the administration and direction of the university.
In my lifetime, Abner McCall and Herbert Reynolds are our two most recognized Baylor icons. Each man believed in the function, leadership, and independence of the alumni association. In the interest of all members of the Baylor family, I urge the Baylor alumni board to reject the Board of Regents current proposal to terminate the association, and move for a more bipartisan, joint agreement.
Robert E. Cloud ‘87
Houston
My view from watching Baylor for more than sixty years—having kids, nephews, nieces, and kids I urged to go to Baylor—it seems to me "...if it ain't broke, don't fix it" this way.
W. D. Broadway, alumna by choice
Salado
I am strongly opposed to the takeover by the Baylor regents of the Baylor Alumni Association. Many of the actions of Baylor's regents over the past several years have caused great disappointment and concern to the alumni, and I believe that the BAA has the opportunity to keep the alumni objectively informed by being independent. For the regents to have editorial control over the alumni publication is inappropriate and does not serve the best interests of the alumni.
Conrad Walch ‘64
Houston
I wanted to write to voice my vehement choice to keep the Baylor Alumni Association independent and AWAY from the Baylor Board of Regents and the operating umbrella of the university at large.
Suzy Vinson Nettles '86
Hewitt
One hundred and fifty years! That's just a start. Don't give in. Be strong of heart. We've "Bear-ly" begun!
Suzanne Cordero Manske '68, BM ‘70
Waco
Keep the BAA Independent! In order to support and guarantee the culture, traditions, and purpose of those who have actually attended and graduated from Baylor University, we should maintain our independence. We are the only ones that really know what they are. We have earned the right to have our own voice.
Verlene Myers Masters ‘75
Baytown
While I can’t speak as eloquently as others who have responded to this issue, I fully support the continued independence of the Baylor Alumni Association.
Carolyn Ledbetter Williams ‘68
Dallas
We are opposed to the BAA giving up its independence and forfeiting its charter. We believe the matter would be resolved by amending Baylor's charter. The new charter would provide for Baylor faculty members elected by the Baylor Faculty Senate and BAA members elected by the BAA Board of Directors, in addition to members elected by the BGCT and the Board of Regents. No group would have a majority of regents on the new Board of Regents. This new board should have more openness, new blood with new ideas, as well as an understanding of how each group is affected by decisions made.
Hornor '48, JD '49, and Melba Brown Shelton '47, MA ‘49
Waco
My husband and I have been life members of the Baylor Alumni
Association since we received a notice about life memberships being
available not long after we graduated. We have been proud of being
alumni of Baylor University, and we have felt that our degrees were
very valuable. However, the actions of the Board of Regents during the
last few years have been disappointing and sometimes embarrassing. It
seems clear to me that the BAA should definitely keep its independence
from the university, so that the alumni can use the Baylor Line and the website to stay up-to-date on Baylor information.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to respond and to give you our
input in order to make the best decision not only for the alumni but, I
believe, for Baylor University going forward.
Pam Gillam Walch ‘65
Houston
From far away and the outside looking in, my initial take on the regents proposal is that they are power hungry and fearful of not having absolute control. The situation reminds me of a branch of the government trying to move toward socialism. The first step is to disarm the people—in this case, to take away the voice of the BAA and its media.
I maintain we shouldn't allow the regents to take our right to Bear arms. Good luck, and never stop the fight.
Matt Price ‘90
King Salmon, Alaska
Keep our independence at all costs. To do otherwise negates our true voice.
Name Withheld
Thanks so much for keeping us informed regarding the proposal made by Baylor's interim administration and Board of Regents asking the BAA to terminate its independent status and become part of the university.
I join the overwhelming majority of BAA members in supporting the BAA's independence. I believe that the independent status of the BAA is an important tradition that should be maintained. The ringing endorsement of both Abner McCall and Herbert Reynolds, who solidly supported the alumni association and publicly encouraged a strong, independent alumni, carries great weight in this debate.
The arguments in the Baylor University ranks over the last years make me sad. I think the BAA is the only place my voice might be heard. Without an independent BAA, my voice and my avenue for supporting Baylor will be lost.
Name Withheld
Thank you for making the “Three Responses” available. I now have a much clearer understanding of the issues and am very much in favor of the Baylor Alumni Association remaining the separate and unique entity that it has been for the last 150 years.
Jennifer York ‘77
Houston
We have given much thought to the proposal and feel that we should wait for the new administration before any decision is made. Our prayers will be with you and the Baylor Alumni Association during your [Homecoming] meeting.
James ‘62, MSEd ‘78, and Jerrie Harris Berryhill ‘79
Woodway
No, I say to this merger proposal. Freedom is a foundational belief for us who remember what it really means to be Baptist. God knows Baylor needs more than one voice. I hope that the alumni association will stay free to be an independent voice for Baylor's own good.
Blake Vickrey ‘02
Richardson
I believe the BAA should remain independent.
Brian Brandt ‘93
McGregor
I was the first person in my family of origin to graduate from Baylor University. Baylor is indeed important to me for the education I received and for opening my eyes to a larger world beyond where I grew up. I am thankful for the growth that began at Baylor when I arrived as a freshman in 1958. I met my husband there, also a graduate. Both of our daughters are graduates as well as the young men they married. Now our family has over twenty members who either graduated or attended Baylor. As a family, we have a history and a loyalty to Baylor University.
It saddens me when conflict continues at this institution. I so desire that we as alumni and the "other powers that be" could solve this situation. Certainly, the Board of Regents have their responsibilities to fulfill at Baylor; however, the BAA is especially important to me as an alum. I am a lifetime member of the BAA, and I cherish the link that exists between the BAA and all alumni. It is my opinion that the BAA and the regents should remain separate, independent entities, each performing the tasks uniquely their own. Thank you, BAA, for continuing to be the voice FOR and OF all alumni of Baylor.
Sandra Wheeler McGee ‘62
Arlington
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