Ken Starr has my vote for being despicable in his misuse of power to waste taxpayer money in the Clinton witch hunt. A cursory glance at the current state of affairs as compared with the Clinton years tells you what a great President Clinton was. If Baylor wants this bottom feeder for President of the University, I feel sorry for the people being educated in such an institution.

I'm concerned about having a Church of Christ follower as President of Baylor, simply because I don't believe in the strictness of their beliefs and practices. I think if he persues that kind of legalism at Baylor, the school will lose a lot of students, in years to come.

Ken was hired and did a great job of bringing out the truth for Bill, but what does Bill's infidelity have to do with Ken's ability to be President for Baylor??? He will make for a great President and good for Waco.

So many ignorant people here. Starr did not 'waste' the taxpayers money; he was in fact, a reluctant Special Prosecutor and has evoked a reputation for his humility, thrift and conservatism. Who wasted the taxpayers' money? My bet would be on the one that lied to a grand jury, the Special Prosecutor and the public. Had Mr Clinton a backbone and told the truth, hundreds of millions of dollars, the public trust and even his own family might have been spared the whole mess, right? Let's not forget that Mr Bush had the full backing of the members of Congress--yes, you can see this in the Congressional Record--and was in fact, doing what he was elected to do. I was not a fan of Mr Starr during his tenure as the SP; however, a careful reading of the actual record, the findings of his office and the recommendations renders an opinion that he acted impartially and fairly. I'm not saying that those who dislike Mr Starr are wrong, only that those of you who would impune him based on a single event in our nation's history lack the motivation to check your own facts, preferring instead to get them from others' blogs. Welcome to Waco and Baylor, Mr Starr.

So many ignorant people here. Starr did not 'waste' the taxpayers money; he was in fact, a reluctant Special Prosecutor and has evoked a reputation for his humility, thrift and conservatism. Who wasted the taxpayers' money? My bet would be on the one that lied to a grand jury, the Special Prosecutor and the public. Had Mr Clinton a backbone and told the truth, hundreds of millions of dollars, the public trust and even his own family might have been spared the whole mess, right? Let's not forget that Mr Bush had the full backing of the members of Congress--yes, you can see this in the Congressional Record--and was in fact, doing what he was elected to do. I was not a fan of Mr Starr during his tenure as the SP; however, a careful reading of the actual record, the findings of his office and the recommendations renders an opinion that he acted impartially and fairly. I'm not saying that those who dislike Mr Starr are wrong, only that those of you who would impune him based on a single event in our nation's history lack the motivation to check your own facts, preferring instead to get them from others' blogs. Welcome to Waco and Baylor, Mr Starr.

I did not expect the immediate irrational attacks that "Baylor supporters" have rained down on Ken Starr. What happened to "diversity" what happened to "inclusion". His Church of Christ background may be a big postive. As I understand it they want to return to simple basic New Testament Christianity?? Is that so different from our "Baptist" beliefs? Ken Starr is an amazing hire. I can't believe he would move from Malibu to take the job in Waco and deal with all of the narrow minded vicious attacks.

Lucy, I totally agree about the church affilliation thing, but please research what Kenneth Starr has done. It goes far beyond "exposing" Clinton's seual dalliance and it involves what many feel was closer to an inquisition than an investigation. Incidentally, if Starr should be forgiven for his past, then why can't the same for Bill Clinton...Forgive and forget. I note that the Trib. continues to try to make Starr look good. Baylor will regret this in coming months and it will create scars that will not heal.

What in the world does his choice of churches,ie Church of Christ have anything to trash him about? He is not here to convert all Baylorites!! And the comment about Clinton---well all I can say is that Mr. Clinton embarassed the U.S.A. by his actions and all they did was sweep it under the carpet! If Baylor wants Mr. Starr then let them have him! His past is his past!!

Look at it this way. If it weren't for Kenneth Starr we would never known that Bill Clinton had perfected the Lewinsky Maneuver, a great contribution to American Society. So, why shouldn't he be President of Baylor? We've had a clown for the President of the United States for a year now. Word.

In the last line of my previous post, I typed in "rick" folks rather than "rich" folks, which was an error. Spell check did not stop me. But...considering our governor and his political stands, I guess it would have been appropriate.

The Trib. no longer prints my columns and they will not correspond with me via e-mail, telephone or land mail. I don't mind being "cut", but a little courtesy and some kind of notification would have been nice for one who wrote for the paper for about 30 years. I say this as a prelude and with the hope that this will be run. I graduated from Baylor in 1958. At that time, being a Methodist and commuting to school with a Methodist minister was not a problem at all. I felt comfortable and detected no powerful political envronment. I was very pleased to attend a school like Baylor and after receiving my B.A., I attended several universities. I was always pleased to inform people that I had attended Baylor. With such a disrespectable human being as Kenneth Starr as president, I will not hold my diploma in such high regard. I would send it back and ask for a refund if it would work. I have a degree from Tarleton which may be more valuable to reasonable and thinking people outside the pit of pale-faced chicken hawks and elite rick folks of Central Texas.

This is the absolute worst thing to do if you are a "university" and working to become a respected elite university. Now it is true- Baylor is a joke. Not a top tier university; not a bible college. Just a political joke. Way too sad.

Did it ever dawn on anyone that he is the only one who would take the job? How many times can you hire a President, chew them up, destroy their career, spit them out, and then move on to the next one. Anyone with common sense would say "No Thanks".

one other thing..whats the big deal about K.Starr being a Chuch of Christ guy who is willing to become a Baptist? isn't that the whole message behind you evangelicals, to gain new members?? I find that strange..

A beer summit would be a grand idea and would produce the same results as Obama's beer summit, a lot of gab and nothing else. Heard anything about the prof and the police officer paling around? I think President Starr could satisfy his opponents by inviting Bruce Springsteen to play at his inaugural and be introduced by George Soros, owner of the democatic nightmare we are now witnessing. Oh, I forgot, that mess was inherited. Shucks. Thought I had it.

Moving Pepperdine up 50 plus notches in some magazine report means little to me. How many law schools are in the US? Pepperdine is still ranked in the top 50's range. What does that mean as far as an accomplishment. Show me the report. Where is the Baylor Law School currently ranked? His appointment has at least brought Central (Obama Left) National Bank out into the open. I never knew. Are they taking tarp funds for small banks or is that small minds. Starr is personalable, smiles, divisive, intelligent and gets respect from many. Can't please em all. So maybe he is a good fit. I think it would be appropriate for the lesser known Nesbitt and Starr to have a beer summit and invite Joe Biden in for good laughs. Biden is also left and a joke for a Vice-President but humourous in his make believe world. Starr wins, Starr is in and we know who is out for Baylors depository bank. Baylor does not need a high profile name to boost the egos of their board. That's what they got. So let's say the jury is still out and we might have an answer in five years. Not today.

I am sure Baylor is a fine institution and i think K.Starr will probably do a fine job. It seems like a good fit. As a gay Californian,I am just so pleased he will be leaving our state..wish it could be sooner than June 1st..Godspeed, K. Starr.

What a bad idea! Good luck to whoever is in charge of fund raising/development....

Ken Starr is the wrong person IMO. He is arrogant, stuborn, and is only capable of seeing one side of any issue, tuning the viewpoints of others who don't agree with him out. He is so far to the right that he is incapable of interacting with anyone to the left in an honest attempt to meet in the middle ...if he were in a rowboat he would only have his right paddle in the water; there would be no paddling on the left, so his boat would only go around in circles instead of progressing on an even keel down the river. Baylor needs to be united, not further divided by such a polarizing person like Ken Starr. Heaven help Baylor make it through the troubled waters ahead with Ken Starr at the helm.

Ken Starr is not the right man! He doesn't have the ability to see, or actually hear, both sides to any story; instead he sticks like a tick to his personal opinions, objectives, and agendas only (forsaking all others). He is absolutely polarizing and will paralyze Baylor's future. He is so far to the right (politically speaking) that he will not be able to see who or what is in the middle or to the left (another example of his rigidness and inability to work with those that don't share his viewpoints). Ken may be a Star in his own mind and a limited number of others; but, IMO he is not a Star in the eyes of a majority (so much for majority rules, openmindedness, and the vision it will take to lead Baylor down a successful future pathway).

The new president: A charming personality which masks a fundamentalist mindset and a far right political philosophy. Looks familar.

Judge Starr has shown nothing but integrity, humility, and courage. He deserves the right to be given a fair chance. You may disagree with his personal opinion, as you may disagree with mine, but such a man deserves at the very least a chance.

Durn it. I was hoping to see Retired General Russell Honore as Baylor's next President. That sure would have been a turd in the punch bowl at the next Chamber meeting.

The gold and green tie makes him fully qualified. Excellent choice.

The gold and green tie makes him fully qualified. Excellent choice.

Before we judge to quickly, let's remember that Bush picked Souter for the Supreme Court because he thought Starr was too liberal. We remember him for his role in the right wing attacks on Clinton, but it was his job. Perhaps we should judge him more by his record before and since. If he is such an amazing conservative operator, how come we don't see and hear more from him in the conservative talk circuit? It's not like he blogs on Townhall.

@Rodney: Really, a friend told you that Baylor was the "second most conservative and closed-, narrow-minded college in the country"? Gosh. I guess that means it's true! I was in graduate school in Baylor after having done graduate work at a so-called "top tier" school, and I can assure you that Baylor is no more "closed-minded" than most public or private institutions, which have their own ideologies in place. I was allowed to ask questions at Baylor that wouldn't have been considered in other "top tier" schools. I'm curious, Rodney, how many top-tier schools have you attended? I've been at a couple, and Baylor's quality is right up there with them. Just because they don't have a "Mexican Gay Studies" major doesn't mean the education isn't top flight.

Ken Starr has a well established history of focusing on only his tunnel vision line of thought, sticking like a tick to his own personal beliefs, without being open to considering the varied opinions of others. In my opinion, Baylor needs a President that can see the entire picture and truely consider the viewpoints of all concerned parties. He only has one paddle in his boat and it is on the far right/conservative republican side; a boat can't get paddled progressively down the river unless it has 2 oars in the water (right and left mobility, that can meet in middle ground) in order to paddle in union. I find it hard to believe that Baylor would select such a polarizing, pompus, person.

As a current student and future donor I love this choice by the regents I was beginning to think they were incompetent. I am thrilled to have Mr Starr as my president and hope that he gets a fair chance as far as his denomination affiliation who cares we all worship the same God we all believe Jesus died for us so whats the deal.

He's well versed and has the publicity but how is he qualified to be president? It's people like him chosen to run major universities that just end up being replaced in a few years. Baylor is just gaining 10 minutes of fame on the morning news networks and hurting their chances for an actual productive president who could bring it back to national prominence.

While my husband and I are a little suprised ("Wish we could have been in that BOR meeting to know what thought process was going on."), it's definitely new territory and too early to know how things will play out. I will say this... I am not the least bit surprised to see such STRONG and PASSIONATE opinions one day after the announcement... typical Waco AND Baylor followers/supporters/haters. It's always thus. Let's just see what comes of it. The value of our degrees could hang in the balance (somewhat) so I'm willing to try to be optimistic at the very least.

He seems perfectly suited to Baylor. I was told by a friend the other day that Baylor University is considered to be the second most conservative and closed-, narrow-minded college in the country. Maybe this selection will elevate it to Number 1 so that it can be the most conservative, closed-minded, narrow-minded and petty college in the country. At least it will be Number 1 at something for a change.

Clinton needed to be prosecuted. He was a liar and a cheat. Starr was simply the instrument that helped carry it out. Why blame him?

This is so distressing. Ken Starr is going to be a nightmare. Why in the world would the world's premiere Baptist University hire such a polarizing political figure- not to mention holy roller Church of Christ member- to be it's president. I miss the days of Dr. HH Reynolds. Since Reynolds departure, the university has made one bad decision after another and had scandal after scandal. It's humiliating for its graduates and certainly makes the univ. look foolish. I just can't believe this decision. I do believe the Board of Regents has lost its collective mind. I would not be surprised to see this decision hailed by some, but to have hired this charlatan who robbed the American People of millions of dollars to finance his personal vendetta against Bill Clinton is just apalling. Ugh!!!

I know Starr personally and have very mixed feelings about him. You can be assured that he has the wisdom, work ethic, and contacts that no Baylor president has ever had. He is a brilliant man, passionately dedicated to every job he's ever done, and will FUNCTIONALLY be a superb president for Baylor, and I will be surprised if he is not the best president the university has ever had. On the other hand, as you can tell by the overwhelming majority of criticism and backlash in these comments, his presence will polarize Baylor's faculty, student body, alumni, and those who donate. It is definitely a GOOD choice, but perhaps not a WISE choice.

I love some of the posts here. They think that it is a good idea because: A) he prosecuted/ investigated Clinton and B) it will tick off liberals. Excellent choices to lead a university that almost made it out of mediocrity.

great choice. way to step up. will make the libs angry, another good reason to do it!

PROS: +Knows people in high places, that should help endowment etc. +He is "famous" I guess. +He's been successful as a Law School Dean +(YES this is a pro) He's not Baptist (apparently). This shows diversity and the shift to become a more Christian university, rather than a Baptist one. CONS: -This is so random. Why did we choose him? Was there no one else available? It is a head scratcher for most humanity. -His political career will POLARIZE Baylor. Being "really conservative" or "really liberal" isn't a good image for a university. In this case, the first of course. -He's a little controversial. Not a good trait for a University president. Overall, I'm still confused about why he is being named in the first place? Wasn't our Intern President doing just fine? One word: Random.

Terrible idea. This is going to drive away professors and compromise the university's (until now) growing academic reputation. Like someone else said, 1 step forward (the research center recently announced), and 25 huge steps back.

Good grief. You know, as a Baylor grad and independent who leans right of center (voted for Reagan, Bush 1 and even Bush 2 the first time he ran), this is truly discouraging. Baylor goes out and picks the "best available reptile" from the world of 1990s politics. At some point, the "founding fathers" at Baylor and in Waco will grow tired of being laughed at by the rest of Texas, the rest of the country, the rest of the world. Then, they'll find a moderate Christian with impeccable academic credentials, make him (or her) president and get out of the way. Does anyone remember when they finally allowed people to dance on Baylor campus? And how the rest of the world saw it as truly backwards that it took so long? This is just another example of Baylor being backwards. It's a philosophical book burning, committed by the same people who think Sarah Palin is what the country needs. Y'all enjoy. I'll check back in 2020.

I just love this. Baylor Baptist peaved off at another president. This will put us on the map

He's divisive. I thought it before I read even one of these comments, but now I'm absolutely sure. Anyone who knows about the Clinton scandal will know that those we consider "Baylor People" will either love him or hate him. The University needed someone to bring everyone together. He's going to further split everyone by his mere presence. No, he doesn't have a PhD, but a law degree (JD) is a doctorate level degree.

This is a brilliant move. They couldn't have possibly picked a person that would perturb the liberals & their ilk other more than perhaps naming GWB. Lest you all forget, it was WJC's sleazy morals and lying ways that got him into trouble. Ken Starr just exposed WJC for the no-good sleaze ball he actually was much to the chagrin of the liberal ilk. If you can rationalize a guy cheating on his wife and lying about it to the American public, you can probably rationalize just about any behavior.

Are you kidding me ? As a native Wacoan I had begun to see Baylor in a better light. No wonder I decided to attend a different college. What a joke !!!!

Great pick by Baylor! Baylor doesn't need a Baptist; we need a Christian. He won't roll over to the Regents like prior presidents; Starr is a true leader and intellect who is more than just an administrator. Smartest Baylor president ever?

NO!!! And WAY too controversial for Baylor!

I really couldn't believe the news this morning! This is embarrasing to Baylor and to its alumn. It is ridiculous for Mr. Starr, who was raised as a Church of Christ preacher's, son, partially educated at a Chursh of Christ university, served as Dean at a Church of Christ univeristy, suddenly become a Baptist so that he can be president of Baylor. How dishonest it is of Baylor to accept that decision for its own political purposes! How in the world will this decision help heal the division in the Baylor family? It appears that the BOR bends to the hope of raising money from only those who embrace Republican politics and fundamentalist ideas. This will damage whatever reputation Baylor has and reinforce the idea that Baylor is a narrow-minded, closed-minded archaic institution. How sad it is to see such a historically influential and wonderful institution stoop to such levels. What a joke this selection process has been.

Well, he is certainly no Bill Underwood. Why couldn't we keep Dr. Underwood? The other choices don't hold a candle to him.

Does Baylor just want be a joke? This is awful. I love BU and am a proud alum, but this seems like nothing more than shamlessly going after someone with a familiar name. If your gonna shoot for a big name, notorius shouldnt fit the bill. I am shamed of Baylor University, and that breaks my heart.

This is a great move by Baylor, and I am excited for the future of this University. Kenn Starr has a strong faith and solid experiencet to qualify him for the job. Why does everyone insist on seeing the glass half empty? Why judge him when he has not even begun the job and you have not seen what he may be able to do for Baylor? A positive attitude and perspective can take you far in life. Negativity really gets you nowhere. Come on Baylor fans, show some support and get over yourself!

For one of the very few times in my life, I am uneasy about having to provide my email address--even though it is (as I understand it) supposed to be private/confidential on this site. But--given this nimrod's history of sleaze and trampling on citizen's rights (yes, philanderer's and fellatio artists have civil rights, too) I have no doubt that attempted retaliation can/might occur. The Baylor faculty has no idea what is coming in terms of vicious and venal and petty power-hungry behavior. I guess Rove will teach a class in the Communications Department ("Goebbels 101")and Creationism will be taught in the Biology Department. The Regents are truly out of control--including the one(s) married with mistresses. I wonder if the one(s) with mistresses told Ol' Ken during the interview process if their mistress(es) do a "Monica" on them, and if they enjoy it?? I can't imagine a more divisive and insulting act by the Regents than this.

Have given money to Baylor in the past and planned to give more. If this comes to pass that will not happen. The Bayloe Regents have lost their minds!

This is terrible!! Obviously, it does not really matter if you are Baptist to be the president of the world's largest Baptist university, as long as you are a right-wing republican. I guess the BOR overlook religion to support partisan politics.

Is this a Noze Brotherhood joke???? Please tell me this is not true. My money and kids will be going elsewhere if this is true...

can i just point out that he hasn't OFFICIALLY BEEN NAMED?!?!?! Baylor has released nothing. So it would be better to say- will be named, may be named, etc. Rather than the past tense. Also, I think it is a bad idea- he isn't Baptist, he doesn't have a PhD, and not all Baylor students/faculty/alumni are right wing conservative evangelicals.

Baylor really does know how to alienate alums, fans, supporters, etc. Another prime example! I quit!!!

Kenneth Starr? This truly shakes my faith in Baylor and Central Texas...I've always wondered why CT was so conservative...Why of course..it's Baylor. Waco is becoming the "Black Hole" of Texas, America and the world. This almost shakes my faith that there is a higher power...Please God....wake me from this nightmare.

I LOVE the idea!!!!

Are you kidding?! I cannot believe a school that claims to have a Baptist heritage of 165 years will no longer have a Baptist president. I guess we're not Baptist anymore.

This is such a disappointing and bizzare move by Baylor. What in the world was Baylor thinking to select such a divisive individual! Could Baylor have picked a worse choice to help bring the Baylor family together. What hypocrisy to select a "Baptist" because that was so important, then to choose a member of the Church of Christ who has "seen the light" and will become a Baptist. What a dishonest and sad joke. He wasted so much time and taxpayer money in trying to unseat Bill Clinton, then showed himself to be sexually repressed by releasing his x-rated report to the public. He is a horrible choice who is an embarrasment to his own faith and well as to Baylor. I have been a loyal supporter of Baylor for nearly 50 years, but I will not give another dime. For the first time in my life, I am not proud be a Baylor alumn. Shame on the selection committee for this choice, and shame on Mr. Starr for accepting this position for his own gain.

Absolutely not.

No mention in article of his faith or denomination

His current academic experience as Dean of Pepperdine Law School would indicate that he's qualified and able to work with people across the political spectrum. I'd think he's certainly the biggest name available to Baylor, and he may prove to be an outstanding president. Time will tell . . .

Absolutely not......what is Baylor thinking?

This is in true Baylor fashion: 1 step forward, 25 steps back.

He seemed to have little regard for our constitution, wasted tax payers money -- i sure don't see how he fits with baylor. i thought being baptist would be an important qualification

No, I don't think that he was a good choice. If he led the fight to impeach Clinton then No, I don't think he is a good choice!!! Clinton was a very good President. He helped this country so much. Yes he was unfaithful to Hilary. That was very disappointing. We all sin. Even Kenneth Starr. If we find out he has sinned while serving at Baylor should he be fired? Maybe so. Look at the big picture with Clinton and all the good he did for this country, compared to all of the mess George Bush got us into. People wake up. It is about time. I will not be a Baylor supporter with Kenneth Starr as president.

This is the jerk who spent $60 million trying to prosecute Bill Clinton. He knows how to waste money.