Wednesday, April 29, 2009
As a member of the Baylor family, I was honored to be asked to be a guest columnist in regard to the search for the next Baylor University president.
I’d like to start with a word of thanks to the Board of Regents for including the Baylor staff along with the faculty, students, alumni and community representatives in this very important search.
I realize that each constituent group has its own ideas as to what is the most important qualification the next president should have. However, there are many commonalities that link all of us.
- 07-19-09 David Brooks, guest column: Second-guessers misrepresent '2012' designs
- 06-24-09 Charles S. Madden, guest column: 'Baylor 2012' painted as something it never was
- 06-03-09 Joseph Armes, guest column: Opportunities endless for next Baylor president
- 05-30-09 Rufus Spain, guest column: Root of Baylor's rift: Vision 2012
- 05-27-09 Kenneth L. Hall, guest column: Baylor's next president needs a Christian, global view
- 05-20-09 Henry Walbesser, guest column: BU regents should reconsider their goals carefully
- 05-13-09 Clifton Robinson, guest column: Waco's wellbeing key to next Baylor president
- 05-06-09 James G. Vaughan, guest column: Next Baylor president must be immersed in city
- 04-29-09 Patricia Pack, guest column: Our next boss at Baylor should be approachable, a listener
- 04-22-09 David Lacy, guest column: Entire Baylor family must agree on the next president
- 04-15-09 Robert C. Cloud, guest column: Baylor faculty seek 'first among equals' for top spot
- 04-08-09 Bryan Fonville, guest column: Trust issue crucial in Baylor's next president
- 04-05-09 Carlos Sanchez: We're asking: What qualities should Baylor's next president possess?
Some of these are character traits such as servant leadership, humility and an ability to listen while valuing the opinions of all.
The next Baylor University president needs to be someone who is approachable, who makes himself or herself available to constituencies and who welcomes input.
Other key traits are professional criteria, including demonstrable experience, a business background and proven scholarship. A university president must make a good impression for the institution both publicly and internally. This person must be able to manage a complex organization and understand the importance of fundraising.
Other factors are uniquely Baylor — belief in our traditions, a love for our students and an active Christian faith. If we are going to use terms like “Baylor family,” then the new president must have a deep love for Baylor and all of the constituent groups that make up the family. The new president needs to know that Baylor traditions and core convictions are who we are and should be revered.
After visiting with many staff members at Baylor, one of the most important qualifications that seems to be at the core of what’s sought is someone who will work alongside us and will continue to bring the university together as family members who care for one another.
Be approachable, hands-on
Baylor staff needs to see a president who is not afraid to take off his necktie (or her heels) and participate in, say, a service project.
We need someone who values the daily investment that Baylor staff makes to this university. Trust goes hand-in-hand with respect, and Baylor staff needs to know its efforts are valued.
Dr. David Garland, our interim president, has done an exceptional job of doing just this. His kind words and approachability have given Baylor a calmness that has not been evident for many years.
All of these characteristics foster a sense of loyalty and an even greater commitment to Baylor.
Patricia Pack, vice chairwoman of Baylor University’s staff council and chairwoman-elect next school year, is museum operations manager at Baylor’s Mayborn Museum. She has been a member of the Baylor family for 18 years and nine months.
