GRAPEVINE—The Baylor University board of regents has fired President John Lilley.
A statement released by the university this morning said the board “voted today to begin the search for a new university president.”
The statement cited regents Chairman Howard Batson as saying the vote “was necessary in order to unite Baylor’s many constituencies and move the university forward in its next period of growth and renewal.”
Lilley’s removal “represents the regents’ acknowledgement of a need for unifying leadership as Baylor strives to achieve its goals under Baylor 2012,” the statement cited Batson as saying.
The statement did not cite specific reasons for removing Lilley, who has been president since January 2006.
Baylor has been torn by division for most of this decade, since it announced its Baylor 2012 long-range vision under the leadership of previous President Robert Sloan.
In the prepared statement, Batson said: “We believe that Baylor must demonstrate its commitment to excellence in all areas, including communication and the building of relationships within the Baylor family. Change is always difficult, but Baylor has a solid leadership team in place, and the university continues to experience unprecedented success in many areas. The board is confident that the university will be able to press forward and continue its progress during this time of transition. The board is appreciative of Dr. Lilley’s service to Baylor, which includes a variety of significant accomplishments.”
In an e-mail statement, Lilley said: “Two and a half years ago I was invited unanimously by the board of regents to come to Baylor. I did not come to Baylor to advance my career. Gerrie (his wife) and I were reluctant but finally were persuaded to come because of the unanimous vote and the promised prayers of the regents.
“We felt that we could help to heal the wounded hearts left in the wake of the conflict that preceded us. Despite the board’s unanimous vote, it became clear immediately that the Baylor board of regents reflected some of the deepest divisions in the Baylor family.
“I am proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to bring the Baylor family together and to help the university achieve the ambitious goals set forth in our mission and vision 2012, documented in our annual report just presented to the regents.
“I deeply regret the action of the board, and I do not believe that it reflects the best interests of Baylor University.”
The regents named one of their members and a former board chairman, Harold Cunningham, as acting president until an interim president is named.
The Baptist Standard will report more information as it is available. Multiple interviews are scheduled throughout the day.