WACO, Texas (ABP) — Less than a week after his inauguration, Baylor University President John Lilley has appointed Randall O'Brien as executive vice president and provost. The former chair of the religion department, O'Brien has been interim provost and vice president for academic affairs since last June.
O'Brien's new responsibilities will include oversight of all of Baylor's academics, including 11 schools and multiple institutes. He also will serve as president in Lilley's absence.
“I am very pleased that Randall O'Brien has agreed to serve in this important leadership position.” Lilley said in a release. “He has served the university with distinction over the course of this academic year and has the support of the Board of Regents and the faculty.”
In a statement regarding the promotion, O'Brien said he owed a “debt of gratitude” to Baylor's board of regents, executive council, staff, students and “every living president of Baylor, past and current.”
A former Vietnam vet, Baptist pastor, and executive assistant to President Emeritus Robert Sloan, O'Brien first came to Baylor in 1991. Besides teaching in the religion department, he served terms as dean of Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary and as a visiting professor at Baylor's law school.
O'Brien's wife, Kay, is an adjunct professor in Baylor's School of Social Work.
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