Next Governor of Tennessee a BU Grad?

State Senator Jim Bryson of Franklin, Tennessee, is running for Governor of Tennessee and if successful could become Baylor’s first non-Texas Gubernatorial Alumnus. Jim graduated from Baylor in 1983. Senator Bryson, a Republican, has four children and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Nashville where he and his wife, Carol, co-direct a Sunday School Department. Tennessee sent Texas Sam Houston (and his son who attended Baylor) so perhaps Baylor and Texas can return the favor to Tennessee. Sic’em Senator!

Thanks to Lady Bears & Sophia Young

A year ago at this time we were celebrating Coach Kim and the Lady Bear’s National Championship. Although a repeat was not in God’s plan, we Baylor fans were treated to another terrific season that included a Sweet 16 appearance as well as a Big XII Tournament Championship game. A central figure in all of these successes is graduating Senior Sophia Young. Sophia leaves Baylor as its only two-time Kodak All-American, Final Four MVP, and Big XII all-time leading scorer and rebounder. She also was the #4 draft pick in the WNBA. Even more importantly, she represented Baylor with terrific style, grace and class. Much like Mike Singletary, Sophia combined lethal intensity with a humble spirit. Thank you for the memories, Sophia, and good luck with the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Another All-Star Baylorite, Richard Scott, Hangs Up His Baylor Jersey

An almost 40-year Baylor career ended last week when Baylor Vice President of Development, Richard Scott, announced his retirement. Richard has toiled long, hard, and successfully as Baylor’s Chief Development Officer, Dean of the Hankamer School of Business, and as a professor in the Business School. There is very little of the Baylor world that Richard has not touched or improved.

Thank you, Richard, for all that you have done for Baylor and specifically Baylor 2012. We look forward to your next great investment tip!

Baylor Spring Sports are Blooming On Time

As we have come to expect this time of year, just about every student wearing a Baylor uniform is competing on a nationally ranked team. Baseball, women’s softball, and men’s and women’s tennis are competing at the highest levels and are all headed towards tournament competition at the end of the regular season. Men’s baseball won an important series from Oklahoma State this past weekend. Men and women’s tennis are a combined 30-7, and women’s softball picked up where they left off last season and are currently ranked 18th in the nation.

Tenure Case Draws Attention

The success of Baylor 2012 brings with it a great deal of national media attention as it relates to Baylor’s academic and Christian aspirations. The recent denial and subsequent appeal of tenure for associate professor Francis J. Beckwith has generated a flurry of articles and opinion letters. The well-published Mr. Beckwith has a number of supporters, many of whom view the decision on his tenure as an index of the vitality of Baylor 2012 in general. Interim Provost Dr. Randall O’Brien sought to address some of these concerns in a letter published in the Dallas Morning News yesterday.

Click here to read the letter.

Baylor Regent Anne Graham Lotz Packs Park Cities Baptist Church

Anne Graham Lotz spoke at three separate services at PCBC last weekend, packing the church at each event. What an inspirational moment it is to hear her preach and what an honor to now have her represent Baylor everywhere she speaks. She travels the world spreading the Word in a very effective way. Her ministry is well worth considering for support.

More Goodbyes

“Goodbye” receptions for Bill Underwood (Wednesday, April 12th) and Larry Brumley (Thursday, April 27th) will be held to thank each for his great service to Baylor. Bill and Larry are headed off to Mercer together to no doubt improve that university as well. Thanks to you both for all you did for Baylor.

BU Football Spring Game & Matt Dove

Pre-game festivities last Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium included the dedication of the Mathew Dove Letterwinners’ Plaza. Former football great Matt Dove made a generous contribution to complete the project. Friends of Baylor Steering Committee members Coach Grant Teaff and Neal Jeffrey were on hand to speak at the event. When Coach Teaff speaks you either want to strap your helmet on, grab your checkbook and make a donation, recommit your life to Christ, or all the above. What an asset Coach Teaff and Matt Dove are to Baylor. Thank you both.

Jay Humphrey (1954-2006)

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of FOB member Jay Humphrey. Jay was a wonderful man, friend, father and husband. Jay and his wife Liz Dawson Humphrey (class of ’77) have three children including one Baylor student.

Our prayers are with the Humphrey family with gratitude for the great life Jay lived.

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LINKS
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Randalll O'Brien: http://www.friendsofbaylor.com/eMailCampaigns/articles/RandallOBrien.doc
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