Starr’s early accomplishments shine at inauguration

By Sara Tirrito

Starr’s early accomplishments shine at inauguration

At the inauguration of Baylor’s 14th president on Friday, Judge Ken Starr was supported by a wide array of guests, from state representatives to members of Baylor Nation, who came out to the Ferrell Center to take part in the ceremony.

Guests included Waco mayor Jim Bush, former Waco mayor Virginia DuPuy, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, members of the Starr family and Baylor professors and students, among others.

“I’m going to graduate in May, so having Ken Starr here as the new president really brings a lot of national attention to Baylor because he’s very much a national figure,” Beaumont senior Will Fuller said. “The way he sets up Baylor and makes Baylor better through his tenure as president is going to affect me greatly and my degree. It will be that much better because of what Ken Starr possibly can do, and so I think it’s important for me here to see the inauguration of Ken Starr and sort of almost the ushering in of a new era at Baylor.”

Starr became the university’s 14th president on Constitution Day, a coincidence many found appropriate because of Starr’s background in law and his extensive knowledge of the Supreme Court, where he has argued numerous cases and was a law clerk.

Dr. Raymond Cannon, chair of faculty senate and professor of mathematics, offered his greetings at the start of the installation ceremony. Cannon said Starr has characterized his first year at Baylor as a year of listening, but that Starr has been actively listening already and that the Baylor family has also been listening to Starr.

“We have heard you honor Baylor’s past and embrace its future,” Cannon said. “Having listened to you, we are enthusiastic about working by your side as together we serve Baylor University.”

Student Body External Vice President Cristina Galvan, a Baytown senior, said Starr’s interactions with students — meeting and talking with them, and even running in the Baylor line — have shown his dedication to the university and its students.

“Judge Starr has proven, in his short time here, his dedication to Baylor and her vision,” Galvan said. “He expresses a sincere and deep concern to meet the needs of the student body, and for that we are grateful.”

Stephen L. Carter, The William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale Law School, was chosen by Starr to give the Inaugural Address.

Carter spoke on “The Future of Democratic Debate,” assuring the crowd that Starr brings with him the virtues of democracy that allow for democratic debate and dialogue.

“You’ve brought someone who is going to exemplify for you and for all of us, the great virtues of democracy,” Carter said, “tolerance, patience, dialogue and a respect for others.”

In his Inaugural Response, Starr said Baylor would continue to be a place of debate.

“To put it mildly, Baylor is no stranger to debate,” Starr said. “And may it always be so. Where two or three Baylor professors gather together, surely there will at least be four opinions for lively discussion.”

Starr also said that the university’s motto, “Pro ecclesia, pro Texana,” should continue to guide the university’s commitment to the free church tradition, and its commitment to both Texas and the world.

“We know who we are,” Starr said. “Our mission is unmistakably clear. More than ever, the nation and the world needs Baylor University and the impact of its enduring principles.”

Starr was named Baylor’s 14th president by the board of regents in February.

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