UMHB officials name new university president Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 25 2008 05:52 AM By Iuliana Petre
Killeen Daily Herald

It appears that Dr. Randy O'Rear may never have to leave Central Texas or cut ties with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

The alumnus recently was named as Dr. Jerry G. Bawcom's successor, becoming the Belton university's 19th president, effective June 1, 2009.

The UMHB board of trustees voted O'Rear president in a unanimous decision on Friday during a regularly scheduled meeting.

After Bawcom's recent announcement that he will step down as the university's president at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year to become the chancellor, a presidential selection committee was formed to decide who would become the new president of UMHB.

"We are extremely confident that as president, Dr. O'Rear will assure the continuity of our mission, our Christian principles and our proficiency in higher education," said Andy Davis, the chair of the board of trustees. "Because of his long service and intricate knowledge of UMHB, he will hold constant those things we value while assuring the university remains responsive to each new generation and continues to evolve in our ongoing quest for higher excellence."

O'Rear, the university's first alumnus president, graduated from UMHB with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1988 and a master's degree in business administration in 1997. He earned a doctoral degree in higher education administration from Baylor University in 2004.

"I certainly was elated," O'Rear said of his selection as president of UMHB. "I love (this school). I have a deep love and passion for UMHB. I am honored by the appointment and humbled by the confidence the board of trustees has placed in me. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to follow Dr. Bawcom who's been a wonderful mentor and done a great job moving the university forward."

O'Rear has served at UMHB for 20 years, with the past 3 1/2 years as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Other positions he has held include assistant baseball coach, associate director of advancement, director of development, associate vice president for enrollment management and vice president for external relations.

For more than 18 years, O'Rear has been actively involved in fundraising for the university. Under his leadership, gifts and grants dramatically increased, numerous endowed scholarships were established, and major capital projects were completed, including the construction of the Parker Academic Center, the Mayborn Campus Center and the new Meyer Christian Studies Center.

Bawcom soon will begin working with faculty and staff members to craft his vision for the university for the next 20 years.

"I can't think of any other place I'd rather work. I think that being the first alumnus to be president brings a unique perspective to the role. I have a deep commitment and passion for education. It's a real privilege to serve as president," O'Rear said.

Contact Iuliana Petre at ipetre@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7469.