Dallas Morning News highlights Baylor and Starr with front page feature

A day after awakening Christmas morning to presents under the tree, many Dallas-area Baylor fans awoke to find something else of interest on their doorstep the morning of Dec. 26 — a lengthy feature on Baylor University and President Ken Starr, right there on the front page of the Dallas Morning News.

The story begins, “Meet Ken Starr, fun guy. No, really.” Writer S. C. Gwynne then goes on to describe Starr in depth, using words like “warm, kind, humble, funny and engaging,” before beginning a detailed description of what brought Starr to Baylor, the university’s recent past and plans for the future. At almost 3,000 words, it’s a lengthy read — the kind you rarely find in newspapers these days — but a good one; check it out here.

Gwynne writes of Starr’s reception at Baylor, among those who were predisposed to liking him and those who were not, and how many of those perceptions have changed as members of the Baylor family have gotten the chance to meet Starr all over the state and nation. As the writer notes, for such a busy man, Starr makes himself incredibly available, warmly welcoming visitors at events from tailgates to fundraisers. Having closely followed his large-scale actions — helping save the Big 12, working to raise money for student scholarships — and enjoying some brief time face-to-face, I’ve been very impressed with the man hired to serve as Baylor’s 14th president, and I hope every member of the Baylor family gets a chance to speak with him before long.

Sic ’em, President Starr!