#FiveStarr: How we’ve gotten to know President Starr in his 5 years at Baylor

From the moment he was announced as Baylor’s 14th president, we all knew Ken Starr was not your average college president. We hoped that his national profile would help shine a spotlight on Baylor, but only in our wildest dreams did we imagine the success we’ve seen over the last five years, from academics and athletics to the student experience and fundraising.

As Baylor’s chief ambassador and advocate, President Starr maintains a busy schedule that includes not only overseeing all areas of the university, but also hitting the road to advocate for Baylor with government officials and key constituents. Even so, he has always set aside time to be among the students he serves. His love for the Baylor family has even earned him a nickname on-campus: “Uncle Ken.”

Many incoming Baylor freshmen and transfers get their first taste of this side of Judge Starr at Summer Send-off Parties, where he likes to join in the well-wishing of Baylor’s newest Bears. He continues this welcome every year during Move-In by greeting new students and their parents across campus, and during Welcome Week when he joins students for an all-campus cookout and other events.

Fall at Baylor is full of events and traditions, and you can bet Judge Starr is smack in the middle of all the excitement. You’ll often see Starr alongside fans greeting Baylor football players during the Bear Walk and leading the Baylor Line on to the field. During Homecoming, he’s yelling a “sic ’em” at the Bonfire and waving at Bears old and young as part of the Homecoming Parade.

Throughout the year, President Starr makes sure he attends plenty of on-campus events, from the On Topic conversations he hosts to more regular events like Dr Pepper Hour and home athletic events across every sport. He frequently meets with leaders of Student Government and other organizations, and even teaches a class in the law school. And of course he’s alongside students at the very end, giving them their long-awaited and well-earned diploma, a handshake, and a big Baylor Bear hug during every Commencement ceremony.

Sic ’em, President Starr!

[This piece is in honor of our summer-long celebration of President Ken Starr’s five years of service to Baylor University — something we regard as serious #FiveStarr excellence. We’ll be tracking #FiveStarr on Twitter and Instagram for your best Judge Starr memories.]