Drayton McLane honored as ‘Regent Emeritus’

If you’ve been around Baylor for any length of time, you know of Drayton McLane Jr.’s long involvement with the University. The 1958 graduate served as a Baylor Trustee/Regent from 1988-2006, including a term as Chairman of the Board from 2002-04. During McLane’s tenure as Chairman, Baylor’s endowment grew significantly, its athletic programs took significant steps forward, and important new facilities opened all over campus, including the Baylor Sciences Building, the North Village Residential Community, and the Jeanes Discovery Center within the Mayborn Museum Complex.

McLane and his wife, Elizabeth, have also given generously to support countless Baylor scholarship funds, academic programs and capital projects — most notably the McLane Student Life Center, which opened just over a decade ago and was named in honor of his family after McLane chaired the fundraising committee. Even beyond these obvious gifts, McLane has always found ways to stay involved with and help out the Baylor family. (For example, his speech to the Baylor Business Network of Austin last fall.) For his lifetime of service, the Baylor Board of Regents honored McLane with the designation of “Regent Emeritus” last night at a dinner in Houston as part of the Board’s February meeting. (See photos from the event here.)

McLane is just the ninth individual ever to receive the “Regent Emeritus” title from Baylor, and one of just four living (joining George Anson, Harry Jeanes and Winfred Moore). As such, he will be invited to sit in on Regents’ meetings, though not in a voting role.

Sic ’em for all your service, Mr. McLane!