After several fits and starts, Baylor University's search for new leadership has produced a president-John Lilley, current president of the University of Nevada, Reno, and a three-time graduate of Baylor.

Lilley, 66, was elected Nov. 3 by regents of Baylor, the world's largest Baptist-affiliated university, with 14,000 students. He inherits a university that has been in turmoil for more than two years, with regents, faculty and alumni divided over issues of presidential leadership and the school's academic direction.

Lilley, in his mid-60s, has been president of Nevada's oldest public university since 2001. Previously he was president of Penn State Erie, part of Pennsylvania State University.

He earned a bachelor's degree in music education in 1961, a bachelor's in music the following year and a master's degree in music in 1964-all at Baylor. He earned a doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1971.

Lilley becomes Baylor's 13th president, succeeding Robert Sloan, who stepped down May 31 under pressure from some regents and faculty. Sloan now serves as Baylor chancellor.

William Underwood, a professor in Baylor's law school, has served as interim president since June 1. A popular figure within the Baylor faculty, Underwood recently responded to persistent speculation that he would become president by removing his name from consideration.

Less than two months ago, the regents were poised to vote on another Baylor alum-Pepperdine University's Linda Livingstone, a former associate dean of Baylor's business school-but withdrew the presidential recommendation at the last minute, in part because of opposition from those promoting Underwood.

Associated Baptist Press

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