By Maleesa Johnson

Staff Writer

The Baylor Board of Regents has voted to extend the contract of Judge Ken Starr in addition to assigning him the new title of president and chancellor.

No president before him has been named president and chancellor simultaneously. Starr became Baylor’s president on June 1, 2010. He is the 14th person to serve as president at Baylor.

“Judge Starr’s original contract would have expired in 2015,” said Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media communications. “Even with his contract still years out, the board and the president began conversations about continuing to move forward and both agreed there is still work to be done. The extension at this time best serves both the needs of this university and the future needs of the president.”

According to the press release from Baylor Media Communications, the addition of “Chancellor” to Starr’s title charges him to work to increase Baylor’s influence worldwide.

“This is recognition of Judge Starr’s outstanding work leading the university,” Fogleman said. “Also, it recognizes the work he will potentially be doing to catapult the Baylor brand nationally and internationally.”

The extension of contract and change of title are not the only changes taking place under the office of the president. Starr announced a change in the duties of Dr. Karla Leeper, formerly vice president for executive affairs and chief of staff to the President. Her title is now vice president for board and executive affairs.

Under this title, Leeper will manage and coordinate board affairs, lead Baylor’s government relations activities, including its presence in Washington, and direct Baylor’s Campus Event Services operation.

The staff of this operation works to assist those having their special event on campus.

According to Campus Event Services’ website, their services include facility reservations, menu planning, audio/visual services, event production, event communications and more.

Leeper will also serve as chief compliance officer to ensure that Baylor has the necessary policies and processes in place to guarantee that Baylor satisfies the legal and ethical obligations of higher education institutions.