Farewell, friend Randall

Randall O'Brien's new job translates into happy news for Carson-Newman University and sad news for Baylor University and Texas Baptists.

Carson-Newman just named O'Brien its 22nd president. He will begin his transition Aug. 1 and take the helm of the Tennessee Baptist Convention-affiliated school Jan. 1.

O'Brien has been executive vice president and provost at Baylor for three years and has served at Baylor 17  years. Before becoming Baylor's chief academic officer, O'Brien taught  religion, and he was a favorite among students. He also has served 15 Texas Baptist churches as interim pastor. (To see a story about his election at Carson-Newman, click here .)

 O'Brien was a brilliant choice for Carson-Newman, which had become embroiled in turmoil during the administration of its previous president, James Netherton.

O'Brien is one of the most genuinely likable Baptists God ever created. In an often-fractious environment, O'Brien managed to make friends and build confidence on practically every branch of the "Baylor family" tree. I've been in conversations with folks who held vastly different perspectives on all that has transpired at Baylor in recent years, but one of their key points of agreement was that Randall O'Brien's teaching and leadership have been gifts to Baylor.

His preaching and leadership  also have been gifts to Texas Baptists.  Besides that, he's been an encourager and friend to a great host of folks who have been blessed to know him.

And with O'Brien, it's always been a package deal. His wife, Kay, has taught in the Baylor School of Social work and strengthened not only Baylor but churches and friends across the state.

They will be missed.

Of course, the O'Briens' departure provides a measure of historical balance. Texas would not have become Texas if a host of Tennesseans had not migrated here 170 or so years ago.  Maybe it's only fair that we send a couple of our best back to help a historically fine Tennessee Baptist school