Ken Buckley was a defensive back for the Baylor Bears from 1976-80 and was a member of the 1980 Southwest Conference Championship team. Buckley spent 24 years in the technology industry with start-ups and large public companies before returning to work for Baylor over 10 years ago. He is a published author in the career field and lives in Waco with his wife, Lynn.

 

 

 

 

What is your current occupation?

I am the Assistant Vice Provost for the Baylor University Career Center and we support students in their career development.

What led you to a career in that field?

My dad was crippled with polio at age 10. Despite his physical limitations, he was a scratch golfer, golden gloves boxer, mayor of our town and a successful businessman. He did not believe in excuses and never understood the word “quit”. He truly believed that a person could achieve whatever they were willing to work for and put their heart into. That upbringing gave me a strong sense of God’s purpose in our lives and encouraged a best effort in all situations. Helping students gain clarity in their career adventure, overcoming their fear of the unknown (the world after graduation), and taking ownership of their career trajectory by putting effort into making their dreams come true was in many ways a natural pathway from my own personal and professional experiences. For many of us, the two greatest fears we have to overcome are the fear of failure or the fear of the unknown. I enjoy working with students to help them through those challenges and I am energized each day to try and make a difference.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your job?

Prior to COVID-19, we were enjoying the strongest economy in memory. This changed dramatically as a result of the pandemic and what was once a consistently bright and growing job market is now filled with uncertainty, lay-offs and economic despair. Our Career Center is responsible for over 2,300 undergrad and 370 graduate students who will graduate this May. Our department sees this responsibility as our calling and because of that, we believe every Baylor student should have dedicated career support. Prior to graduation, over 800 students are still seeking a job. Helping them navigate the challenges of recruitment and employment as a result of COVID-19 is a significant challenge. When everyone is on campus it is an easier process to gain access to the student’s attention. In an online and virtual environment it enhances the difficulty of that engagement.

What was your most significant achievement while at Baylor?

I was a 150 pound walk-on from a tiny 2A high school team. I wanted to play in the SWC and for Baylor and I knew this would be a major challenge. I also knew anything is possible if you are truly willing to put your heart into it. When Coach Teaff awarded me a football scholarship my sophomore year, that was something I will never forget.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Baylor?

After my sophomore year (’77), we had a football banquet and I was fortunate to win the Special Teams Player of the Year and Fighting Bear awards. I was so honored just to be a teammate of those guys. To receive any recognition, considering the talent in that room, was something special.

Why did you become involved with the “B” Association?

I would say first and foremost it was to be a part of something that gave so much to me. Secondly, it was because the people that are running the organization give tirelessly each day to the student-athletes and letterwinners so that the heritage from all of the past athletes, coaches, trainers, managers and administrators are integrated into the future. The “B” Association is one of the top letterwinner programs in the nation because of the caring focus and mission of the organization.

What advice would you give to current student-athletes?

Don’t be afraid to dream and then don’t be afraid to do the work to make that dream a reality. My dad used to say everyday we have a choice – to rise to our opportunities or fall to our excuses. Live each day as if there were no guarantees of tomorrow. Also take time to enjoy and build lasting relationships with your teammates and those around you.

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

My wife of over 40 years and I have some land near Lake Waco and South Bosque River. On most days, you would find us just watching the world go by. I am also a firearms instructor and hunter. So you might also find me shooting or enjoying the outdoors.

 

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