Gift Creates Endowed Chair in Business and Transactional Law

Baylor University recently announced the creation of the M. Stephen and Alyce A. Beard Chair in Business and Transactional Law in the School of Law, funded through a generous gift from M. Stephen (J.D. ’73) and Alyce A. Beard. Proceeds from the endowment will support this faculty position in perpetuity, allowing Baylor Law to enhance practical training and scholarship in this critical discipline.

Prior to moving away from his private practice in 2000, Steve was president of the Pakis, Giotes, Beard and Page, P.C. law firm in Waco, where he specialized in business and construction law. His wife, Alyce Beard, serves on the Baylor Alumni Network Board of Advocates and Baylor’s Martin Museum Board.

Baylor Law has named Elizabeth (Beth) Miller, a leading national scholar and expert in business organizations law, to serve as the chair’s inaugural holder. An authority on Texas business organizations law as well as a nationally recognized expert on the law of limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships, Miller frequently speaks on these topics at continuing legal education programs in Texas and across the country. Miller has held leadership positions in the American Bar Association Business Law Section as well as the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

“Steve and Alyce have truly blessed our business and transactional business program — and, most importantly, our students — by their extraordinary commitment to Baylor Law. Their impact on our program will continue for generations to come and we are grateful for their dedication and stewardship,” said Dean Brad Toben. “The opportunity to name Prof. Beth Miller to this position is so ideally appropriate. Her influence on future Baylor lawyers who practice business and transactional law is and will be profound.”

True to Baylor Law’s mission to prepare practice-ready lawyers, Miller created Baylor Law’s Business Law Boot Camp, an intensive intersession course held between the spring and summer quarters. Taught by a team of adjunct professors who are highly regarded transactional lawyers, the program offers practical training on multiple aspects of business formation, commercial borrowing, raising capital, trademark and advertising issues, succession planning, selling a business, basic tax and accounting, contract drafting and negotiation skills.

“Baylor Law’s capacity to continue to develop leaders in business and transactional law depends on strong academic programs led by exceptional, inspirational professors,” Steve Beard said. “I personally have participated in, and benefitted from, the intense academic training that Baylor Law offers. I am inspired to invest in its future by supporting this important faculty position. Alyce and I are committed to the principle of giving and sharing the blessings we have received.”