William Baughn served as CU’s President in 1985, and from 1990 to 1991.

William Baughn was called from retirement, after 20 years as Dean of the College of Business, to assume the presidency while a search was made for a replacement for Arnold Weber. Aware that his tenure was temporary, Baughn mistakenly anticipated a relatively quiet term of office.

On the contrary, he was faced with major problems at the legislature. The Joint Budget Committee threatened to both cut and control the funds allotted to the university. Baughn was confronted with defending the university’s policies on admission standards, funding, and the governance of higher education. He worked 16 hours a day successfully defending the university. The Legislature eventually voted to reorganize the governance of higher education in the state, in effect removing much of the politics from budget appropriations.

When his replacement was hired, the Regents stated that Baughn “performed this important new role with quiet widom and humane authority, carefully guiding the university system through a difficult and challenging period.”

Baughn left the position of president after five months to resume his retirement. However, in a short time he was again called to serve the university, becoming acting Boulder chancellor for ten months until July 1986.

President Baughn also served from 1990 to 1991.