Endowed dean’s chair granted at Truett Seminary

WACO, Texas — An endowed dean’s chair has been established at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, thanks to a gift in excess of $3 million from the estate of former ExxonMobil executive Charles DeLancey. 

Baylor officials said the Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Endowed Chair will enhance the university’s ability to attract and retain leading faculty for theological education. 

Eleanor McLerran attended Baylor University from 1935 to 1938, receiving her bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish. She married Charles DeLancey, a University of Texas graduate and exploration geologist with Humble Oil and Refining Co., in 1949. 

The family made Houston their home in 1959, where DeLancey enjoyed a long career with ExxonMobil before retiring in 1985. They were members of Tallowood Baptist Church, Houston. 

Throughout their lives the DeLanceys were generous supporters of Baylor.