About Guy Bailey
Born 1950. Guy Bailey is an American sociolinguist, university president, academic administrator and linguist.
Guy Hubert Bailey (born August 9, 1950) is an American sociolinguist and the 1st president of the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley. He was the president of the University of Alabama, his baccalaureate alma mater. He was previously the president of Texas Tech University and held earlier positions at Emory University, Texas A&M University, and Oklahoma State University, prior to serving as dean of liberal arts at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. From there he became provost of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before assuming the role at Texas Tech, he was the chancellor of the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
Education Bailey holds a bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Alabama and a doctorate in English linguistics from the University of Tennessee. He did postdoctoral studies at Emory University and Stanford University. He is the author of over 100 books and articles.
Career
University of Texas at San Antonio Before accepting the position of chancellor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Bailey served as the provost at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
University of Missouri–Kansas City Bailey's term as chancellor of the University of Missouri–Kansas City began on January 1, 2006. Bailey's wife, Jan Tillery, is a Texas Tech graduate who was raised in the Lubbock area.
University of Alabama
On July 11, 2012, Bailey was named the incoming president of the University of Alabama. His appointment began in early September 2012. On October 31, 2012, Bailey announced he was stepping down as president of the University, to focus on his wife's healthcare needs.
University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley
In 2014, Bailey was revealed to be a shortlisted candidate for the position of inaugural president of The University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley. He was announced as the sole finalist, and de facto incoming president, on 28 April 2014.
Work in linguistics Bailey is known nationally for his work in linguistics and has often researched jointly with his wife. One of his most notable projects is a long-term sociolinguistic study, in collaboration with Patricia Cukor-Avila, in the Brazos Valley of Texas.
Family Bailey has two adult children, Jordan and Brooks, from his first marriage. He was married to his second wife Jan Tillery-Bailey until her death on September 1, 2013.
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Important facts
People in Guy Bailey's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Guy Bailey's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Guy Bailey?
American sociolinguist
When was Guy Bailey born?
Guy Bailey was born on 9 August 1950.
What is Guy Bailey's occupation?
Guy Bailey is a sociolinguist, university president, academic administrator and linguist.
What nationality is Guy Bailey?
Guy Bailey is American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Guy Bailey. https://biography.guide/guy-bailey/
MLA: "Guy Bailey." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/guy-bailey/.
Chicago: "Guy Bailey." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/guy-bailey/.
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