Sloan becomes HBU president

Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr. assumed the helm of Houston Baptist University Sept. 1 after a vote by HBU's board of trustees at a special meeting Aug. 8. Ray L. Cox, trustee chairman, announced the selection.
He is the third president of the 2,300-student university since its founding in 1960. He succeeds Dr. E.D. "Doug" Hodo, who served from 1987 until his retirement in July. Dr. Sloan most recently served as chancellor of Baylor University, following his service 
as Baylor's president from 1995-2005.
"Dr. Robert Sloan is a renowned Christian educator, scholar and author, and he possesses the leadership skills and vision for Christian higher education that make him the perfect choice to lead HBU into the future," Cox said.
The new president said he was impressed "by the vision of the trustees, the dedication of the faculty and staff, the energy of the students, and the remarkable level of commitment on the part of Houston Baptist University alumni. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to come to HBU. The people that my wife, Sue, and I have met have been so welcoming and appreciative that we find ourselves humbled by their trust."
Trustee Diane Williams, who led the search committee that recommended Dr. Sloan as the sole candidate, called his selection a coup for HBU. "The search committee has been overwhelmed by the positive response we have received from the HBU administration, faculty, staff, alumni and students as well as university friends who met with the Sloans last week."
Dr. John Lilley, Baylor president, congratulated the Sloans and credited the former president for leadership on Baylor's Vision. "Baylor University's reputation for excellence in Christian higher education has been built by faculty, staff, students and friends who have given of their time and talents for 161 years. Robert Sloan has made a major contribution to that history in many ways, but Baylor 2012, our 10-year Vision, began during his presidency and may well be his greatest contribution. Its breadth and depth are such that it will serve as a guide for Baylor's future." 
HBU is an independent Texas Baptist university.