The Rev. Robert B. Sloan Jr., former president of Baylor University and current president of Houston Christian University, has died following a sudden health event. He was 77.
Houston Christian University officials say Sloan suffered a major medical emergency on Saturday, July 3 and died early the following morning.
"On behalf of Baylor University, I send our deepest prayers and condolences to the families of Houston Christian University President Robert B. Sloan Jr. and HCU community on his untimely passing," Baylor President Linda A. Linvingstone said in a statement released Saturday.
Sloan led Houston Christian University for nearly two decades, after taking the role in 2006. He is remembered for leading the university through the founding of the Houston Theological Seminary.
"The fingerprints of Dr. Sloan's leadership will continue to be upon the success of HCU for generations to come, and the the impact of his presidency will yield outcomes both measurable and eternal," HCU Board Chairman Ramiro Peña said.
In Waco, Sloan is remembered for his years at Baylor, where he served on the religion faculty before serving as the founding dean of George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He later served as the 12th president of Baylor University from 1995 to 2005.
"His greatest contribution was the adoption of Baylor 2012, a 10-year vision that placed Baylor on the path to become a top-tier university while remaining committed to our historic Christian mission. And that is where Baylor stands today," Livingstone said of Sloan's Baylor legacy.
Houston Christian University says a succession plan will move forward in the coming days, while the campus community takes time to grieve. Memorial service details have not yet been announced.
Both universities are asking for prayers for Sloan’s wife, Sue, their children and grandchildren, and the many students, colleagues, and communities touched by his life and leadership.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed Sloan's age as 75 at his death. He was 77.
