WACO, Texas (ABP) — Expressions of gratitude and best wishes for the future of Baylor University greeted Robert Sloan's announcement he will step aside as the school's president to assume the chancellor's role.
Bill Carden, president of the Committee to Restore Integrity to Baylor, a group that has been critical of Sloan's leadership, expressed appreciation for Sloan's decision.
“I admire Dr. Sloan for admitting that Baylor University is far bigger than any one individual,” Carden said. “Those of us who have been critical of Dr. Sloan certainly would not say all that he has done has been bad or wrong, just as I'm sure those who have supported him would not say every decision has been good and appropriate. But that is all in the past.”
Sloan's supporters and his critics alike have been motivated by their deep commitment to “the greater good” of Baylor University, Carden said, and he expressed hope that the “wide breach” within the Baylor community could be healed in coming days of transition.
Under Sloan's leadership, “minds have been challenged, leaders have been raised up and lives have been changed,” said Baylor student body president, Jeff Leach. “I will be eternally grateful for the impact that Dr. Sloan has had on my life, and I know I speak for thousands of current students and graduates when I express my heartfelt gratitude for his service to our university.”
Leach expressed the student body's support for the regents “as they continue to lead the Baylor family through these times.”
Clifton Robinson, co-chairman of the Friends of Baylor, a pro-Sloan group, said: “On behalf of the thousands of members of Friends of Baylor, I want to first and foremost thank President Robert Sloan for his incredible contributions to Baylor University over the past 10 years.”
Robinson cited Sloan's accomplishments, including improved academic standing, upgraded campus infrastructure, increased enrollment, expanded faculty and doubled endowment.
“Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the implementation of the university's vision for the future, Baylor 2012,” he said. “All of this was accomplished while maintaining a clear Christian identity for the university.
“The entire Baylor family is blessed to have Dr. Sloan as chancellor of the university, and we look forward to his continued influence and leadership. We also congratulate our board of regents, and particularly its chairman, Will Davis, for their wisdom in these matters.”
Texas Baptists will unite behind the agreement Sloan and the regents reached, and they will join in praying for everyone concerned during the transition period, said leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
“Texas Baptists can come together around this positive decision,” said BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade. “Baylor University always has strived to provide quality education in a decidedly Christian context, and none of that will change with this transition.”
Wade, citing his friendships with Sloan and regents, said he has been saddened by the rancor and he desires for Texas Baptists to move forward. “I know the goal of everyone is to raise the level of excellence at Baylor, along with a desire to deepen its commitment to Christian truth and values,” he said.
Regarding Baylor 2012, the controversial 10-year plan that became the centerpiece — and often the lightning rod — of Sloan's administration, Wade said, “The Baylor family has reason to be grateful for Robert Sloan and the innovative challenge he set before the board and the Baylor community.”