The American Spectator

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Tying Loose Ends at Baylor

By Hunter Baker on 7.30.08 @ 11:33AM

Back when I was a Ph.D. student at Baylor University, I became interested in and wrote about the controversy at the school over the presidency and vision of Robert Sloan. He intended to turn Baylor into the only comprehensive research institution among faithfully Protestant universities. Those articles appeared here, at National Review Online, and at Christianity Today.

Sloan was ultimately forced out because he was unable to tame massive protests from older faculty and constant assault from some alumni. Despite his resignation, Baylor still purports to follow the Baylor 2012 vision that was the centerpiece of his presidency. I now have the privilege of working for him at Houston Baptist University.

Last week, Baylor fired Sloan's successor and offered similar reasons about division on campus.

On another note, one of Sloan's primary alumni tormentors was sentenced to 20 years for investment fraud of senior citizens last month.

My advice to the board: Find your horse, the one you really want. Back him. Close your ears for five years.