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.