Overview
- Houston Christian University announced Saturday that President Robert B. Sloan Jr. died suddenly that morning and Board Chairman Ramiro Peña offered condolences to Sloan’s wife and family.
- Heights Church issued a statement saying Sloan died of a massive stroke on July 3, a detail that differs from the university’s description and has not yet been reconciled by officials.
- Sloan led Houston Baptist University beginning in September 2006 and guided its growth into Houston Christian University with enrollment rising from about 2,133 students in 2006 to 4,693 in 2025 and new programs such as engineering and expanded divinity degrees.
- Before HCU, Sloan served as president of Baylor University from 1995 to 2005 where his Baylor 2012 plan and promotion of intelligent design drew sharp debate and a narrowly decided 2004 vote over his leadership.
- The HCU Board of Trustees said it will consult with university leaders and share further information as it becomes available, and the campus community is expected to face a period of mourning and administrative transition.