Posted: 7/07/06
Houston Baptist University names interim president
HOUSTON—Houston Baptist Univer-sity trustees named Jack Carlson the school’s interim president, effective Aug. 1.
Carlson, recently retired vice president from SYSCO Corporation and deacon at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, has served as an HBU trustee more than 11 years and currently is chair of the board’s finance committee.
Diane Williams, chair of the HBU presidential search committee, announced Carlson’s appointment at a June 28 university forum.
| Jack Carlson |
HBU President Doug Hodo, who previously had announced his retirement effective June 30, will remain on the job until July 31.
“The members of the board of trustees feel we are indeed fortunate that Jack Carlson has agreed to serve at this very pivotal time,” Williams said. “His leadership skills, proven business acumen, commitment to HBU and strong Christian faith make him the perfect fit for this role. We are also thankful that Dr. Hodo has agreed to continue in the position through July to allow for a timely transition”
The board also appointed an executive management committee to help Carlson with the day-to-day responsibilities of the university, Williams said. Committee members are Don Looser, vice president for academic affairs; Richard Parker, vice president for financial affairs; and Sharon Saunders, vice president for marketing.
“I am truly honored and humbled with the confidence placed in me by the board of trustees,” Carlson said. “I have great respect for Houston Baptist University, its legacy and the impact it continues to have on the lives of its students, alumni and the greater Houston community.
“HBU has benefited from the exceptional leadership of Dr. Hodo, along with a dedicated faculty and staff. The focus on academic excellence in a Christian environment has been a mainstay of this institution. I look forward to working with the executive management committee and the entire university family during this interim period.”
Carlson worked 36 years with SYSCO Corporation, taking on corporate management responsibilities in real estate, construction, engineering, warehousing and transportation.
He was an officer in the corporation 29 years, most recently as vice president of real estate and construction.
During his tenure on the HBU board of trustees, he has served as chair of the building committee for three major campus construction projects—the Hinton Center, the Eula Mae Baugh Student Center and the expansion of the Rebecca Bates Philips Residence College for Women.
A native of Pampa, Carlson graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Carlson and his wife, Karen, have two children and five grandchildren.
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