Union University trustees named Samuel W. (“Dub”) Oliver as the university’s 16th president on Feb. 10.
Oliver, 48, who was president of East Texas Baptist University, was selected as David Dockery’s successor after a unanimous vote.
“Dr. Oliver is a man of strong Christian conviction who is theologically informed, passionate about students and highly respectful of the work of faculty members,” said Norman Hill, chairman of Union’s Board of Trustees and chairman of the search committee that selected Oliver. “His skills as an administrator and educator build on Union’s already established reputation for academic excellence, and we are honored and thrilled by this appointment.”
Dockery, who has served as Union’s president for the past 18 years, announced his plans to transition from university president to chancellor in January 2013.
As soon as this announcement was made, the Presidential Search Committee, consisting of board of trustee members, representatives of the university, and community representatives, was formed.
Oliver was one of more than 130 candidates considered for the position.
“We are deeply humbled by this call to serve at Union University,” Oliver said. “I am hopeful and enthusiastic about working with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university to extend, enhance and enlarge all that Union is — for the glory of God and for the good of humankind.”
Oliver has served as ETBU’s president for the past four years and will begin as president full time June 1.
In the meantime, he will begin his transition by spending time at the university this spring semester.
He has been married to Susie Combs Oliver 25 years this year and has a daughter, Callie, who is a senior at Baylor University in Texas.
