Houston Baptist University has changed its name to Houston Christian University announced President Robert B. Sloan during an open forum with faculty, staff, past and present trustees and students on Sept. 21, 2022.
“Houston Christian University more accurately epitomizes our student body and reflects the faculty, staff, alumni, and community we serve,” said Dr. Sloan. “We are committed to being a distinctively Christian university that welcomes all Christians to benefit from our excellent academic programs. This historic university appeals to people all across the spectrum of Christian denominational life, and this new name clarifies who we are,” said Dr. Sloan.
The renaming is part of a growth campaign to expand HCU’s residential campus to 4,200 students and online campus to 5,800 students.
“We want to extend the influence of our mission while also appealing to as many students as possible,” said Dr. Sloan.
According to Dr. Sloan, the University has considered a name change several times over the last 16 years, but in the last two years, a University task force of trustees arrived at this new name after two years of consideration, research, and prayerful review. On May 17, 2022, the Board of Trustees officially approved the switch.
The University is partnering with Carnegie, a leading higher education marketing and enrollment strategy firm “to take our brand of traditional Christian higher education to the next generation of students,” said Dr. Sloan.
During Wednesday’s forum event, Dr. Sloan also affirmed the University’s core convictions, saying HCU’s historic Christian commitments have not and will not change.
“We believe that authentic and faithful Christian higher education, rooted in a scriptural worldview, is ever more critical in a fractured society in need of reconciliation, hope, and healing,” he said.
“By changing to Houston Christian University, we are striving to be even clearer about our convictions. We are committed to Jesus Christ. We are committed to the Scriptures. We are committed to the Gospel and its power to draw all people to Christ. And we are committed to being ‘salt and light’ in the world,” said Dr. Sloan.
HCU’s mission statement is “to provide a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual and professional excellence as a result of our central confession, ‘Jesus Christ is Lord.’”
The recent name change marks the second time university leaders have changed the institution’s name. Originally launched in 1960 as Houston Baptist College by Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr., the University was renamed to Houston Baptist University in 1973.
Dr. Morris, one of the University’s “Founding Fathers,” enthusiastically approved the name change. “I believe the name Houston Christian University is perfect. I am especially proud that the word ‘Christian’ will be in the name since it truly represents who we are, a university where everyone is welcome,” said Dr. Morris.
“I am excited about the progress and plans, and I believe the Founding Fathers would have all approved as well,” said Dr. Morris. “I applaud Dr. Sloan and the Trustees. God bless HCU!”
For more information, visit HC.edu/HC.