Dr. Dub Oliver Named ETBU President

East Texas Baptist University today named Dr. Dub Oliver, vice president for student life at Baylor University, as ETBU's president, effective June 1, 2009. He will succeed current ETBU President Bob E. Riley, who will retire next summer after 17 years as the university's president.

"Dr. Dub Oliver has done an outstanding job serving the student community at Baylor," said Interim Baylor President David E. Garland. "A powerful example of his commitment to our student body is his decision to remain at Baylor until we've concluded spring commencement exercises. Dub has always put students first.

"While we are sorry to see Dub leave Baylor, we know that he and Susie have committed this decision to prayer and are confident that the Lord is leading them in the direction of this new opportunity. Our prayers and our gratitude go with them," Garland said.

Oliver earned his bachelor's degree in education from Baylor in 1987, then went on to earn a master's degree in educational psychology in 1991 and his doctorate in educational administration in 2001, both from Texas A&M University. He joined Baylor as director of student activities in 1992, and became dean for student development in 2001. As dean, he was responsible for several areas of student life, including student activities, student involvement and campus recreation.

On June 1, 2005, Oliver was named assistant vice president for student life, before being named interim vice president a month later and vice president in July 2006. In that capacity, he has provided leadership for numerous departments and programs in the student life division, including the Academy for Leader Development and Civic Engagement, Baptist Student Ministries, Campus Living and Learning, Campus Recreation, Counseling Center, Health Center, Judicial and Legal Student Services, Multicultural Activities, New Student Programs, Student Activities and University Ministries.

"Dub has championed numerous projects that have been important to our progress such the growth and expansion of our living and learning communities, including our faculty in residence program, and the resurgence of Baylor Line camp," Garland said. "He has been a strong advocate for students and their representation and participation in decisions that affect them and he has worked hard to raise the bar in Student Life by establishing an on-going assessment for all departments in the division. He has also assembled a very dedicated and talented team in our Student Life area who will continue to ensure that Baylor provides a student life experience that is second to none."

Oliver has served as a visiting professor in Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, an adjunct professor in the School of Education and interim university chaplain. He was honored as a Mortar Board Outstanding Professor in 1995 and 2001. In addition, he was recognized among Baylor's Outstanding Executive Staff in 2001 and by the Baylor Alumni Association as an Outstanding Young Alumnus in 2004. Since October 2003, he has served as pastor of Canaan Baptist Church of Crawford.

His wife, Susie, is currently an adjunct faculty member and director of spirit and athletic traditions at Baylor. The Olivers have a daughter, Callie, who is a junior in high school.