HOUSTON – Texas Southern University named Dr. Austin A. Lane as its sole finalist to become the 12th president of the university.
"(Lane) embodies the skills necessary to position the university as a destination institution for those seeking innovative learning process through a stellar curriculum," TSU Board of Regents chair Derrick Mitchell said.
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Lane, who will replace Dr. John M. Rudley, will assume leadership at the university on or about June 7.
Lane previously managed seven campuses in the Lone Star System, with the smallest one educating 10,000 students.
Lane said his plan for TSU will be to strengthen student recruitment and enrollment, and to focus on retaining students through a four-year graduation plan.
Lane is a native of New Jersey, but attended Odessa Junior College in West Texas. He then went on to earn a bachelor of arts in psychology from Langston University, a masters in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Alabama.
Lane has worked at campuses that include Sam Houston State University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Arlington.
Lane and his wife have three children -- ages 19, 15 and 9 -- and are members of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston.
"The Board of Regents engaged in a dedicated and thorough search of outstanding candidates and Dr. Lane was clearly the right man at the perfect time in Texas Southern's existence," Mitchell said. "We look forward to receiving the benefit of his strong and progressive leadership to move TSU to the next level in higher education."