Frederick G. Slabach
2011-2023
Frederick G. Slabach served as the 19th President of Texas Wesleyan University from 2011-2023. His inauguration was held on January 27 2012 and Madeleine Albright gave the inaugural address. Albright was the 64th United States Secretary of State.
Raised in Fernwood, Mississippi, Slabach received his Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College, Master of Laws degree from Columbia School of Law, and his Juris Doctor from University of Mississippi School of Law. Prior to his presidency, Slabach had 13 years of experience in legal education, serving as Dean and Professor of Law for Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Vice Dean and Professor of Law at Florida Coastal School of Law, and Interim Dean and Assistant Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law. Outside of higher education, Slabach also served in senior level positions in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development.
During the early stage of his presidency, Slabach resided in a dormitory on campus for more than a month to gain greater insight into the student experience on campus.
Inaugural events for Fred Slabach included the inaugural convocation; various receptions, luncheons, and concerts; guest speakers; an inuagural gala; prayer service; and a library display of student projects.
Photographs in this collection were taken by Glen Ellman, Meisa Keivanni, Sargent Hill, and Tom Pennington.
Frederick G. Slabach
A greeting from Harvard University Marshal Jacqueline O'Neill appointing Stephen R. Alton as the delegate to represent Harvard College at the convocation. Alton received his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education from Harvard University and was a Professor of Law & Associate Dean for Evening Division Programs at Texas Wesleyan School of Law.
The invitation to the inaugural gala. Louella "Lou" and Nicholas Martin were honorary hosts of the event held at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel with Madeleine K. Albright listed as a special guest. It was a black tie affair with music performed by Trey & the Tritones.
Nicholas and Lou Martin pose with Fred Slabach after receiving an award at the gala celebrating Slabach's inauguration. The Martin's are listed as Gold Sponsors in the gala program and were honorary hosts.
A Joakim Soederbaum and Professor of Theatre Art/ Speech and Dean of Freshman Success Joe "Pro Joe" Brown pose for a photo during the gala. Brown has taught at Texas Wesleyan University since 1978 serving as Chair of Theatre for 22 years, Dean of the School of Fine Arts for 5 years, and Dean of Freshman Success for 19 years. Currently, Brown is the Chair and Professor of Theatre Arts & Communication at Texas Wesleyan University.
Joakim Soederbaum was an international student from Sweden attending Texas Wesleyan University. After graduating from Texas Wesleyan University, he attended Texas A&M University School of Law.
Nicholas and Lou Martin pose for a photo at the inaugural gala celebrating Fred Slabach as the 20th President of Texas Wesleyan University. Nicholas and Lou's legacy with Texas Wesleyan University is one of great generousity. Their philanthropy has made the construction of various buildings possible, including Lou's Place, Baker-Martin House, and the Nicholas and Lou Martin University Center. In addition to their philanthropy, Lou Martin serves on the Board of Trustees. A tradition preceded by her grandfather, James B. Baker, and father, Edward L. Baker.
Melany Neilson dances with her husband, Fred Slabach, at the inaugural gala celebrating Slacbach as the 20th President of Texas Wesleyan University.
Fred Slabach poses with his wife, Melany Neilson, and their two sons and daughter. Neilson is a twice-published author and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1989 for her book, Even Mississippi. Neilson and Slabach met during his education at the University of Mississippi.
Fred Slabach and Madeline K. Albright sit together on the stage of Martin Hall during Albright's Presentation and Book Signing the morning of the inauguration convocation. Albright served as the 64th United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001 and was the first woman to hold that post. She also worked as an aide to Senator Edmund Muskie from 1976 to 1978 and a staff member on the National Security Council until 1981. Albright joined the faculty of Georgetown University in 1982. She wrote seven books including Madam Secretary: A Memoir, The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs, and Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Rememberance and War
The cross and bible bearer pose for a photo, waiting at the front of the procession before the inauguration convocation began.
Beverly Volkman Powells stands at the podium giving the Introduction of Guests during the inauguration convocation. Volkman Powell was the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the time.
The Wesleyan Wind Ensemble directed by Director of Instrumental Studies, Christine Beason, perform during the Inauguration of Frederick G. Slabach, 20th President of Texas Wesleyan University.
Fred Slabach's wife, Melany Neilson, sits with another attendee, and her children during Fred Slabach's inauguration.