Frederick G. Slabach

Frederick G. Slabach began serving as the 20th President of Texas Wesleyan University on January 1, 2011. Almost immediately, Slabach conducted listening sessions with faculty, staff and students. To gain even greater insight into the student experience, he resided on campus for over a month.

"I wanted students to know that we are committed to campus life," said Slabach. "Now when students say ‘This is what we think the University ought to be doing to enhance the quality of campus life,’ I can filter that through my personal experience."

Slabach next redefined the University’s strategic vision to position Wesleyan as a values- and student-centered university where students prepare for graduate school and leadership in professional careers.

"We know that professional employers seek individuals who have attained the essential skills of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and creative problem solving," said Slabach. “These are also the same skills required for admission to graduate professional programs. We believe the best way to learn these skills is in a liberal arts setting through intentionally small classes led by gifted faculty. And that is exactly the educational environment that Wesleyan has to offer.

“I am excited to be a part of such a vibrant and thriving university that combines an exceptional undergraduate experience with excellent graduate programs."

Slabach was previously Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation in Washington, D.C. Mr. Slabach is also a former Dean and Professor of Law for Texas Wesleyan School of Law.

As CEO of The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, Slabach presided over a national federal government foundation dedicated to providing scholarships to exceptional college students committed to careers in public service. Along with the Rhodes, the Truman Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships awarded to students in the United States. Slabach was responsible for the selection process and all programming of national scholarships as well as the financial management of the $55 million trust fund.

Slabach has 13 years of experience in legal education, including service as Dean and Professor of Law for Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. He also served as Vice Dean and Professor of Law at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, as Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Law at Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, California, and as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law.

Slabach also has 13 years experience in senior level positions in federal and state government, including Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Relations and Counsel to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Deputy Director/General Counsel, John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development.

Slabach earned his LL.M from Columbia University School of Law, his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law, and his B.S. from Mississippi College. He is married to the Pulitzer Prize nominated author, Melany Neilson. They have twin sons and a daughter.

Frederick G. Slabach

President and Professor of Law

Texas Wesleyan University
1201 Wesleyan
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
817-531-4401