Alabama college leader likely pick for University of Houston-Victoria's presidency Robert Glenn would take office after Vic Morgan's retirement

Candidates for president of University of Houston-Victoria: Three finalists are vying to be president of the University of Houston-Victoria, Linda Vaden-Goad, Javier Flores and Robert Glenn. Candidates for president of University of Houston-Victoria: Three finalists are vying to be president of the University of Houston-Victoria, Linda Vaden-Goad, Javier Flores and Robert Glenn. Photo: University Of Houston-Victoria Photo: University Of Houston-Victoria Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Alabama college leader likely pick for University of Houston-Victoria's presidency 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Robert Glenn, president of Athens State University in Alabama, has been named the sole finalist for president of the University of Houston-Victoria.

The UH System announced its pick Monday afternoon after interviewing three finalists on campus in the last month.

Since 2008, Glenn has worked at Athens State University, which like UH-Victoria has several thousand students. Athens State University is an upper-division institution, meaning that it does not enroll freshmen and sophomores. UH-Victoria made the transition from an upper-level institution to being a four-year university in fall 2010.

The Victoria Advocate reported that he is a Texas native who lived in San Antonio and Hurst growing up.

He has been a finalist for other higher education jobs in the past, including at Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Fairmont State University in West Virginia, according to local news coverage.

In both cases, he withdrew his name "because he did not feel the position was the right fit," the Advocate reported.

In a provided statement, UH System Chancellor Renu Khator called Glenn "knowledgeable" and "industrious," complimenting his background in student services and experience as a president.

"His impressive track record in higher education will strengthen both the University of Houston-Victoria and our entire UH System," she said.

If approved by UH's board, which next meets on Thursday, May 24, Glenn would replace Vic Morgan.

Morgan began serving as interim president in 2014, and he took the full-time job in 2016. He is the fourth president, including interim presidents, to lead the university since Khator took the helm in 2008.

Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com.