Tom Sloane, who dedicated more than 40 years of his life to supporting students at West Virginia University and working to build a more inclusive campus, passed away on June 14 at the age of 79.
Sloane served the Division of Student Life in a variety of capacities before retiring in 2016, most notably as executive director of international and global affairs (2010-2016) and senior associate dean of students (1981-2010).
He also held positions as fraternity advisor, adjunct professor, residence hall coordinator, student conduct hearing officer and interim director of the Center for Black Culture and Research, among other roles.
During his tenure at WVU, Sloane oversaw global alumni relations overseas and was an important driving force behind the University’s international outreach. He recruited and mentored students from all over the world, and under his direction, the international undergraduate population tripled.
He also worked with the WVU Alumni Association to establish eight additional alumni chapters worldwide — Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Kuwait.
Sloane’s devotion to building diverse global learning opportunities is recognized throughout the world, and the support he has given international students has kept the WVU flag flying around the globe.
As the senior associate dean of students, Sloane oversaw the Office of Student Life, which included the Office of Judicial Programs, Office of Multicultural Programs, Off-Campus Housing Office, Commuter Student Programs, Student Advocate and Student Legal Services.
In this role, he made it his priority to foster a culture of compassion while managing student death and emergency responses. He also dedicated his time and energy to improving the University experience for African American and residence hall students, changing the Greek Life culture and establishing stronger standards of student conduct.
Additionally, Sloane served as an instructor in the Department of English and Intensive English Program where he taught English to more than 800 Japanese students.
In 1991, at the age of 53, Sloane became the oldest pledge in the history of the local chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, known as FIJI.
Sloane earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from WVU and his doctoral degree in student personnel work in higher education from The Ohio State University.
In a 2009 WVU Commencement address, Sloane said, “I really have been a Mountaineer all my life, born in Morgantown, WVU is in my blood. It has been my life.”
Sloane will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to WVU and the state of West Virginia, but also for his huge Beanie Babies collection, passion for pottery and attending concerts, and his daily trips to Starbucks.