Board Chairman Ramiro Peña released a statement on Saturday announcing that Dr. Sloan passed away unexpectedly on July 4.
Dr. Sloan led the university for over two decades, and under his presidency, HCU experienced unprecedented growth in student population and degree programs, campus construction and expansion, and national visibility, according to Peña.
"The heart and prayers of the university are with First Lady Sue Sloan, their children, and their grandchildren as they walk through this time of loss and grief," Peña said in a statement. "The Scriptures declare that 'to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ.' Today, President Robert Sloan's faith has become sight."
Details of Dr. Sloan's death weren't immediately available, but HCU's Board of Trustees said more information would be offered as it became available.