Texas Southern University hailed Dr. Austin A. Lane as the 12th president of the university starting this summer. The Texas Southern board regents chose Dr. Lane after how many months of reviewing more than 40 candidates. To secure the post, Dr. Lane presented a plan that impressed the regents.

Dr. Austin A. Lane To Drive Higher Enrollment at Texas Souther University

Dr. Lane apparently presented a 90-day plan which revolved around actively seeking students for the school. The board of regents was impressed as Dr. Lane did a good job of doing his research, Houston Chronicle reported. Driving in more students will lead to more funding which has been an issue at Texas Southern University.

According to the outlet, there was a 10 percent decrease in enrollment rate in 2014. This amounted to only about more than 7,500 students and a subsequent funding cut. In 2015, the increase was only about a 500 student increase but with Dr. Austin A. Lane, Texas Southern University is expected to have more students.

Dr. Austin Lane named the 12th president of Texas Southern University. https://t.co/DVEfEJAw5g

— Texas Southern (@TexasSouthern) May 17, 2016

Dr. Austin A. Lane is Experienced in Increasing Enrollment Rates

Prior to taking over Texas Southern University, Dr. Lane managed the Lone Star College system which has seven campuses under it. He was also the president of Lone Star Montgomery campus from 2009 to 2015, Chron.com shared. During his tenure, enrollment among full-time students rose to 20 percent or approximately more than 12,000 students. The number of graduates who received their degrees has doubled as well.

Dr. Austin A. Lane Plans to Strengthen 4-Year Student Retention

In addition to increasing student recruitment and enrollment, Dr. Lane plans to strengthen the student retention in Texas Southern University, according to Click2Houston.com. He aims for students in 4-year courses to stick through the course and graduate.