My public career highlights and education:
My career in higher education spans nearly 35 years, including 17 years as a faculty member and 17 years as an administrator with progressive leadership and responsibility. Previous roles include serving as dean of the College of Education at the University of New Mexico and what was then the University of Texas-Pan American.
Prior to my appointment as third president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, I was the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at San Diego State University. While a faculty member at Texas A&M University, I received the Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching, which means a lot to me as students have always been and remain my north star. In 2013, I received the Texas A&M University College of Education & Human Development Outstanding Alumni Award.
Today, I am in year two of my role as president at A&M-San Antonio, and I believe becoming president here has been a meaningful accomplishment. We are well supported by the Texas A&M System and chancellor, and continue to make significant progress toward becoming a university of distinction. It’s humbling to be a part of this important foundational period of our institution.
What I like best about public service:
In many ways, I think of my profession not as a job, but as a calling. It’s an opportunity to contribute, make a difference and advance our community and our state. I see public service as a way to give back and to make a significant positive impact. Being an educator and later an administrator in higher education has given my life significant meaning and purpose, and I am humbled by the opportunities I’ve had to impact students’ lives.
Some of the best advice I have ever received:
Someone once said to me ‘we have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you talk.’ In my role, I listen. Getting input from others enables you to make sure that you’ve considered every factor and not overlooked important details. With collective input, you can take an already good idea and make it better and more effective. If you’re going to be a good leader, you have to be an even better listener and be open to new ideas.
Something I wish more people knew about higher education:
When it comes to higher education, I want people to know that we really believe in our work —that we are a critical catalyst to transform our communities with the human capital that’s needed to take on various roles and responsibilities. We also prepare students to have critical thinking skills and instill in them a sense of civic-mindedness and responsibility. We’re equipping people to make new discoveries and do groundbreaking research that will address critical societal concerns.
A current project or initiative that I am working on:
We’re developing new academic programs that address the workforce needs of Bexar County, the region and the state of Texas. As the university continues to experience record enrollment, we’re looking to develop programs in nursing, healthcare administration and engineering. One of our top responsibilities is to provide students with the skills and education they need to launch successful careers in these in-demand sectors. That is a very critical role that we play.
One thing people may not know about me:
That I love budgets! I could spend all of my time on budgets if I didn’t have so much else to do. As a public servant, I feel that I have a responsibility to use the resources that we’ve been given by the state as efficiently and effectively as possible. In my role as president, I’m a fiscal steward and strategist. I’m trying to get the biggest return on state investments to maximize our outcomes.