The Texas A&M University (TAMU) System is embarking in a new direction after implementing changes to the leadership hierarchy at two instructions. Among these new leaders, Dr. Christopher Maynards has been named as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M International University in Laredo and Dr. James Nelson Jr. as interim president for the newly inducted TAMU-Victoria.
Dr. Nelson’s appointment as interim president was announced in the same breath as the system’s approval for TAMU-Victoria to join as its 12th university. Previously known as the University of Houston-Victoria, lawmakers have been working toward transferring the institution to the TAMU System since early 2025.
Under the TAMU System, the university will be able to offer new degrees that were previously unavailable, such as engineering and agribusiness. University officials expect that operating under the TAMU umbrella will better serve students in rural areas and support the regional workforce.
Before officially assuming his responsibilities as interim president Sept. 1, Dr. Nelson served as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for the TAMU System. He played a pivotal role in the institution’s transition, providing essential leadership to ensure the change was seamless. He also previously served as director of the RELLIS Academic Alliance for nearly a decade and as dean of engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Dr. Nelson has a doctorate and Master of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Houston, as well as a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Dayton. He will operate as interim president while the Board of Regents continues their search for a permanent appointment.
Dr. Maynard’s selection as lone finalist for the presidency of Texas A&M International University in Laredo will be finalized after a customary 21-day waiting period. He currently serves as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Maynard was vice provost and associate vice provost at Sam Houston State University. He also held multiple roles as department chair and associate dean at the University of North Alabama and president of the Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers. He has a doctorate in U.S. Political and Diplomatic History and a Master of Arts from Louisiana State University.
Photo by 2C2K Photography, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, from Wikimedia Commons
