Texas A&M University System Forms Search Committee for Next President of TAMIU

John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, announced today the formation of a search committee to identify a new president for Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). The current president, Dr. Ray M. Keck, was recently appointed Interim President at Texas A&M University-Commerce, effective June 1, 2016.

“Dr. Keck has been an outstanding leader for Texas A&M International University, and it is important that we have leaders from the System, the university and the community conduct a thorough search to find his successor,” Chancellor Sharp said. “After identifying and interviewing candidates, the search committee will make three recommendations to me. I will then interview the finalists before presenting a sole finalist candidate to the Board of Regents.”

Elaine Mendoza of San Antonio, the vice chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, will chair the search committee. She will be joined by Regent Charles Schwartz of Houston. The committee will include the following community representatives: Betty Flores, Cliffe Killam, Linda LaMantia and Mercurio Martinez. It will also include the following members from the University: Vice President for Finance and Administration Juan Castillo, former Faculty Senate President George Clarke, Associate Professor Claudia San Miguel and Student Body President Jesus Padilla, who will serve as a non-voting member.

Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU Provost, was previously named Interim President, effective upon Keck’s departure. Sharp indicated that there is not a set timeline for the search or for the appointment of Keck’s permanent successor.

“The committee will start immediately and will conduct a nationwide search to find the very best candidate to be the sixth president of Texas A&M International University,” he said.

About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.2 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies, two service units and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 140,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, externally funded research expenditures exceed $932 million and help drive the state’s economy.

For more information, please contact Laylan Copelin, Texas A&M University System interim Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications, at 979.458.6425, 512.289.2782 (cell) or email lcopelin@tamus.edu