TAMIU Sets Historic Investiture Ceremony April 13

Texas A&M International University will observe one of the oldest traditions in academia on Thursday, April 13 when it hosts its Investiture Ceremony for Dr. Pablo Arenaz, the University’s sixth president.

The Investiture Ceremony, themed “Going Beyond,” will take place in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a light reception and greeting celebration. For additional information on the Investiture Ceremony, click on the dedicated web site at tamiu.edu/investiture

The Investiture Ceremony harkens back to English universities and is thought to be an adaptation of the dignified ceremonies heralding knighthood. The word “investiture” comes from the Latin phrase for “dress in robe,” investitura. Today, utilized in academic circles, it denotes the ceremony accorded to recognize the individual who will don the University's insignia and regalia, figuratively and realistically leading the University forward.

The April 13 Ceremony includes multiple academic traditions and protocols.

An academic procession heralds delegates from other colleges and universities and members of TAMIU’s faculty. To select musical interludes, a processional is followed by an invocation, greetings from several University and community groups, and presentation of the symbols of office. This will be followed by a Presidential address, the singing of the Alma Mater, a benediction, and a celebratory recessional.  The Ceremony incorporates academic symbols including academic regalia, the University Mace and the University Medallion.

TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tom Mitchell, said the event is historically significant in the life of a University.

“The investiture of a President stands as one of the most significant events in the life of a University. Since its founding in 1970 to its identity today as Texas A&M International University, this University has been guided by five presidents, each leaving an indelible mark on the history of the University and the communities we serve.  The Ceremony installs the leader, our president, who will take us forward,” Dr. Mitchell explained.

Dr. Arenaz’ presidency was affirmed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in November 2016.

He holds his Ph.D. in Genetics and Cell Biology from Washington State University and an M.S. in Biology from the University of Nevada at Reno (UNR). His B.S. in Education was also earned at UNR. He conducted postdoctoral research at Temple University’s School of Medicine, Fels Research Institute. His academic appointments have included assistant, associate and full professor of Biology.

Prior to joining TAMIU as Provost in 2008, Dr. Arenaz served as Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate School at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Other UTEP posts included Vice Provost, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for the Colleges of Science and Engineering. His special UTEP appointments included program director for the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, Alliance for Minority Participation and Border Biomedical Research Center.

He has been active in securing research grants in excess of $35 million from the Carnegie Corporation of America, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, among others.

The author or co-author of 25+ publications and over 115 abstracts, his research interests have been tightly focused on cell cycle regulation of DNA repair gene expression, with particular interest in the observable physical characteristics associated with the so-called “mutator” phenotype and its relationship to cancer.

He is fascinated by the ever-growing intersections between science and business, and is personally committed to encouraging students of all ages to broaden their STEM experience and take on research opportunities no matter their chosen higher education degree journey.

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Arenaz’ family traces their ancestry to the Basque Country of northern Spain.

He has been married to Norma Arenaz for 29 years. The couple has four children: Jonathan, Cristina, Rebekah and Pablo III.

For additional information on the Investiture Ceremony, click on the dedicated web site at tamiu.edu/investiture, email prmis@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2180, or visit the University’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.

University information is also available online at tamiu.edu, and on social media sites on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.