Keck Selected as A&M International's Fifth President by A&M Board of Regents

Dr. Ray M. Keck will lead Texas A&M International University as its new presidents beginning Sept. 1, 2001.

Dr. Keck's selection as A&M International's fifth president was confirmed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at their July meeting today in College Station.

Keck, the University's provost and vice president for academic affirs and former associate professor of Spanish, was the Board's selection for the post after a nationwide search that began in January after current president Dr. Charles Jennett announced his intent to retire.

Keck, who holds a Ph.D. In Spanish from Princeton University, was born and raised in nearby Cotulla.

Keck originally came to Laredo State University, now Texas A&M International Universtiy, in 1979. He worked at the Universtiy until 1983, serving as assistant professor of Spanish and assistant to the president. Keck returned in January1994 as associate professor of Spanish. He served as chair of the Department of Language, Literature, and Art, and professor of Spanish before being appointed provost and vice president.

He is the published author of Love's Dialectic: Mimesis and Allegory in the Romances of Lope de Vega (University of Mississippi Press). Lope de Vega, a Spanish writer, has been called the Shakespeare of Spain.

Keck is also an accomplished organist, with a specialty in J. S. Bach. He has performed as a guest artist across the State and nation and on numerous occasions with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra.

He is married to the former Patricia Cigarroa. The couple has three adult daughters: Teresa, Joyce, and Lacey.

Keck will begin his presidency effective Sept. 1, 2001. He becomes the University's fifth president. Previous presidents have been Dr. Billy Cowart, Dr. Manuel Pacheco, Dr. Leo Sayavedra and Dr. Charles Jennett.

For additional information, please contact the Texas A&M International University Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 956.326.2180.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu