University Narrows Provost Search to Three
Texas A&M International University's national search for a Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs has been narrowed to three top candidates.
The final three include: Dr. Mauro E. Castro of Kingsville, Dr. Dan R. Jones of Houston and Dr. W. Harold Ornes of Cedar City, UT.
Jose Garcia, vice president for finance and administration and chair of the search committee, said the quality of the candidates is impressive.
"This has been an exhaustive national search and we believe it has rendered an impressive series of final candidates. We are confident that all are qualified to help lead our University's continued academic growth," he explained.
Interviews with the final three are now being scheduled and should take place in late October, he said.
Dr. Castro is associate dean of the School of Pharmacy at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He holds his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Texas A&M University. His M.S. and B.S. in chemistry were both earned at the former Texas A&I University. He has been a part of the TAMUK faculty since 1989 and has also served as chair, and professor in the chemistry department.
Dr. Jones is dean of University College at the University of Houston-Downtown. He holds his Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Iowa (UI). He also holds an MA in American studies and a MA in English from UI and Rice University respectively. A BA in English and a BJ in magazine journalism were earned at the University of Texas at Austin. He has been part of the UH faculty since 1985 where he has served a variety of posts including professor, chair, associate dean and interim dean.
Dr. Ornes is dean of the College of Science at Southern Utah University. He holds his Ph.D. in aquatic plant biology from Iowa State University. His MA in biology was earned at Truman State University (TSU) in Kirksville, Mo.
He also holds a BS in zoology and a BSE in botany, both also from TSU. He has been a part of the SUI science faculty since 1999 as professor or chair and previously was professor and chair at the University of South Carolina.
The Provost and Vice president for academic affairs is TAMIU's chief academic officer and as such is responsible for the maintenance, development and implementation of academic programs for the University.
For additional information on the provost search at Texas A&M International University, please contact Garcia at 326.2380, email to garcia@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Killam Library, room 269.
University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
.
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