Fall Brings New Leaders, Faculty to TAMIU

In addition to over 5,000 students this Fall, Texas A&M International University will be welcoming new leaders and faculty members to the region’s fastest-growing campus.

Key administrative appointments recently confirmed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at their July meeting include a new University provost and vice president for academic affairs, new dean of student success and new vice president for administration and finance.

Approximately 25 new full-time faculty will also join the University this Fall.

“The University finds itself at a remarkable juncture of growth and change and we consider ourselves much blessed to have been successful in acquiring the considerable intellects, talents and experiences that these three individuals represent. Likewise, we are adding continued strength to our gifted faculty of scholars and researchers from around the world,” said Dr. Ray Keck, president.

University Provost Dr. Pablo Arenaz comes to TAMIU from The University of Texas at El Paso Graduate School where he served as vice provost for graduate studies and dean of the Graduate School.

Originally from Nevada, Dr. Arenaz holds a Ph.D. in Genetics and Cell Biology from Washington State University. His MS in Biology and BS in Education were both earned at the University of Nevada-Reno. The provost is the University’s chief academic officer. He follows Dr. Dan Jones, who accepted the presidency at Texas A&M University-Commerce this Fall.

Dean of Student Success Dr. Minita Ramírez, a Laredo native, holds her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University of Minnesota. Her MS in School Administration was earned at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and her BA in Secondary Education from TAMIU. As dean, Dr. Ramírez will oversee Recruitment and School Relations, Admission, Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Housing, Counseling, Student Health, Student Activities and Wellness/Recreation. Most recently, she was TAMIU’s associate vice president for Student Success and has been with TAMIU since 2000.

Another Laredo native, Juan J. Castillo, will be the University’s new vice president for finance and administration. He holds his MBA from The University of Texas at Austin and his BBA is also from UT-Austin. Prior to joining TAMIU, he was director of business operations and auxiliary services with the Lone Star College System’s Lone Star College-CyFair in Cypress, Texas.

As vice president, Castillo will be responsible for Human Resources, Budget, Physical Plant, Campus Police, Health and Safety, Purchasing and Support Services, Business Services, University Card Office and Athletics. The VPFA also manages the University’s auxiliary enterprises and contracts for facilities management, food services, bookstore and other outsourced services.

The Fall Semester at TAMIU begins Monday, Aug. 25. Registration is underway online. The last day to register is Friday, Aug. 29. Visit tamiu.edu/whatiwant to learn more.

For additional information, please contact the University’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library room 268, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu.

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