Regents Name Dr. Christopher Maynard Sole Finalist for President of Texas A&M International University
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, TX — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today voted to name Dr. Christopher Maynard as the sole finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo.
“Dr. Maynard is an accomplished academic leader with a strong record of elevating student success, growing research and forging partnerships that open doors for students,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton, TAMIU plays a vital role in South Texas and along the border, and we believe he is the right person to lead the university into its next chapter.”
Chancellor Glenn Hegar recommended Dr. Maynard to the Board.
“The A&M System exists to expand opportunity and serve Texas. Dr. Maynard has spent his career doing exactly that—strengthening transfer pathways, supporting faculty excellence and aligning programs with workforce needs,” Hegar said. “I’m grateful to Regent Mike Hernandez and Regent John Bellinger and the search advisory committee for their work and to Interim President Juan J. Castillo for steady leadership during this transition.”
Under Texas law, regents must name a finalist at least 21 days before taking final action on an appointment.
Maynard said he is ready to get to work.
“I am deeply honored to join TAMIU’s faculty, staff, and community partners in our shared commitment to further student success,” Maynard said. “The education provided by TAMIU has the power to transform the lives of students, their families, and the entire region, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our campus and community partners as we embrace opportunities and move forward together.”
Dr. Maynard currently serves as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, an HSI/MSI enrolling more than 8,000 students. He previously served as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice Provost and Associate Vice Provost at Sam Houston State University. A tenured professor of history, Dr. Maynard has also held leadership roles as department chair and associate dean at the University of North Alabama and is a past president of the Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers.
At UH–Clear Lake, Dr. Maynard led successful accreditation reaffirmation, helped more than double sponsored-research funding and launched collaborations such as the Houston Spaceport Consortium for Research, Education and Workforce.
He holds a Ph.D. in U.S. Political and Diplomatic History and an M.A. from Louisiana State University, and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Lee University. His book, Out of the Shadow: George H.W. Bush and the End of the Cold War, was published by Texas A&M University Press.
A national search, led by Anthem Executive, delivered candidates to the chancellor and Board for consideration.
Dr. Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU’s sixth president (2016-2024), passed away unexpectedly October 3, 2024. Juan J. Castillo, TAMIU vice president for Finance and Administration since 2008, was named acting president shortly thereafter. In action Nov. 7, 2024, Regents voted to name Castillo Interim President.
Dr. Arenaz focused on enhancing academic quality, building research capacity and scholarship, and increasing curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students, including internship and research opportunities. He directed some of the University’s most dynamic growth, especially in STEM and the health sciences, and spearheaded the current $71.2 million campus construction of the Clinical Health Sciences Center and the expansion of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, projected to be completed this Spring.
In his State of the University address to TAMIU’s faculty and professional staff last week, Castillo reflected on his experience as Interim President as the University began its Fall semester.
“While I won’t say it’s been an easy year, it has been one of purpose and progress. We stayed true to our promise, and we remain committed to our mission of graduating our students to better lives, uplifting not just them, but their families and communities for generations to come. We have honored Dr. Arenaz’s legacy while embracing the future.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to be able to give back to our University and our community as TAMIU’s interim president. Guided by purpose, growing through change, our journey continues,” Castillo concluded.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the country, with an annual budget of $7.3 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth and the Texas A&M–RELLIS. The System serves nearly 170,000 students and reaches millions more through service, research and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the System fuels innovation, supports communities and drives Texas’ economy forward.
