TAMIU Names Whitfield as Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) announces the selection of Aleczander M. Whitfield as its inaugural Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students effective August 17.
A student affairs executive with more than 24 years of progressive leadership, he has built his career on relational leadership, developmental approaches to student conduct, and data-informed student success. At TAMIU, he will provide leadership across student life, student conduct, student support and wellness initiatives within the Division of Student Engagement, including oversight of areas such as the Office of Student Health Services, Kate Marmion Counseling Center, Disability Services for Students (DSS) and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).
“Aleczander Whitfield brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to student success, and a student-centered approach to his work,” said TAMIU Vice President for Student Engagement Rosalinda García, "His leadership will help foster a supportive and engaging campus environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. As our inaugural Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students, he will be an important partner in advancing our commitment to student well-being, belonging and success.”
Prior to joining TAMIU, Whitfield served as Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students at Hampton University, his alma mater, where he provided strategic oversight for Residence Life and Housing, Student Involvement and Leadership, and Judicial Affairs while leading crisis response, student conduct, and retention initiatives.
His earlier appointments at Hampton included Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Judicial Affairs and Housing. He is known throughout his career for building strong partnerships across campus to enhance the student experience. Whitfield has also held student affairs leadership roles at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, where he directed orientation programs, student leadership initiatives, residential life operations, and professional training programs.
He began his professional life as a high school instrumental music educator, leading award-winning band programs, an experience he credits with shaping his conviction that every student can excel with the right structure, encouragement, and accountability.
Whitfield said he is excited to join TAMIU and contribute to a university community committed to student growth and success.
"TAMIU offers a transformative experience where students can become the best version of themselves, and I am honored to join Vice President García and the Division of Student Engagement in that work," he said, "I look forward to knowing the TAMIU and Laredo communities deeply so that I can contribute meaningfully to the success and well-being of every student."
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Hampton University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, and he is completing a Ph.D. in Educational Management. His credentials include SafeZone certification and advanced sexual misconduct training through the Association for Student Conduct Administration's Gehring Academy. He is an active member of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (HELF), Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SACSA), and Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I).
For more information, contact TAMIU's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
