Executive Council
Executive Council Meeting Minutes
Date: July 13, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: KLM 270
Attendees
Executive Council members and delegates were present representing Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, Strategic Enrollment, Student Engagement, Institutional Advancement, Athletics, Staff Senate, Faculty Advisory Council, and Student Government Association.
President's Updates
Dr. Christopher Maynard
President Maynard opened the meeting by reaffirming the Executive Council's purpose as a campus-wide communication forum intended to increase transparency, collaboration, and information sharing among university constituencies.
To strengthen campus communication, official Executive Council minutes will now be prepared and published on the President's website. These minutes will be shared broadly with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders to provide timely updates regarding institutional initiatives, accomplishments, and upcoming events.
Board of Regents Visit
President Maynard announced that Regent Randy Brooks is scheduled to visit campus on July 14, 2026, to review ongoing campus development projects, including:
- Progress on the university's two new academic buildings is scheduled to open in fall 2026
- Recently completed tennis court facilities.
- Future campus infrastructure needs, including academic facilities and student housing expansion.
The visit provides an important opportunity to highlight the university's continued growth and strategic priorities.
Presidential Travel
President Maynard will attend the Lone Star Conference Presidents Meeting on July 16, 2026, in Denton, Texas.
President Maynard also announced that he will attend the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) New Presidents Academy during the week of July 20–24, 2026. The academy supports first-year university presidents through professional development and leadership training.
During his absence, Provost Dr. Claudia San Miguel will oversee campus operations.
Campus Events
The President encouraged campus participation in several upcoming events, including the Tecos Game, Little Shop of Horrors Musical, community partnerships, athletics-related activities, and university cultural programming throughout July.
Academic Affairs/Provost
Dr. Claudia San Miguel
Accreditation Update
Dr. Ariadne Gonzalez - The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) will transition to the name Commission on Colleges and Universities effective September 1, 2026.
University accreditation remains unchanged, and departments were advised to begin incorporating updated branding into future recruitment and marketing materials as guidance becomes available.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean
Dr. Elda Ramirez - Nursing Dean reported significant growth in graduate nursing program enrollment. Admissions processing improvements have eliminated previous bottlenecks, resulting in strong enrollment performance across multiple nursing pathways.
Library Dean
Eva Morales - The Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library will host a Scholars Café event on July 30 designed to encourage graduate student research engagement and scholarly collaboration.
College of Arts and Sciences Dean
Dr. Marcus Ynalvez - The university celebrated several recent research accomplishments, including:
- A National Science Foundation award supporting autonomous water-quality monitoring research.
- Multiple Research Excellence Fund awards supporting interdisciplinary research initiatives.
- Development of a strengthened pre-law pathway that includes collaboration with members of the federal judiciary and plans for a new academic offering beginning in Spring 2027.
Vice President-Finance & Administration
Dr. Lee Banda
Human Resources Updates
Updates were provided to Vice-Presidents regarding:
- Merit increases.
- Promotion salary adjustments.
- Equity and compensation reviews are currently underway.
Leadership Searches
The national search for a Chief Human Resources Officer has been reopened with the assistance of Anthem Executives, an executive search firm to strengthen candidate recruitment.
The search for an Assistant Vice President for Campus Operations also continues, with interviews expected in the coming weeks.
Facilities and Campus Improvements
University leadership recognized Facilities Services and Marketing and Communications staff for their successful implementation of the university's smoke-free campus initiative.
Former smoking pavilions have been repurposed as covered waiting areas for students and visitors.
Additional summer projects underway include:
- Sidewalk and pedestrian-safety improvements.
- Campus beautification and maintenance projects.
- Coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation regarding future roadway construction affecting campus access.
All major pedestrian improvement projects are expected to be completed before the start of the Fall 2026 semester.
Vice President-Strategic Enrollment
Mr. Juan Garcia, Jr.
Enrollment leadership reported positive trends across multiple categories.
Highlights include:
- Projected summer enrollment growth compared to the previous year.
- Continued increases in student credit-hour production.
- Reduced numbers of students with incomplete admissions requirements.
- Significant growth in transfer student enrollment.
- Strong participation in recent recruitment and open-house events.
President Maynard emphasized that enrollment remains a campus-wide responsibility and plays a critical role in future state funding, budgeting, and resource allocation.
Financial Aid Updates
The Office of Financial Aid continues student outreach efforts related to financial aid awards and federal aid process changes.
SAT Testing Center Designation
TAMIU is now an approved SAT testing site and will begin hosting SAT examinations on campus.
International Student Support
Enrollment Management staff reported outreach efforts to students from Venezuela following recent developments in that country, confirming continued support and communication with affected students.
Vice President-Student Engagement
Ms. Rosalinda Garcia
New Student Orientation
Summer orientation programs continue successfully with ongoing improvements based on participant feedback.
Sensory Room Initiative
A new sensory room will open this fall within Disability Services. The space is designed to provide students with a supportive environment for stress reduction and sensory regulation.
Dean of Students Search
Final candidate interviews are underway, and a hiring decision is anticipated soon.
Student Success Summer Academy
Through grant funding received from the Chancellor's Century Council, TAMIU will host a two-week Summer Academy focused on:
- Career readiness.
- Professional communication.
- Networking.
- Academic and career planning.
Participants will receive stipends to encourage participation and access.
TAMIU has successfully received funding through all three quarterly rounds of the Chancellor's Century Council grant program.
Vice President-Institutional Advancement
Jay Zambrano
President Maynard formally welcomed Jay Zambrano as TAMIU's new Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
Institutional Brand Review
The Division of Institutional Advancement has launched a comprehensive review of the University's:
- Brand identity.
- Institutional messaging.
- Visual presentation.
- Market positioning.
Marketing and Communications Search
A search is underway for an Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications.
Presidential Investiture
Planning continues for President Maynard's Investiture activities scheduled for September 18, 2026. Events will include campus celebrations, community engagement opportunities, and institutional recognition activities.
Athletics Interim Director
Mr. Henry Miller - Athletics reported ongoing progress regarding facility planning and student-athlete recruitment efforts.
Mr. Miller also announced upcoming youth camps, including a women's softball camp on July 20–21, 2026, and a men's soccer camp on July 22–23, 2026, as part of the department's summer outreach and recruitment efforts.
Additional updates included:
- Fall athletics preparations.
- Continued enhancement of student-athlete support and development initiatives.
Staff Senate
Laura Elizondo - President
Staff Senate President announced a staff appreciation brunch planned for August 3, 2026, as part of its employee engagement initiatives.
Ms. Elizondo also reported:
- Proposed by law revisions.
- Open enrollment informational sessions in partnership with Human Resources.
- Employee appreciation initiatives.
- Staff Senate July Meeting, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 1 pm, on TEAMS.
- New Staff Senate Officers will be announced during the July 14, 2026, meeting.
- New Staff Senate Officers will be sworn in in August
Faculty Advisory Council
Dr. Andy Hillburn - Associate Presiding Officer
No updates.
Student Government Association
David Sosa - President
Student Government Association provided updates on:
- Development of pre-law student engagement opportunities.
- Participation in leadership and professional development activities.
- Support for the Dean of Students search process.
- Planning for officer retreats and fall student engagement initiatives for August 18-19.
- Student outreach and awareness efforts in collaboration with campus partners.
Open Floor
Additional reminders were shared regarding upcoming orientation activities, student recruitment efforts, and preparations for the start of the Fall 2026 semester.
President Maynard thanked all university employees for their continued dedication to student success and institutional excellence.
Upcoming Calendar Events
- July 14 – Staff Senate Meeting, 1 p.m. (Teams)
- July 14 – Regent Randy Brooks Campus Visit
- July 15 – Dusty Camp II, 9:30 a.m., FPA Recital Hall
- July 27 – Executive Council Meeting, 1:00 p.m., KL270
- July 30 – Dusty Camp III, 9:30 a.m., FPA Hall
- August 3 – Staff Appreciation Brunch
- August 4 – Dusty Camp IV, 9:30 a.m., FPA Recital Hall
- August 7 – Summer Schedule Ends
- August 10 – Systemwide Strategic Plan Campus Visit
- August 10 – Executive Council Meeting, 1:00 p.m., KL270
- August 19 – Faculty and Administrators Staff Assembly
- August 19 – Fall Mixer, 5 – 7 p.m., Killam Great Room
- August 22 – Transfer Orientation, 9:30 a.m., FPA
- August 24 – First Day of Class
- August 24 – Executive Council Meeting, 1 p.m., KL270
- August 26 – Staff Birthday Lunch, 12 p.m., WHTC 111