Office of the President

EC Minutes 08.10.2026

Executive Council Meeting - Meeting Minutes

Date: August 10, 2026

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: KLM 270

Presiding: Dr. C. Maynard, President

Attendees

Per the agenda roster, the Executive Council membership includes:

Banda, K. Casares, L. Elizondo, J. García, R. García, A. González, A. LaPlant, C. Maynard, H. Miller, E. Morales, J. O'Meara, M.R. Palacios, L. Perez-Batres, A. Ramirez, C. San Miguel, D. Sosa, M. Ynalvez, J. Zambrano

Delegates: Andy Hilburn (Faculty Advisory Council), Mildred Valdez (Student Government Association) Angelica Michelangeli (Nursing and Health Sciences)

I. President's Updates - Dr. Christopher Maynard

Meeting Minutes / Transparency Initiative

Dr. Maynard announced the launch of official EC meeting minutes to be posted publicly on the President's website. The link is accessible from the President's Office homepage and will serve as a permanent, ongoing record of EC proceedings for all campus constituency groups. Link to EC minutes: www.tamiu.edu/president/executive-council.

Board of Regents and Legislative Session

• A Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for the first week of September, with committee meetings to precede it. Several VPs will also be involved.1
• The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) presentation is anticipated for late September. Maynard will present TAMIU's full budget request before the LBB; this is a critical step in setting the university's legislative priorities for the upcoming session.2
• The legislative session is effectively underway, with committee meetings having started over the Both the President and Provost will make trips to Austin to advocate for funding and building requests.
• Student Engagement in Austin: The university is working with the system office and government relations team to create opportunities for students to participate in the legislative process during the spring session, serving both as a learning experience and as an advocacy tool.2

First Week of Classes - Visibility Initiative

Dr. Maynard echoed the Provost's call for all division leaders to maximize campus visibility during the first week of class (August 24). All staff and faculty are encouraged to be present, approachable, and proactive in greeting and assisting students.

II. Provost and Academic Affairs - Dr. Claudia San Miguel

• First Week of Classes Policy: Deans were reminded (as previously communicated 2-3 weeks prior) to avoid scheduling college or department meetings during the first week of classes unless absolutely necessary. The priority is for leadership to be visible and accessible to help students navigate the university.

Items from Dean O'Meara (Institutional Advancement / Academic Affairs):

• Fidelity Charitable Trust: TAMIU has been identified as a potential regional intermediary through a referral from the Laredo Area Community Foundation. A convening was held with community leaders, donors, and nonprofit representatives to assess Laredo's needs. Areas of opportunity include donor engagement (Advancement), Student Philanthropy Association (Student Affairs), Alumni Relations, and QEP experiential learning. A follow-up conversation and potential planning grant are anticipated.
• PONY League Partnership: TAMIU hosted the PONY League (Protect Our Nation's Youth) World Series athletes and coaches. The event generated significant recruitment interest - parents inquired about admissions, scholarships, and on-campus housing. The bilingual parent safety briefing was particularly well received. A more intentional, programmatic approach is recommended for next year, incorporating QEP, Student Affairs, Athletics, and Enrollment. The softball league (larger than baseball) is targeted for next year's partnership.

Items from Dr. Ynalvez (College of Arts and Sciences):

• Interim Chair Appointment: Paul Niemeyer (Professor of English) has been appointed as Interim Chair of the Department of Humanities, replacing Dr. Andrew Hazelton.6
• Planetarium Speaker: Ralph McNutt from Johns Hopkins University will present on October 14 on the challenges and opportunities in space science. A luncheon hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences will follow the next day to explore further collaborations with Dr. McNutt and sponsor Mr. Manuel Benavides.
• Pre-Medical Pipeline: Dr. David Garza (University of Pittsburgh) met with the COAS team (psychology and biology) to develop a pipeline for TAMIU graduates to pursue MD and DO medical degrees. Conversations are ongoing and a formal, institutionalized partnership is being explored.

Items from Dr. Perez-Batres (College of Business):

• AACSB Latin American Summit: TAMIU has been invited to the inaugural AACSB Latin American Summit, with approximately 150 universities expected to participate from Latin America, the United States, and Spain.
• PNC Grant: TAMIU is set to receive a $150,000 PNC grant disbursed over three annual installments, designated for the Banking Academy (including financial literacy initiatives benefiting the broader university).

III. V.P Finance and Administration - Dr. Lee Banda

• New Associate VP: Carlos Bella has been named Associate VP for Campus Operations and Planning, effective September 1.
• Fiscal Year-End Close: The university is preparing for the fiscal year-end close and transition into the new budget Budget planning for FY2027 and FY2028 will begin in November, a period when three fiscal-year budgets overlap.
• Chief Human Resources Officer Search: The job posting for the CHRO position is expected within the next few weeks; a search firm is finalizing the position.
• New Buildings Update: Both new buildings experienced a minor flooding setback but the issue was resolved promptly. Move-in began the prior Monday and is proceeding smoothly. Both buildings - including the Health Sciences Building - will be open for the start of the semester. Some finishing work (lighting panels, piping) will continue, but will be done over weekends to minimize disruption. Ribbon cuttings for both buildings are planned during Investiture Week. Rooms in both buildings (including multipurpose spaces) are available for reservation, though projectors may not yet be fully installed.

IV. V.P. Strategic Enrollment - Juan G. Garcia, Jr.

• Enrollment reporting is based on current standings; updated senior classifications (from students who completed summer hours) are pending and expected by the end of the day or the following morning.
• Concurrent enrollment from Garcia ECHS (Early College High School) was captured earlier than in prior years, partially accounting for an enrollment surplus; net enrollment is less than 100 students below last year's comparable figure (vs. ~200 the prior year). The goal of 8,500 students by the end of the day/next day was noted.
• Record Summer Enrollment was confirmed - the largest summer enrollment in TAMIU history.
• Enrollment Milestones Reached: 1,400 freshmen registered (goal: 1,475 by census day); 400 new transfer students; 1,400 graduate students registered.
• Community Outreach Events: Enrollment Management and Athletics partnered on Saturday events at the Outlets (~4,000 attendees), and a community registration drive at Golondrina Complex resulted in 12 new student registrations.
• International Students: A large cohort of international student-athletes are arriving; a new student orientation was held for arriving international athletes. A student from Kenya completed TSI testing on Friday and is now registering.
• Financial Aid / Scholarships: Continuous re-awarding and new scholarship appeals are ongoing for incoming students.
• Diploma Party: Scheduled this Friday, August 14, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the ZSC for summer graduates.12
• Athletic Director Search: Virtual interviews will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
• TAMIU Open House: Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - all services available (skeleton crew); coincides with the final Transfer Dusty Camp.
• Dr. Maynard emphasized that enrollment is a university-wide responsibility and encouraged all divisions to remove roadblocks and actively recruit, noting this is a base year affecting legislative funding.

V. V.P. Student Engagement - Rosalinda Garcia

• Final Dusty Camp: One more Dusty Camp remains (Thursday-Friday, next week). Anticipated smaller attendance (~under 100 students).
• Transfer Orientation: The second Transfer Orientation is scheduled for Saturday before the first day of class.
• Record Dusty Camp: An earlier Dusty Camp this summer set a record, exceeding the 350-student cap.
• Dean of Students Search Concluded: Mr. Alexander Whitfield (from Virginia) has been selected as the new and first Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students. He begins on Monday, August 17. Feedback from the search process was unanimously positive.
• Office Relocation: The Student Engagement suite is relocating from the current STC space to STC 118 (former Continuing Education location). Room STC 119 will be converted into a large conference room (~size of the current meeting room), available to all campus units.
• SACS Financial Literacy Reminder: R. Garcia reminded attendees that SACS accreditation standards require documented financial literacy education; all activities in this area should be tracked for the upcoming SACS review

VI. Institutional Advancement - J. Zambrano

• Brand Audit and Marketing: Discussions are underway with three marketing firms to conduct a brand audit, refine messaging, and explore logo/identity refinements to broaden TAMIU's presence beyond Laredo - targeting San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas.
• AVP Search: A search firm will be engaged to ensure a larger, stronger candidate pool for the AVP of Marketing position.
• Naming Opportunities and Donor Engagement: Collateral materials are being developed to highlight naming opportunities in new and existing buildings. Guided tours for prospective donors are being planned around Investiture Week events.
• Investiture - September 18, 2026: Maynard will be formally honored as TAMIU's seventh president. A dinner is planned the evening of September 17. Physical invitations are going out by end of week. Sponsorship is building - one sponsor confirmed, two more in discussion. The entire week is framed as a fundraising and relationship-building campaign.
• Social Media / Communications Push: Upcoming campaigns include registration reminders, first-day-of-class messaging, Dusty Alert app downloads, payment reminders, diploma party promotion, and Move-In Day outreach. All EC members were encouraged to share and amplify these messages.

VII. Interim Director of Athletics - Henry Miller

• Community Outreach - Outlets of Laredo Event (Saturday): Women's basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams participated in a highly attended event at The Outlets (est. 4,000 attendees). Signed autographs, took photos, and engaged with the community. Enrollment Management co-sponsored; supply of materials ran out due to high turnout - better preparation planned for next year.
• UISD/LISD Coach Meet and Greet (Thursday evening, La Villita): Good reception despite lower-than-expected turnout due to football practice Next year, event timing will shift to 8-10 p.m. to accommodate football coaches.
• Student-Athlete Compliance Meeting: 89 student-athletes attended; Title IX, mental health, and federal rule briefings were Approximately 35-36 international athletes in this cohort. Next compliance meeting is August 23, expected to include ~120-125 additional athletes.
• Campus Camps (Saturday): Women's basketball camp and baseball camp were held on
• Physicals and Practice: All physicals are completed; teams are in practice.
• Welcome Back Event: Scheduled for August 23 at 4 p.m. - Dr. Maynard and Provost San Miguel are invited.
• Soccer Exhibition - TAMIU vs. UTRGV: Scheduled for this Saturday at 7 p.m. All EC members are encouraged to attend.

VIII. Staff Senate - L. Elizondo

• August Staff Senate Meeting: Tuesday, August 11 at 2 p.m. (Teams). New officers will be sworn in.
• Bylaw Updates: Bylaws were updated and approved in July; a HealthyU representative has been added to the Staff Senate Board to foster wellness programming partnerships.
• The Summer Staff Brunch was well received, particularly for being held The Healthy U ice cream social also saw a positive turnout.
• Plans are in progress to partner more closely with the TAMIU Alumni Office to engage staff who are also alumni.
• Leadership Transition: Elizondo will transition from President to Past President; Maricarmen Salinas will assume the role of Staff Senate President for the new year.

IX. Faculty Advisory Council - A. Hilburn (Delegate)

• A planning meeting was held the prior week with George Clark and Cynthia Sosa to organize the FAC agenda, which will be submitted within the week.
• FAC meetings are expected to begin in the first week of September. Members expressed enthusiasm about the new academic year.

X. Student Government Association - M. Valdez

• Open Senator Positions: Three Senate positions were opened earlier today; senators will be introduced at the first Senate meeting on August 31. A new rule bars senators from holding dual roles within SGA to expand participation opportunities.
• SGA Restructuring: Bylaws and constitution (last updated in 2024) are being revised to reflect updated organizational needs and new positions. SGA retreat is next week; officer manuals are in development.
• Budget Review: SGA is preparing its FY2026-2027 budget, reviewing priorities and major upcoming events.
• Meet Your Student Body President Event: SGA will participate in student engagement recruitment events; three professionals are lined up for the All Major Student Networking
• PAC City Council/Mayoral Debate: PAC is planning to host a city council and mayoral debate at TAMIU - a student engagement and civic learning opportunity.
• Dusty Camp and NSO Presence: SGA was present at every Dusty Camp this summer and will continue at the Final Dusty Camp and New Student Orientation, noting strong prospective student interest in joining SGA.

XI. Open Floor

• Professional Skills Session: Dean, Dr. Perez-Batres, highlighted enthusiastic student engagement at a professional skills workshop organized by Student Engagement; discussion followed on how to funnel these students into student organizations. 27
• Maynard reported receiving personal thank-you emails from virtually every student who participated in a session he attended.

XII. Closing Remarks - Dr. Maynard

Dr. Maynard shared reflections from AASCU for a national convening of new university presidents in California, noting that many peer institutions are facing severe state funding cuts and enrollment declines. By contrast, TAMIU's challenges are manageable, and its position within the Texas A&M System provides a strong foundation. He closed by reaffirming the university's commitment to student success and encouraging all staff to remain student-focused as the semester begins.

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