Message from the Provost: COS Leadership Transition

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, Dr. Vivian Incera announced her intention to step down as Dean of the College of Sciences effective the end of the Spring 2024 semester. It is with sincere respect and appreciation for Dr. Incera’s contributions to UTRGV that I make this announcement to our community.

As you know, Dr. Incera joined UTRGV in Fall 2019 and throughout the past four years has shown a noteworthy passion for UTRGV—collaborating with fellow deans, pursing excellence in all aspects of the college, and enhancing student success. Dr. Incera navigated the college during the COVID pandemic and advanced several projects, in particular the Stargate Technology Center, grant productivity which has included 1.2 million dollars from NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, and the recent start of the AgDiscovery Program for local high school students. Through it all, Dr. Incera has maintained her scholarly activities and output.

I wish her continued success in her transition back to a faculty role. I want to reiterate my continued admiration of her contributions to propel the College of Sciences forward in her time as Dean.

During the next few months, the Office of the Provost will be working with Dr. Incera and the administrative staff in COS to assist Dr. Frederic Zaidan, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, in assuming the post of interim dean on June 1, 2024. We will then begin planning a search to identify the next Dean for the College of Sciences at UTRGV. We will seek assistance from many of you during this process.

Again, my thanks to Dr. Incera for her leadership as Dean of the College of Sciences and a special thanks to each of you for all you do in support of UTRGV.

Sincerely,

Luis H. Zayas, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs