Message from the Provost: CLA Leadership Transition

Dear Colleagues,

It is with sincere respect and admiration that I send this message to inform our community that Dr. Walter Diaz has announced his intention to step down as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, to return to the faculty, effective the end of the Spring 2024 semester.

As you know, Dr. Diaz joined one of our legacy institutions as Dean for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2011 and was selected as the founding Dean for the College of Liberal Arts in the early planning stages for UTRGV.

As the longest serving dean at UTRGV, Dr. Diaz has left an indelible mark upon our institution and most directly, the College of Liberal Arts. Under his careful oversight this college, the largest academic college at UTRGV, has seen a number of important programs come to fruition. I have been excited to see the continued growth of the Master of Arts in Political Science and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, both of which became realizations during his tenure as dean.

I wish Dr. Diaz continued success in his transition back to a faculty role and reiterate my continued admiration of his tireless efforts to propel the College of Liberal Arts during his nine years of leadership.

During the next few months, I will announce the appointment of an interim dean and begin working with the college administrative team on a transition plan. We will then begin planning a search to identify the next Dean for the College of Liberal Arts at UTRGV and seek assistance from many of you during this process.

Again, my thanks to Dr. Diaz for his leadership as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts 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