Messages from the Provost

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Cortez as Dean of Libraries. Dean Cortez brings over two decades of experience in academic librarianship and library administration, including more than a decade in leadership roles at UTRGV and its predecessor institutions.

Since January 2025, he has served as Interim Dean, overseeing all library services across the Brownsville, Edinburg, and Harlingen campuses. In this role, Mr. Cortez has managed a budget of approximately $5.8 million, supervised a robust team of professional librarians and staff, and led strategic reviews of library spaces to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and external stakeholders. He has also played a key role in facilitating partnerships, such as the Texas Alliance for Research on Sociological Issues (TARSI) Lab and has fostered collaboration across departments to enhance library services. 

Prior to this, Dean Cortez served as Associate Dean of Libraries for Resource Management, overseeing acquisitions, collection development, cataloging, serials, electronic resources, and library systems. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in budget management, policy development, and the implementation of innovative library technologies. Throughout his career, Dean Cortez has been committed to advancing library services, supporting student success, and promoting professional development within the field. 

He holds a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Texas, and both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from UTRGV legacy institution, The University of Texas-Pan American. Dean Cortez is an active member of the Texas Library Association and the American Library Association and has contributed to numerous professional committees and conferences. 

Please join me in congratulating Peter on this well-deserved appointment and in supporting his continued leadership of our university libraries.

Sincerely,

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