Messages from the Provost

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Messages From the Provost

Messages From the Provost

Appointment of Dr. Lucas Macri as Dean of the College of Sciences - December 19, 2024

Dear Collegues, I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Lucas Macri will become the next Dean of the College of Sciences at UTRGV, effective June 2, 2025.

Appointment of Dr. Jose Davila-Montes as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts - December 17, 2024

Dear Collegues, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jose Davila-Montes as the next Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at UTRGV. Dr. Davila-Montes is a Professor of Translation and Interpretation in the Department of Writing and Language Studies and has served as the Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts since June 2024.

New Webpage: Brightspace LMS Transition - December 12, 2024

We are proud to share that UTRGV's transition to Brightspace, a robust and user-friendly learning management system (LMS), is underway and currently on schedule for a Summer 2025 launch.

The Provost Post: December 2024 - December 9, 2024

As we enter the final weeks of the fall 2024 semester, I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for all your hard work in making UTRGV one of the best institutions in our state and nation.

Office of the Provost Holiday Message 2024 - December 5, 2024

Here's our Holiday card!

Change in Leadership - University Library - November 20, 2024

Dear Colleagues, I send this message to inform our campus community that Paul Sharpe, Dean of University Libraries, has informed me of his intention to step down from his position effective January 3, 2025.

College of Liberal Arts Dean Candidate Presentation - Dr. Jennifer Rathbun -November 18, 2024

Dear Colleagues , as a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. Jennifer Rathbun as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Rathbun.

Announcement of Vice Provost for International Study Programs - November 15, 2024

Dear Colleagues: With the growth of UTRGV, our international presence and scholarly programming have also advanced, creating opportunities for our faculty and students to do even more. It is for this reason that I have created the position of Vice Provost for International Study Programs.

College of Liberal Arts Dean Candidate Presentation - Dr. Patrick Barr-Melej - November 13, 2024

Dear Colleagues, as a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. Patrick Barr-Melej as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Barr-Melej.

College of Liberal Arts Dean Candidate Presentation - Dr. William Donner - November 5, 2024

Dear Colleagues, as a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. William Donner as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Donner.

College of Liberal Arts Dean Candidate Presentation - Dr. Jose Davila-Montes - November 1, 2024

Dear Colleagues, as a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. Jose Davila-Montes as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Davila-Montes.

Announcement: CLA Dean Finalists Campus Visits - October 29, 2024

Dear Colleagues, we are pleased to announce that we have identified four finalists for the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts Dean position. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process of Dr. Jose Davila-Montes, Dr. William Donner, Dr. Patrick Barr-Melej, and Dr. Jennifer Rathbun.

College of Sciences Dean Candidate Presentation - Dr. Lucas Macri - October 25, 2024

Dear Colleagues, As a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. Lucas Macri as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV College of Sciences. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Macri.

College of Sciences Dean Candidate Presentation - Dr. Timothy Huber - October 22, 2024

Dear Colleagues, As a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. Timothy Huber as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV College of Sciences.

Announcement: COS Dean Finalists Campus Visits - October 16, 2024

We are pleased to announce that we have identified three finalists for the UTRGV College of Sciences Dean position. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process of Dr. Timothy Huber, Dr. Lucas Macri, and Dr. Dan Knopf.

Message from the Provost: Compensation Updates - September 26, 2024

So far, the fall 2024 semester has been nothing short of remarkable. From being named the #1 University in Texas by Washington Monthly for the second straight year, to being honored by the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® program, it has felt like a monthlong celebration. These achievements speak volumes about the dedication and passion each of you brings to our university, and we want to thank you for being such a vital part of our success.

The Provost Post: September 2024 - September 18, 2024

By the time you receive this newsletter, we will have been back on campus for nearly a month. From my experience there’s nothing more exciting than to feel the energy as we all get into the swing of a new academic year. This time of year, I’m also reminded of what a privilege it has been to be your provost for a year and four months.

Message from the Provost: CHAPS Film Showcased at the STXIFF - September 11, 2024

I am excited to inform our campus community that the UTRGV Community Historical Archeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) Program’s wonderful documentary film titled, “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight,” has been selected as a showcase film for the South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF).

NEW Learning Management System Coming Next Summer! - June 12, 2024

We are excited to announce that UTRGV will be transitioning to Brightspace, a robust and user-friendly learning management system (LMS), over the course of the next academic year. To prepare for the Summer 2025 full launch of all courses in Brightspace, our implementation planning team will be working closely with the colleges and schools to ensure a smooth transition for faculty and students.

Message from the Provost: Appointment of Interim Dean for UTRGV Honors College - June 12, 2024

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Cristina Villalobos, Myles and Syliva Aaronson Endowed Professor in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences as Interim Dean of the Honors College, effective August 1st, 2024.

Message from the Provost: Change in Leadership for Honors College - May 20, 2024

It is with genuine respect that I send this message to inform our community that Dr. Mark Andersen, Dean of the UTRGV Honors College, has announced his intention to step down as Dean on July 31, 2024.

Announcement: Appointment of Dean for the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship - May 1, 2024

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Giorgio Gotti as the next Dean of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship (RCVCOBE). Dr. Gotti is a Professor of Accountancy and has served as the Interim Dean of RCVCOBE since August 2023.

Message from the Provost: CLA Interim Dean Announcement - April 16, 2024

I am pleased to appoint Dr. Jose Davila-Montes as the Interim Dean for the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), effective June 1, 2024. As you may know, Dr. Davila-Montes is a Professor of Translation and Interpreting in the Department of Writing and Language Studies and has served the college as the Associate Dean for Assessment since 2021.

Reminder: VCOBE Dean Finalist Feedback Surveys - April 10, 2024

As a reminder, Dr. Giorgio Gotti has been recommended as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Gotti.

Message from the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (April 2024) - April 9, 2024

I start with some much-deserved kudos to our colleagues in the College of Education and P16 Integration. Three faculty members — Professors Leticia De Leon, Rene Corbiel, and Maria Elean Corbiel — were awarded the 2024 AACTE Best Practice Award for the Innovative Use of Technology. Additionally, the Educator Prep Program was newly presented with two commendations from the State Board for Educator Certification for “Rigorous and Robust Preparation” as well as “Preparing the Educators Texas Needs.”

VCOBE Dean Candidate Presentation (Gotti, Giorgio) - April 5, 2024

VCOBE Dean Candidate Presentation (Hu, Qing) - April 3, 2024

As a reminder, Dr. Qing Hu has been recommended as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Hu.

VCOBE Dean Candidate Presentation (Stafford, Marla) - March 29, 2024

As a reminder, the search committee has recommended Dr. Marla Stafford as a finalist for the position of Dean in the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process for Dr. Stafford. They will be presenting to the campus community on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024.

Announcement: VCOBE Dean Finalist Campus Visits - March 25, 2024

We are pleased to announce that we have identified three finalists for the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship Dean position. We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in the interview process of Dr. Marla Stafford, Dr. Qing Hu and Dr. Giorgio Gotti.

Message from the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs - February 29, 2024

Hello again, Vaqueros! Here we are approaching the midpoint of the 2024 Spring Semester. From my many years in higher education, we know that faculty are just as eager as students to see spring break arrive. This past month has been a busy one, like most months, chock-full of meetings and events that keep me in awe of the hard work that every faculty, staff, and student produces to propel UTRGV forward.

Message from the Provost: CLA Leadership Transition - February 29, 2024

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.

Message from the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs(Luis H. Zayas) - January 22, 2024

Welcome back, Vaqueros! We concluded 2023 by celebrating 2,800 graduates over two days of inspiring and invigorating commencements. On a hot weekend in December, our graduates savored these special moments with their loving families, memorializing them with photos across campus in Brownsville and Edinburg. Those two days remind us that we are one university with one identity.

Previous Messages from the Provost

2024

2023

2022