By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 25, 2025 – Dr. Fred Farias III, a lifelong advocate for higher education and a nationally respected leader in optometry and public service, has joined The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in two key leadership roles.

Farias has been appointed as the associate dean for External Relations at the UTRGV School of Optometry and associate vice president for Governmental Relations. In these positions, he will help expand the university’s external partnerships, advance strategic legislative initiatives, and promote UTRGV’s growing presence across Texas and beyond. 

Dr. Fred Farias III has joined UTRGV as associate dean for External Relations at the School of Optometry and associate vice president for Governmental Relations. In these roles, he will enhance external partnerships and advance strategic legislative initiatives for UTRGV. (Courtesy Photo)

In his new roles, Farias will engage with external partners in eye care, government and advocacy groups; oversee continuing education initiatives; and provide insight into clinical operations to outside stakeholders.

His appointment follows more than a decade of service on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he most recently served as chairman. He officially stepped down from the board earlier this month to fully dedicate his time to UTRGV.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Farias to our leadership team at UTRGV. His deep understanding of education policy, extensive relationships across Texas and his dedication to student success will greatly amplify our voice – not only in Austin but throughout the nation,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “With his leadership, we will continue expanding our mission to serve the Rio Grande Valley through innovation, collaboration and care.”

A native of McAllen and president and CEO of 20/20 Vision Care, Farias has been a longtime champion for South Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from The University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry and a Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations from Harvard University. Farias has collaborated closely with university and state leaders for more than a decade to support the region’s academic and economic development.

“I am honored to take on these new roles at UTRGV and to continue serving a university that represents the future of higher education in Texas,” Farias said. “The progress we’ve made in the Rio Grande Valley is just the beginning, and I’m excited to help lead UTRGV into its next chapter of growth and impact.”

During his tenure at THECB, the agency significantly shaped Texas’ higher education landscape through data-driven reforms and strategic investments, including support for more than 40 new UTRGV degree programs since the university’s founding. 

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Farias received the UTRGV President’s Medal of Honor in May 2024 – one of only six individuals to ever receive the university’s highest distinction.

Under his leadership, the THECB was recognized in 2023 by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association as one of the top higher education agencies in the country. The award highlighted the agency’s innovation, exceptional governance and successful launch of the Building a Talent-Strong Texas strategic plan – an ambitious initiative focused on aligning postsecondary credentials with workforce demands and improving economic mobility for students statewide.