Appointment of Dr. Can Saygin as Interim Provost and Executive VP for Academic Affairs
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, Dr. Luis H. Zayas announced in January that he will be stepping down as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the conclusion of the summer semester. I want to thank Dr. Zayas for his leadership and his record of substantive accomplishments. He has established a high benchmark for the next individual to serve in this role.
To ensure continuity and sustain our momentum during this transition, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Can Saygin has been appointed Interim Provost and EVP for Academic Affairs, effective May 18, 2026. Dr. Saygin will continue serving as Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College during this interim period. He will also work closely with Dr. Zayas to ensure a seamless handoff.
Dr. Saygin brings the experience and campus-wide relationships to guide Academic Affairs during this transition, having worked closely with our deans and faculty in his current roles.
Since joining UTRGV in August 2022, Dr. Saygin has helped drive progress in research growth, graduate education, and faculty support to keep UTRGV moving toward Carnegie R1.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Saygin on this appointment and in supporting him as he assumes this important interim role and helps guide our university through this transition.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President