Editor's Note: UTSA President Taylor Eighmy sent this email to UTSA faculty and staff today.
(Dec. 12, 2018) -- Dear Roadrunners,
I am writing to share some changes to our Academic Affairs division.
Last March I created two Interim Vice President positions to stand up Presidential Initiatives on Student Success and Strategic Enrollment and establish new campus divisions dedicated to these areas. Dr. Rhonda Gonzales and Dr. Lisa Blazer have done outstanding jobs in these interim roles.
With our Integrated Student Success and Strategic Enrollment plans now in place, the time is right to evaluate the best organizational location for these two important units. Over the last several months it has become clear to me that full integration into our academic enterprise is key to maximizing our effectiveness in these areas.
As a result, I have decided to transition these two positions to report to Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In January we will embark on national searches to fill these two roles, and I have encouraged both Rhonda and Lisa to become candidates. Both positions will continue to serve on UTSA’s Senior Leadership Team.
Academic Affairs, Student Success and Strategic Enrollment already work very closely together due to their multiple points of intersection. This new organizational structure—a common model found at many UT System and peer model institutions—formalizes their relationship as a cohesive team, facilitating broader faculty engagement throughout these areas and full alignment across academic program delivery.
I am proud of the excellent work Lisa and Rhonda have done with their teams over the last nine months. Under their leadership, we have already made significant progress toward our ambitious enrollment, retention and graduation rate goals. I am looking forward to their ongoing contributions as we continue to move the dial in these areas that are so vitally important to UTSA’s future.
With appreciation,
Taylor Eighmy
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The YWCA of San Antonio will host Heidi Rueda of UTSA’s Department of Social Work and other panel members in a discussion of teen dating violence.
503 Castroville Road, San AntonioAs part of UTSA’s Department of Anthropology Lecture Series, primatologist Michelle Bezanson of Santa Clara University will speak on difficulties for primate research because so many species are endangered and the narrow window of opportunity to make a difference in conservation. The event will be free and open to the public.
Student Union, Pecan Room (SU 2.01.26), Main CampusAdmission is free to all Alumni Association members. Nonmember adult admission is $20; children 16 and under are free. Anyone who wants to get rowdy is welcome! Giveaways, music, UTSA Cheer & Rowdy, Pep Band and more!
Alamodome Lot C, 100 Montana St., San AntonioThe Roadrunners celebrate homecoming, facing in-state rival Rice Owls.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St., San AntonioThe UTSA faculty, staff, and students are invited to this free event to learn about the importance of wellbeing, early detection, health maintenance, stress reduction, and staying fit!
Student Union, Paseo Principal, Main CampusRepresentatives from schools across the state and country will be on hand to meet with prospective students and discuss admissions requirements, funding opportunities and details regarding program offerings. Each of UTSA’s colleges will have representatives available.
Student Union, Main CampusAntonio Petrov, founder of the Urban Future Lab at UTSA, will discuss how the future of mobility can transform the city as an invited panelist in this San Antonio Startup Week discussion. Admission is free and open to the public.
Frost Tower, 1st Floor, 111 W. Houston St., San AntonioThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
