UTSA Academic Affairs announces leadership appointments

(March 26, 2019) — UTSA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy today announced the appointment of Rhonda M. Gonzales as interim dean of the UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts.

A professor of history and faculty member since 2004, Gonzales most recently served as interim vice president for student success and associate vice provost for strategic initiatives. She is the former director of the PIVOT for Academic Success initiative, co-founder of the Women’s Professional Advancement and Synergy Academy, a former fellow of the American Council on Education, and a member of the UT System Chancellor’s Network for Women’s Leadership.

Gonzales succeeds Dean Daniel J. Gelo, who announced his retirement last month.

“I very much appreciate the job Rhonda has done in leading the university’s Student Success Initiative and developing our Student Success division,” said Espy. “Her leadership experience will be invaluable in continuing to cultivate the exemplary teaching, scholarship, research and student support the college is known for as we search for the new dean.”

In order to assure a smooth transition with minimal disruption in the college operations, Gonzales will begin duties April 1 for a transitional overlap with Dean Gelo until his retirement August 31, 2019. A national search for the next College of Liberal and Fine Arts dean will begin in the fall, with the search advisory committee to be named in May. Executive search firm Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates will assist with the search process.

Additionally, Tammy Wyatt has been appointed vice provost for student success. An associate professor of health and kinesiology, Wyatt most recently served as associate vice president for student academic success and associate vice provost for student success. She previously served as associate dean of University College and associate dean for undergraduate student success in the College of Education and Human Development. She joined UTSA in 2003.

Her appointment is effective April 1, 2019, for an initial three-year term to enable a smooth transition of the division into Academic Affairs, as well as to implement any needed changes that further focus the Student Success division on student programs that enable timely graduation.

“Tammy has a strong record of accomplishment and the vision to build on the division’s past record of success and move its programs toward national prominence,” said Espy. “Under Tammy’s stewardship, Student Success will further advance student-focused activities and programs that anchor Roadrunner students to the university, promote skill development and resilience, and support an impactful academic experience that facilitates degree completion.”

Earlier this year, the offices of Student Success and Strategic Enrollment were integrated as divisions within Academic Affairs. In accordance with leadership titles in the division, the vice president positions are being reclassified to the vice provost level when filled. The national search for a senior vice provost for strategic enrollment is under way, and candidates are expected to interview on campus later this spring.

— Rebecca Luther

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