UTSA launches national searches for three vice president positions

(July 17, 2019) -- President Taylor Eighmy today announced the launch of national searches to fill three key leadership positions for the university: the Vice President for Research, Economic Development and Knowledge Enterprise (VPREDKE), the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations (VPDAR) and the Vice President for University Relations (VPUR).

In May, President Eighmy announced the university’s intent to commence a search for a permanent vice president to lead UTSA’s research enterprise, in addition to leadership for newly reconfigured offices focused on development/alumni relations and university relations. All three Vice Presidents will serve on the President’s Cabinet.

Websites dedicated to the three searches are now live and include full position descriptions, timelines. The search committees for each search—comprised of faculty, staff, students and external partners—are also listed.

• The Vice President for Research, Economic Development and Knowledge Enterprise will lead UTSA to its destination as a great public research university, further building the university's national reputation in its signature areas of research excellence. The national search is being chaired by Kimberly Andrews Espy, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Bernard Arulanandam has served as UTSA’s interim VPREDKE for the last three years. 

• The Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations will lead UTSA’s next capital campaign and high-level advancement strategy for UTSA, specifically overseeing fundraising and relationships with donors and alumni. The national search is being chaired by Mary Diaz, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, with support from Lindauer Global. Currently, Karl Miller-Lugo is serving in the interim role as Special Assistant to the President for Development and Alumni Relations. 

• The Vice President for University Relations will oversee the university’s communications, institutional marketing, community relations and governmental relations functions. The national search is being chaired by Myron Anderson, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. Currently, Mary Diaz, Chief of Staff in Office of the President, is serving as Interim VPUR.

The majority of the search committees’ work will take place this summer, with the goal of appointing the three vice president positions this fall.

“These three Vice Presidents play critical roles in positioning UTSA for success in achieving our bold vision, particularly for future strategic growth,” said Eighmy. “I am confident that the outcomes of these searches will reinforce our density of leadership excellence.”

— Rachel Barchus-Perkes

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