UTB/TSC Provost Steps Down to Return to Teaching

Dr. Raymond Rodrigues, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, recently announced that he will be stepping down from his post to assume his new role as Professor of English.

“I've spent many rewarding years as an administrator, here at UTB/TSC and at other schools throughout the nation. This experience has been very meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. However, my heart has always been in the classroom and I feel it is now time to resume my role first and foremost as a teacher.”

Rodrigues began his duties at UTB/TSC on August 1, 1996. During this time, the University has developed many initiatives under his leadership. One of the most important of these has been the development of a University Strategic Plan.  The plan provides a clear picture of the University's current strengths and weaknesses, projects forward a view of what the University should look like in the next decade, and then begins to develop a strategy for reaching the 10-year goal.

A native of Bernardsville, New Jersey, Dr. Rodrigues holds an A.B. in English and an M.Ed. in Education, both from Rutgers University.  In addition, he also earned a Ph.D. in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico. An expert in the field of writing with computers and multicultural education, Dr. Rodrigues has published 12 books and more than 50 articles. His tenure in the field of education had spanned more than 35 years.

Dr. Rodrigues began his career in higher education in 1974 as an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah.  By 1982 he had become a tenured member of the faculty and a full professor. Soon after, his career shifted into administrative work as he was selected to serve in a variety of chair and directorship positions.  Prior to coming to UTB/TSC, he had served as Interim Dean for the School of Education at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs; as Associate Academic Vice President at Colorado State University; and as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at North Adams State College in Massachusetts.

”Dr. Rodrigues is a valued member of this University,” said President Dr. Juliet V. García. “His studious, honest, forthright and even-handed manner has added great strength to the many hours of deliberations over the last few years. And while I am sorry to see his tenure as our Provost soon come to an end, I am very pleased and honored that he has chosen to continue to share his valuable experience and knowledge on our campus with students and faculty.”

A search for a replacement for Dr. Rodrigues will begin shortly. In the interim, Dr. Rodrigues has said that he will continue to serve as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs until a replacement is found. “My priorities remain my current duties and helping our University through this important time of transition.”