“Let us know what you need,” says Texas A&M-Kingsville president as he returns to serve alma mater

 

POSTED ON Aug 29, 2022

 

August is almost at an end and many students are back on campus. In a welcome address posted on YouTube, Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Robert H. Vela said he knew the semester will be challenging for many. “But please know that we are resourced and well prepared to ensure your success here,” he encouraged.

“Just ask,” Dr. Vela continued. “Let us know what you need. Because at the end of the day we want to see you walk that stage and achieve your academic and career goals.”

On Aug. 5, more than 270 Texas A&M University-Kingsville students walked the stage during Summer Commencement. Students from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering received their degrees at the 10 a.m. ceremony, followed by the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Business Administration and the College of Education and Human Performance at 3 p.m.

Of the graduates, 129 received bachelor’s degrees, 138 received master’s degrees and seven received doctoral degrees. Student commencement speakers included Rylan Sue Emerson, a double major in political science and history with a minor in international studies from Corpus Christi; and Amberly Lynne Zaragoza, an animal science major from San Antonio.

Dr. Vela began his role as the president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville on June 15. He is a 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a holder of two graduate degrees from this institution. He was named a Distinguished Alumni of Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2015.

Prior, Dr. Vela’s academic career included leadership roles at Coastal Bend College, A&M-Kingsville, and San Jacinto College before he joined San Antonio College in 2008 as dean of student affairs. He became president in 2014 and led the school to the 2021 Aspen Prize Winner for Community College Excellence.

“President Vela has demonstrated he is an academic leader who can turn around an institution,” said Chancellor John Sharp in a statement. “He also has a deep, abiding love for his alma mater.”