The 19th president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) will retire effectivelly December 2018.
Dr. Steven H. Tallant announced on Monday, April 16, via e-mail sent to all faculty and staff of his retirement.
“I really love it here. I love this campus. It’s been the best 10 years of my life as a professional and walking away and retiring is very difficult. But I’ve been married 44 years. I’m ready to spend my 70s with my wife and my kids in Indianapolis,” Tallant said. “I’m still going to be connected to the university and be coming back a lot.”
The process of looking for the new TAMUK University President has begun. A committee will be put together this week. The system will have listening sessions and the committee will meet with faculty and staff, students and the community to see what kind of president they would like to have.
After seven years of Tallant taking reign, in 2015, the university was named the fastest-growing 4-year doctoral institution in the nation.
“Steve Tallant is one of a kind. He has been an incredible asset to the Texas A&M System and to Texas A&M-Kingsville,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp in a press release sent out by Julie Navejar. “Finding another Steve Tallant will be a real needle-in-the-haystack challenge. We will all miss him greatly and wish him and his wife well in their retirement.”
On Oct. 1, 2008 Tallant began his duties as president after being the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He was responsible for all undergraduate and graduate academic programs.
Since arriving at TAMUK, the university has increased in enrollment by nearly 30