Steven H. Tallant, a military veteran, husband and former professor never thought he would be the 19th President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). Since 2008, President Tallant has seen 10 years of graduation ceremonies and handed diplomas to countless students. Now, Tallant is ready to retire and pass the torch of leadership to a new successor.
As soon as Tallant announced his retirement in April, 2018, a formal Presidential Search Committee was established and applicants started to submit job applications for the presidential position. Charles W. Schwartz, Chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System and member of the Search Committee informs that the application process has passed.
The Search Committee will hold interviews with the applicants starting September. They will recommend three candidates to John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. Sharp will hold personal interviews with the three candidates and make a recommendation to the Board of Regents, who have the final vote on the matter.
Currently, there is 47 people in the applicant pool for the presidential position. Schwartz says he is satisfied with the applicant pool and the Search Committee’s ability to make screening decisions.
On May 8th, TAMUK conducted a Presidential Search Campus Forum. At the meeting, students and faculty expressed their opinions on what they want to see in the next TAMUK President. Schwartz states that many people at the forum want the next president to be student focused, increase student research, maintain enrollment, and show community support.
“I am aware of the concerns that were articulated at that meeting. I think they are very valid issues. All [Presidential Search] Committee members are very mindful. We are very appreciated about the students making their opinions knows,” Schwartz said.
Tallant says he has had a remarkable experience at TAMUK, and wouldn’t trade his experience with anybody. He hopes to be remembered as a president who cared about students, faculty and academics, and as someone who was honest and transparent. He also has some advise for the next president.
“To the new president, I’d say this is an incredibly, wonderful, dynamic society on this campus. We have a wonderful, rich history and culture,” Tallant advised, “…get to know your students. Get to know your faculty. Get to know your culture before you jump to any conclusions at all.”
Sharp publicly stated, “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.”