Smooth jazz bounces off the walls as a melancholy feeling spreads in the Memorial Student Union Building.
Dr. Steven Tallant is leaving Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
In 2008 the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents selected Tallant as the sole finalist to become the 19th president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Tallant at the time was currently provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He has remained in “Javelina Universe” ever since.
On Nov. 27 at 3 p.m. TAMUK held a Farewell reception in honor of the retiring president. Most faculty, staff and students marked this milestone in Javelina history as bittersweet.
“We’re gonna miss him terribly. He has accomplished a phenomenal amount of good things for this university since he’s been here. And it’s a sad time for the university, but a time of celebration to remember all of the good things he’s done. And of course, we wish him well in his retirement,” Randy Hughes, chief of staff, said.
Tallant announced his retirement in Spring. “After careful consideration, I have informed Chancellor Sharp that I will be retiring at the end of December 2018. Karen and I have been extremely blessed to be part of this vibrant campus and community. We love this university, we love Kingsville and we especially love all the wonderful people we have met here,” Tallant said.
Quickly after the announcement an exploration for a new president began. On Nov. 15 the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents confirmed Dr. Mark Hussey as the 20th president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville during its regular meeting. Hussey will take over his new role Jan. 2. A lot of administrators and personnel that frequently work closely with Tallant were saddened to hear the news of his departure.
“There’s a part of me that wants to say [that what I will miss the most is] for sure his leadership, his guidance, but truth is his sense of humor. He is very funny; he tells amazing stories. He always has had this outstanding experience in his life that helps you to kind of make meaning of whatever is happening now, but he does it with a sense of humor. He doesn’t let things bother him, he never gets defensive about anything, so really, it’s just kind a great sense of humor that he tackles problems or concerns with, but he always does it with respect. And he’s very good to everyone,” said Dr. Terisa Riley, senior vice president for Fiscal and Student Affairs.
At the Farewell Reception key speakers from every integral part of the university spoke on behalf of Tallant’s retirement. Speakers included Dr. Paul Hageman, Department Chair of Music, Ruben Martinez, Student Government President, Elisa Guerra, President of Staff Council, Nirmal Goswami, Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Tallant himself.
Each thanked the departing president for his accomplishments such as successfully obtaining money for the new music building, making TAMUK a home away from home for staff members, and for being the best university president in the state of Texas in the last decade.
Speakers choked up and bidded Tallant fond farewells until Goswami walked up and was determined to cheer up the crowd.
“When I was told that I had been asked to write a speech for Dr. Tallant, I had a hard time figuring out what to leave out, so I decided to include everything. So, I wrote this speech and it was 23 pages and Randy then told me I had five minutes so I had to cut it down to 22 pages, so let’s see how that works,” Goswami joked.
Eventually Tallant took the stage with a standing ovation from dedicated staff, faulty and students. He thanked his wife, Karen Tallant, for being a great partner all of these years. Tallant then recalled the university’s great accomplishments: Premont’s alliance, the construction of the new music building, the college of business’ accreditation, the hardworking staff members, the productive faculty, and the kind and ambitious students at Javelina Nation. Towards the end emotions and tears arose, but Tallant quickly recomposed himself and bidded farewell.
“If you give Mark Hussey and his wife the love and support that you’ve given Karen and I, this university will do just fine,” Tallant said.