Critical area for TAMUK a priority
The thought of seeing a plethora of students walking around campus is both a dream and a goal for Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) officials. With the recent decision to separate the division of Enrollment Services from Student Affairs, TAMUK is doing everything in its power to put the plan of increasing enrollment into action.
Dr. Rito Silva held the title of Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Affairs but will soon transition to Vice President of Student Affairs and Community Relations.
TAMUK President Dr. Robert Vela explains that one of his goals is to increase enrollment. He explains that the purpose of the position split is to ensure that there is an even focus on both enrollment management and student affairs.
“[Splitting the positions] allows the university to have two individual Vice Presidents to lead two critical areas that are closely tied to student success,” Silva said.
Silva said he plans to continue to provide excellent wrap-around services that assist students and complement the work being done in the classroom. He also plans to continue to develop important relationships in the community that benefit students and the university.
“Both positions are critical to the university’s mission,” Silva said. “Having two separate individuals dedicated to both divisions will help ensure that we can continue to focus on growing enrollment while providing students the experience and support they need.”
Dr. Silva said the search for the new Vice President of Enrollment Management will begin immediately and he will be chair for the search.
Director of Marketing and Communications Adriana Garza-Flores said the new enrollment VP will lead the two critical areas for enrollment – admissions and financial aid.
Vela described the ideal candidate as someone who understands managing enrollment. To ensure that the new Vice President for Enrollment Management is doing what they are supposed to do.
“It is important to me as the university President, for all of us, to get a candidate that really wants to be at A&M Kingsville and wants to serve our community,” Vela said. “They have to be 100 percent invested in our community and our mission here at the university.”
Garza-Flores said the search committee held its first meeting on June 22. The goal is to have the position filled by the end of this year.
