Longtime TAMUK professor passes away
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) mourns the loss of Dr. William Kuvlesky, associate dean and professor in the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
A devoted father, husband, colleague and mentor to many, Dr. Kuvlesky passed away on Saturday, March 8.
Affectionately known as Dr. K dedicated nearly 26 years to TAMUK, beginning his tenure in 1999. His deep passion for animals extended beyond his personal life, shaping a distinguished career in wildlife education and inspiring countless students and colleagues.
“Students felt comfortable with calling him Dr. K because of how down to earth and understanding he was. I think anyone in the department, students or administrators, will have something to take with them. Not just by him being a great scientist, but a caring person” Bryan Berlanga, TAMUK alumnus, said.
After completing his Ph.D. and bachelor’s in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University-College Station and obtaining a master’s in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he became a faculty member at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
He served as a Professor and Research Scientist in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.
This is where Dr. Kuvelesky published numerous works, including articles and books, highlighting avian studies conducted with his peers.
One of Dr. Kuvlesky’s final contributions on campus was coordinating the Alumni Spotlight for the College of Agriculture.
This highlighted former students he mentored who achieved success through TAMUK, including Academic Advisor Gina Merzbacher, double alumnus of the College of Agriculture.
“As a student, Dr. K was phenomenal and loved his job. I remember the first time I went in, he automatically offered me help to get a job in different places. As an advisor, it was even better because I got to see it from the outside. He would reach out to see what students needed mentoring, helping with scholarships, and constantly reaching out to students to see what he could do for them,” Merzbacher said. “Kingsville will not be the same. He had a huge impact on anyone who came through the College of Agriculture.”
Dr. Kulvesky is fondly remembered by his peers as a one-of-a-kind and dedicated man, often recognized by his bandana, sunglasses and baseball cap.
He was more than just a colleague, he was a true friend to those around him.
“It was those one-on-one moments we shared and his sense of humor that stood out. Even in the middle of a serious conversation, he could always find something humorous. He had a laid-back nature. Yes, he held the title of Associate Dean, but he never made me feel like anything less than his equal,” Dr. Jason Apple, department chair and professor of animal science and veterinary technology said. “He was a phenomenal person, with a phenomenal heart. I’ve seen lots of people on campus, but not to the same degree. I’m going to miss him, we all are.”
