Regents Announce Sole Finalist for Texas A&M International President
UPDATE: The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has just named Christopher Maynard as the sole finalist to become the next president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, Texas. This decision comes in the wake of the unexpected passing of former president Pablo Arenaz last October, a significant loss for the university community.
The Regents’ announcement follows a thorough national search led by Anthem Executive, an executive search firm. Maynard, currently serving as provost at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, has an extensive academic background, including roles as associate vice provost at Sam Houston State University and a tenured professor of history at the University of North Alabama. With a Ph.D. in U.S. Political and Diplomatic History, Maynard is poised to bring a wealth of experience to TAMIU.
In a statement, Maynard expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am deeply honored to join TAMIU’s faculty, staff, and community partners in our shared commitment to further student success.” He emphasized the transformative power of education at TAMIU, which serves over 10,000 students.
The Board of Regents’ decision is subject to a required 21-day waiting period before the appointment can be officially finalized. This period allows for thorough consideration before Maynard takes the helm.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Texas A&M University System, as it adapts to the new Senate Bill 37, which grants regents greater control over academic programs and faculty governance. On the same day, the Regents approved a new policy mandating reviews of general education courses every five years and the evaluation of low-graduation programs for possible consolidation.
In addition to leadership changes, the board greenlit a substantial $6.6 billion capital plan, which includes $1.93 billion for new projects over the next five years. This plan indicates a robust commitment to the future of higher education within the Texas A&M System.
Among the notable projects is the upcoming Aplin Center, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing experiential learning in hospitality and nutrition sciences. Funded by a generous $50 million donation from Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, construction is set to begin this month with completion expected by February 2028. Board Chair Robert Albritton remarked, “This one’s going to be as popular as Beaver Nuggets,” highlighting the anticipated impact of the facility.
As TAMIU prepares for new leadership and expansive growth, the university community is poised for a transformative era under Maynard’s guidance. Stakeholders eagerly await the official appointment and the initiatives that will unfold in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Texas A&M International University charts its future direction.
