Following in the traditional footsteps of universities state wide, the decision has been made to split Dr. Mary Hendrix’s position at Texas A&M University-Commerce into two.
The split is intended to better enable the University to pursue its strategic goal of attracting, retaining and graduating highly qualified students by providing focused, effective leadership at the highest levels.
According to Dr. Dan Jones, president of the University, the school needs to reach out to prospective students throughout its service area and the world, and give them the tools they need to be successful.
“Most universities divide the administrative responsibilities for academic affairs and student affairs, so that each area is headed by a vice president,” Jones said. “For the last ten years or so, we have had the two areas reporting to a single person who holds the title of provost and vice president for academic and student affairs.”
The idea was implemented by Jones, who discussed the reorganization with other vice presidents and deans at A&M-Commerce. He also consulted with Dr. Mike McKinney, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, who endorsed the change.
“Dr. Hendrix has been doing a superb job of handling a broad range of duties, but I believe the time has come to go back to the traditional organizational structure of having a provost/vice president for academic affairs, and a vice president for all of the
units that comprise the division of student affairs,” Jones said.
Following the national search for the new provost and vice president for academic affairs, Hendrix will assume her new position, the vice president for student access and success.
According to Jones, the Academic Search, Inc. search form has been chosen, but the University is still in the early stages of searching.
“This firm has had experience both with other universities in the A&M System, and with Commerce-they managed the search for president, and are also managing our searches for dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and vice president for institutional advancement,” Jones said.
The search itself is expected to be completed by the end of next spring.
“I am in the process of identifying the members of a search committee that will include representation from across the university. This committee will screen candidates and recommend finalists for on-campus interviews,” Jones said. “I will review the recommendations of the search committee, identify the individual I wish to hire, and recommend him or her to the chancellor. The Board of Regents makes the final decision.”
In her new position, Dr. Mary Hendrix, interim provost and vice president for academics and student affairs, will be responsible for several things.
According to Hendrix, this will include outreach to distance education students, including online and off-campus instruction. She will also be responsible for enrollment management, student support services, student leadership and Honors College.
“I am thrilled I will have the opportunity to focus on improving student access and success,” Hendrix said.