KINGSVILLE (News Release) — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today confirmed Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr. as the next president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Vela begins his new role on June 15, 2022.

 Vela is a 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a holder of two graduate degrees from this institution. He was named a Distinguished Alumni of Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2015.

He is coming from San Antonio College, where as President he led the school to the 2021 Aspen Prize Winner for Community College Excellence.

“President Vela has demonstrated he is an academic leader who can turn around an institution,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “He also has a deep, abiding love for his alma mater. He will be a great asset.”

 Vela has had a lengthy academic career that includes leadership roles at Coastal Bend College, A&M-Kingsville, and San Jacinto College before he joined San Antonio College in 2008 as Dean of Student Affairs. He became President in 2014.