Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, president-designate of The University of Texas-Pan American, was treated to a red carpet welcome Wednesday, Nov. 18, during an event hosted by The University of Texas System to introduce Nelsen to the UTPA community.

Nelsen, along with his wife Jody, were welcomed to their new home by the sounds of UTPA’s Mariachi group at the Student Union Theater where they were greeted by applause and a standing ovation from attendees.

The UT System Board of Regents confirmed Nelsen as the next president of UTPA on Nov. 11. Nelsen, formerly an associate vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), officially begins his presidential duties Jan. 1, 2010.

UT System Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D. and Regent Janiece Longoria, chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee, made the trip to South Texas with Nelsen for his ceremonial visit to UTPA as its next leader.

“I am absolutely delighted to bring greetings on behalf of The University of Texas System and to be part of a new and very exciting beginning for The University of Texas-Pan American and the wonderful people of the Rio Grande Valley,” Cigarroa said.

Longoria, a Rio Grande Valley native, who has been a member of the UT System Board of Regents since 2008, served as a representative from the Board along with Regent Paul Foster from El Paso, on the presidential search advisory committee to review the candidates to fill the role of UTPA’s eighth president.

She said as a Valley native, she was particularly honored to serve on the search committee to choose a new president for an institution that held “a special place in her heart.” Longoria, who is now a Houston attorney, grew up in Pharr and is the daughter of Raul Longoria, former Valley state legislator and district judge.

“In selecting a president, it is particularly important because we are entrusting the future of this institution and the health of the educational system in this region to the person that we choose,” she said. “The quality of the UT System institutions, including UT Pan Am, has a tremendous influence on the quality of our lives, our children’s lives and the future of the region.”

She said the pool of candidates was brilliant and the process difficult to decide on one person.

“I will tell you though that Dr. Robert Nelsen did stand out and became our choice for this position,” she said.

Describing his credentials and extensive past experience, she said he clearly understands the special roles of the faculty, students and staff in the success of a university and respects their advice and suggestions.

“The search committee described him to the Board of Regents as formidable, commanding presence, full of energy, articulate, charismatic, and having an enthusiasm for the community,” she said. “The Board of Regents saw these same qualities. They whole heartedly agreed that he was the right person at the right time.” Continued...