Dr. Adolfo Santos has been appointed assistant provost of Texas A&M University.
Before joining Texas A&M University, Santos was professor and dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Georgia Gwinnett College, leading more than 150 full-time faculty and 70 part-time faculty. As dean, Santos worked to increase student enrollment, retention and graduation, focusing particular attention on Latino students. Santos has played important leadership roles in strategic planning, creating new educational programs, and developing strong partnerships with the community. Santos is an American Association of State Colleges & Universities Millennium Leadership Initiative Protégé.
“I have always had great affection for the people of the Rio Grande Valley. They are known for being good, hardworking people who are committed to their communities and deserve great choices in higher education close to home”, offered Santos. “The Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen will deliver outstanding educational opportunities that, while rigorous, will be focused on student success.”
While degree programs and faculty hiring will remain the responsibilities of home academic departments in College Station, Santos will provide coordination and facilitation for teaching and research support, student services and community leadership engagement, as well as develop and implement the initial strategic plan for the Higher Education Center.
Margo earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. Following graduation, he worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Small Business Administration. He joined the Texas A&M University staff in October 2002, serving most recently as the interim director of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center. He assumed the duties of director of operations on March 1. He previously served for 16 years as director of Texas A&M’s Rio Grande Valley and Laredo Regional Prospective Student Centers.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this historic partnership to bring Texas A&M University degree programs to the Valley,” said Margo. “As an Aggie myself, this is what I believe makes Texas A&M unique in higher education, serving the state and ensuring educational choice for the next generations.”
As director of operations, Margo will oversee facilities, coordinate with municipal and contracted services, and facilitate appropriate coordination with central university services for prospective student recruitment and community partnership and outreach.