Message from the President

Dear A&M-SA Community,

As we work through the sizzling summer months I am reminded that it is truly inspiring to lead this great University. In my six months here, we have been on an agile mission in preparation for accepting lower division students while simultaneously maintaining or enhancing our upper division programs.  

In May I shared with you the substantial work ahead of us. We will be bolstering our emphasis on initiatives that:  (1) support all forms of student, faculty and staff success; and (2) build the A&M-SA image, community connections and partnerships. In addition, later this summer we will update the University Strategic Plan. The strategic planning efforts shall embrace shared governance with innovation and agility every step of the way.  

In June we received the sensational news that the legislature invested State funding for downward expansion and the new Science and Technology Building. These investments are catalysts for progressive evolution of a National Model for Student & Academic Success and new facility development. Dr. Brent Snow, Provost, and Dr. Melissa Mahan, Vice President for Student Affairs, co-chair the working group that is actively creating a student and academic success plan, adeptly preparing us for downward expansion.

It is an exhilarating time to be audacious about building our future and I am delighted to share the following news.

Mr. Nick Longo, formerly a Director of Marketing at Rackspace and co-founder of Geekdom, will be joining our leadership team as an interim Special Assistant to the President for Marketing.  He will serve as the chief creative guide for the University's integrated marketing, communications and branding. Nick's focus is to lead the creation of an integrated marketing platform that audaciously communicates the great stories about A&M-SA to local, state and national audiences. Faculty, academic and student successes are an integral ingredient in strategic development of our campus image. Marketing is critical for recruitment, admissions, community relations and the portfolio of opportunities for our brand, image and reputation. Branding, messaging, public, social and digital relations are vital components of our future and Nick will lead the charge with expertise and innovation. He will be located in Central Academic Building, Suite 418. The University Communications Department will report to Nick for an interim period effective July 14.  

For the development of the new facility, Darrell Morrison, Vice President for Business Affairs and CFO, will lead this collaborative process with the University Resource Commission (URC) whom together with the President's Extended Cabinet will provide advice through the early phase of the process and will be responsible for overall project management. Darrell joined the leadership team on July 1 and will oversee accounting, budget, accounts receivable, purchasing/procurement, payroll, accounts payable, human resources, technology services, university police department, facilities and auxiliary services. He will also now oversee all functions associated with the Centro de Artes, Educational and Cultural Arts Center. His office is located on the 4th floor of the Central Academic Building (CAB), Suite 435. Please stop by and say hello.

I often say it is a great time to be a Jaguar and indeed it is! I am proud of your ambitious efforts and dedication. It is evident that each of you has a vested interest in the success of A&M-San Antonio. I hope you have all marked your calendars for Convocation on August 20, 2015 - I look forward to seeing you there!

I continue to invite open communication; stop by or embrace the digital open door policy-drop me an email, or follow me on Twitter, Facebook and/or dialogue with me through the S.H.A.R.E. with the President link on the University's main page. With the S.H.A.R.E. button you can Share concerns or challenges; ask for Help if you need assistance; Acknowledge a job well done or good deeds; Request services, solutions and answers; and Exchange ideas and information.

In partnership for an audacious future,

   
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President