Interim Provost Dr. Michael J. O'Brien Announced

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael J. O'Brien, Ph.D., as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective July 15, 2016. Dr. O'Brien is a highly respected scholar who recently served at the University of Missouri as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and has more than 36 years of experience in higher education. 

He began his career in higher education as a research associate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and then joined the University of Missouri in 1980 as an assistant professor of anthropology and director of the American Archaeology Division--the research arm of the anthropology department. He then became director of the Museum of Anthropology and joined the College of Arts and Science dean's office as associate dean for research. In 1989, he was promoted to the rank of professor and became dean of arts and science in 2006.

Dr. O'Brien is well-known for his work in evolutionary archaeology and biology and has authored or edited 26 books and more than 150 articles, which have appeared in journals such as: Science, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Journal of Human Evolution and Journal of Theoretical Biology. 

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. 

I am delighted that we were able to recruit the high-caliber talent and leadership experience that Dr. O'Brien will bring to our University. His appointment will sustain the momentum we have built as we advance the goals outlined in our Comprehensive Expansion strategic plan.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. O'Brien on his new role in advancing the ambitious goals we have established for Texas A&M University-San Antonio and a special thank you to the search committee for their service in this important selection! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Professor of Educational Administration
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
One University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224