Message from the Provost


June 9, 2023

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

I know that many of you are taking some well-deserved time off and enjoying precious moments with loved ones. Still, I wanted to reach out and express my deep appreciation for the heartfelt welcome I have received in my first week here at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

I am excited, proud, and honored to be serving as your new provost. As an emerging research institution, UTRGV has become a catalyst for growth in a region that showcases the interdependence of Texas and Mexico. All of this has contributed to UTRGV’s rich history of academic excellence, and I believe we truly represent the very best in higher education today. From our exceptional faculty and staff to our diverse and vibrant student body, everyone here plays a critical role in propelling the Rio Grande Valley forward — and we are just getting started.

I will be meeting with many of you over the coming months and am eager to learn from your experiences, which will help shape the view of where we are — and where we want to go. You can expect another message from me in August as we approach the beginning of the fall semester. Until then, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer!

Luis H. Zayas, Ph.D.
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs