As Texas A&M University-San Antonio prepares to welcome first and second-year students, what’s the university’s greatest asset? According to newly appointed interim provost Steven Olswang, it’s people.
Faculty gathered Feb. 23 in the Patriots’ Casa to listen to Olswang’s plan for a university that is freshman-ready Fall 2016.
Olswang officially began his position as interim provost on Feb. 24, a day after his presentation. President Cynthia Teniente-Matson announced in an email statement to faculty and students.
“Students have been admitted. You have already had an event that celebrated your first freshmen,” Olswang said. “It would be good to have a curriculum and a schedule, and faculty to teach that person.”
Since that date, 1,079 freshmen will be part of the new four-year A&M-San Antonio, with 4,020 applications still under review, and five months remaining before the inaugural semester.
“That’s a big challenge in of itself,” Olswang added.
Before the discussion began, Olswang was nowhere near his designated podium area, instead traveling up and down the rows of tables shaking hands and smiling at guests.
Olswang’s approach drew praise from professor of history Edward B. Westermann.
“In my opinion, Doctor Olswang has extensive academic expertise that will help our university as we continue our process of planning for and executing downward expansion,” Westermann said.
Other points brought up by Olswang about phasing from a two-to-four year accreditation for A&M-San Antonio, included the training of new faculty members.
“You’re going to bring in 30 new faculty. Who’s going to coordinate their training?,” Olswang said. “I understand there’s a planned search for a director of teaching and learning. That, to me, is a pretty high priority.”
Olswang also addressed the expectation of admitting and advising incoming students as he outlined priorities for development at A&M-San Antonio.
“You bring in 600 new students. You have 1,000-plus transfer students. So they’re 4,500 existing students,” Olswang said. “That’s 6,000 individual advising meetings you’re planning to have. Umm…that’s a lot. You can’t ignore the things down the road. Focus on the essentials.”
Olswang began his first day of work as Interim Provost Feb. 29 and anticipated to occupy this role until a permanent candidate is appointed.
