By Mesquite Editorial Board
President Maria Hernandez Ferrier; Kenneth Mitts, vice president of finance and administration, chief financial officer and now interim vice president of student affairs; Dr. Charles “Chuck” Rodriguez, chief of staff and vice president for strategic planning and military affairs; and Brent Snow, provost and vice president of academic affairs, are to be commended.
Over the summer, faculty and staff were notified of the creation of new offices, positions and administrative restructuring intended to improve the structure and efficiency of the University. Those changes are also expected to offer Ferrier more support. That will make a difference for students as well.In an interview Aug. 13, Ferrier said administrative changes are taking place because the campus is growing and she wants to make sure the University is offering the best education possible.
Changes are inevitable and expected experiences for any type of advancement — including that of a growing, start-up campus.
The Texas A&M University-System supported a new chief of staff position that began in July, as well as title changes, the merging of departments and the addition of responsibilities.
As a part of the title changes, Rodriguez became chief of staff, where he will coordinate organization across the campuses to improve efficiencies and ensure unity of effort.
Mitts, who was recently named interim vice president of student affairs, will take over the responsibilities of Dr. Mary Ann Grams, former vice president of student affairs.
It’s important to recognize these changes are a product of a combined team effort, coming from a team who makes it a priority to positively affect the entire campus community on both a large and small scale.
Officials are making big decisions in reference to the University and demonstrating strong leadership by accepting their newly expanded roles and responsibilities.
The recent changes are just one example of how officials from the office of the president and University leadership are stepping up to the plate to confront the growing campus’ needs, which in turn reflects a team with a common interest — one that is focused on the improvement and growth of the campus community as well as serving the needs of students.
