Evie Lopez
Managing Editor
Mohamed Abdelrahman, the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, is leaving this summer for a leadership position at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Abdelrahman has served as provost at A&M-San Antonio since summer of 2022, overseeing academic programs, faculty affairs, research, institutional effectiveness and student success initiatives.
“My responsibilities were to work closely with deans, faculty, and campus leaders to strengthen academic quality, expand programs, support research, and ensure students’ success from enrollment through graduation.” Abdelrahman wrote in an email to The Mesquite on March 26. “I also worked to foster collaboration across divisions and build systems that support long-term student success and institutional growth.”
Abdelrahman will become vice president for academic affairs and provost at UH-Clear Lake, pending final approval by the University of Houston System Board of Regents. His last day at A&M-San Antonio is June 30.
“What drew me to UH-Clear Lake was its strong academic foundation, its location in one of the most dynamic regions in the United States, and its strong academic portfolio, which aligns well with my own experience,” Abdelrahman wrote. “I was also attracted to its potential for continued advancement — particularly in areas like workforce-aligned programs, applied research, and community partnerships.”
A&M-San Antonio President Salvador Hector Ochoa announced the transition in a March 19 message, praising Abdelrahman’s nearly four-year tenure and his role in expanding the university’s academic footprint.
“Mohamed had led our program expansion at the undergraduate and graduate levels and was instrumental in the development of the first doctoral program, as well as in elevating the research enterprise across the campus,” Ochoa said, referring to A&M-San Antonio’s new Ed.D. in educational leadership.
The university also saw “class optimization” under Abdelrahman’s tenure, with new guidelines increasing the minimum threshold of 10 students to 15 in undergraduate classes, depending on the type of class. Currently, the 15th requirement remains the standing policy and has not changed. “We have allowed exceptions based on a set of circumstances, such as a class being offered for the first time or a class that is required for students to graduate one time.” Abdelrahman said.
Abdelrahman said he also oversaw several new academic proposals, including programs in biomedical sciences and electrical engineering. He implemented more integrated and collaborative approaches to student success by combining advising, academic support and data-informed decision-making.
“Ultimately, none of these achieved individually; it reflects shared commitment, hard work, and collaboration of faculty, staff, and students across campus,” Abdelrahman wrote.
“What differs is the institutional context,” he said. “Each university has its own history, strengths, and opportunities, so the priorities and approach naturally adapt to meet those needs. I see this as an opportunity to build on my own experience while learning and contributing in a new environment.”
Ochoa also highlighted Abdelrahman’s “holistic approach” to student success, which integrates resources across divisions to improve student readiness and engagement while enhancing academic support and using data analytics to guide decisions.
“We intentionally created a holistic environment to support student success,” Abdelrahman said. “This included improving advisement, academic support, and access to resources, while also expanding academic pathways that connect to meaningful career opportunities.”
Abdelrahman said expanding programs in health and engineering, along with increased support for research and development, could support the university’s first doctoral program and create more opportunities for students.
“I know personally that Mohamed often credits his many achievements to his team leaders, and the partnerships and collaborations built across the University,” Ochoa said.
Abdelrahman said UH-Clear Lake presents both opportunities and challenges.
“My goal will remain to capitalize on UHCL’s strong foundation and continue advancing student success, academic quality, and research and innovation.”
He said one of his priorities in the new role will be taking time to listen and learn the university’s culture.
“Understanding the culture, engaging with faculty and staff, and identifying the right priorities are essential steps before making decisions.” Abdelrahm said, “My focus will be on building relationships and ensuring that future efforts are grounded in the strengths and aspirations of the UHCL community.”
At this stage of his career, Abdelrahm said he is focused on making a meaningful impact.
“I’ve been fortunate to serve in several leadership positions, and each one has been an opportunity to contribute to students’ success and institutional growth,” he said. “For me, it’s less about the number of roles and more about the opportunity to make a difference where I am.”
He praised the university community’s accomplishments during his tenure.
“What I’m most proud of is the collective progress we made as a university community. I believe I contributed to establishing a culture of trust and collaboration, one that lays a strong foundation for success at every level of the institution,” Abdelrahman said
The university plans to launch a search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Details about the role and interim leadership are expected to be announced soon.
