By Laura de Leon
The university has opened a search for a full-time staff member to serve as vice president for student affairs. The position opened on Oct. 9 and is listed on the university’s employment opportunities website. Closing date for the position is listed as Nov. 9.
In an Aug. 13 interview, President Maria Hernandez Ferrier confirmed the need for a leadership position in student affairs, saying that the search for an associate vice president for student affairs would likely be nationwide.
According to the job posting, the full-time staff position is a part of the university leadership and reports directly to the president. The vice president for student affairs will lead and direct all aspects of student engagement and success, and management.
Some experience and qualification necessities listed include seven years of experience in an executive level position dealing with student affairs at a public university of 5,000 students, leadership with managing people and fiscal resources, decision making, and the ability to multitask.
Other transitions in student affairs include an interim position to promote strong leadership.
Margarita Vasquez, director of enrollment management, is currently serving as the interim executive director for student affairs. Vasquez’s interim position was announced Oct. 19 by Kenneth Mitts, vice president of finance and administration, who serves as acting vice president for student affairs.
Vasquez said she and Mitts will work as a team to oversee the student affairs department.
“My responsibilities will be to oversee the departments within student affairs and help Mitts,” she said.
Vasquez said she has been employed with the university since January 2004. Her employment has spanned multiple roles as the university has transitioned from a system center to a stand-alone university, including enrollment management, advising, financial aid, admissions, the welcome center, veteran affairs, registrar and coordination with the business office in Kingsville before A&M-San Antonio opened its own business office.
She said she is excited to gain experience in the interim position and for the opportunity to be involved in the decision making processes.
“I’m excited to help reach our enrollment goal,” Vasquez said of future semesters, adding that the university met its enrollment goal for fall 2012.
She said she also intends on “making sure they (students) are satisfied with all the services they are receiving at A&M-San Antonio.”
Vasquez said there will be an interviewing committee that will meet next week to discuss its expectations for the position candidate for vice president for student affairs. The committee, whose members were appointed by Ferrier, consist of a broad range of members, and includes one student who is a Jaguar Ambassador.
Betty Villegas, administration assistant to the president, said the interviewing committee will cross reference all the qualifications with those listed on the position posting. She said the final decision will be made by Ferrier.
