COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents convening in a telephonic meeting Tuesday selected Dr. Steven H. Tallant as the 19th president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Tallant, who was named sole finalist for the position at the August Board of Regents meeting, currently is provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Tuesday’s formal approval follows the 21-day mandatory waiting period required by state law for public notice of pending appointments. Tallant will begin his duties as president at Texas A&M-Kingsville on Oct. 1.
“Dr. Tallant’s strong background in administrative and leadership positions make him the clear choice for this important role in a university where change, growth and tradition mix to create enormous opportunities,” said Bill Jones, chair of the Board of Regents. “I’m happy to welcome him to the Texas A&M System and look forward to seeing his energy and intellect at work.”
As provost and vice chancellor at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 2007, Tallant was responsible for all undergraduate and graduate academic programs including the direct supervision of four academic deans and the dean of graduate studies. He also provided leadership in several restructuring initiatives, including the creation of the College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Nursing and Health Services.
Tallant has been with the university for 14 years and previously served in a variety of positions, including professor of social work, associate vice chancellor and director of graduate programs, interim provost and vice chancellor, and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Before retiring after 20 years of active service with the military, Tallant was chief of Air Force Family Research at the Pentagon from 1991-1994. In that position, he routinely worked with congressional staffers and members of Congress in the development of budgetary issues relating to military families.
“I’ve been looking forward to joining the wonderful university family in Kingsville and meeting the challenges as we move forward with plans for campus development and academic excellence,” Tallant said. “I’m honored to have been invited to become a part of an institution so rich with history and to join a university system so vital and forward-looking.”
As Texas A&M–Kingsville’s chief executive officer, Tallant will supervise more than 1,100 employees, manage a $106.7-million annual budget and provide vision for a comprehensive curriculum for more than 6,500 students.
Dr. Robert H. Strawser, a Texas A&M System Regents Professor at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, has been serving as interim president since July 1.
About the A&M System
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $2.9 billion. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 105,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in almost $627 million every year and helps drive the state’s economy.
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $2.9 billion. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 105,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in almost $627 million every year and helps drive the state’s economy.
