The
University of Texas System Board of Regents has named Vistasp M. Karbhari (pictured left)
the sole finalist for the presidency of The University of Texas at Arlington.
The
Board announced Karbhari after interviewing candidates and considering
recommendations of an advisory committee that reviewed nominations and
applications for the position. The candidates recently met with constituent
groups at the university as part of a series of campus visits.
Karbhari
is currently the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at
The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Prior to his current position he
served as professor and vice chairman of the structural engineering department
at The University of California-San Diego.
“Extraordinary
leadership is crucial for our institutions and the unique and innovative
environment at UT Arlington calls for an effective and visionary leader,” said
Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa. “Dr. Karbhari is extremely well suited to
lead UT Arlington and I am thrilled to welcome him to the UT System.”
Karbhari
received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Poona in
India and his Ph.D. from The University of Delaware.
Karbhari
is a noted researcher and scholar and a published author or co-author of over
200 scientific papers.
“UT
Arlington is one of the nation’s fastest-growing public research universities
in our country and the Board is very proud of the institution’s focus on high
quality education at affordable prices. Dr. Karbhari’s strong academic record
and proven ability to lead are a perfect fit for UT Arlington’s rapid growth
while adhering to Chancellor Cigarroa’s Framework for Advancing Excellence,”
said Regents Chairman Gene Powell. “We know his experience and perspective will
help keep UT Arlington on a path of excellence, accessibility and
affordability.”
Under
state law, university governing boards must name finalists for a presidency at
least 21 days before making an appointment.
“We
are very happy with the Board’s decision to name Dr. Karbhari as the next
president of UT Arlington,” said Pedro Reyes, Ph.D., UT System’s executive vice
chancellor for academic affairs. “I would like to express my gratitude to the
search committee for their steadfast work in identifying some of the very best
in academia for consideration as UT Arlington’s next president.”
Karbhari
will succeed President James Spaniolo (pictured right), who announced last June
his intention to step down from the top post once a search for a new president
is complete. Spaniolo has served as UT Arlington president since February 2004.
“We
extend our congratulations to Dr. Karbhari as the finalist for the presidency
of UT Arlington and appreciate the UT System Board of Regents for their
excellent choice,” said outgoing President James D. Spaniolo. “I look forward
to working closely with the new president to ensure the smoothest transition in
the weeks and months ahead.”
During
Spaniolo’s tenure, enrollment has grown by 34 percent to more than 33,800
students this spring, making UT Arlington the second largest academic
institution in The University of Texas System. Retention and graduation rates
have risen, with the University conferring more than 9,000 degrees in the
2011-2012 academic year.
Research
activity is also on the rise as UT Arlington has strengthened its expertise in
bioengineering, medical diagnostics, drug-delivery systems, information
technology, nanotechnology, micro manufacturing, robotics and defense
technologies. Research expenditures reached $71.4 million in 2012.
Spaniolo
presided over an expansive construction program that saw UT Arlington add a
Chemistry & Physics building, the Maverick Activities Center, a major
Engineering Research Complex and the 20-acre College Park District, including
new student housing and the 7,000-seat College Park Center.
About The University of Texas System
Educating
students, providing care for patients, conducting groundbreaking research and
serving the needs of Texans and the nation for more than 130 years, The
University of Texas System is one of the largest public university systems in
the United States, with nine academic universities, six health institutions and
a fall 2012 enrollment of roughly 216,000. The UT System confers more than
one-third of the state’s undergraduate degrees and educates nearly
three-fourths of the state’s health care professionals annually. The UT System
has an annual operating budget of $13.9 billion (FY 2013) including $3.1
billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private
sources. With more than 87,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest
employers in the state.
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