Spring Break
Provost Prior to leave A&M for UT position
By: Krista Smith
Issue date: 3/28/07 Section: News
David Prior, Texas A&M executive vice president and provost, has accepted a position at the University of Texas System.
Prior will assume the role of executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at UT in mid-June.
Eddie J. Davis, A&M interim president, said in a statement to University faculty and staff Tuesday that he is happy for Prior's job opportunity.
"I'm saddened because we are losing a valued member of the Texas A&M family," Davis said. "Still, we should be heartened to know that an educator and administrator of his caliber will continue to add tremendous value to higher education in the State of Texas."
Prior's job will primarily consist of working with the nine universities and the nine presidents that comprise the UT system.
"It's a step up for me, a new set of challenges, and I just thought it would be a good thing to do," Prior said. "But this has been a tough day for me. This is a great University, and I've had a wonderful time here."
Though his job at A&M is a full one, he substitutes for the president when needed and also works as chief academic officer to improve research and teaching, Prior said he is certain that he is leaving the University in good hands.
"Generally, they'll continue to build the excellence of a very fine University," he said. "That's what people do here. Our faculty work very hard, and our deans and administrators work very hard to make Texas A&M be the best it can be."
Prior might work with A&M in his position; he said there are many opportunities for UT and A&M to work together.
He also said he is confident that A&M has a bright future.
"We're coming into a time with new leadership, a new president, and a new provost who will work with the faculty and the deans and the vice president to chart their own course," Prior said.
As a marine geologist, Prior first came to the University in 1996 to serve as deputy dean of geosciences. He was later appointed dean of the College. When former president Robert M. Gates arrived in 2002, Prior was named interim executive vice president and provost and was later named the official position.
As a part of the Gates' administration, Prior worked on the administration's four major priorities - faculty investment, diversity, space and infrastructure and improvement of undergraduate and graduate education. As dean of geosciences, he was also instrumental in renewing the ocean-drilling program.
Although Prior has accepted a position at the University's rival, he said he will always carry memories of his time at A&M.
"I'm going to miss going to Kyle Field on a Saturday," he said. "I'm going to miss a lot of good friends here. I'm going to miss many of the traditions that we all enjoy. This is a great University. While one may take a career change, it's hard to leave a place like this behind."
Prior will assume the role of executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at UT in mid-June.
Eddie J. Davis, A&M interim president, said in a statement to University faculty and staff Tuesday that he is happy for Prior's job opportunity.
"I'm saddened because we are losing a valued member of the Texas A&M family," Davis said. "Still, we should be heartened to know that an educator and administrator of his caliber will continue to add tremendous value to higher education in the State of Texas."
Prior's job will primarily consist of working with the nine universities and the nine presidents that comprise the UT system.
"It's a step up for me, a new set of challenges, and I just thought it would be a good thing to do," Prior said. "But this has been a tough day for me. This is a great University, and I've had a wonderful time here."
Though his job at A&M is a full one, he substitutes for the president when needed and also works as chief academic officer to improve research and teaching, Prior said he is certain that he is leaving the University in good hands.
"Generally, they'll continue to build the excellence of a very fine University," he said. "That's what people do here. Our faculty work very hard, and our deans and administrators work very hard to make Texas A&M be the best it can be."
Prior might work with A&M in his position; he said there are many opportunities for UT and A&M to work together.
He also said he is confident that A&M has a bright future.
"We're coming into a time with new leadership, a new president, and a new provost who will work with the faculty and the deans and the vice president to chart their own course," Prior said.
As a marine geologist, Prior first came to the University in 1996 to serve as deputy dean of geosciences. He was later appointed dean of the College. When former president Robert M. Gates arrived in 2002, Prior was named interim executive vice president and provost and was later named the official position.
As a part of the Gates' administration, Prior worked on the administration's four major priorities - faculty investment, diversity, space and infrastructure and improvement of undergraduate and graduate education. As dean of geosciences, he was also instrumental in renewing the ocean-drilling program.
Although Prior has accepted a position at the University's rival, he said he will always carry memories of his time at A&M.
"I'm going to miss going to Kyle Field on a Saturday," he said. "I'm going to miss a lot of good friends here. I'm going to miss many of the traditions that we all enjoy. This is a great University. While one may take a career change, it's hard to leave a place like this behind."
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