Board approves incoming president

The 阿拉莫大学 区 Board of Trustees named Dr. 罗伯特·加尔萨 as the seventh president of 帕洛阿尔托 大学 on Tuesday, 7月 24. 加尔萨 will assume duties in September, as current president Dr. Mike Flores prepares for his new role as incoming chancellor of the 阿拉莫大学 区.

加尔萨 has served as president of Mountain View 大学, part of the Dallas County Community 大学 区, since February 2015, and is credited with increasing student enrollment to over 10,000 credit 学生, implementing eight early college high school and industry partnership programs, and expanding the nursing program.

加尔萨 worked at 帕洛阿尔托 大学 from 1999 to 2015 in a variety of positions including Vice President of Student Success, Dean of Student Success, and Dean of Community Development and Partnerships. 他拥有博士学位。.D. in Educational Administration in Higher Education from the University of Texas at Austin; a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at 圣安东尼奥, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University in 大学 Station.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. 加尔萨 and his family back to the 阿拉莫大学 区," said Dr. Bruce Leslie, chancellor of the 阿拉莫大学 区. "Dr. 加尔萨 has been integral to the monumental changes that have taken place at Mountain View 大学 over the last few years, and we look forward to the future growth his leadership will encourage throughout our district."

2018年3月, the 阿拉莫大学 区 Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Flores as the new chancellor of the 阿拉莫大学 upon Leslie's retirement. Flores will be the first Hispanic chancellor of the district and will assume responsibilities on Oct. 1, 2018.

The 帕洛阿尔托 大学 presidential search fielded more than 78 applicants for the position. A search committee comprised of faculty, 工作人员, 学生, and partner stakeholders interviewed eight candidates based on their background experience and alignment to 帕洛阿尔托 大学's mission, 愿景, and values before selecting three finalists for community forums with faculty and 工作人员.

"Bringing an individual like Dr. 加尔萨, with more than 15 years of experience in south 圣安东尼奥, is an important factor in understanding the community we serve,弗洛雷斯说. "Dr. Leslie and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead 帕洛阿尔托 大学 in its next chapter, and I look forward to collaborating with Dr. 加尔萨 on the 大学's continued journey to excellence."