Dr. Luis H. Zayas, UTRGV provost & senior vice president for Academic Affairs, on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Executive Tower in Edinburg, Texas.
UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy
Fernanda Gonzalez
On June 1, Luis Zayas, who has a doctorate in developmental psychology, was appointed as the new provost of UTRGV. Zayas has worked in higher education for more than 10 years. He tells us what his journey was to get to UTRGV.
Originally from Coamo, Puerto Rico, Zayas’ father was in the military. He recalls regularly moving between states and even countries until his globetrotting days came to an end when he began his studies in Economics at Manhattan College in New York City.
According to Zayas, his career in social work has everything to do with his parents’ influence, and their “givingness.”
Zayas said that his father was the one that encouraged him to pursue higher education. He is the first one in his family to go to college.
Zayas expressed his family is very close. He said the main reason for that is due to his mother having his brothers and him pray the rosary every night.
He identifies himself as a very quiet and shy person. He is a good listener.
He said his listening helped him in his job as a dean at Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.
Sharon Brennan is the Director of Faculty Affairs at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin. She was Dr. Zayas’ assistant and recalls her experiences working with him.
Ruben Parra-Cardona, is a professor and the dean for Global Engagement at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin. He spoke about Dr. Zayas’ attitude and way of thinking.
During his time at UT Austin, Zayas learned the importance of public higher education in America. He expressed pride in his overseeing of the diversification of the graduate programs while at UT Austin. The School of Social Work illustrated diversity not only in racial and ethnicities, but geographically as well.
As the new Provost and Vice president for Academic affairs Zayas oversees all academic matters including faculty and student success.
Zayas said he wants students to persevere in their studies, and trust that they have something to offer to the world.