UTPA presidential search to be discussed at upcoming Board of Regents meeting

AUSTIN — The University of Texas Board of Regents is expected to discuss the search for a new president for the University of Texas-Pan American at its meeting later this week.

According to the meeting's agenda, regents are expected to meet in a closed session Wednesday morning to discuss the search.

David B. Prior, executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas System, is expected to give board members an update of the search. The board is not expected to announce a list of finalists or make any other decisions related to the matter, said Matt Flores, a spokesman for the UT System.

The UT System has been conducting a nationwide search since former president Blandina Cárdenas retired Jan. 30 amid allegations she plagiarized parts of her doctoral dissertation. The system dropped its investigation upon her retirement.

As of February, Charles A. Sorber, who served as president of UT-Permian Basin from 1993 to 2001 and as interim president of UT-Arlington for most of 2003, has been UTPA's interim president. Sorber has said he does not seek a permanent position as UTPA president.

A committee composed of representatives from the UT System, UTPA and community has been assisting the Board of Regents in its presidential search.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.