TSUS Board of Regents Installs Carlos Hernandez as SRSU President

By Dawson Beard, Skyline Reporter

ALPINE – Moving into 2023, in his role as the new president of Sul Ross State University, Carlos Hernandez said he plans to support students’ academic endeavors, improve campus safety, create new opportunities for students, and carry on the legacy of prior SRSU presidents.

In an interview with the Skyline, President Hernandez detailed his experience and future goals for Sul Ross.

“With more than 34 years of higher education experience, many of them in leadership, and with my hometown just down the road in El Paso, I believe my background and familiarity with Far West Texas provide me with unique qualifications,” Hernandez said.

“I came to Sul Ross State ready to take the helm. I am pleased to have been chosen by Chancellor McCall and the Board of Regents, and I look forward to continuing to serve the students, faculty and staff on all our campuses as well as engaging with the communities we serve,” he said.

President Hernandez said that his top priority is to support students in their academic endeavors, but he also mentioned the important of physical and mental health.

“I want to engage them in as many ways as possible and give them the college experience they deserve. Our students’ health and welfare is one of the highest priorities and we will continue to engage in services that enhance campus safety. I’m also looking forward to enhancing our many successful programs while creating new opportunities that advance SRSU,” said Hernandez.

President Hernandez concluded his interview with the Skyline by acknowledging the work of Pete Gallego and other SRSU presidents that came before him and explaining how he plans to carry on their legacy.

“Many, if not all of our past presidents made a lasting impact on the university. I believe we have the leadership in key roles to make great strides toward enrollment and retention gains, and toward student experience enhancements that will underscore the Lobo legacy. Sul Ross has a great story and I’m excited to share it,” said Hernandez.

In a unanimous vote by the Texas State University System Board of Regents, Hernandez was officially appointed as the new president of Sul Ross State University on Nov. 17, 2022.

The decision came as a surprise to many as he had only been serving in an interim role for five  months prior.

Chancellor of TSUS Brian McCall touted the board’s decision by reviewing President Hernandez’s resume following his appointment to the position of interim president in June 2022.

“As interim president,” said Chancellor McCall, “Dr. Hernandez has made remarkable progress on efforts to grow and improve Sul Ross, such as strengthening student recruitment programs, expanding marketing campaigns to grow enrollment, and implementing efficiencies to reduce administrative overhead.”

With a record of over 30 years in the Texas higher education system, President Hernandez has extensive experience.

Hernandez attended The University of Texas at El Paso from 1984 to 2009, where he earned his bachelor's degree in accounting as well as his Master and Doctoral of Education degrees.

From March 2014 to May 2022, Hernandez was Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations at Sam Houston State University. Hernandez also worked for other Texas universities, such as the University of Texas at El Paso, the University of North Texas and the University of North Texas at Dallas.