Rio Grande College VP Resigns

Dr. Joel Vela

Alpine -- Dr. Joel E. Vela, Vice President of Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College, has announced his resignation, effective December 31, 2009.  “It is time for a change; I am stepping down to return to the classroom, and because my academic training and professional experiences are best suited to programs in Alpine, I have requested a teaching assignment there,” he stated, “but I thank the faculty and staff of the Rio Grande College as well as the wonderful communities of Uvalde, Eagle Pass and Del Rio for their support.”

Prior to his service as vice president, Vela served as president, both at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon and Palo Alto College in San Antonio as well in various capacities at North Lake College in the Dallas Community College District.

Sul Ross State University President-Designate Ricardo Maestas stated, “Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College is grateful for Dr. Vela’s service and leadership over the past eight years, and the University is pleased to honor his request to teach and will assign him to the Alpine campus.”

President-Designate Maestas added that he will freeze the vice president’s position for the time being to take time better to understand the issues facing Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College.  “These communities and our students at Rio Grande College are a very important part of what Sul Ross State University is,” he stated, “and I want to make sure that we move forward together in providing optimal educational opportunities and programs for them.”