AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Victoria E. Rodríguez, interim dean of graduate studies since November 2002, has been appointed vice provost and dean of graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin.
Rodríguez, who became a vice provost in 2001, was named interim dean when the position of vice president and dean of graduate studies was merged into the portfolio of Dr. Sheldon Ekland-Olson, executive vice president and provost.
The vice president and dean of graduate studies position became vacant in September 2002 when Dr. Teresa Sullivan resigned to become executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at The University of Texas System.
“Terry Sullivan left a strong foundation on which to build,” said Ekland-Olson. “I am delighted that Professor Rodríguez has accepted this challenge. Victoria brings very strong academic credentials to the table and has a deep commitment to graduate students and programs that is matched by very few. In addition, she is a delightful colleague.”
“I am looking forward to exploring and developing ways to strengthen the ties of the Graduate School with students and faculty so that we can turn The University at Texas at Austin into one of the top institutions in this country,”said Rodríguez, who also is a professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
Rodríguez received a bachelor’s degree from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, a master’s degree from The University of Texas at El Paso, and a doctor’s degeree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to joining The University of Texas at Austin in 1991, Rodríguez held teaching positions at the University of California, San Diego and The University of Texas at El Paso. She was also a research associate at the University of Cambridge.
Her scholarly work has focused on governance, democratization and political change in Mexico. In addition to numerous books, articles and book chapters on Mexican politics and public policy, she is the author of “Decentralization in Mexico: From Reforma Municipal to Solidaridad to Nuevo Federalismo.” Her work includes path-breaking research and two books on women in Mexican politics: “Women’s Participation in Mexican Political Life” and “Women in Contemporary Mexican Politics.”
Rodríguez also has been a consultant for the World Bank. In 2000 she received jointly with Professor Peter Ward the Ohtli Medal, the highest honor granted by the Mexican government outside Mexico. Hispanic Business magazine named her as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States in 2002.
For more information contact: Sheldon Ekland-Olson, Office of the Provost, 512-232-3300, or Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
