AUSTIN, TexasJames W. Vick, vice president for student affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, has notified the university’s president, Dr. Larry R. Faulkner he plans to leave his position and return to full-time faculty status in the Department of Mathematics next May 31.
Vick has served in the vice president position since September 1989.
“For 16 years, Jim Vick has been marvelously successful in a post of critical importance to the university, and especially to its students,” Faulkner said. “On the largest campus in America there are special challenges in developing an environment that fosters the healthy personal growth of young people during their student years. Through his personal example, his dedication and his leadership, Jim Vick has created one of the nation’s exemplary programs. Besides, he has been both a teacher and a colleague to me, personally. I will miss him.”
“I am proud of the work we have done to make the lives of our students more successful and fulfilling,” Vick said. “It has been my good fortune to have colleagues with great talent and devotion, and to work for presidents who have the vision and values essential to leading a great university. We are particularly proud of the improvements we have made in services to students.”
Vick said that among the significant changes he has seen in student life at The University of Texas at Austin during his tenure as vice president for student affairs are:
- Creation of honors residence halls and the Honors Office
- Establishment of the Freshman Interest Group Program (FIGs)
- Construction of the Student Services Building
- Construction of the San Jacinto Residence Hall
- Renovation of Gregory Gymnasium
- Creation of the Undergraduate Advising Center
- Creation of the Freshman Reading Roundup program
- The introduction of new student programs like 40 Acres Fest and Texas Revue
Vick grew up in Baton Rouge, La., and attended Louisiana State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1964. After earning master’s and doctor’s degrees in mathematics at the University of Virginia, he taught for two years at Princeton University before joining the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin in 1970. From 1978 to 1989 he was associate dean for the Office of Academic and Student Affairs in the College of Natural Sciences. In September 1989 he was named vice president for student affairs.
As a professor of mathematics, Vick has been recognized on several occasions for outstanding teaching and for service to undergraduate honors programs. Some of these awards and recognitions include the Jean Holloway Teaching Excellence Award, the William Blunk Professorship, President’s Associates Teaching Award, AMOCO Teaching Excellence Award, and CASE Professor of the year for the State of Texas. He was appointed as an Ashbel Smith Professor in 1992. Until June 1996 he was the university’s faculty athletic representative to the NCAA and the Southwest Conference. In spring 1996, he was elected to the university’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
Vick continues to teach a freshman seminar as well as a Plan II math course each year.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, 512-475-7847.
