Dr. Virginia Wheeless Named Provost of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
 
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi President/CEO Flavius Killebrew has announced the appointment of Dr. Virginia Wheeless as provost and vice president of academic affairs.

“Dr. Wheeless brings tremendous talent and a wealth of experience to the position of provost,” said Killebrew. “The provost is critical to the success of A&M-Corpus Christi and her academic background and demonstrated professional abilities are well-suited to the goals of our University team.”

As the University’s chief academic officer, Wheeless will work closely with President Killebrew to set academic priorities and to achieve those goals. The deans of the University’s five colleges will also report directly to the provost.

The duties of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs include: coordinating the University’s instructional, research, and service programs; implementing policies and procedures that affect the Division of Academic Affairs; upholding academic and accreditation standards; and advising the President on academic matters.

 “This is truly a university that has great potential and I want to be part of its future,” said Wheeless. “The University’s academic excellence, established research programs, dedication to the arts and humanities, and the team that President Killebrew has put together make this a great place to learn and teach. I look forward to learning more about the University and Corpus Christi in the next few months and to helping the University meet its goals set forth in “Momentum 2015.”

Since 2004, Wheeless has been the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. From 1993 to 2004 she held several positions in the University of North Texas System and was associate vice president for academic affairs at the time of her departure. In 2001, she was the recipient of the President’s Award for her outstanding contributions to the University.

Dr. Harvey Knull, dean of Graduate Education and associate vice president for research and scholarly activity, headed the search committee. He said the University is fortunate to find someone with Wheeless’ background.

“Because of her past experience in Texas, she’s well versed in the protocols of dealing with state agencies and institutions,” Knull said. “She’s a good communicator, she’s perceptive and she had already learned a lot about A&M-Corpus Christi prior to her interviews.”

Wheeless has extensive accreditation experience with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, especially in the area of institutional effectiveness. In addition, she has written or contributed chapters to almost a dozen books on communication and is the author or co-author of more than 20 refereed journal articles.

Wheeless has also worked closely with graduate students serving on 13 dissertation committees, 11 doctoral program committees, 15 thesis committees and 21 master’s program advising committees.

After receiving a bachelor of arts in speech education from Kearney State College in Nebraska in 1969, she earned a master’s degree in speech and theatre arts from Colorado State University. In 1977, she was awarded her doctorate in philosophy and speech communication from the University of Nebraska.

Wheeless began her professional career in 1971 as an instructor and assistant director of forensics/debate at Pacific Lutheran University. She has taught speech and communications at several major universities including the University of Nebraska, Bowling Green State University, Texas Tech University, West Virginia University, the University of Maryland and Morehead State University.

“Dr. Wheeless’ diverse background will be an asset as the University continues to grow,” said Killebrew. “Attracting staff of this caliber reflects positively not only on the University, but on the community, as well.”

Wheeless’ appointment was approved by the Texas A&M University Systems Board of Regents at its July 27-28 meeting in College Station. Wheeless began her appointment on Tuesday, Aug. 15. She replaces Dr. Sandra Harper who resigned last February to assume the position of president of Our Lady of the Lake College.