CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi President/CEO Flavius Killebrew has recommended Dr. Joe M. King for the position of provost and vice president of academic affairs. King’s appointment is subject to the approval of the Texas A&M System Board of Regents.

For the past 15 years, King has been the dean of the College of Sciences at the University of New Orleans where he led a staff of 150 full-time faculty, 50 adjunct faculty and 30 research faculty. Previously, he spent 13 years on the faculty at Murray State University in Kentucky where he served as chair of the Department of Biological Sciences from 1986 through 1991.

“The provost is essential to the academic success of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and Dr. King’s vast experience in the classroom and as an administrator will be a tremendous asset in his position of provost,” said Killebrew. “I look forward to working closely with him as we implement the University’s priorities during this exciting time of physical expansion and academic growth.”

King received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Sam Houston State University before earning his doctorate from the University of Texas in 1971. He served as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse for two years then spent five years as a senior research associate at Rice University before joining the faculty at Murray State in 1978.

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. The deans of the University’s five colleges also report directly to the provost.

King’s selection came after an exhaustive screening of more than 60 applicants. Four finalists visited campus to meet with University faculty and staff in late June and early July.