Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

The term "provost" is typically not well-known, except to people who work at a university. The provost is the university's chief academic officer and reports directly to the president. 

At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the provost works closely with all academic deans, department chairs, faculty, and student services professionals to implement and review academic initiatives that promote an environment where all members, from incoming students to tenured professors, are valued and thriving. 

Major responsibilities of the Office of the Provost include:

• Providing a challenging educational experience in a multicultural community for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Supporting the academic colleges and the work they do.
• Improving the university’s performance in building a diverse and successful faculty of scholars.
• Supporting research and scholarly activity across the university.
• Oversight and coordination of international activities.
• Supporting collaborative educational efforts involving industry, the community, and educational partners.

About the Provost

Dr. Clarenda Phillips was named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2018. 

Clarenda M. Phillips is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Sociology. Clarenda earned her Bachelor’s Degree from DePauw University, her Master’s and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Prior to joining Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, she served as the Provost at Notre Dame of Maryland University. At Morehead State University, Clarenda functioned as the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Assistant Provost, Director of the Interdisciplinary Women’s Studies Program, and Department Chair of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology.

As a scholar, Clarenda has authored several book chapters and articles, and is the co-editor of African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision, which is now in its second edition. She also serves on the Board of Trustees at Lindsey Wilson College and the Board of Visitors at DePauw University.