Two top administrators at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have been promoted: Dr. Kelly Quintanilla, former Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, is now Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs; and Mr. Terry Tatum, former Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, is now Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration.  Their promotions are pending approval of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Quintanilla had served as Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs since April 2015. Tatum had served as Interim Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, also since last April.

“We are proud to have Dr. Quintanilla and Mr. Tatum continue their service to our campus community in these new roles,” said Dr. Flavius Killebrew, President and CEO of A&M-Corpus Christi. “Both have been successful in handling these operations during the interim and have displayed their outstanding leadership abilities. They will help our University focus on becoming an emerging research university committed to student success, closing gaps in achievement, and delivering a robust campus experience.”

Quintanilla has excelled at the Island University since joining the faculty in the communications department in 1994. Later, she served as department chair, then became the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 2009. She is a strong leader and visionary, who has helped the University grow and thrive. Under her tenure, the College established The School of Arts, Media & Communication and enhanced course offerings in journalism, graphic design, and media production.

“The Island University has been my home for more than 20 years,” said Quintanilla. “I am excited to take on new responsibilities centered on maintaining student success, enrollment and retention, and developing new academic programs.” 

Quintanilla received her bachelor’s degree from University of Pittsburgh, and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Pennsylvania State University. She will serve in the position formerly held by Dr. Chris Markwood, who is now President of Columbus State University in Georgia.

Tatum has more than 19 years of experience in higher education leadership roles.  He joined the Island University in March 2010 as Assistant Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

“I’m ready to take on the challenges that involve keeping tuition costs low and making higher education accessible to all students,” said Tatum. “I look forward to leading new projects that will benefit our students, ranging from technology upgrades to the opening of new buildings and recreational spaces.”   

Tatum came to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi from the University of Texas, where he was Associate Vice President for Information Technology. Previously, Tatum was the Assistant Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He will serve in the position formerly held by Kathryn Funk-Baxter, who is now Vice President for Business Affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Tatum holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in Law, both from the University of Texas. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).