Dr. Carlos “Lalo” Gonzalez has been named Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences at Sul Ross State University, where he will oversee the university’s Natural Resource Management, Biology and Geology programs while continuing to serve as Associate Director of Research for the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI).
The appointment places Gonzalez in a unique position to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and hands-on conservation research that has become a hallmark of both Sul Ross State University and BRI.
“Dr. Gonzalez has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Sul Ross, our students and the advancement of conservation science,” said Dr. Bonnie Warnock, dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Physical Sciences. “His experience as a researcher, educator and mentor, combined with his deep understanding of both the Borderlands Research Institute and the Department of Natural Sciences, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the department into its next chapter.”
Gonzalez succeeds Dr. Ryan Luna, who has served as department chair since 2018. Luna will step away from administrative duties to devote more time to his research initiatives in upland game bird ecology and management.
“Dr. Luna has provided exemplary leadership to the department over the past seven years,” Gonzalez said. “I am grateful for his service and look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established as he continues to make significant contributions through his research program.”
A Sul Ross graduate and one of BRI’s homegrown success stories, Gonzalez first arrived on campus as a teenage volunteer at age 15. Over the years, he earned his degrees, built a distinguished research career, and became a leader in habitat management, wildlife restoration and conservation science.
“To think that I went from a 15-year-old volunteer who didn’t know what he was doing to serving as department chair is something I never imagined,” Gonzalez said. “Sul Ross played a significant role in shaping my life and career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the institution that has given me so much.”
In addition to overseeing academic programs, faculty and curriculum development, Gonzalez will continue to lead BRI’s research enterprise, creating an even stronger connection between the university’s academic and research missions.
The Department of Natural Sciences traces its roots to Sul Ross’ early agriculture and biology programs, which date back more than a century and helped lay the foundation for natural resource management education in West Texas. Today, the department works closely with BRI to provide students with opportunities to participate in applied research that addresses real-world conservation challenges.
“While there are challenges ahead, there are also tremendous opportunities,” said Gonzalez. “Our focus will be on growing enrollment, strengthening academic programs, supporting faculty success and continuing to provide the hands-on experiences that make Sul Ross such a special place. I am excited about what the future holds.”
Photo: Dr. Carlos “Lalo” Gonzalez, Chair, Department of Natural Sciences, Sul Ross State Universit. BRI photo