Dr. Robert Munoz has been selected as the new Vice President of Sul Ross State University Middle Rio Grande Campuses in an announcement Monday, April 13.
Dr. Munoz will begin his new position on June 1.
“We are excited and pleased that Dr. Munoz will bring his extensive higher education experience to Sul Ross State University,” said President Bill Kibler. “He brings excitement, an engaging communication style and extensive leadership experience to this position and I look forward to working with him.”
Kibler said Munoz will lead the three MRGC campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde.
“We think the future is bright for higher education in the Middle Rio Grande region of Texas as Sul Ross and Southwest Texas Junior College work together on new directions to meet the higher education needs of these communities,” he said.
”I am deeply humbled and excited to be selected for this position,” said Dr. Munoz. “To return and serve the institution-that afforded me an opportunity to earn my Masters Degree as a working professional- is an honor. I look forward to working with the great faculty, staff and administrators at Sully and Southwest Texas Junior College to serve our students.”
Since 2008, Munoz has served as Vice President for Community and Industry Education and Executive Director of Community Education and Engagement at the Trinity River Campus (TRC) of Tarrant County College in Ft. Worth.
While at TRC, Munoz helped restructure allied health programs to enhance the overall health care system function. He also established the campus as a GED test site, enhancing testing flexibility through ease-of-access.
Munoz also built and sustained lasting partnerships with local businesses and community leaders. Under his leadership, TRC created the Bilingual Business Series Certificate, an eight week accelerated bilingual business education series providing tools on how to start, grow and sustain a successful business.
Prior to his arrival at TRC, Dr. Munoz served as an instructor and administrator at Odessa College (OC) for 16 years.
During his tenure at OC, Munoz worked as an instructor of management and also served as Department Chair of Management and Business Administration.
From 1993-1999 Munoz provided leadership and strategic vision to advance the department’s research and teaching. He led the department to an exemplary rating by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and collaborated with the City of Odessa in offering leadership training to staff members.
Munoz was then promoted to Dean of Continuing Education where he oversaw annual planning functions including development and launch of new programs, enrollment growth, technology, non-credit opportunities, grants, compliance, research and services.
He successfully expanded workforce programs to provide an inclusive work and learning environment for incarcerates at a federal prison in Pecos.
Munoz also served as Dean of Workforce and Technical Studies at OC.
In that capacity, he managed overall operations and budgets and reviewed and identified cost-effective and efficient use of departmental resources. Munoz also expanded program services to Presidio to create opportunities for continued education.
Munoz earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1977.
He then received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Odessa College in 1983 before earning his Master’s of Education in Counseling from Sul Ross in 1997.
He went on to receive his Doctorate in Educational Administration in 2007 from New Mexico State University.
Munoz is the 2014 recipient of the Ft. Worth Hispanic Heritage Award.
Other honors and awards include:
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Champion, Ft. Worth | 2014-2015
Chairman’s Award 2019 Brillo Award, Hispanic Women’s Network, Ft. Worth | 2013
Friend of Texas Award, PHI THETA KAPPA | 2013
Community Partner Award, Links Odessa | 2006
Outstanding Faculty, Rodeo Team Club | 2003
Outstanding Role Model, Hispanic Heritage of Odessa | 2002-2003
Outstanding Alumni Leadership, Odessa | 2002
Outstanding Faculty & Staff Inaugural Award, Athletic Department | 2002
Dr. Munoz is currently a Cabinet Member of the Tarrant County United Way.
He is past President of the Hispanic Wellness Coalition (2015-2017), Chair, City of Odessa Board of Adjustment (2005-2008) Chair, Odessa Chamber of Commerce (2004-2005) Advisory Board Member, Odessa American Newspaper (2003-2008) Advisory Board Member, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Distant Education (2003-2007) President, Links of Odessa (2003-2004) and President, Midland and Odessa Transportation Board (2003-2004).