Sul Ross State University announced the retirement of Dr. Robert J. Kinucan, professor of Range Management, whose distinguished career spans 38 years of dedicated service to the university, the academic community and the Big Bend region.

Dr. Kinucan will officially retire on Aug. 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by academic excellence, transformational leadership and an enduring commitment to student success.

The university will celebrate his remarkable career at a retirement reception on Tuesday, April 28, at 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Big Bend.

Throughout his tenure at SRSU, Dr. Kinucan served in numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Division of Range Animal Science (1996–1999), Dean of the College of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (1999–2017), Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Research (2018–2019) and Executive Vice President and Provost (2019–2021). His leadership helped shape institutional growth and strengthen academic programs across the university.

A passionate educator and mentor, he guided 35 Master of Science students to completion and served on an additional 72 graduate committees. His influence extends far beyond the classroom, having supported and developed faculty as both a colleague and an administrator.

Dr. Kinucan’s scholarly contributions include 17 peer-reviewed publications and dozens of presentations at conferences ranging from local to international levels. His work generated more than $5 million in grant funding, advancing research and innovation in range management and agricultural sciences.

Nationally, he is recognized for his leadership within the American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources, where he served as president from 2006–2007. In 2018, he received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored with the Sul Ross State University Presidential Award in 2023.

Beyond campus, Dr. Kinucan has made meaningful contributions to the Alpine community and the greater Big Bend region, including his involvement with the Big Bend Amateur Radio Club.

In recognition of his exemplary career, Sul Ross State University will confer upon Dr. Kinucan the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus, an honor he will hold in perpetuity. Additionally, the Everett E. Turner Range Animal Science Center, Room 102, will be named the Robert J. Kinucan Dean’s Conference Room in his honor.