University President

In Memoriam

Dr. Pablo Arenaz

Sixth President

Texas A&M International University

2017 – 2024

Dr. Pablo Arenaz was the sixth president of Texas A&M International University and passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at age 74.

Before joining TAMIU as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2008, Dr. Arenaz served as Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate School at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Other UTEP posts included Vice Provost, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Associate Dean for the Colleges of Science and Engineering.

Dr. Arenaz held his Ph.D. in Genetics and Cell Biology from Washington State University and an M.S. in Biology from the University of Nevada at Reno (UNR). His B.S. in Education was also earned at UNR. He conducted postdoctoral research at Temple University’s School of Medicine, Fels Research Institute. His academic appointments included assistant, associate, and full professor of Biology.

At TAMIU, Dr. Arenaz focused on enhancing academic quality, building research capacity and scholarship, and increasing curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students, including internship and research opportunities.

Dr. Arenaz was affirmed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in November 2016 as TAMIU President. Before assuming the President’s role, he served eight years as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at TAMIU, arriving in 2008.

Chancellor John Sharp of The Texas A&M University System shared his condolences.

“Texas A&M International University has thrived under Pablo. He was truly one of the best presidents in the country! He will be difficult to replace as a president and a friend!” Chancellor Sharp said.

Bill Mahomes, chairman of the Texas A&M System Board of Regents, offered his thoughts.

"Pablo was an excellent president and an even better person. Warm hearted. Student centered. His legacy is an affordable, accessible, and exceptional university that students love to attend. It was a pleasure knowing him. He will be missed by all of us," Mahomes said.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents issued a Proclamation honoring Dr. Arenaz at its November meeting.

TAMIU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Claudia San Miguel, provided the campus sentiment.

“On behalf of all TAMIU faculty, staff, and students we are all profoundly saddened by the passing of Dr. Arenaz. He was kind and generous and a leader we all admired. It is difficult to imagine this campus, this community, without his larger-than-life presence.”

Dr. Arenaz directed some of the University’s most dynamic growth, especially in STEM and the health sciences, and spearheaded the current $71.2 million campus construction of the Health Sciences Education and Research Center and the expansion of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center.

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Arenaz’s family traces its ancestry to the Basque Country of northern Spain.

He was married to Norma Arenaz for 33 years and is survived by her and four adult children: Jonathan, Cristina, Rebekah, and Pablo III; grandchildren, Sophia, Travis, and Auri; brothers, Mike (Cami), Mark (Jann) and David (Mayra) Arenaz.

Memorial Gifts can be made to the Dr. Pablo Arenaz Endowment at Texas A&M International University: https://bit.ly/arenazendowment

Chancellor Sharp has appointed Juan J. Castillo as the Acting President of Texas A&M International University in Laredo. Castillo, who has served as the Vice President for Finance and Administration at TAMIU since 2008, will oversee the University’s operations until an Interim President appointment is made.