Croyle steps down as VP

Committed to serving students, Kristin Croyle worked as the vice president for Student Success even before UTRGV opened its doors, but she will return to the classroom in Spring 2019.

On Aug. 31, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia McHatton sent an email to the UTRGV community stating that Croyle was stepping down as vice president “to return to faculty, effective immediately.” She thanked Croyle for her dedicated service to Student Success.

Croyle’s work for the UTRGV community started in 2014, when the university was being created from the merger of the University of Texas at Brownsville and University of Texas Pan American.

 “I was hired to develop student success for UTRGV, to make sure we have policies and procedures in place that supported students and put students first,” Croyle said.

Before UTRGV, she worked at UTPA as the vice provost for Undergraduate Education, the inaugural dean of the University College, and interim dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The Rider asked Croyle why her position change had been immediate.  She replied, “That’s a good question, and I’m sorry I don’t have an answer for that.”

However, the position change should not affect the Division for Student Success nor the UTRGV community, as all initiatives should continue and the position will be advertised, McHatton and Croyle said.

McHatton said the position announcement is being worked on, and the goal is to fill the position as soon as possible.

Asked why Kristin Croyle was no longer the vice president for Student Success, McHatton replied, “We really don’t discuss issues with regards to our employees.”

Rebecca Gadson, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of students; Cindy Valdez,  associate vice president for Student Educational Outreach; Jonikka Charlton, associate vice president for Student Academic Success; and McHatton will work collaboratively until the position is filled. 

“We are looking for someone that is totally and completely committed to students, to student success, to maximize the support services that we provide students,” McHatton said.

Starting next year, Croyle said she also expects to be involved in the new clinical psychology doctoral program, as she is a licensed psychologist and has previously taught in the graduate and undergraduate psychology program at UTPA.

As a faculty member, Croyle hopes to teach undergraduate students.

“I feel a very close connection to undergraduate students, especially incoming freshmen,” Croyle said. “I want to make sure that no matter what role I serve in, they have a great experience with the faculty and in class.”  

She has not yet been assigned to a specific course; however, Croyle hopes to be assigned to teach on both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses since she has spent several years going back and forth on a regular basis.

“It has been really a great honor to serve the students of UTRGV,” Croyle said. “They are amazing. I’m inspired every day by the work our students do, and the staff and faculty who are very devoted to their success. So, my work as vice president has been a joy on the whole because of the students at UTRGV.”