Fernandez Named to Two Computer Science Chairmanships

Dr. John Fernandez

Dr. John Fernandez, a professor in the University’s College of Science and Technology, has been selected as the Rogelio “Roger” Benavides Chair in Computer Sciences” and chair of the Department of Computer Sciences.

The Benavides Memorial Chair was established by the Benavides family in memory of husband and father Roger Benavides to emphasize the research and teaching of industrial safety. Their expectation is that the holder of the Benavides Chair will be a professor of computer sciences with a strong background in all aspects of computing, including systems that support real-time applications in industrial health, safety or security. 

Fernandez has a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and possesses a strong and broad background in academia, research laboratories, corporations and government/non-profit sectors. From 1968 to 1989 he served in a number of military appointments in computer science, capping his military career in the Pentagon working for the assistant secretary of defense.

In that role he managed a computer and analysis center of 30 computer experts and operations analysts and a $10 million budget. From 1989 to 2001 he worked in private industry, most recently serving as Director and CEO of the Operational Technologies Corporation in San Antonio. Fernandez’ academic career started as a chair and faculty member of the Division of Business and Computer Science at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. He joined the Department of Computer Sciences faculty in 2002.

Fernandez has 24 papers and publications in national and international journals with numerous collaborators. His works have focused on software engineering and computer science education as relevant to industry. Dr. Fernandez has directed and partnered on more than $3 million in external grants since arriving at A&M-Corpus Christi.