A Message from Dean of Arts & Humanities
Dr. Richard Gigliotti

On June 12, 2004, my wife Carol and I started our 1856 mile, 31-hour automobile trip from Montclair, New Jersey to Corpus Christi, about one day ahead of the moving van. We decided to drive for several reasons, the most important being that the trip would reinforce the big step we were taking in our personal and professional lives.

We knew many of the “facts” about A&M-Corpus Christi: its metamorphosis from a small Baptist affiliated college to an important regional university in The A&M System; its growth in students, faculty, and buildings; its changing mission that includes adding new master’s and doctoral programs; the significant endowments it was receiving; the launching of a new School of Visual and Performing Arts, and the many buildings being constructed. But, my real process of discovery began when I actually started the job of Dean of Arts and Humanities, and I have discovered many gems.

As I write this, I have completed 11 weeks as your new dean. What gems have I discovered? I learned that my predecessor, Paul Hain, was an excellent captain of the A&H ship, turning over a college with a strong foundation for moving to the next level. I discovered a group of friendly, student-oriented, and productive faculty and staff. I discovered a university with a strong relationship with the city, an important ingredient for future success. I discovered a university that “works,” one that has clearly profited from the wise stewardship of President Furgason and other administrators. I discovered many other positives, but the most satisfying is that I like it here, and look forward to putting my own mark on the future of your alma mater.