Karbhari officially named president of UT Arlington

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents has named Dr. Vistasp M. Karbhari president of The University of Texas at Arlington effective June 1.

The Board unanimously approved the appointment at a special called board meeting on Tuesday, March 12. Karbhari was named lone finalist for the position at a Board of Regents meeting last month.

Karbhari will replace President James Spaniolo, who announced last June his intention to step down from the top post once his successor is in place. Spaniolo has served as UT Arlington president since 2004, and his last day will be May 31.

“We are fortunate to have a leader of Dr. Karbhari’s caliber take over the reins of UT Arlington, and we know he is the perfect fit to make sure excellence, accessibility and affordability remain top priorities at UT Arlington,” Regents Chairman Gene Powell said. “Dr. Karbhari has impressed us from the moment we met him, and he has our complete confidence.”

Karbhari currently is the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Prior to that, he served as professor and vice chairman of the structural engineering department at The University of California-San Diego.

“UT Arlington is an incredible institution, and I am committed to advancing UTA toward Tier One status, while maintaining and strengthening excellence in both research and education and ensuring the success of our undergraduate and graduate students,” Karbhari said. “I am honored by the Board’s decision to name me as president, and I am looking forward to leading this wonderful university and building on the tremendous foundations laid by President Spaniolo.”

Karbhari is a noted researcher and scholar and is a published author or co-author of more than 200 scientific papers. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Poona in India and his doctorate from The University of Delaware.

“Dr. Karbhari’s teaching and administrative experience are extensive, and I have no doubt that he is the right person to lead UT Arlington,” Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa said. “UT Arlington has established a reputation for excellence that will only be strengthened by Dr. Karbhari’s leadership. I’m excited to help welcome him to UT Arlington and the UT System.”

About The University of Texas System

Educating students, providing care for patients, conducting groundbreaking research and serving the needs of Texans and the nation for more than 130 years, The University of Texas System is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, with nine academic universities, six health institutions and a fall 2012 enrollment of roughly 216,000. The UT System confers more than one-third of the state’s undergraduate degrees and educates nearly three-fourths of the state’s health care professionals annually. The UT System has an annual operating budget of $13.9 billion (FY 2013) including $3.1 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. With more than 87,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in the state.

About The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington sets the standard for educational excellence in the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth area. With an enrollment over 33,800, it's the second largest institution in the UT System and the sixth largest in Texas. The University is rising in stature through its commitment to transforming the lives of students, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and serving those around us. Dramatic, measurable advancements continue to propel UT Arlington toward its goal of becoming one of America’s premier research institutions. Research activity has more than tripled to $71.4 million over the past 10 years, with increasing expertise in bioengineering, medical diagnostics, micro-manufacturing, and defense and Homeland Security technologies, among other areas. With a growing number of campus residents, UT Arlington has become a first-choice university for students seeking a vibrant college experience. In addition to receiving a first-rate education in more than 180 disciplines, our students participate in a robust slate of co-curricular activities that prepare them to become the next generation of leaders.