Statement from Chancellor Milliken on the death of Diana Natalicio, former UTEP president

I am deeply saddened to learn that Diana Natalicio, UT El Paso’s president from 1988 until 2019, died this afternoon. President Emerita Natalicio was one of our nation’s most respected and beloved leaders in higher education. She dedicated her entire career to transforming the landscape of higher education in El Paso and the Paso del Norte area, and guided UTEP to research-university status as a nationally recognized institution. As a talented scholar in her own right, she understood the changing needs of universities, and she worked with boards and commissions throughout the county to ensure their understanding, too.  

Dr. Natalicio led a diverse and growing university over a three-decade presidency that continues to create opportunity for so many.  For that, I am immensely grateful.  I join UTEP, my colleagues in the UT System, and admirers nationwide in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader and remembering and celebrating the great work she led on behalf of so many. May we all commit to carrying out her legacy of service.

-- Chancellor James B. Milliken