Mejia Named TJC Provost, VP for Academic and Student Affairs

TYLER — Dr. Juan E. Mejia, who joined Tyler Junior College as vice president for student affairs in October 2013, has been appointed to serve as TJC provost and vice president for academic and student affairs. Mejia served as a founding member for South Texas College in McAllen, where he had served as chief academic officer since 2003. STC grew to six full comprehensive campuses and an enrollment of close to 33,000 students, making it the 8th largest community college in the state of Texas, according to a TJC news release. In addition, it had the largest dual enrollment in the state, with close to 13,000 students from its participating school districts.

TJC President Dr. Mike Metke said, �During the founding and meteoric growth at South Texas College, Dr. Mejia quickly emerged as a superstar. I came to rely on his positive energy, intelligence and leadership skills, and so did everyone else. Knowing what he can bring to a college community, I am glad he is in Tyler. We have a visionary board of trustees, and we have been able to assemble an outstanding leadership team; therefore, I am looking forward to more exciting times for TJC and truly believe the best is yet to be.�

�I am convinced that the collaboration between academic and student affairs will lead to our ability to accelerate the launching of strategic initiatives focused at student and community success,� Mejia said. �It will also allow the college community to take these initiatives to scale and build the institutional infrastructure for sustainability.� Mejia has been recognized at the local, state and national level for his work in higher education, which expands over 27 years; and he has served on national councils, boards, committees, and task forces.