Dr. Flavius Killebrew has a doctorate degree in zoology and 43 years’ experience in the Texas A&M University system. He retires as president of TAMU-Corpus Christi on Dec. 31, 2016, after 12 years at the helm.
The president of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi plans to retire as of Dec. 31, 2016, he announced at the annual State of the University luncheon Sept. 14. The 10th president at TAMU-CC, Dr. Flavius Killebrew, 67, served for 12 years, taking over the position in 2005.
“[My wife] Kathy and I feel truly blessed to have led such a dynamic group of faculty and staff and have been amazed at the caliber and character of our students,” Killebrew said. “Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is definitely a rare pearl for South Texas.”
During his tenure, enrollment rose to a record high of 12,203 students, a 36 percent increase. Research expenditures doubled as did the university’s physical size with the addition of 140 acres that became home to the Momentum Campus. The land now houses two intercollegiate sports facilities, recreational sports fields and upper-level student housing.
Killebrew is credited with initiating 19 new academic programs, including six new doctoral and two new engineering programs. Two of those programs led to the university being named as one of six test sites for integration of unmanned aircraft systems in the national air space by the Federal Aviation Administration.
He raised more than $62 million in donations for capital expansion projects. He also moved the university into the Southland Conference.
Before he became president of TAMU-CC, Killebrew was provost and vice-president of academic affairs at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. He has spent 43 years in the Texas A&M University system.
He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from West Texas A&M and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Arkansas. He is an expert on the Cagle’s map turtle, which was listed as a threatened species based on his research.
“Flavius has exceeded even the highest expectations in his leadership of this university,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. “It was my hope he would serve through another legislative session, but I respect his decision to hand over the reins.”
Sharp promised to announce his replacement soon.
“Today is about celebrating Flavius and Kathy and all they have done for Corpus Christi,” he said.
