CORPUS CHRISTI- Dr. Mark Escamilla, former Tyler Junior College provost is now beginning his move back to Corpus Christi to lead the school he attended, Del Mar College.
A unanimous vote over the summer by the Del Mar College Board of Regents named current Tyler Junior College Provost Dr. Mark Escamilla the lone finalist for president of Del Mar College.
“I’m humbled and honored to begin serving the College that gave me the foundation for my professional life,” Dr. Escamilla said in a prepared statement. ” I’m also thrilled to have the opportunity to positively affect the lives of students who grew up where I grew up. This is my dream come true!”
According to DMC, Escamilla visited the campus in August for interviews and forum discussions with various members of the Del Mar College community.
Escamilla is from Corpus Christi and members of the presidential search process said that played a role in their selection.
“Dr. Escamilla is the epitome of the Del Mar College dream. He grew up across the street from the West Campus and transferred from Del Mar to Corpus Christi State University before completing his Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Texas in the Community College Leadership Program,” said Regent Trey McCampbell.
Del Mar hired a professional consultant for the presidential search process that started in January. The firm, Gold Hill Associates, held meeting with various groups of students, faculty, and community members at Del Mar College.
Escamilla has served as the Tyler Junior College Provost and Chief Academic Officer since August 2006. At TJC, Escamilla’s work with various community organizations gave almost $400,000 in community funding for the college and workforce development. Escamilla also served during the time that TJC saw its biggest enrollment in school history.
He has previously served as Provost for Morton College in Illinois, and also worked for the Tarrant County College District and Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Dr. Homer Hayes will begin his role as interim provost at TJC later this month.
Hayes is a graduate of Northern Illinois Univeristy and has worked at various colleges in Texas.
Hayes also served in a variety of international roles in the peace corps.
