Texas A&M-Victoria Names Christian E. Hardigree as Sole Finalist for president
VICTORIA,TX – The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has named Christian E. Hardigree as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University-Victoria (A&M-victoria), the System announced today. Hardigree, currently the Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, is described as ”exactly the kind of leader who can definitely help Texas A&M-Victoria thrive along the Coastal Bend and Crossroads.”
Hardigree oversees academic programs, operations, and a $130 million campus and capital improvement portfolio in her current role. She previously served as founding dean of the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University of Denver and founding director of the Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability & Hospitality at Kennesaw State University. She holds a Juris Doctor from Mercer University and a B.S. (cum laude) from UNLV, and was selected as a Fulbright Scholar in 2024.
“Christian has led complex organizations, raised resources and translated strategy into results,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “I’m confident she’ll partner with local employers and educators too deliver high-value degrees that open doors for texas families.”
Hardigree expressed her enthusiasm for the prospect, stating, “I am deeply honored to be selected as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University-Victoria. This is a pivotal moment for the university, and I am inspired by its mission to advance academic excellence, foster student success and serve as a catalyst for opportunity and economic growth across South Texas. I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to elevate the university’s visibility, strengthen its impact, and build a vibrant future together.”
A&M-Victoria is the 12th university within the Texas A&M system, focusing on programs aligned with regional workforce needs.The Texas A&M University System, boasting an annual budget of $8.1 billion, comprises 12 universities, a health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M-Fort Worth, and Texas A&M-RELLIS, serving approximately 175,000 students and impacting millions more through research and outreach. The System’s annual research expenditures total nearly $1.6 billion.
In accordance with Texas law, the Board of Regents will consider final action on the appointment no sooner than 21 days from today’s announcement.
Media Contact:
Chris Bryan
Vice Chancellor of Marketing and communications
cbryan@tamus.edu
