Tarleton names new associate vice president for academic administration

STEPHENVILLE (April 16, 2018) — Dr. Mark Morvant joins Tarleton State University as associate vice president for academic administration, effective July 9. Currently associate provost at the University of Oklahoma, he succeeds Dr. Dwayne Snider, who’s retiring.

“Dr. Morvant has a rich academic background and valuable experience in higher education leadership,” said Dr. Karen Murray, Tarleton provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “A Tarleton alumnus, he has a compelling vision for our academic program, is an inspirational leader and a champion of student success.”

Among other duties, Morvant will lead Tarleton’s accreditation efforts, serving as liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. He’ll also be responsible for academic space use and facility needs, academic compliance issues, institutional research, summer school and the budget for adjunct faculty.

Morvant is no stranger to Stephenville, earning his bachelor’s degree in science from Tarleton and growing up in the community. His father, Clifton J. Morvant, was a member of the faculty for more than 30 years, serving as an assistant professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“I am excited to join the team at Tarleton State University,” Morvant said. “With the growth and focus on student success and core values, Tarleton is well-positioned to enrich the lives of students and, through their education, form the trajectory of entire families. I look forward to working with the students, faculty and leadership at the university that prepared me for success.”

Morvant is a full professor with teaching and research experience at OU, Georgia Southern University and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He also has participated in research initiatives at the University of Florida and Texas A&M University.

He has won numerous awards for teaching — including the Regents Award for Superior Teaching from OU — conducted study abroad programs and increased student engagement through a variety of teaching innovations.

Prior to his four-year stint as OU’s associate provost, he served as executive director of the school’s Center for Teaching Excellence and assistant chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Morvant earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from OU.

For more information on Tarleton State University, visit www.tarleton.edu.