Darrelene Rachavong Named U. T. Dallas' Vice President for Student Affairs

RICHARDSON, Texas (July 20, 2005) — Saying he was convinced she was “the best person for the job,” Dr. David E. Daniel, president of The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), today announced the appointment of Dr. Darrelene Rachavong as the university’s vice president for student affairs.

Rachavong, a 22-year veteran of UTD, has served as the interim vice president of student affairs for the last 14 months. She assumed the position when Dr. Mary Evans Sias left UTD to become president of Kentucky State University. Rachavong previously was UTD’s dean of students and assistant vice president for student affairs.

Darrelene Rachavong, a 22-year veteran
of UTD, was described as
“the
best person for the job.”

In making the announcement this morning, Daniel said he was “moving quickly to solidify his leadership team” and that Rachavong had proven herself in the interim position as “a highly skilled administrator” and had “earned the promotion.”

Rachavong serves as a member of the president’s cabinet.

“During her tenure as the interim vice president for student affairs, Dr. Rachavong has skillfully managed the administration of a large and complex unit,” Daniel said. “And she has demonstrated that she is someone who is quick to respond to students’ needs.”

Rachavong will be responsible for overseeing all issues affecting current and prospective students in the areas of enrollment services — including recruitment, admissions, financial aid and registration — and student life, which encompasses student government, athletics, the student health center, the counseling center, the career center, the women’s center and the student union. She will manage a staff of approximately 185 persons, as well as numerous student workers.

“I’m so pleased and very honored that Dr. Daniel has faith and trust in my abilities and has appointed me to this position on a permanent basis,” Rachavong said. “I look forward to being part of the team that will move this excellent university to the next level, as well as to working closely with Dr. Daniel to continue providing quality services to our students.”

Rachavong has an Ed.D. degree from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in reading education from the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies and a B.A. in social sciences from the West Virginia Institute of Technology. She joined UTD in 1983 as special assistant to the executive director of student services.

About UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls more than 14,000 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university’s web site at
www.utdallas.edu.