University of Houston-Clear Lake names new Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

The University of Houston-Clear Lake has named Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost after approval was granted by the University of Houston System Board of Regents April 13. Abdelrahman's official start date will be July 1.

At UHCL, Abdelrahman will serve as the university's chief academic officer, providing leadership for UHCL's academic programs, faculty affairs, research and scholarly activity, and initiatives that support student success and institutional effectiveness.

"Dr. Abdelrahman is an experienced leader who understands how to build and lead strong academic organizations and student success initiatives," said UHCL President Richard Walker. "He brings a collaborative approach and a clear commitment to excellence that will serve our students, faculty, and university well."

Currently the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Abdelrahman said he was drawn to UH-Clear Lake because of its "strong academic foundation, its location in one of the most dynamic regions in the United States, and its academic portfolio, which aligns well with my own experience. I was also attracted to its potential for continued advancement - particularly in areas like workforce-aligned programs, applied research, and community partnerships."

He said one of his priorities in the new role will be taking time to listen and learn the university's culture. "My goal will be to capitalize on UHCL's strong foundation and continue advancing student success, academic quality, and research and innovation. Understanding the culture, engaging with faculty, staff, and students, and identifying the right priorities are essential steps before making decisions."

At Texas A&M-San Antonio, Abdelrahman oversees the university's academic colleges, library, research and health sciences, institutional research, institutional effectiveness, and student success and retention initiatives. In this role, he has led efforts to strengthen student success, expand academic programs, and enhance research and academic innovation across the university while providing strategic oversight of academic and research portfolios exceeding $50 million.

During his tenure at Texas A&M-San Antonio, Abdelrahman has supported the launch of multiple new undergraduate and graduate programs, advanced initiatives to improve advising and retention, and helped establish new structures to support graduate education and research development. He has also fostered partnerships with regional school districts, community colleges, and industry partners to expand academic pathways and better align academic programs with workforce needs.

Abdelrahman brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, researcher, and senior academic leader. Prior to his current role, he served as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Colorado State University Pueblo, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Arkansas Tech University, and Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Among his leadership accomplishments, Abdelrahman has helped secure more than $25 million in federal, state, and private funding to strengthen academic programs and student success initiatives and has led the development of new educational frameworks and interdisciplinary academic structures designed to enhance collaboration and respond to evolving workforce and regional needs.

Abdelrahman previously served as a tenured full professor at Tennessee Technological University and was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Qatar. His research focuses on industrial sensing and control systems, engineering education, and experiential learning. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications and technical reports and holds three patents.

He holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering and a Master of Science in Measurements and Controls Engineering from Idaho State University, as well as a Master of Science in Engineering Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Cairo University.