By University Communications
Monday, 07 24 2023

SAN ANTONIO —Texas A&M University-San Antonio is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ting Liu as its inaugural dean of graduate studies. With over 15 years of teaching and research experience in higher education, Liu brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.  

In this new position, Liu will lead the overall development and advancement of graduate programs. She will also create a strategic vision for continued growth of graduate education, with a focus on Hispanic students. Liu is scheduled to start her position on Sept. 1, 2023. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to making a meaningful and positive impact at A&M-San Antonio,” said Liu. “I want to get students engaged in our graduate programs and research experiences and expand our graduate services to better serve their needs.”   

Liu comes to A&M-San Antonio after a 15-year tenure at Texas State University. There, she served as an associate dean for research and sponsored programs in the College of Education, a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, the undergraduate program director, and the graduate program director.   

Under her leadership as the program director, graduate student enrollment experienced an increase of 120%, while retention and graduation rates rose to nearly 100%. Furthermore, during her tenure as the associate dean, the college achieved significant milestones in research funding. She has succeeded in not only increasing external funding amounts, but also revitalized faculty engagement, resulting in an increase in proposal submissions and the securing of federal grants by several faculty members.  

“I’m thrilled to have Dr. Liu join A&M-San Antonio as our inaugural dean of graduate studies,” said Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and professor of engineering sciences. “With her background and experience, I’m confident Dr. Liu will provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for our graduate education and help further promote post baccalaureate opportunities at A&M-San Antonio.” 

Liu earned a Ph.D. in kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.S. in exercise and sports studies from Boise State University, and a B.S. in physical education from Beijing Sport University. Her research encompasses applied and translational research in children with autism. She established an autism summer camp in 2010 that provides a place for children with autism in San Marcos and hands-on service learning and research opportunities to students.   

This endeavor, Liu said, will help in her new role as dean of graduate studies. "Leading the autism summer program has allowed me to actively engage in community outreach, foster meaningful partnerships and promote engagement. Increasing enrollment in our graduate programs requires raising awareness about our institution, establishing our presence, communicating the range of services we provide and showcasing the exceptional quality of our graduate programs. By engaging with stakeholders and implementing effective recruitment strategies, we can successfully expand our graduate community."  

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 37 undergraduate degrees and 19 graduate degrees to more than 7,300 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of only 30 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 60 percent are the first in their family to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; in 2020, Military Times ranked the University No. 35 in the nation for “Best for Vets: Colleges.” Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission