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Pablo Arenaz, president of Texas A&M International University in Laredo, died unexpectedly Thursday night, the university said in a statement Friday.

Arenaz served as president of the 8,500 student university since 2016. He was 74-years-old.

No cause of death or additional information was immediately available, the university said in a press release.

“Texas A&M International University has thrived under Pablo,” said John Sharp, Texas A&M University System chancellor, in a statement. “He was truly one of the best presidents in the country! He will be difficult to replace as a president and a friend!”

Juan Castillo, vice president of finance and administration, will handle day-to-day operations until an acting president is named. According to system rules, the chancellor can name an acting president until the Texas A&M System Board of Regents names an interim or new president.

Prior to becoming president, Arenaz served as university provost for eight years. He came to TAMIU from the University of Texas at El Paso, where he served in multiple administrative roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nevada, Reno, as well as a masters degree. He earned a doctorate in genetics and cell biology from Washington State University.

The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium and Science Center at Texas A&M International University in 2022. The university serves 8,500 students.
The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium and Science Center at Texas A&M International University in 2022. The university serves 8,500 students. Lauren Witte/The Texas Tribune

During his time as president, he spent his time increasing opportunities for the majority Hispanic student population, including curricular activity, internships and research opportunities, the university said. He also oversaw growth in science, technology, engineering and math fields, as well as health sciences.

“On behalf of all TAMIU faculty, staff and students, we are all profoundly saddened by the passing of Dr. Arenaz,” said Claudia San Miguel, provost at TAMIU, in a statement. “He was kind and generous and a leader we all admired. It is difficult to imagine this campus, this community, without his larger-than-life presence.”

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Disclosure: Texas A&M International University and the Texas A&M University System have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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Kate McGee is an Austin-based enterprise and investigative reporter. She joined the Tribune in October 2020 as a higher education reporter. She was a three-time finalist for the Education Writers Association's...