Dr. Catherine Rudowsky Announced as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is proud to announce Dr. Catherine “Cate” Rudowsky as its new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective immediately as approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. With over a decade of leadership and service at the Island University, Rudowsky steps into this pivotal role committed to advancing academic excellence and fostering a vibrant campus community. 

“After having the privilege of serving TAMU-CC for the past 10 years, I could not be more honored to be named the next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,” Rudowsky said. “The students, faculty, and staff at the Island University inspire me every day, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving them and to have a broader impact. There is no place I would rather be, and I am committed to being all in.” 

Rudowsky joined Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2014 as Director of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library and was elevated to Dean of University Libraries in 2017. Over the past decade, Rudowsky has been a key driver of library engagement and expansion and a leader of a $500,000 NEH challenge grant that has since raised over $1.2 million. She has also played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan which champions digital information literacy for Islander students, and she spearheaded the transition from Blackboard to Canvas for the university’s Learning Management System. Most recently, she served as interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, as well as interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. 

“Dr. Rudowsky’s dedication to fostering growth in every area she leads has strengthened the foundation of the university’s mission and vision for the future,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, TAMU-CC President and CEO. “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of our institution will be invaluable as we continue to enhance academic programs, research opportunities, and student engagement.” 

In her new role as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rudowsky is responsible for the development and implementation of the university’s academic programs and policies; she will provide senior leadership to the university’s academic units; lead academic recruitment, retention, and student success efforts; ensure successful academic unit, college, and institutional accreditation; oversee faculty appointments, and more.  

“Our university is at an exciting point of growth, and I look forward to working alongside our exceptional students, faculty, and staff to continue advancing academic excellence, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every Islander has the tools and support needed to thrive,” Rudowsky said. 

Rudowsky earned a Ph.D. in Communication Media and Instructional Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ashland University.  

Rudowsky has authored or co-authored various publications, including a book on helping students overcome library anxiety, has given numerous academic presentations, and is a member of several professional associations, where she serves on and leads multiple committees. In 2017, she was named a Leading Change Institute fellow. Her research interests are in communication media and consumer behavior, and she has been cited internationally.