 "Photo: Cornell University")
Cutberto Garza, M.D. and Ph.D., took over the position of the academic vice president (AVP) and dean of facilities on Monday, officially stepping in after the departure of Jack Neuhauser, who served as AVP since 1999. Garza, a noted scientist, was the former vice-provost at Cornell University.
He brings a combination of academic and administrative experience to Boston College, according to Vice President and Special Assisstant to the President Rev. William Neenan, S.J., who led the 17-member search committee for the position. "We wanted someone who could meet three criteria - someone with a substantial and recognized academic record, someone who had significant administrative experiences, and someone who was willing and able to promote the Jesuit and Catholic mission of BC," said Neenan.
During the interview process, Garza stood out from the other finalists and was a unanimous recommendation from the search committee. "He was clearly the choice we wanted," said Neenan.
Jack Dunn, University spokesman, praised Garza's personality.
"What has struck so many of us in meeting him is his warmth, kindness, and humility. He has made a wonderful impression on those with whom he met and we are all excited about this new chapter in academic affairs at Boston College," he said.
Garza did not return several calls from The Heights.
As vice-provost at Cornell, Garza's work included the Johnson School of Business, the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Johnson Museum of Art. He most recently served as the director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell.
"He is an emminently respected scientist and medical doctor who's internationally respected for his expertise in the area of childhood nutrition," said Dunn. He looks forward to Garza "raising Boston College to the highest echelon of American research universities."
Garza has a B.S. in chemistry and an M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, along with a Ph.D. in nutrition and food science from MIT. Since 1998, he has served as director of the Food and Nutrition Program of the United Nations University.
One of Garza's first priorities at BC will be to assist in the University's strategic planning effort, which is studying areas of improvement in academics, facilities, and finances.
"Dr. Garza will review the year-long effort to date and help us to determine our academic priorities as an institution over the next 10 years," said Dunn.
"I think students are really going to like him," Dunn continued. "Having met him, I know that students will be delighted to meet and work with Dr. Garza."
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