By Scott Harvey
Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce has announced the appointment of Dr. Edward W. Romero as the Associate Vice President for Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
Dr. Edward W. Romero has over 18 years of experience in academia and business, dealing primarily in higher education in areas related to administration, diversity, minority student recruitment, retention, agriculture, agricultural literacy, and student development. In addition, he has experience in the financial services industry dealing primarily in insurance sales and investments.
The Associate Vice President for Equal Opportunity and Diversity is responsible for developing and implementing the university-wide faculty and staff recruitment plan., ensuring that Texas A&M University-Commerce remains in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, requirements of federal and state governing agencies, and applicable Texas A&M University System policies and regulations regarding Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Romero was Director of Diversity and Inclusion for three years at Texas A&M AgriLife Human Resources, an administrative agency serving over 5,000 employees in four state agencies and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University. He has also held several positions at Texas A&M University. From 2000 to 2003, he was Assistant to the Dean for Multicultural Affairs and then promoted to Assistant Dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences until 2008. He also held a temporary dual appointment as the founding Director of the Office of Student Diversity in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from 2005 to 2007. Prior to joining Texas A&M University, Dr. Romero was in insurance sales and investments from 1995 until 2000. During his early professional career he was a recruiter for three years at New Mexico State University where he traveled extensively in New Mexico to reach new audiences in promoting agriculture and higher education.
Dr. Romero is passionate about education and technology and is a certified Strengths Advocate by the Gallup Organization in using the Clifton StrengthsFinder online assessment. He enjoys conducting Strengths workshops to help people use their natural ability and talent to consistently achieve high levels of performance.
He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Agricultural Economics and an M.A. in Agricultural and Extension Education from New Mexico State University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Margaret have a thirteen year-old daughter, Naomi.