RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that Dr. Fred Guerra, associate dean for graduate studies and an associate professor within the college of education & P-16 integration, as the new faculty athletics representative.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Guerra as our new faculty athletics representative. Dr. Guerra is well respected on our campus and brings significant experience in both higher education and sports, making him a strong fit for this role," UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. "On behalf of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes, we look forward to working with Dr. Guerra as we continue to enhance the student-athlete experience and place a premium on our young people's educational endeavors."
 
Guerra will serve as a liaison between the university and the athletics department and as the university's representative in Southland Conference and NCAA affairs.
 
He will also be chair of the athletics council and a member of the mental health task force while advising the student-athlete advisory committee. Dr. Guerra will actively engage with administrators and coaches to monitor the student-athlete experience and be involved in their personal and academic welfare. He will also assist in preparing any requests for waivers or appeals regarding NCAA or Southland legislation.
 
"I am very excited and honored to have been appointed by [UTRGV] President [Guy] Bailey," Guerra said. "I have been a strong supporter of men's and women's sports at UTRGV for many years and bring a mix of administrative, coaching, and professional experience and perspective to the athletic department. I look forward to deepening my commitment to our student-athletes and coaches, utilizing a comprehensive framework of responsibilities to enhance their academic and athletic experience.
 
"As a faculty member, I have always advocated for our student-athletes, recognizing their critical role and significant impact on higher education. My goal is to create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive in their sport and academic endeavors by linking academic and athletic achievement. I thank Chasse Conque for his tireless support and look forward to working with the entire athletics staff to make a difference at UTRGV."
 
Guerra has worked at the university since 2010, when he joined legacy institution The University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) as an adjunct professor. He was promoted to assistant professor in 2013 and associate professor in 2019 while taking over as the department chair for the department of organization & school leadership. In 2023, Guerra began serving as associate dean for graduate studies within the college of education & P-16 integration and has been promoted to professor effective September 1.
 
Guerra has 17 years of experience working in sports, most recently as an associate scout for the Houston Astros from 2001-06 after scouting for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001. He completed Major League Baseball Scouting School in 2001. Guerra had a diverse high school coaching career from 1990 to 2001, including roles as a head varsity baseball coach and a football coach.
 
Guerra earned his Bachelor of Science in Health at UTPA in 1990. He completed a Master of Education Administration at UTPA in 2005 before earning an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2009.

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