A&M-Corpus Christi Appoints Rodriguez as Director of Athletics

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – After a national search, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi named Adrian Rodriguez as Director of Athletics. He'd previously served in an interim role since Nov. 2022 where he experienced great success.
 
As interim, Rodriguez maintained the championship culture that has become the hallmark of Islanders Athletics as both the men's and women's basketball programs won conference titles. He brings six years of NCAA and NJCAA coaching experience and two decades of higher education leadership to the position.  
 
"I am honored to serve the Island University in this way, and I look forward to building upon the great competitive and academic success that Islanders Athletics has experienced in recent times. I am especially excited and motivated to work closely with our coaches, athletics staff and student-athletes to become the pre-eminent athletic program in the Southland Conference," Rodriguez said. "I am very grateful to President Kelly Miller, Chancellor John Sharp, our amazing Islanders Athletics community, and all of our supporters for this opportunity, and I look forward to all that is ahead for the Island University. It is a great day to be an Islander. Let's go, Island U!"
 
Rodriguez's role at the university includes serving as the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success (SEAS) and Intercollegiate Athletics. He joined the Island University in Aug. 2021 after working as Associate Vice President for Student Life at Kansas State University for nearly four years and previously as Vice President for Student Development Services at Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus in downtown Fort Worth for nearly 10 years. He served in that role before being called back to the State of Kansas, where he had previously served as Dean of Student Life at Butler Community College in El Dorado, KS from 2004-2008.
 
"As a former coach and member of the A&M System, Adrian understands the value athletics and tradition can bring to student engagement and the need to ensure these two divisions work collaboratively on behalf of the Island University," said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, President & CEO at A&M-Corpus Christi. "Further, during his brief time as Interim Athletic Director, he has been able to leverage resources across campus to improve joint initiatives for SEAS and Athletics, creating greater synergy between the two divisions."
 
Rodriguez got his start in Intercollegiate Athletics at NCAA Division II Texas A&M University – Kingsville where he served as assistant softball coach from 1997-1999. Rodriguez became Head Softball Coach at NJCAA Division I Lon Morris College in June 1999 and served in that role until 2003. While at Lon Morris College, Rodriguez held many leadership roles including Dean of Men before assuming the Dean of Students role exclusively in 2003.
 
Rodriguez serves on the Board of Advisors for the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management's (NCHERM) National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). He serves on the faculty for the Center for Leadership Development, Inc. as a lead presenter at the annual National Leadership Conference on Student Government and served on the global advisory board for diversity & inclusion for the Future Talent Council – an international strategy group of governmental, educational, and industry leaders focused on understanding and influencing the future of talent and work. Rodriguez additionally has served on numerous national, regional, local boards and associations centered on access to higher education, student success, student engagement, and successful student job placement and career attainment.
 
As an administrator, Rodriguez has received many honors and recognitions, including the 2006 National Outstanding First Year Student Advocate Award presented by the National Resource Center for the FirstYear Experience and Students in Transition, University of South Carolina. Rodriguez received Phi Theta Kappa's prestigious 2014 National Distinguished College Administrator Award and was inducted into the Hall of Honor for Distinguished College Administrators for the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa, and in 2015, Rodriguez was a recipient of the Fort Worth Business Press 40 Under 40 Award. In 2019, Rodriguez was recognized with two significant honors at Kansas State University, the Dr. Pat J. Bosco Outstanding Partner Award presented by the K-State Student Governing Association for his dedication to serving students, and was also selected as an Honorary Co-Chair of the K-State Proud campaign, K-State's premier student philanthropy led by Kansas State University Student Foundation, selected for his philanthropic success to make K-State a better place for students.
 
Rodriguez has had the great opportunity of moving through his professional career and education with his arms wide open. In his 25+ years in higher education, Rodriguez has served as Vice President, Director of Athletics, Associate Vice President, Dean of Students, Registrar, Director of Student Activities, Director of Residence Life, Director of Intramurals, and one of his personal favorites -- College Fastpitch Softball Coach for 6 years. His educational experience has been equally diverse as he earned his B.S. degree (1997) in Environmental Design from the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, and his M.Ed. degree (2004) in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University – Kingsville. He is currently working on his Ph.D. degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Counseling and Educational Psychology, from Kansas State University.
 
Rodriguez prides himself first on being a good father and husband to his two beautiful daughters, Alexandria and Ayden, and wife, Christy. He and his wife seldom sit still—their mantra is work hard, play hard! Either they are busy with the kids' activities— soccer, volleyball, and basketball, or they are attending Islanders festivities and athletic events.
 
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