Contact: Monty Jones, (512) 499-4363

Date: February 8, 2000

UT System News Release

President Sorber to Step Down at U.T. Permian Basin

AUSTIN – Charles A. Sorber, president of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin since 1993, announced Tuesday (Feb. 8) that he will step down from the presidency by May 30, 2001, to return to teaching and research.

Sorber said he will resume his tenured faculty position in the Department of Civil Engineering at U.T. Austin, where he was a faculty member and administrator in the 1980’s.

"Having the opportunity to lead U.T. Permian Basin has been a wonderful experience. It has been an honor to work with this outstanding region to help advance the university’s teaching, research, and public service endeavors," Sorber said.

"The major objectives that we set out to achieve have been accomplished, and this is an appropriate time to make the transition to a new era of leadership."

Among the achievements during his presidency, Sorber cited the development of two new academic buildings (a visual arts studio facility that was dedicated this week and a new library and lecture center that will open by the end of this year); continuing expansion of freshman and sophomore programs; increased collaboration with regional community colleges, and the growing participation of the university in on-line instruction and other uses of advanced technology.

Donald L. Evans of Midland, chairman of the U.T. System Board of Regents, said: "President Sorber has provided dynamic and visionary leadership for U.T. Permian Basin. He has completed the transition from an upper-level institution that began just before he became president, and he has been instrumental in positioning the university for effective service to the region as we enter a new century. The Board of Regents is grateful to Dr. Sorber for the outstanding contributions that he has made, and I join my friends of the Permian Basin in expressing our appreciation as well."

Chancellor William H. Cunningham said: "Chuck Sorber has served U.T. Permian Basin, the U.T. System, and the people of Texas with great distinction. He has been a wise and resourceful administrator, ever mindful of the best interests of the university’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as of the needs of the larger community."

Edwin R. Sharpe, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said: "Under Dr. Sorber’s leadership, U.T. Permian Basin has made great strides in its ability to serve Odessa, Midland, and the surrounding region. He has brought to this assignment a deep appreciation for the role that higher education can play in the fulfillment of individuals as well as the economic and social development of society."

The Board of Regents is expected to form an advisory committee later this year to assist in the search for Sorber’s successor.

After leaving the president’s office, Sorber will have a special administrative assignment at the U.T. System offices in Austin during the summer of 2001. As is customary for university administrators returning to teaching and research, he will then have a year of leave to prepare for resuming his faculty duties.

Sorber was named president of U.T. Permian Basin after seven years as dean of the School of Engineering and professor of civil engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.

At U.T. Austin, he was associate dean of engineering from 1980 to 1986, as well as director of the Engineering Science Program from 1981 to 1986.

From 1975 to 1980, Sorber was director of the Center for Applied Research and Technology at U.T. San Antonio. He also was acting director of U.T. San Antonio’s Division of Earth and Physical Sciences from 1977 to 1980.

Sorber holds three degrees in engineering -- bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. from U.T. Austin.

He is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, has been active in the American Association for Engineering Education, and is a former president of the Water Environment Federation.