FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 20, 2022
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Dr. Diana Ortega-Feerick has been named interim Vice President for Tarleton State University’s Division of Student Affairs, effective July 1, pending approval by The Texas A&M University System.
She replaces Dr. Kelli Styron, who’s stepping back after almost four years in the role.
Currently Assistant Vice President for the division and Dean of Students, Dr. Ortega-Feerick joined the Tarleton faculty in 2019 with a commitment to access, diversity and inclusion for all students. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including 13 in student affairs (eight in senior-level positions at public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities).
“Dr. Ortega-Feerick’s high energy and commitment to the Tarleton family will fuel the kind of experiences that empower our students to succeed,” said university President James Hurley. “We’re blessed to have someone of her caliber to serve in this capacity and appreciate her willingness to do so.”
Before Tarleton, Dr. Ortega-Feerick was Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Retention at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, where she played an instrumental role in connecting students, faculty and community agencies. She worked closely with campus security to ensure student safety, implemented diversity programs, initiated the Student Ombuds Program and assisted in creating the college’s strategic plan.
She also served the South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in Corpus Christi as Director of Education and spent five years as school psychologist for the Corpus Christi ISD.
She was selected to participate in the New Leadership Academy Fellowship developed by the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good at the University of Michigan (a partnership with the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education), and she was one of 25 leaders chosen as a National Council on Student Development Leadership Institute Fellow.
“Tarleton’s priority to create a great learning and living environment where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully is what drew me to this special place,” she said. “I look forward to propelling those efforts as we create a better world for all of us.”
Dr. Ortega-Feerick holds a doctor of education and a master’s of psychology and education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice at St. Edward’s University.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.