Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez, a cornerstone of Texas Wesleyan University for nearly three decades, holds the position of Dean of Arts and Science. His enduring dedication has nurtured both the university and the broader community.
Born in Waco, Texas, to immigrant parents, Rodriguez’s, came to Texas Wesleyan in 1990 as a faculty member in the chemistry department. Over the years, he transitioned into various roles within the university, finally becoming the dean of arts and sciences.
His core values of family, dedication, loyalty and authenticity are the foundation of his approach to succeed and grow.
“A value I hold dear is dedication to do the job that you’re hired to do, my father used to say “cuida el trabajo”, take care of your job, that’s your bond. Because the number one priority is your family, la familia. If you’re not able to maintain your job and take care of your job, how can you take care of your family?” Rodriguez said.
His values and background have allowed him to create opportunities for young students, particularly those from minority backgrounds.
“Dr. Rodriguez had a profound impact not only on me but on my entire family – my siblings, nieces and nephews, and my own children,” Sandra Gonzalez, a former student, said. “His impact on my own academic journey reached beyond me and the everlasting impact is still being felt in younger generations of my family.”
Rodriguez’s chemistry camp for kids, established in 1992, has allowed students from the surrounding neighborhood to gain access to valuable education.
“The kids in the neighborhood get an education that would cost them a lot of money if they had to get it elsewhere,” Rodriguez said.
Gonzalez’ younger brother, nieces, nephews, and even her own children have grown up attending and volunteering for Rodriguez’s chemistry camp, shaping their academic journeys.
Rodriguez’s influence extends to embracing and sharing his Hispanic culture with the Texas Wesleyan community.
“He has made a huge impact on the Hispanic community, its students, and in the field of chemistry and science,” Gonzalez said.
Gidalti Chi, a Texas Wesleyan student, also saw Rodriguez effort to share and expand the Hispanic culture. “Dr. Rodriguez helped create the mariachi group I am part of Oro Azul. He has been our number one fan from the beginning,” said Chi.
“He truly cares about the youth and Wesleyan students as if they were his own family,” Gonzalez said.
Rodriguez’s wants to continue to be a resource for students on campus.
“I want to make sure that when students have a question, an issue, a problem, and they can’t find someone they can talk to, my door is always open. Like I say I want to be of help to others so they can help themselves,” Rodriguez said.
