SME President-Elect Appointed St. Mary’s University President

The St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed SME President-elect Winston Erevelles, PhD, as the University's next president, beginning June 1, 2024. Erevelles will begin his one-year term as SME president on Jan. 2.

Erevelles served 12 years as dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology from 2009 to 2021. Since then, he has been working on two new initiatives—the University’s anticipated nursing program and the creation of the three-story Blank Sheppard Innovation Center. Erevelles is also a professor of Industrial Engineering.

“Winston will be a great champion for St. Mary’s University,” says Lynda Ellis, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Those involved in the national search process demonstrated great enthusiasm for Winston’s candidacy for president, given his character and personal warmth, as well as his reputation and track record for advancing the St. Mary’s Catholic and Marianist mission and advocating for its distinctive education.”

Erevelles will be the University’s 14th president, and its first president of Asian descent, the university says.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust and responsibility that the Board of Trustees has placed in me through this appointment to serve as the 14th President of St. Mary’s University,” Erevelles says. “St. Mary’s has been an integral part of our city and region for more than 170 years, educating transformational leaders of character and faith who, in service to others, create a better world. Today, we remain a vibrant Catholic and Marianist university and a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, steadfast in our purpose and mission.”

Erevelles received his master’s and PhD in Engineering Management from what was then called the University of Missouri-Rolla. His bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is from Bangalore University in India. Erevelles also serves as an adjunct accreditation director of engineering for ABET and is a member of the Leadership Advisory Council of the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind. He has been an SME member since 1989.

“I look forward to working closely with the Board of Trustees, St. Mary’s leadership, the campus community and our alumni as we write the next chapter on our journey to becoming one of the finest private universities in the Southwest,” Erevelles says.