Vice President for Student Affairs Frank Lamas wants to transform students’ lives. It’s a dream that goes back to his childhood when he and his family left prerevolutionary Cuba when he was 3 years old.

"My parents had to start over with very little, and they were very big on us getting a good educational experience, which has allowed me to be successful in life," Dr. Lamas said. "I think that is what universities are about: providing opportunities for individuals to get great educations that will help them be successful."

Lamas, who joined UT Arlington in August, says one of the best ways to create those opportunities is to make a connection between what is happening inside the classroom and what’s outside. He intends to promote collaborations among students, faculty and staff that focus on opportunities for development and discovery.

"An educated student is a well-rounded student who receives classroom knowledge but also gets involved in experiential learning opportunities. And whether it’s through student leadership, community service, recreational or wellness programs, that experiential learning comes with getting involved. I like to be a partner in creating that kind of environment for students."

Lamas has been involved since his own college days 28 years ago. He says he learned a lot about leadership as a residence hall adviser and student-athlete while he was in school.

Student leader Kan’Dace Council, a senior social work/sociology major, considers Lamas an excellent addition to the UT Arlington administrative team. “I hope he continues to carry on with big plans for Student Affairs and the University as a whole,” she said.

Lamas earned his doctorate and master’s degrees in educational administration and policy studies with a concentration in higher education administration from State University of New York at Albany and his undergraduate degree from State University College at Potsdam, N.Y. He has been actively involved in community programs, including the United Way and the Ibero American Action League.

He and his wife, Deborah, have four children: Gregory, Brianna, David and Alyssa. His dedication to his family, he says, fuels his passion for his profession.

"College is a real transformational experience in someone’s life. And to have the privilege and opportunity to work with students in a co-curricular way—whether it is leadership programs or activities or designing facilities or other kinds of endeavors we get involved in with Student Affairs—is really something that can make a difference in peoples’ lives and play a key part in their success."

— Susan M. Slupecki