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After a national search, Dr. Hector Flores has been selected to serve as associate vice president & dean of students in the Division of Student Engagement effective immediately.   

Flores is a veteran of the Marine Corps, where he earned a Combat Action Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and various other awards.  He joined the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Police Department in 2014 and has served as the chief of police since November 2014. He was responsible for establishing the Incident Command System at Â鶹ÊÓƵ that dealt with Hurricane Harvey, Imelda and Laura and with the evacuation of Â鶹ÊÓƵ students to Texas State University.

He is a member of the American Society for Public Administration, Texas Police Chiefs’ Association, LIT Regional Police Academy Advisory Board and Greater South Park Neighborhoods Partnership Committee. Flores also is involved in civic works, including the Boy Scouts of America.  

“Hector has been involved in varying aspects of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community and engaged in many student activities and projects,” said Vicki McNeil, vice president of Student Engagement. “He has worked in Title IX, Clery Act Reporting and student conduct; and has been instrumental in creating and supporting the Hispanic Society student organization, which is one of our newest student organizations. Hector has worked with recruitment and their efforts to attract Hispanic students to attend Â鶹ÊÓƵ. I’m delighted to have him now working on my team.”  

Flores graduated from The University of Texas-Pan American with a Bachelor of Arts in history.  He also earned a master’s degree in public administration and doctoral degree in education from Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

In 2019, Flores graduated from the 84th class of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas - Leadership Command College. Curriculum completed included topics in leadership, professional ethics and integrity, communication and personnel management issues. Also in 2019, the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Beaumont Enterprise selected Flores as one of the 40 best and brightest young professionals under the age of 40 in its annual 40 Under 40 event. Selections are made based on academic achievements, professional success and community involvement.

“These past seven years have been an honor leading our organization to the highest law enforcement standards in the Southeast Texas region,” said Flores. “I genuinely believe the structure, organization, discipline and drive we created together ensured we served honorably and kept our Â鶹ÊÓƵ community safe. I want to express my appreciation to all our officers, dispatchers, campus safety officers and support staff for your dedication and hard work. Campus-wide, teamwork is Â鶹ÊÓƵPD’s most recognized and admired trait.” 

In his new position as dean of students, Flores will have direct administrative oversight of the Setzer Student Center, Recreational Sports and facility, student conduct and will continue to serve as Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s police chief until a new chief is named. The new chief will report to Flores.

“I look forward to solidifying our partnerships across Â鶹ÊÓƵ as your new AVP,” said Flores “I am excited to work with and support Â鶹ÊÓƵ and its students in this new role.”