Angelo State University President Brian May abruptly resigns without explanation

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State University President Brian May abruptly resigned without explanation.

According to Texas Tech University System, May submitted his resignation Friday.

“The chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents and I have accepted Brian’s resignation as president of Angelo State University,” said Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. "We wish Brian and his family well.”

May had been president since 2012.

The university had a record enrollment of more than 10,500 students last fall.

Under May's leadership, the university set record enrollments three of the past four years.

Angie Wright, vice president for finance and administration, will serve as the interim president, effective immediately.

Wright previously served as a payroll coordinator, manager of business services, budget director and director of payroll services.

She is also a graduate of ASU.

The Board of Regents will announce plans about the search process in the coming weeks.

May's full bio

Dr. Brian J. May was appointed president of Angelo State University, a member of the Texas Tech University System, on Nov. 7, 2012. He is the fifth president of ASU and the 10th president of the institution since it began as San Angelo Junior College in 1928. He is also the first ASU graduate to become president of Angelo State.

Prior to his appointment as president, May served as ASU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research and a professor of animal science in the Agriculture Department. Previously, he served as executive director of the Mohair Council of America based in San Angelo and New York City.

An 18-year ASU faculty member, May has also served as director of external relations for the university since 2007. In those dual roles, he secured nearly $10 million in federal and state funding for university programs, more than $100,000 in research grants and more than $500,000 in scholarships for students in the Agriculture Department. Under his leadership as dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, ASU graduate enrollment increased 66 percent from 2009 to 2012. He is also a former president of the ASU Faculty Senate and the ASU Alumni Association.

May received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from ASU, and his doctorate in nutrition from Texas A&M University. He is the author or co-author of 37 refereed journal articles and abstracts.

A recognized member of the San Angelo community, May has served on numerous local organization boards, including the San Angelo Livestock Show and Rodeo Association, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of San Angelo, West Texas Rehabilitation Center and West Texas Boys Ranch. In 2008, he was named Citizen of the Year by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife, Patti, have two daughters, Morgan May Christo and Mackenzie May Holik.