Vistasp M. Karbhari is a Professor in the Departments of Civil Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he served as the 8^th president from 2013 to 2020. He is passionate about the opportunity of higher education and focuses on issues related to enhancing access, inclusivity, eliminating inequities in higher ed, transfer pathways, returning adult students, impactful research and innovation, digital and online learning, digital transformation, and the integration of academic knowledge and skills needed for success in the workforce. During his Presidency UTA attained Carnegie R1 status, HSI and AANAPISI designations, completed all metrics for Texas Tier 1 designation, was ranked #1 nationally for Veterans, #1 in Texas and in the top 20 nationally for Bachelors and Masters degrees awarded to African Americans and for masters degrees for all minorities, and was ranked #1 in Texas for success of first generation students. An internationally reputed researcher, Prof. Karbhari is an expert in the processing and mechanics of composites, durability of materials, infrastructure rehabilitation, and multi-threat mitigation. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); the National Academy of Inventors (NAI); the American Society of Civil Engineers; ASM International; the International Institute for Fiber-reinforced Polymers in Construction; the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure; ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute, is an elected member of the European Academy of Science and Arts, and in 2021 was named a Fellow of Complete College America for his work on ensuring access and student success. Prior to joining UTA, Professor Karbhari served at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (2008-2013), the University of California San Diego (1995-2008), and the University of Delaware (1991-1995).