Ex-University Of Texas-San Antonio President Resigns, Says Hugs Made Women Uncomfortable

SAN ANTONIO, TX — After being placed on administrative leave for issues related to conduct, former University of Texas at San Antonio President Ricardo Romo officially resigned on Friday while revealing it was his hugs that made women uncomfortable that led to his being disciplined.

"I have been made aware that the manner in which I embraced women made them uncomfortable and was inappropriate," Romo wrote in a prepared statement. "I understand and respect Chancellor [William] McRaven's concerns about my behavior, and I deeply apologize for any conduct that offended anyone."

University officials on Feb. 14 confirmed that Romo had been placed on administrative leave but didn't specify the reason for his being disciplined.

According to bio information posted on the university website, Romo became the fifth president of UTSA in May 1999. At his helm, the university was named by the Texas Legislature as an emerging Tier One research university, and was recognized as a leader in providing access to excellence in teaching, research and community outreach.

Related story: University of Texas At San Antonio President Ricardo Romo Placed On Administrative Leave

During Romo’s tenure, UTSA’s enrollment has grown 68 percent, and the university has added numerous programs and facilities to enhance student life. The number of doctoral programs has increased from three to 24, according to the official bio.

"I have worked hard over the years with the dedicated staff of the Office of the President to serve UTSA with distinction and honor," Romo said. "I know that my dedicated staff is the very best anyone in my position could hope to have. Together we have achieved extraordinary success for UTSA."

Romo was set to retire in August, but said he will step down immediately and retire earlier than had been planned. "This will eliminate the possibility of any distraction or disruption of the great work going on at UTSA," he wrote.

As part of the terms of his resignation, he also will decline the position of director of the Texas History Center, Romo said. He had planned to spend one year after retirement working with the Institute of Texan Cultures. Instead, he would focus his post-retirement efforts working with Father David Garcia and San Antonio's World Heritage Designation efforts, as well as completing assignments related to San Antonio's upcoming tricentennial celebration, he said.

"My love for UTSA is profound and there are no better students anywhere in America," Romo wrote. "I wish all Roadrunners the very best in their journeys as I continue to find new opportunities to serve my beloved San Antonio in the future."

In a hopeful note to end his statement, Romo, in all caps, ended with "Go Roadrunners!"

>>> Official photo of Dr. Ricardo Romo via University of Texas at San Antonio