EDINBURG, TEXAS - Dr. Miguel (Mike) Angel Gonzalez Ramos, the former dean of engineering at UT-Pan American and interim dean of engineering at UT-Rio Grande Valley, has passed away after a short battle with bladder cancer.
He was only 63.
(Editor's Note: See below for official obituary.)
Gonzalez taught in the Valley for 20 years, returning to Houston in 2019. He had earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in industrial engineering from the University of Houston (UH). In 2019 he became the first Hispanic dean at UH-Clear Lake in its 45-year history. He was dean of the College of Science and Engineering at UH-Clear Lake at the time of his death.
In addition to being the dean of engineering at UTPA he was also an associate vice president in the Division of Research, Innovation and Economic Development.
He continued to teach as a professor of manufacturing engineering in UTPA’s Department of Manufacturing Engineering from 2012 until accepting the position at UHCL, meanwhile holding the position of co-director for the Center of Excellence in STEM Education at UTPA and UTRGV.
Dr. Ala Qubbaj, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UTRGV, paid tribute on social media.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and beloved friend, Dr. Miguel Gonzalez. Dr. Gonzalez was part of our UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley CECS family. He served as faculty member for the UTRGV Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering from August 1998 to June 2019. In July 2019 he became Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Houston-Clear Lake,” Qubbaj wrote.
“Dr. Gonzalez dedicated his career to manufacturing-engineering education for over 28 years. He was the adviser of two student organizations: SHPE and Tau Beta Pi. His service to the students was one of many outstanding areas during his career. Dr. Gonzalez also earned several Outstanding Manufacturing Engineering Faculty Awards under UTPA. His wisdom, advice, and leadership were beyond the department, he served the college, university and community. Dr. Gonzalez held many academic administrative assignments including Louis A. Beecherl Jr. Endowed Professor, Interim Dean, and Associate Vice President for Research.”
Qubbaj added: “As we remember Dr. Gonzalez, let’s honor his legacy as an exceptional educator, researcher, colleague, friend, husband, brother, father and grandfather. A passionate soul who impacted the lives of so many, including his countless students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Dr. Gonzalez has left a lasting legacy. May he Rest in Peace.”
Jason Arms, executive director of FIRST in Texas, said: “Dr. G was instrumental in the starting of FIRST robotics in K-12 in the Rio Grande Valley and his steadfast leadership and belief in our program inspired me and others. He will be missed but never forgotten.”
During his 20 years as an educator in the Valley, Dr. Gonzalez worked closely with McAllen Economic Development Corporation to bring manufacturing companies to the Valley. He would often join MEDC on trade missions to the Far East.
Ralph Garcia, vice president of McAllen EDC, said: “So sad to learn of the passing of a dear friend. Miguel Gonzalez will be truly be missed by so many. Dr. G. was a team player and worked hard to foster education and economic development opportunities for folks here in the Rio Grande Valley. I had the privilege to travel with Dr. G. On several occasions to Japan, Korea, parts of Mexico and here in Texas on missions to attract industry to the region. Dr. G. Will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as they grieve the loss of such a wonderful man. RIP my friend.”
Leticia Flores, the former Valley district director for Texas Governors Rick Perry and Greg Abbott, said: “Dr. G was a great man. His legacy will live on. Rest easy Dr. G.”
Walter Diaz, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at UTRGV, said: “He was a good person. He is missed already.”
Other former UTPA colleagues have also paid their respects on social media.
“My deep condolences to the family. I’m saddened my his passing. May he RIP,” said Miguel Nevarez.
“Thank you (Dr. Qubbaj) for this tribute. You have said it well,” said Dr. Blandina Cardenas Flores.
“Such sad news. I enjoyed working with Miguel. RIP. Condolences to his family and friends,” said Peg Graham.
“Sorry to read this. He was always helpful to our office when I worked at UTPA. My condolences to his family,” said Gail Fagan.
“So very, very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I admired him greatly. He gave so much to the university,” said Jane LeMaster.
Here is the official obituary:
Miguel Angel Gonzalez Ramos, PhD, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at The University of Houston Clear Lake, passed away surrounded by family on December 27th after a short battle with bladder cancer. He was only 63.
Miguel was born February 5, 1960 in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, the youngest of four children to Arturo Gonzalez and Isaura Ramos. Dr. Gonzalez's love for education was first inspired while learning from The Benedictines at Subiaco Academy ('78) in Arkansas before he matriculated into the field of Industrial Engineering at the University of Houston ('83, MSIE '85). Upon graduating, Miguel returned to his beloved hometown to start a family, and assist in the operations of his family's orange juice manufacturing plant, before returning to The United States, and fulfilling his true vocation of teaching by finishing a doctorate at his alma mater (PhD IE '95). Professorships and academic positions at UH, The University of Memphis, The University of Texas-Pan American (now UTRGV), and UHCL followed, with Dr. G striving to improve STEM education and manufacturing processes in the regions he worked, through a passionate dedication to helping students succeed.
Miguel was an excellent engineer, fisherman, grill master, Rayados supporter, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and teacher. Above all he was a devout Catholic and steadfast in his faith.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Martha Idalia, daughter Martha Isaura (Neil DuRoss), son Jose Miguel, and grandson Jose Thomas DuRoss all of Houston. He is also survived by brother Arturo (Carmen) of Monterrey and sister Isaura (Javier Davila) of San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico, along with dozens of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and countless friends and colleagues, all of whom will sorely miss his empathetic patience, warmth, and humility. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Manuelita.
A Holy Rosary will be said at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 W. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, Texas, on Tuesday, January 2 at 7 PM, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church, 18223 Point Lookout Dr, Nassau Bay, Texas, at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 3rd. A private burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Dr. G. to the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UHCL or to the cause of your choice.
