Dr. John Fernandez named Rogelio “Roger” Benavides Chair in Computer Sciences and Chair of the Department of Computing Sciences

The College of Science and Technology announces the selection of Dr. John Fernandez as Rogelio “Roger” Benavides Chair in Computer Sciences and Chair of the Department of Computing Sciences.

The Benavides Memorial Chair was established by the Benavides family in memory of husband and father Roger Benavides to emphasize the research and teaching of industrial safety.  Their expectation is that the holder of the Benavides Chair will be a Professor of Computer Science with a strong background in all aspects of computing, including systems that support real-time applications in industrial health, safety or security. 

Dr. Fernandez has a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and possesses a strong and broad background in academia, research laboratories, corporations and government/non-profit sectors. From 1968-1989 he served in a number of military appointments in computer science, capping his military career in the Pentagon working for the Assistant Secretary of Defense. In that role he managed a computer and analysis center of 30 computer experts and operations analysts and a $10 million budget. From 1989 to 2001 he worked in private industry, most recently serving as Director and CEO of the Operational Technologies Corporation in San Antonio. Dr. Fernandez’ academic career started as a chair and faculty member of the Division of Business and Computer Science at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. He joined the faculty at Texas A&M -Corpus Christi in 2002.

Dr. Fernandez has 24 papers and publications in national and international journals with numerous collaborators. His works have focused on software engineering and computer science education as relevant to industry. Dr. Fernandez has directed and partnered on more than $3 million in external grants since arriving at TAMU-CC.