Joseph Roth has been appointed as the Associate Vice President for National Security Programs and Classified Research at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). In this new position, Roth will focus on expanding UTEP’s research and innovation activities, particularly in areas such as space, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and national security.
Ahmad Itani, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation at UTEP, said: “Col. Roth brings an outstanding record of advancing disruptive technologies for the U.S. Space Force and Air Force. His deep expertise will play a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding UTEP research enterprise.”
Roth retired from the U.S. Space Force with the rank of Colonel after 28 years of service. Most recently, he led Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta for Space Systems Command at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. In that role, he managed a $3.8 billion portfolio and supervised more than 740 personnel responsible for developing, launching, and operating experimental satellites as well as building ground systems for the Space Force.
Earlier in his career, Roth worked as a division chief within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate and served as a squadron commander in the Air Force Recruiting Service.
Roth holds degrees from several institutions: a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Cincinnati; an M.B.A. from Regis University; and an M.A. in National Security Studies focused on Defense Decision Making and Planning from the Naval Postgraduate School.
His professional experience includes executive leadership roles involving innovation, defense strategy, program management, systems development, and creating partnerships among public organizations, private industry, and academic institutions.
“Serving in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force was an extraordinary honor, and joining the outstanding UTEP team feels like a natural continuation of that service,” Roth said. “This exciting opportunity to tackle our nation’s toughest challenges by leveraging our world-class faculty and researchers, helping students achieve their dreams, and building partnerships that make a lasting impact for our community and our nation is truly a privilege.”
Roth is married to Jolie Roth who works as a schoolteacher; they have three sons named Zachary (Zach), Nicholas (Nick), and Gabriel (Gabe).
The appointment became effective November 1.
