UTEP Names Joseph Roth Associate Vice President for National Security Programs, Classified Research
Previously served in U.S. Space Force managing $3.8 billion portfolio
EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 11, 2025) – The University of Texas at El Paso has named Joseph “Joe” Roth as Associate Vice President for National Security Programs and Classified Research. In this role, Roth will lead efforts to expand UTEP’s world-class research and innovation enterprise with a special focus on space, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and national security.
“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,” said Ahmad Itani, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Roth recently retired from the U.S. Space Force as a Colonel after 28 years of distinguished service. In his most recent position, Roth led Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta for Space Systems Command at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. There, Roth managed a $3.8 billion portfolio and more than 740 personnel responsible for developing, launching and flying experimental and prototype satellites, as well as building ground systems for the Space Force.
Prior to that, Roth served as a division chief within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate and as a squadron commander in the Air Force Recruiting Service.
Roth holds 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 with a focus on Defense Decision Making and Planning from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Roth’s expertise includes executive leadership, innovation, defense strategy, program management, systems development and building impactful public-private-academic partnerships.
“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 his wife, Jolie, a schoolteacher, and they have three sons: Zach, Nick and Gabe.
Roth’s appointment became effective Nov. 1.
Last Updated on November 11, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published November 11, 2025
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
