Fred Farias III, OD.
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AUSTIN, Texas—The Texas Higher Education Foundation has announced the appointment of Fred Farias III, OD, to the Board of Trustees. The Foundation, official nonprofit partner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, has raised more than $22 million in support of the state’s higher education strategic goals since being founded in 2001, according to an announcement this week. Dr. Farias, a Rio Grande Valley native, is chief executive officer of 20/20 Vision Care in McAllen, Texas, and has served as president of both the Texas Optometric Association and the Rio Grande Valley Optometric Association.

In 2015, Dr. Farias was appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by Gov. Greg Abbott, where he currently serves as vice chairman. Dr. Farias was elected to the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees in 2017.

“Dr. Farias has established an impressive reputation and career and is a passionate higher education advocate,” Neal W. Adams, chairman and president of the Texas Higher Education Foundation, said. “It is our firm conviction that higher education improves the lives of Texans and is key to a thriving Texas economy. His skills and interests align well with the Foundation’s goals, and we are honored to have him join us.”

Farias, in the announcement, said he has long supported higher education and “believe it is essential to securing a prosperous future for our state. I am excited to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and look forward to working with the Foundation’s trustees to increase higher education access and success for all Texas students.”