Governor Selects TAMIU Student for Historic Role as Student Regent
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) student Stephanie Martínez has been appointed the next Student Regent for The Texas A&M University System by Governor Greg Abbott. She replaces outgoing Student Regent Alvaro “Gabe” Pereira of College Station.
Martínez is the first TAMIU student to be named to the position of Student Regent. She is the first female Hispanic to be named to this role.
Her term as Student Regent is effective June 1, 2016 and will expire May 31, 2017.
Martínez is a first generation college student completing a bachelor’s degree in communication from TAMIU this Spring. She will be pursuing her master’s degree in communication at TAMIU beginning in June 2016.
“The Board welcomes Ms. Martínez. As our first student regent ever from Texas A&M International University, we look forward to her valuable perspective and insight on matters that are important to the entire System,” said Cliff Thomas, Chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “We also wish to thank Mr. Pereira for his outstanding service and wish him well on all of his future endeavors.”
Chancellor John Sharp also welcomed the news of Martínez’s appointment.
“The Student Regent provides a fresh perspective and an important voice in key discussions that determine the future of the Texas A&M System,” Chancellor Sharp said. “I look forward to working with Ms. Martínez in her new role as the System continues to make progress throughout the state.”
Governor Abbott announced Martínez’s appointment on May 11, 2016 along with nine other student regents to their respective public universities around the state, plus a student representative to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
At TAMIU, Martínez has participated in numerous organizations and completed each of the following leadership programs: Freshman Leadership Organization, Sophomore Leaders Involved in Change, and Leadership TAMIU. In addition, she is currently a part of the TAMIU Honor Council and recently completed her term as study body vice president (Student Government Association).
In addition to her on-campus involvement, she has participated alongside numerous community agencies that assist the Laredo community and region. During her time at TAMIU, she has accumulated over 650 service hours and served as an orientation leader from 2013 to 2015.
After completing her master’s degree, Martínez plans to pursue a career in student life at the college or university level. Her aspiration is to become president of an institution of higher education.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $4.2 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies, two service units and a comprehensive health science center, the Texas A&M System educates more than 140,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, externally funded research expenditures exceed $932 million and help drive the state’s economy.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.