University Readies Collaborative Ph.D. Program in English

Texas A&M International University launched a fourth collaborative Ph.D. with Texas A&M University as lead partner in ceremonies Friday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center foyer.

The Ph.D. will be in English and is being coordinated by the TAMU department of English and the TAMIU department of language and literature.

Joining University representatives was Robert Gates, president of Texas A&M University.

Dr. Ray Keck, University president, said the latest offering is another example of the power of partnership throughout the A&M System.

"In today's higher education, the importance of partnership efforts cannot be stressed enough. Each of our previous collaborative degrees stems directly from a partnered effort with another A&M System campus. We all benefit from sharing resources and capabilities to further the educational opportunities for our students," Dr. Keck said.

He noted the opportunity to increase access to doctoral studies in English for South Texas residents is especially important.

"This access will provide the potential development of a regional corps of future Ph.D. holders who can lead future South Texas higher education faculties, conduct relevant research or explore a myriad of career opportunities," Keck said.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Nasser Momayezi, said TAMIU faculty members have worked diligently with counterparts at TAMU to develop the program.

"We salute our faculty's efforts, lead by Dr. Kati Pletsch de Garcia, in developing this program and the tremendous energy and enthusiasm that have accompanied its development in College Station. Just as our previous collaborative Ph.D. offering in Hispanic Studies, this degree will enjoy considerable interest from our students and students throughout South Texas," Dr. Momayezi observed.

Just last week, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the University's first stand-alone Ph.D. in International Business Administration.

Other collaborative Ph.D. programs offered in conjunction with A&M System campuses include Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership and Hispanic Studies.

For additional information on the collaborative Ph.D. in English, please contact Dr. Kati Pletsch de Garcia, chair, department of language and literature, at 326.2614, visit offices in Killam Library 428 or email kdegarcia@tamiu.edu.