Here, you'll be able to trace the impact of this young University and learn about the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community that have made the University's mission real. It's a story 50 years in the making that continues today. Visit regularly as new additions to our story are incorporated.
A 45-year veteran of Laredo's higher education profession, Dr. Julio F. Madrigal, executive director of TAMIU Special Programs, celebrates his retirement with a special reception at the Helen Richter Watson Gallery in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. Dr. Madrigal served at the University as a faculty member since 1972.
TAMIU partner, the Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI) presents Federico García Lorca's epic Yerma, the first production of its 9th Season, and the first to be delivered entirely in Spanish.
Award-winning writer and TAMIU Regents and Piper Professor of History Dr. Jerry D. Thompson is selected as the 2016-2017 Clotilde P. García Tejano Book Prize winner for his Tejano Tiger: José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas -México Borderlands, 1823-1891 (Texas Christian University Press). Dr. Thompson has the distinction of being the only author to receive the award three times.
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council votes to approve accreditation for TAMIU's Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology through Jan. 2022. Dr. Tom Mitchell, TAMIU's provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, singles out TAMIU program director Dr. Ediza García's leadership in successfully securing the program accreditation, and noted it joins other accredited TAMIU programs.
Students return to school at TAMIU see the continuation of a focused effort to diversify the campus' landscape and environment experience launched last year. The University adds new Student Center deck seating areas, rerouted traffic flows and parking, and the opportunity to teach environmental sustainability.
The skyline at TAMIU continues to change as construction continues on the University's Academic and Laboratory Hall on the campus' east side. When completed, the three-story, 118,000 gross square feet building will be the largest classroom and laboratory addition to the campus, and home to its growing engineering and science programs.
One of the world's pre-eminent philosophers, Dr. Martha C. Nussbaum, leads the Texas A&M International University Presidential Lecture Series in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Dr. Nussbaum's lecture is the timely "Anger and The Politics of Blame."
TAMIU announces a new initiative laser-focused on the future of Laredo's hometown University: the Imagine 2045 Committee. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz says it will hone in on developing a strategic plan to guide TAMIU's development for the next 25 years to ensure it meets the academic, intellectual, and cultural needs of the Laredo region. He notes, "In 2020, the University will celebrate its 50th year as an institution and its 25th year on its northeast Laredo campus. Now is the time to begin to plan the University's future." The Imagine 2045 Committee will be co-chaired by community leader Linda LaMantia and TAMIU vice president for finance and administration Juan J. Castillo.
The Senator Judith Zaffirini Teachers' College Student Loan Debt Grant Program is announced by Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., in honor of his mother and in advance of her Feb. 13 birthday. Five Laredo educators receive $2,000 grants to help pay their college student loan debts. Participating are TAMIU, Laredo Community College, St. Augustine High School, United Independent School District and Laredo Independent School District.
One of the landmarks of film history, the 1915 silent film "Birth of a Nation," is presented as part of the University's observance of Black History Month and includes a live organ improvisation by TAMIU's Organist, Dr. Colin Campbell.
TAMIU associate professor of Mathematics Dr. Runchang Lin is among 10 professors from throughout The Texas A&M University System inducted into the prestigious 2018 Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators.
Culminating Spirit Week 2018, TAMIU students crown their 2018 Mr. and Ms. TAMIU in ceremonies at the Dustdevil Men's Basketball game. Donato Benítez and Tabata Rodríguez were selected by online vote of their fellow students. Benítez is a senior Criminal Justice major from nearby Roma and Rodríguez a junior Political Science and Spanish major from Nuevo Laredo.
Of 126 schools listed, TAMIU is ranked 70 among Best Regional Universities West in the print edition of the 2018 U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges ranking. TAMIU was the second highest-ranked Texas public university.
Dr. Raymond Robertson, professor and the Helen and Roy Ryu Chair in Economics and Government at Texas A&M University, presents "Better Neighbors: Toward a Renewal of Economic Integration in Latin America" as part of the International Bank of Commerce 2017-2018 Keynote Speaker Series.
A select group of 14 TAMIU students travel over 6,100 miles to Moscow, and St. Petersburg, Russia as part of the University's "Reading the Globe Program." Students participating in the program are Isabela Barrientos, Marcos Enriquez, Briana Escobar, Kimberly Flores, Mayra Hurtado, Sergio Martínez, José A. Medrano, Aranza Obscura, Alyla Robles, María Graciela Rodríguez, Aaron E. Salazar, Rebecca Vela, Alfredo Velasco and Alan Villarreal.
A record number of students "Go Beyond" for the Spring Semester of 2018. The University reports its highest Spring enrollment in its history: 7,019 combined undergraduate and graduate students -- a 2.6 % increase over enrollment last Spring of 6,844. Semester credit hours generated by courses students are taking is also up 3.3% (81,351) over the previous Spring's 78,736.
A partnership between TAMIU and The University of Texas Health Science Center, now called UT Health San Antonio, offers a new certificate nursing program to help address the severe shortage of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in South Texas. It will recruit, enroll and educate a closed cohort of six nurse practitioners from Webb and surrounding counties into the UT Health Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Science, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing Class of 2017 recipients of the Family Nurse Practitioner graduate degree posted a 100% passing rate on their first attempt on Board Exams from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. This is the third consecutive year that TAMIU graduates score 100% success on their Board Exams on first attempt.
TAMIU Professor Frances P. Bernat is selected as the recipient of the Criminal Justice and Criminology Outstanding Alumni Scholar Award for Washington State University, and serves as Keynote Speaker for the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology's Award Ceremony and Luncheon at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center in Pullman, WA.
Three TAMIU Pre-Dental Students are the fortunate beneficiaries of scholarships awarded by the Laredo District Dental Society, District 23. Ana Laura Gomez-Vasquez, Laura Lomeli and Alyson Miller, each receive $750 scholarships. All three have been accepted into Dental School.
A memorial concert celebrates the legacy of the late E. H. Corrigan at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall and features performances on the Sharkey Corrigan Organ, part of his TAMIU legacy at TAMIU. Dr. Colin Campell, University Organist, performs. A reception will follow. Corrigan (March 5, 1927 - Nov. 19, 2017) was a passionate supporter of the Arts. He said that his gift of the Sharkey Corrigan Organ to TAMIU was a statement of affection for his hometown. It was first dedicated in November of 2012.
A group of 41 TAMIU students travel to Nicaragua during Spring Break to volunteer in medically underserved communities in that country. All are volunteers with Global Medical Brigades, an international non-profit organization that empowers communities to meet their health and economic goals through university volunteers and local teams.
TAMIU and the City of Laredo join forces again to present The Big Event, the University's annual service event, with some 350-plus student volunteers providing community service to the Santo Nino neighborhood totaling 1400 service hours with an in-kind monetary impact of $30,800.
TAMIU's College of Arts and Sciences, department of Psychology and Communication, raises awareness about careers in communication at the annual TAMIU COMM Day 2018 in the Student Center Rotunda.
TAMIU Regents Professor Dr. Jerry D. Thompson is recognized with three prestigious awards, one from the Texas State Historical Association, another from the Texas Institute of Letters, and the third from the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
An inspiring program of contemporary dance featuring Dallas' acclaimed Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and world premieres of two dance works take place TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. The free performance is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts' Texas Touring Arts Program.
Literary masters Cervantes and Shakespeare come to life in first-ever, month-long festival at TAMIU dubbed the "Cervantes & Shakespeare Go Pop Festival." It mines the authors' rich treasures with exhibits, readings, activities for children, a choir concert with jazz settings of Shakespeare's sonnets, faculty research presentations, a dance concert, special guest lectures, a concert based on the works of the authors, the authors as depicted in Manga, and a silent movie production of "Othello" with live organ accompaniment. Organizers are Dr. Ula Klein, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Lola Norris, associate professor of Spanish.
Families connect with TAMIU at the fourth annual "Discover TAMIU," a campus-wide annual open house featuring over 90 fun activities for all ages, celebrating the important of higher education.
The 22nd Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference at TAMIU is held. The Conference is co-sponsored by the TAMIU A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, in partnership with the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Facultad de Comercio, Administración y Ciencias Sociales. Sponsors include BBVA Compass, Commerce Bank, Cresta Advisors, Daniel B. Hastings Inc., Falcon Bank, International Bank of Commerce, Killam Development Ltd., and Texas Community Bank.
México's legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán returns to TAMIU with a benefit concert, part of the University's fourth annual International Mariachi Festival. The concert, "El Mariachi Estáde Fiesta," takes place in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. Students from 17 high schools across Texas attend.
Maroon is the new green as TAMIU celebrates Earth Week 2018. TAMIU Earth Week includes a RIO runway featuring Recycled Items Only, a pond clean-up, a recycling extravaganza and water conservation event, a Green Pledges activity, Community Garden beautification, and recycled park bench dedication by TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Senior management from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Field Office, TAMIU and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar ('82) gather to formally dedicate the new permanent office for the Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise at TAMIU's Center for Western Hemispheric Trade.
The annual TAMIU "Celebration of Life" memorial to remember fallen alumni, students, faculty and staff is held in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall and recognizes 46 honorees.
The TAMIU Campus Ally Network (CAN) hosts the University's first-ever Pride Week including an information fair, health testing, Safe Zone crash course, a second annual Drag Show and a Pride Walk and Pride Fest.
TAMIU's Online Master of Public Administration and Online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Banking and Finance program are ranked in two separate national surveys. The MPA is ranked No. 15 by the Master Programs Guide of the Top 50 Online Master's Programs. The MBA is ranked No. 12 in Master of Finance's Top 50 Best Online Finance Master's Degrees in 2018.
Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, George P. Bush, is Commencement Speaker for the TAMIU Spring Commencement Exercises scheduled the Laredo Energy Arena. 752 University candidates receive undergraduate or graduate degrees. Also joining the Exercises is Texas A&M University System Regent William "Bill" Mahomes, Jr. Mahomes was appointed to the Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015.
17 TAMIU students are welcomed into Pi Sigma Alpha, one of the nation's most prestigious honor societies in induction ceremonies. PSA is a national honor society for students involved in areas regarding political science and government. Dr. James A. Norris, associate professor of Political Science and Dr. Lola Norris, TAMIU associate professor of Spanish and Translation, are the University's PSA advisors.
The Webb County Heritage Foundation (WCHF) awards the documentary video "Rhapsody on the Río," a collaboration by the City of Laredo, KLRN-TV, and TAMIU with its Luciano Guajardo Heritage Award. "Rhapsody" is a composition by TAMIU's Dr. Colin Campbell, TAMIU Organist. The documentary previously received the 2017 Lone Star Chapter Regional Emmy Award in the Documentary-Tropical Category.
Pete Mims, proprietor of two local restaurants, Border Foundry and Trattoria Mia, Mims donates proceeds from a Cooking Series he offers through the University's Continuing Education Office to the Voz de Niños program, a court-appointed volunteer organization advocating for the interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. With his support four foster children are able to attend the annual Dusty Junior University Summer Camp and Programming Camp.
The TAMIU Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi inducts 82 students and five faculty into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines in ceremonies at the Student Center. Presiding over the ceremony is TAMIU PKP Chapter president, Dr. James A. Norris.
Dr. Kate Houston, TAMIU assistant professor of Criminal Justice, is named the 2017-2018 University Honors Program Faculty of the Year out of a pool of 10 nominees. Other nominated include Dr. Andrew Hilburn, Dr. Charlene Summers, Dr. Deborah Scaggs, Dr. Aaron Olivas, Dr. Sebastian Schmidl, Dr. Jack Byham, and Dr. Simon Zschirnt.
The Consul General of México in Laredo Carolina Zaragoza Flores and TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz sign a Memorandum of Understanding reestablishing the Institute of Mexicans in the Exterior (IME) Becas Program at TAMIU, reinstituting the Scholarship Program for the Fall 2018 semester. In addition, representatives of Program sponsor, Asociación de Agentes Aduanales de Nuevo Laredo (Association of Custom Brokers of Nuevo Laredo), present a check to TAMIU totaling $13,000 from the Consulate and $10,000 from Asociación de Agentes Aduanales de Nuevo Laredo. The IME-Becas Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $118,690 in scholarship funds between the Consulate and TAMIU's matching funds since the Program's inception in 2013.
TAMIU announces it has started construction on a comprehensive campus-wide energy efficiency project to streamline facility operations, encourage sustainable behavior and improve the quality of life for students and staff. The University is partnering with energy and sustainability expert Schneider Electric on the project, which guarantees nearly $15 million in energy savings over the life of the project.
A new study places TAMIU among the nation's top universities with especially high extended income mobility rates among 359 minority-serving colleges surveyed. The new report, "Minority Serving Institutions as Engines of Upward Mobility," authored by the American Council on Education drew from statistics shared by the Equality of Opportunity Project, a much-cited data project shared last year by Stanford University.
A total of 45 students of TAMIU's The Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies receive their diplomas during the Academy's Commencement Exercises. Created by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and authorized by the 79thTexas Legislature in 2005, the Academy is designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and International Studies. Its name honors longtime benefactors Frank and Julieta Staggs.
TAMIU signs an agreement with Ghana Baptist University College to promote activities of mutual interest to the two institutions. Dr. Peter Haruna, professor of Public Administration and director of TAMIU's Master of Public Administration program, recently traveled to Kumasi, Ghana on behalf of TAMIU to make the Memorandum of Understanding official. The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for academic and professional cooperation between the two institutions, Dr. Haruna explained.
TAMIU's College of Education graduates working as first-year teachers in Texas score above the state's average in the latest Texas Education Agency survey gauging school principals' satisfaction level with teachers' preparedness. In the 2016-2017 TEA Principal Appraisal of First Year Teachers, TAMIU College of Education graduates' results exceeded the state benchmark of 70 percent by 11 percent and the state average of 73 by eight percent.
TAMIU's student TAMIU Theatre presents the seminal French existentialist play "No Exit," by Jean-Paul Sartre, at the Sam Johnson Experimental Theater. TAMIU assistant professional Dr. Gilberto Martínez, Jr., directs the production, an ongoing summer production initiative that is the first associated with the University's History and Criticism Course.
Dr. Tonya Huber, professor, College of Education department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Dr. Phil Roberson, associate professional, department of Professional Programs, co-edit Inquiries into literacy learning and cultural competencies in a world of borders (Information Age Publishing, 2018). TAMIU faculty chapter authors included Dr. Angelique Michelle Blackburn, Heather Blagg, Dr. Randel Brown, Dr. James G. O'Meara, Andrea Pawelek, Cihtlalli G. Pérez, Dr. Marcela Uribe, Bonnie J. Villarreal, and Dr. Xuesong Wang. TAMIU psychology graduate student Alexandra Reyes was the editor's assistant on the project.
A reception in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Colonnade recognizes the impact of some 35,000+ hours provided by TAMIU AmeriCorps members to improve the reading and writing levels of hundreds of struggling young Laredo students through individualized attention they received.
A $150,000 continuation grant from The Meadows Foundation is awarded to The Texas A&M University System for TAMIU to continue to strengthen its coordinated and integrated healthcare delivery network in Laredo and Jim Hogg and Zapata counties. The Grant supports the Sí Texas Juntos for Better Health Grant administered by TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. The program, initiated in 2016, has impacted over 12,000 South Texans, and has gained national recognition.
TAMIU's College of Education hosts the 62nd International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET) World Assembly. The Conference theme, "Expanding Access & Exploring Frontiers in Education," represents a call to action for explorers and pioneers redefining the frontier of teacher education. It's the first time that the ICET World Assembly meets in Texas, and only the second time in a location other than Washington, D.C. in its 62-year meeting history.
Students enrolled in a beginner TAMIU American Sign Language course offered through the Office of Continuing Education put into practice their growing knowledge of the language at a local grocery store. Students held their class session at the H-E-B Grocery Store on Del Mar. Francisco Ramírez, TAMIU American Sign Language instructor, taught students over 200 signs for different store items.
TAMIU is singled out as one of Texas' best colleges for getting jobs. The new Zippia 2018 ranking looks at those colleges and universities most successful at helping graduates land a job. It ranked TAMIU as eighth in the State, citing TAMIU's 91.58% student employment. TAMIU was the only A&M System campus to be included in the Top Ten ranking of public and private institutions.
The music and lyrics of acclaimed Broadway composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and writings of Quiara Alegria Hudes come to life as TAMIU partner the Laredo Theater Guild International presents the Broadway musical sensation, In The Heights at TAMIU's Fine and Performing Arts Center Theater.
For the fourth year in a row, TAMIU students and others participate in a 7,300-mile plus study trip this summer to attend the two-week 12th Annual Baku Summer Energy School in Baku, Azerbaijan. The trip is made possible through a historic agreement that Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) facilitated between TAMIU and the country of Azerbaijan in 2015 to promote student and faculty research and study collaborations on energy between universities in Texas, México and Azerbaijan.
Three TAMIU students attend the Texas Voting Summit promoting voter turnout and boosting civic engagement at universities across the state. Texas Votes hosted the Summit, in partnership with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at The University of Texas at Austin, the Campus Vote Project and The Democracy Commitment. University students attending were Alejandro De León, Eduardo Guzmán and Pedro Rivera.
A new university ranking by College Consensus combines major publication reviews with insight from University students and others. TAMIU earns impressive spots on the group's Best Colleges and Universities in Texas (#24), and Best Regional Universities West (#42).
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online Program is ranked 22 among 2018 Top 50 Best MBA Degree Programs Online in the nation by online source Best College Reviews.
TAMIU sophomore marketing major Mariana Rodríguez is the recipient of the national President's Lifetime Achievement Award, a distinction that recognizes individuals who have completed over 4,000 community service hours during their lifetime. Rodríguez has recorded 10,149 community service hours. The Lifetime Achievement Award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency and Points of Light, the largest organization in the world dedicated to volunteerism.
Seven graduate students from the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at TAMIU present their research findings on dating violence prevention at the annual American Psychological Association Convention in San Francisco. Students attending are Ashley Cavazos, Naomi Cortina, Amanda Lewis, Mariana Mendiola, Sandra Minjares, Daniela Ortiz, and Gabriela Sánchez. TAMIU assistant professor and director of the program Dr. Ediza García and assistant professor of psychology Dr. Elizabeth Terrazas-Carrillo led the research efforts.
TAMIU students graduate with one of the lowest average student loan debt figures in the entire United States, according to a new study by online source, LendEDU. TAMIU ranked #40 out of 1,080 institutions analyzed for having one of the lowest student debt figures in the U.S. Within Texas, TAMIU ranked No. 6. When it came to all public schools, TAMIU ranked No. 20 among similar schools in the nation.
Three new TAMIU students begin the next chapter in their lives as the latest recipients of Oscar M. Laurel Endowed Scholarships. Scholarship donors Mrs. Oscar M. Laurel, Elsa Laurel Nicholson and Rebecca and Oscar Laurel named Magaly Portillo of United South High School, Chelsea Villarreal of Cigarroa High School, and Ashley Vasquez of Hector J. García Early College High School Oscar M. Laurel Scholars.
TAMIU associate professor of Spanish and Translation Dr. Lola Orellano Norris is honored for her literacy achievements during the 89th Annual Texas State Organization Convention of Delta Kappa Gamma in Waco, TX. Dr. Orellano Norris of Laredo's Alpha Nu Chapter, received the Member in Print Award for her book, "General Alonso de León's Expedition into Texas (1686-1690)." She was one of only seven members from Texas to receive this honor.
TAMIU repeats its placement in a national Top Ten ranking among Southern Colleges by Washington Monthly Magazine's 2018 College Guide for the third year in a row. TAMIU was ranked ninth. The College Guide singles out those institutions as "Best Bang for the Buck" that are the best value based on "net price" -- which the Guide explains is affordability and how well universities do in graduating students. It notes ‘Best Bang' universities like TAMIU charge students "a reasonable price for quality education that will advance them in their careers." TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz observes, "This is a clear indication of the importance of doing things right. Our administration and our faculty listen to our students and the communities we serve."
TAMIU's College of Arts and Sciences' School of Engineering receives national recognition as a recipient of the 2018 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, and is featured in the magazine's September issue. The Award recognizes TAMIU'S "STEM and Robotics Day," sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education MSEIP Grant in collaboration with TAMIU DustyTRON NASA Robotics teams.
A new collaboration between TAMIU and the Laredo Film Society brings a Feature Filmmaking Workshop focused on the creation of low-budget films to TAMIU's Student Center Theatre. It features the special insight and film products of Laredo-born filmmakers and artists, writer-director Alejandro Montoya Marin, and Laredoan Scarlett Moreno, a Los Angeles-based actress, director, and stylist. Both filmmakers are winners of revered independent filmmaker Robert Rodriguez' ("El Mariachi") "Rebel Without a Crew" contest.
With the advent of the Fall semester, TAMIU students see a wide spectrum of new initiatives and services including a milkshake program and expanded Library databases, a fledgling citrus grove, new classroom furnishings and an historic campus energy conservation and education program. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the changes are all focused on enhancing the student experience both in and out of the classroom. "While the campus is currently in a construction phase with the on-time build of our new Academic Innovation Center, we've also used much of this summer to complete multiple projects that I believe will help us to further distinguish the TAMIU educational experience and community for our students," Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU celebrates the unveiling of the new name for The Julieta And Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies with a special ceremony with family, friends and Academy students and staff. Previously known as the Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies, the Academy's name change honors longtime benefactors, Frank Staggs and his late wife, Julieta.
One of the nation's foremost experts on Constitutional law, Dr. Nadine Strossen, looks at current challenges to civil liberties in her Presidential Lecture Series at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. A professor of Constitutional Law at New York University Law School, she is the author of "Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship." (Oxford University Press, 2018).
TAMIU freshmen students help congratulate two faculty recipients of the University's most prestigious awards at the annual Fall Convocation Ceremony. Dr. Lola Norris, associate professor of Spanish, is named recipient of the TAMIU Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Ken Tobin, professor of Geology, was named recipient of the Senator Dr. Judith A. Zaffirini Faculty Award for Scholarship and Leadership.
TAMIU is ranked 16th among Top Public Schools, Regional Universities West, in the 2019 U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges ranking, making TAMIU the highest ranked regional Texas institution in the 15-state ranking's Top 20 and the only A&M campus in the ranking. Last year, TAMIU ranked 20th.
Dr. Eva Noyola, of The University of Texas at Austin's department of Astronomy and the famed McDonald Observatory, presents her lecture, "How Do We Observe Black Holes" at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre. The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium hosts it with support from local philanthropist Guillermo Benavides Z.
Faculty and educators from throughout The Texas A&M University System convene at TAMIU for the 9th Annual Chancellor's Summit on Texas Education. The Summit focuses on educating teacher preparation faculty on ways to prepare teacher candidates for possible violence in schools. Over 100 delegates attend.
With partner Laredo Theatre Guild International, TAMIU presents final performances of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie." A Class on Stage Series Production, it is sponsored by the D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust Fund and International Bank of Commerce and includes a special series of performances for Laredo school students.
A new $1.177 million dollar federal grant to TAMIU helps address the chronic shortage of qualified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners through an innovative TAMIU training program delivered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), the grant is three years in duration and establishes the Canseco School and the Grant's leadership as nationally recognized training leaders in sexual assault health care.
TAMIU faculty members are awarded some of the University's highest awards in ceremonies during fall Faculty Assembly. Dr. Hayley Kazen, assistant professional in University College, is awarded the Instructional Technology Award. The University Outstanding Teacher Award is presented to Linda Villarreal, instructor in the College of Education. The University's Distinguished Scholar of the Year Award is awarded to Dr. Marivic Torregosa, assistant professor and director of graduate programs for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
TAMIU offers one of the most affordable online master's degrees in Criminal Justice in the nation, according to a new ranking by online source, Grad School Hub. TAMIU ranked #7 among the Top 10 universities that provide the lowest-cost online master's degree in Criminal Justice.
Author Loung Ung, whose haunting book "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" is the common read for TAMIU's freshman class for its Reading the Globe Program, visits with TAMIU students. Now in its 11th year, Reading Globe is one the University's most popular globally focused initiatives, said program coordinator, Dr. Conchita Hickey, Dean Emeritus.
Tatiana Clouthier, campaign manager for the successful campaign of México's incoming President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is a special guest lecturer for the University's Presidential Lecture Series in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Her topic is "Challenges and Differences: Governance and Public Administration between México and the United States."
Eight high school students selected as new members of the 2018 Sames Scholars Cohort are introduced at Siete Banderas Restaurant downtown. They are: United South High School - Karyme Rodríguez and Jorge Sáenz; United High School - Anthony Vásquez and Andres Espinoza; John B. Alexander High School - Nabila Guerra and Alberto Sánchez, and Lyndon B. Johnson High School - Ana Cristina Landeros and Jaime Chapa. The Sames Scholars program is an innovative college-bound mentorship program that pairs Laredo high school students with TAMIU faculty mentors throughout their high school experience. Hank and Elizabeth Sames founded it in 2002.
Dr. Bryan Caplan, a professor of Economics at George Mason University, presents "The Myth of the Rational Voter" as part of the University's Presidential Lecture Series, at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. He is the author of The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies choose Bad Policies (2008).
A group of 13 TAMIU graduate and undergraduate students are recognized at an international conference for presenting an extensive compilation of posters depicting their research and international outreach projects. The students, members of Professional Opportunities Supporting Scholarly Engagement, a TAMIU College of Education program, won the People's Choice Award for Best Poster Presentation at the 18th International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement Annual Conference in New Orleans. The students recognized are Alexandra Reyes, Elizabeth San Miguel, Lorena Cestou, Vanessa Palumbo, Priscilla Salazar, Sherline Salazar, Rosa Salinas, Analie Costilla, Clarissa Murillo, Erika Vela, Nancy Salazar, Martha Lozano, and Valerie Vásquez.
TAMIU students join in National Make A Difference Day with their local project focused on beautifying the Paso Del Indio Nature Trail at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center. Their efforts include covering the trail with mulch, removing brush and planting native plants, as well as organic vegetable gardens.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces more than $3.1 million in federal funds in two separate grants for TAMIU. TAMIU receives a grant of $1,937,380 as part of the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program for ADVancing the Instruction of Science Educators Project and a $1,169,368 grant for its Advance Nursing Education Sexual Assault Nursing Examiner Program.
TAMIU posts an historic enrollment, driven by a record freshman class size, increased semester credit hours and a dramatic increase in graduate enrollment. Total combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 7,996, a 4.6% increase over the previous Fall's 7,640. Undergrads number 7,013, while graduate students' number 983. Semester credit hours are up 5.15% over the previous Fall. The Freshman class, the largest in TAMIU's history, is 1,351 strong and includes students from 143 different high schools. Graduate School enrollment, including 22 doctoral students, is up 16% from the previous Fall.
In an effort to showcase TAMIU faculty, the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services, in concert with the Office of the Provost, develops Mosaic TAMIU, an immersive online experience that profiles new faculty members. Through the Mosaic experience, visitors learn more about the University's gifted faculty.
An all-female lead production of American playwright Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple (Female Version)" is presented by TAMIU Theatre students at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater. Members of the cast include Karina Esquivel, Joseph Filazzola, Ana Karen García, Stephanie Mancha, Nicole Menzel, Dalia Partida, Rolando Vela and Jocely Zarate.
Dr. Nereu Kock, TAMIU Killam Distinguished Professor and chair of the Division of International Business and Technology Studies, is named a Regents Professor by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, one of only 15 faculty selected. A native of Brazil, Dr. Kock's research has explored biological evolution as an influence on electronic communication and collaboration, and methods for multivariate data analyses.
Francisco Cantú, a former US Border Patrol agent and author who witnessed first-hand the reality of migrants risking their lives to cross the border, is the featured speaker for the IBC Bank and Commerce Bank's 2018-2019 Keynote Speaker Series. His presentation, "The Human Cost of Deterrence Based Border Enforcement," is based on his acclaimed book, The Line Becomes a River (Riverhead Books, 2018).
The memories and recorded recollections of a group of local veterans finds a home at TAMIU's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library through a special gift to the Special Collections and Archives. The effort, led by 406th District Court Judge Oscar Jesus Hale, Jr., includes recorded recollections by veterans. Honored guests were the veterans featured: Private First Class, United States Army, John Valls, WW II; Corporal, United States Army, Manuel V. Ramirez, Korean War; Specialist Four, United States Army, Oscar J. Hale, Sr., Vietnam War; Ship Serviceman, Second Class, United States Navy Cruz Maldonado - Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and Sgt., United States Army, David Garza, Iraq/Afghanistan conflict.
The "Giving Tuesday" Campaign at TAMIU shatters records and far surpasses expectations, with a 250% increase in donations to over $23,000 and an 80% growth in donors. Rosanne Palacios, TAMIU vice president for Institutional Advancement, said the generosity of donors across the spectrum of the University community and the community at large was heartwarming. "During this season of giving, it's truly heartwarming to see the generous support that spanned the spectrum of University students, faculty and staff, alumni and community partners," she says.
TAMIU Political Science Association and Pi Sigma Alpha students compete in the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of American States Conference in San Marcos, TX. Each team networked, role-played and competed in mock trials. The students included Emily Walker, Nathan Treviño, Juan Barrera, and Consuelo Guzman. Also Noelia Angeles, Cesia Perez, Juan Vidal, Ramses Betancourt, Jesús Padilla and Joshua Llamas. Faculty advisors were Drs. James A. Norris and Lola O. Norris.
The much-loved TAMIU Class Ring Ceremony takes place in Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. The Ceremony serves as a moment to encapsulate the memories of a student's life at the University. While the campus continues to grow and change, the class ring is an icon that represents a tangible connection to the University.
Senator Judith Zaffirini announces the 2019 recipients of The Senator Judith Zaffirini Teachers' College Student Loan Debt Grant alongside her son, Carlos Zaffirini, Jr., The honorees, recognized are: Dr. Ariadne González, TAMIU assistant professor of Communication; Dr. Antonio Carranza, Laredo College mathematics instructor; Eduardo Valdez, St. Augustine Catholic School Geography teacher; Diana Ramírez, Finley Elementary School Dyslexia teacher, and María del Carmen Gammon, C. L. Milton Elementary School 5th grade teacher. The program was established by Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. to honor of his mother.
TAMIU is recognized by Campus Labs, a company that works with institutions to transform higher education through data and analytics, as a winner in its 2018 Annual Awards Program. TAMIU earned a Trailblazer Award for its use of Campus Labs' Beacon and Engage tools to deliver an orchestrated set of improvement efforts for students considering teaching careers.
17 TAMIU Ballet Folklórico members travel to Florida to perform before Disney World guests. Students traveling are Katherine Carrera, Monica Carrizales, Cecilia Castillo, Valeria Espericueta, Juan Carlos Flores, Michelle García, Laura Izaguirre, Heidi Marchan, Stephanie Martínez, Emilio Peña, Gladys Hernández, Cecilia Pérez, Diana Saldaña, Stephanie Hernández, Rita Mercado, Ginger Sifuentez, and Jayleen Tovar. Group instructor is Nayeli López. The TAMIU Ballet Folklórico's mission is to showcase the splendor of México's traditional dance, music, dress and history while preserving cultural heritage.
Dr. José Cardona-López, Regents Professor of Spanish at TAMIU, presented at two prestigious, international conferences. His first was at the 11th International Colloquium on Hispanic Studies in Budapest, Hungary. The second conference, "International Colloquium: The Plural Forms of Literary Genericity," was held in November in Paris at the Faculty of Letters of the Sorbonne University.
The approach of the holidays also signals study-travel opportunities for TAMIU students. A total of 34 TAMIU students will embark on trips to Belize, China, the Netherlands and Italy. TAMIU's Office of International Engagement assists students in finding the right Study Abroad program and provides insight on financial planning and scholarship opportunities.
TAMIU faculty and President Arenaz offer an "International" holiday greeting to all in a special video produced by the University's Office of Public Relations and Office of Institutional Advancement.
Spirits are high for a hauntingly hilarious production by TAMIU partner, the Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI), with its staging of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit at TAMIU's Sam Johnson Experimental Theatre. TAMIU alumnus Benito "Tony" Bondoc directs.
TAMIU's Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) celebrates its impact on student scholarships through efforts like Giving Tuesday. SPC helped generate $14,964 in donations from 637 donors in 2018. During the past three years, the campaign's donor total has steadily increased, climbing to 1,462 donors and $35,662 in funds raised.
TAMIU partner the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 2019 Concert Season with a performance featuring guest soloist Kyunghoon Kim, winner of the Ben I. Gómez Piano Competition.
A Total Eclipse Watch party, organized by the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium, is held on the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library West Lawn. Participants view the eclipse through telescopes and Peter Davis, Planetarium director, helps answer questions on astronomy.
The headaches of building a student schedule are a thing of the past at TAMIU. The University launches TAMIU SchEDUler, a powerful tool to help students create their own schedule on their desktop, smartphone or tablet. The tool makes scheduling seamless, reduces registration frustrations and accommodates student preferences, all within a mobile-friendly environment.
The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo teams up with members of Texas A&M International University's College of Education Professional Opportunities Supporting Scholarly Engagement (POSSE) team to host fun, educational events at the shopping center. On the inaugural International Day of Education (24 January 2019), they officially launch a response to the call to action from the United Nations to provide inclusive and quality education for all children this day and every day.
An upcoming lecture will offer individuals insight into conducting and aiding research by deciphering historical handwriting styles. TAMIU assistant professor of History Dr. Aaron Olivas offers a lecture, "Paleography 101: Reading and Understanding Spanish-Language Historical Documents."
As part of TAMIU's Presidential Lecture Series, leading cancer researcher Dr. Renato Aguilera presents "From the Study of DNases to Cancer Research: An Unexpected Scientific Journey." Dr. Aguilera is professor at The University of Texas at El Paso, department of Biological Sciences.
Melissa Olmeda, a TAMIU junior Business major, is fascinated by Chinese culture. She had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit China as one of 25 students selected nationally for the China-U.S. Rising Star Student Study Tour, a student exchange program co-sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the China Education Association for International Exchange. Olmeda visited four cities in China during two weeks in January, including Beijing, Xi'an, Wuxi, and Shanghai.
The 10th Annual STEM Alliance Week is hosted by Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX, 28) at Texas A&M International University, offering a series of educational and community events promoting STEM. It's especially focused on encouraging Hispanic students to consider STEM field careers. A collaborative network of educators, business partners, and affiliates that foster an interest in STEM careers make the event possible.
It's a packed house for the historic campus visit of The Honorable Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar. TAMIU's Student Government Association invited the special guests. Speaker Pelosi shared her life journey as a mom and member of Congress and encouraged students to pursue their special path daily.
TAMIU director of Student Conduct and Community Engagement Mayra Hernández is selected as one of 82 women statewide to become a member of the Leadership Texas Class of 2019. It's the first statewide program for women's leadership development designed specifically to help women learn about critical issues outside of their own industries and spheres of influence, and was launched in 1983.
OnlineMasters.com ranks TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business' MBA in International Business as one of the best in the nation. TAMIU ranked 36 out of the Top 50 Online MBAs in International Business. Researchers identified the top programs in the nation based on curriculum quality, program flexibility, affordability, and graduate outcomes.
A national rating that focuses on universities exceling at retaining and graduating students says TAMIU is the highest rated Texas Public Masters University and in the national top 25% for its category in the 2018 Eduventures® Research Student Success Ratings Report. Authors analyzed some 1,100 institutions to help colleges, universities, students and their families identify institutions like TAMIU that excel at retaining and graduating students.
TAMIU's Celebration of Black History Month concludes with a Community Mixer in Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center 101. Music is provided by DJ D-Rock. The celebration theme, "Black Migrations," has highlighted the movement of African Americans and all peoples of African descent to new destinations and new social, cultural, political and economic realities. Dr. Peter Haruna, TAMIU professor of Public Administration and TAMIU Intercultural Events and Education Committee chair, has led the observance.
TAMIU has been ranked 16th in the 2019 U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges report's Top Public Schools Regional Universities West, and recognized as a Best Value School, Regional Universities West. TAMIU was the highest-ranked Texas public university in the Best Regional Universities West category at 59 of 127 West universities surveyed among 656 universities nationally. Last year, TAMIU ranked 70.
TAMIU students, faculty, administration and staff and the public enjoy a month-long celebration of Women's History Month with a series of lectures and panel explorations on topics including Chinese traditions and the role of women in society; a brief history of women's anger and a panel discussion on gender studies and how it shapes faculty research.
TAMIU posts a record student enrollment with 7,436 combined undergraduate and graduate students "Going Beyond." This marks a 6% increase over last Spring's 7,017 enrollment. Semester credit hours (SCH), generated by courses students are taking, is also up 6.2% (86,387) over last Spring's 81,330. Of total Spring '19 TAMIU enrollment, 6,423 are undergraduates, while 1,013 are graduate or doctoral students.
Recent TAMIU Master of Science in Education graduate Lorena Cestou realized she could impact the world positively through teaching when she participated in a University-led, service-learning opportunity in the Dominican Republic. Her experience is part of The Texas A&M University's state-wide campaign, "We Teach Texas," focused on encouraging teaching careers. TAMIU and the 11 universities of the A&M System produce more fully certified teachers than any other university system in Texas.
TAMIU Regents Professor Dr. Jerry D. Thompson receives the Texas State Historical Association's 2018 Kate Broocks Bates Award for Historical Research for his Pulitzer Prize-nominated publication, "Tejano Tiger: José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas-México Borderlands, 1823-1891," in ceremonies in Corpus Christi.
TAMIU theatre students present one of the longest running theatrical productions in the world, famed novelist and playwright Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap," at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater. Cast includes Milagros Aguilar, Silvia Castanos, José Charur, Marco De Luna, Juan García, Gerardo Guerrero, Jorge Salinas and Jocelyn Zarate. Stage manager is María Saavedra with a crew composed of theatre students. Dr. Gilberto Martínez, is TAMIU assistant professional of theatre arts.
While he's had a lifelong fascination with literature, TAMIU graduate English student James Buckley also makes a little history at the University. Buckley is the 1000th student in TAMIU's graduate programs and part of TAMIU's record Spring enrollment with 7,436 combined undergraduate and graduate students -- a 6% increase over last Spring's 7,017 enrollment. There's also a family legacy of records... James' mother, the late Laredo science teacher and TAMIU alum Esther Buckley, was the University's 3000th student to enroll in 1998.
TAMIU College of Education Dean Dr. James O'Meara shares his thoughts on TAMIU's role as fueling force for a sustainable teacher pipeline for Texas that drives with impact, innovation and internationalization, in an essay on the University's role in "We Teach Texas." The Texas A&M University System initiative is focused on identifying and training new teachers.
TAMIU Athletics hosts its Second Annual Building Homes for Heroes Baseball/Softball BBQ Party and Car Show at the TAMIU Outdoor Sports Complex. Admission is free of charge and open to the public. This marks the seventh year that TAMIU Athletics has hosted a military appreciation fundraising event.
Internationally-known astrophysicist and best-selling novelist Dr. Mario Livio explores the basic human characteristic of curiosity as part of his TAMIU Presidential Lecture Series titled, "Why? What Makes Us Curious," at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Organized by TAMIU's University College, the Presidential Lecture Series is an occasional series that brings innovative thinkers and creators to the University.
TAMIU hosts the equal distribution of financial gifts totaling $500,000 from the Samuel N. Johnson, Jr. 2013 Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust to five community organizations. On behalf of the Trust, Trustee Jim Moore provided gifts to the Laredo Little Theatre, Laredo Theatre Guild International, St. Edward's University, TAMIU's Theatre Department and the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
TAMIU hosts its annual "Celebration of Life" Memorial in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Recital Hall at 6:30 p.m. The event celebrates and remembers the lives of 35 alumni, students, faculty and staff who have passed away in the past year. It includes musical performances by University Organist Dr. Colin Campbell, the TAMIU Choir and the Memorial Bells of First United Methodist Church.
Dr. Craig Van Grasstek, adjunct lecturer at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, discusses hegemonic struggles in the context of inter-American trade for the IBC and Commerce Bank 2018-2019 Keynote Speaker Series at the TAMIU Student Center Ballroom.
Inter-American trade relations and the relationship between the United States, China, and México are among topics discussed as academic researchers, business leaders, and policy makers convene at TAMIU for the 23rd Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference.
Throughout the past 14 years, children and families alike have enjoyed traveling through space and venturing to the stars, all from the comfort of reclining seats in the TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium. To celebrate their 14th Anniversary, the Planetarium hosts a special screening of the Disney-Pixar hit, "The Incredibles 2." Face-painting, food and fun are also part of the Celebration.
TAMIU hosts a rare simulcast concert by world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a live transmission from San Antonio to TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. Yo-Yo Ma performs all six of J. S. Bach's cello suites as part of a global tour aimed at highlighting the importance of shared humanity in civic conversation. He visits Laredo the following day and performs along the Rio Grande river bank.
Maroon is the new green when TAMIU hosts its annual week-long observance of Earth Week focused on fostering a good, green fun and awareness around campus. Earth Week is coordinated by the University's Environmental, Health and Safety Office, Housing and Residence Life and the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration in partnership with Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation.
TAMIU hosts the 5th International Mariachi Festival, welcoming high school mariachi groups from across Texas to its campus for an exciting learning experience with Mexico's legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán. A workshop experience for students concludes with a live performance, "Serenata Mexicana," in TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. The event's concert proceeds benefit TAMIU mariachi music scholarships.
TAMIU's Ballet Folklórico made history by ranking first in the nation at the recent National Folklórico Competition in San Antonio. 18 TAMIU students traveled with Ballet Folklórico director Nayeli López to the Competition at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Competing in eight entries in University categories of small group, ensemble, duet, and solos, the group received five trophies: two ranking first place, one ranking second place, and two third place rankings.
Four TAMIU undergraduate students alongside faculty Drs. Kameron Jorgensen and Keith Combrink, assistant professors of Chemistry, were awarded and presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting recently in Orlando, FL. Funding for the trip was made possible through support by the University's Quality Enrichment Plan - ACT on IDEAs, the College of Arts and Sciences, and an ACS Student Travel Grant.
TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Science, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing Class of 2018 recipients of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduate degree posted a 100% passing rate on their first attempt on Certification Exams from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. It's the fourth consecutive year that TAMIU FNP graduates score 100% success on their Board Exams on first attempt. Diana Flores, Jeannette Johnson, and Priscilla Rodríguez are all currently employed as family nurse practitioners, and one works as a TAMIU nursing faculty member.
TAMIU's MSEIP Engineering Program announces it will offer free, summer engineering exploration workshops for middle, high school and University STEM major sophomores. Dr. Tariq Tashtoush, TAMIU assistant professor of Engineering, said the program is a great opportunity for local students to explore college life and learn what is required to get into the STEM field.
University organist Dr. Colin Campbell provides a live improvisation on the Sharkey Corrigan Organ to accompany a film considered a pioneer in the genre of science fiction filmmaking, the German classic, "Metropolis." The performance is free of charge and open to all in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall.
Erick Vázquez Cano, 21, a Spring 2019 Chemistry graduate at TAMIU, is one of 20 students nationwide accepted to Harvard University to pursue doctoral studies in Chemical Biology. He credits TAMIU's Dr. Ruby Ynalvez and Dr. Alfred Addo-Mensah, for refining his research focus, while also encouraging him to present at conferences and apply to Harvard. "If you are passionate enough, if you are driven, then TAMIU is going to make it possible for you," Erick said.
TAMIU's music program is growing in size and talent with close to 100 music students are enrolled. The program has grown 15 percent in the past five years, with most students attending from the Laredo area, but with an increased interest from the Rio Grande Valley, says Dr. James Moyer, TAMIU assistant professor of music and chair of the College of Arts and Sciences' department of Fine and Performing Arts.
TAMIU Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDO) and Audiology students are living up to the challenge to ‘Go Beyond' by pursuing graduate studies at several universities across the country. The program has achieved a 100 percent acceptance rate for graduate school for students, noted Dr. Melissa García, TAMIU clinical associate professor and CSDO clinic director.
TAMIU's Small Business Development Center (TAMIU SBDC) received the U.S. Small Business Administration 2019 San Antonio District Small Business Week Center of Excellence and Innovation Award for the second year in a row. The Award honors an SBDC for excellence in providing value to small businesses and advancing program delivery and management through innovation.
In honor of her commitment to serving as a role model and mentor to students pursuing careers in the nursing profession, TAMIU clinical assistant professor of nursing Dr. Belva González was named this year's recipient of the Diseases Attacking the Immune System, or DAISY Faculty Award. It was presented to González during the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Pinning and Hooding Ceremony before her students and colleagues.
Arturo Nochebuena González, a renowned artist in Los Dos Laredos, is selected as TAMIU's commissioned artist and will create a painting commemorating the University's 50th Anniversary. Nochebuena González's painting will encapsulate TAMIU's 50th Anniversary theme, "A World of Difference." It will include key concepts such as history, nature, empowerment, culture, connection, celebration and the future. It will be displayed in the new TAMIU Academic Innovation Center, scheduled for dedication in August.
TAMIU launches an Instagram TV (IGTV) channel to highlight student-focused, campus-wide events and initiatives. Created and established through TAMIU's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services, the IGTV channel features a monthly video. It was developed with insight and feedback provided by a focus group of student users and is created on campus by TAMIU's PR team members Christine Rojas, Rolando Santos, and Rory King.
A cohort of 51 students graduate from TAMIU's Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies. An innovative, University-level institution on the TAMIU campus, the Academy is designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors. It was created by Senator Judith Zaffirini and authorized by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005.
Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, TAMIU associate professor of Public Administration, is the author of the new book titled, "Political Satire, Postmodern Reality, and the Trump Presidency: Who Are we Laughing At?" (Lexington Books, 2019). The book looks at the rich history and evolution of political satire and how television has changed satire completely.
Spring Commencement Exercises see 794 candidates for graduation cross the stage at the Sames Auto Arena. Commencement Speaker was Alfonso Gómez-Rejón, Laredo-born film director and TV producer He directed "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," the 2015 Sundance Film Festival winner of the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. He has garnered Emmy nominations as director and co-executive producer on TV's American Horror Story: Coven and directed episodes of American Horror Story's first four seasons, and the first four seasons of the musical comedy-drama series Glee. This graduation also served to preview the University's coming 50th Anniversary Celebration.
TAMIU associate professor of Spanish and Translation Dr. Lola Norris is helping shape the academic field of translation. Chosen for her extensive knowledge and in recognition of her work, Norris served as 2019 Translation Studies track director at the Kentucky Foreign Language Conference: The Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Conference (KFLC) that took place recently at the University of Kentucky (UK).
A Texas Education Agency (TEA) report notes that as many as a third of Texas teachers leave the classroom by their sixth year of teaching. Not so for teachers prepared by TAMIU. Dean of the College of Education, Dr. James O'Meara, noted that 80% of TAMIU teacher graduates are still teaching 10 years later. "We're enormously proud of our TAMIU teacher preparation programs. We prepare 100% of the traditionally trained teachers working in the schools within our 100-mile zone of impact," Dr. O'Meara said.
TAMIU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) receives a top ranking among the State's best BSN programs in the fourth annual nursing school rankings by RNCareers, a specialty nursing publication. TAMIU's BSN was ranked 12th, outranking other BSN nursing schools including Texas Woman's University (14), the University of Texas-Austin (15), the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (19) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (23).
TAMIU Spring 2019 graduate Ashton Laurel praises TAMIU's "Closer Than Ever" Initiative for helping him to complete his BBA. Launched in 2018, the initiative helps former students who have made substantial progress on their degree, but delayed degree completion for various reasons. "After my junior year, I wasn't sure how I was going to come back to TAMIU and finish my degree. Thanks to TAMIU, they helped me finish everything in less than a year," said Laurel. Since its initial launch, "Closer than Ever" has already helped 65 individuals graduate and complete their degrees.
TAMIU launches a dynamic, international learning opportunity program prototype that allows students to not only study abroad, but to also conduct research in their host country, the Philippines. Dr. Marcus Ynalvez, College of Arts and Sciences associate dean, led a group of students in TAMIU's first-ever Research Abroad Program that saw students collaborate closely with staff at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
In honor of its 50th Anniversary, TAMIU launches its "Share Your Story" campaign to enable former students, faculty members, University family members and the community at large to share their perspective of the University's story. "Through three distinct identities and two campuses, through degree programs and experiences, the University's story is best told by those it has impacted," said Steve Harmon of the University's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services.
The impact of the collaborative grant Sí Texas – Juntos for Better Health Traveling Healthcare Teams led by Dr. Glenda Walker, grant principal investigator and Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences, is shared. Over 1000 free screenings were conducted by THCT at Webb County community centers. A total of 9000 screenings were performed Project-wide from July 2017 to June 2019. This critical community outreach initiative emphasized primary screening and linkage to a medical home or mental health services.
Video gamers from across the state convene at TAMIU to take part in the first-ever "Battle at the Border" Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gaming tournament. The historic event is hosted by the TAMIU Smash Club, along with support from the University's Student Government Association.
TAMIU students and faculty travel to Baku, Azerbaijan on July 5 for a two-week certificate program at the Annual Baku Energy Summer School. The trip is made possible through a historic agreement that Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) facilitated between TAMIU and the country of Azerbaijan in 2015 that promotes student and faculty research and study collaborations on energy between universities in Texas, México and Azerbaijan. It is now in its fifth year of offer.
17 TAMIU Multidisciplinary Studies students complete a 90-hour service-learning internship at various locations including the Laredo Public Library, the Imaginarium of South Texas, the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo and Zapata, the Children's Advocacy Center, La Frontera Migrant Shelter, and El Cenizo Community Centers. Through these internships, students engage and help fill a need within the organization, or establish a new initiative.
Fifth grade Cotulla elementary school teacher Jessica Soto-Martínez is named the recipient of the first "We Teach Texas" Leadership Fellow Scholarship. The Scholarship is borne from The Texas A&M University System's statewide campaign, "We Teach Texas," focused on encouraging teaching careers. TAMIU is the leading producer of educators in the Laredo area, and the Texas A&M University System and its members produce more fully certified teachers in Texas than any other university system.
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online Program is ranked #3 among the 20 Best Texas Online MBA Degree Programs by online source MBA Central. "As the ranking has confirmed, our online MBA program is offered at an affordable and accessible price, and taught by a gifted faculty that brings top research experience and knowledge from all over the world. Our students gain a competitive edge in the business world," said Sanchez School Dean Dr. Steve Sears.
It's a story 50 years in the making and TAMIU is sharing it with a 50th Anniversary Celebration, "A World of Difference." The Anniversary Year, 2019-20, launches with a multi-media press conference at the University's Western Hemispheric Trade Center. The event also serves to usher in the Anniversary's dedicated website, and news that University students have also launched a 50,000 Service Hour Challenge to commemorate the milestone.
TAMIU graduate student Aisha Christa Atkinson is awarded the 2019-20 Career Development Grant by the American Association of University Women. Atkinson, currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Administration, was one of several grant recipients across the U.S.
TAMIU Engineering students return from their first-ever study abroad program at the National University of Quilmes (UNQ) in Bernal City, Quilmes, Argentina. Their program, "Engineering Undergraduate Research Abroad," is a joint effort between TAMIU and UNQ to support undergraduate student research. It was sponsored through the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Grant by Exxon Mobil.
TAMIU's continuous growth is recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education in its 2019 Almanac edition. The Chronicle reviewed growth at higher education institutions from 2007-2017 and nationally ranks TAMIU at 20th among 245 Master's Colleges. Authors note enrollment growth of 47.5% from Fall 2007 (5,179) to Fall 2017 (7,640). TAMIU is one of the three Texas institutions to figure in the Top 20 institutions studied.
TAMIU student nurses get hands-on experience in community and mass emergency event nursing by volunteering services during Operation Lone Star at United South High School. Some 30 members of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing's Student Nurses Association volunteered throughout the week-long event.
"Poster Preach: The Gospel of Ink," a special exhibit and artist talk featuring Houston-based serigraphy artist Carlos Hernández, is held in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. Hernández has designed gig posters for artists like Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, The Kills, Santana and more.
The newest addition to the TAMIU campus, the three-story Academic Innovation Center, is dedicated in ceremonies featuring Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and Board Chairman Elaine Mendoza of the governing Board of Regents. It's home to 21 educational labs and classrooms in addition to faculty and staff offices and a broad spectrum of programs, with a special emphasis on engineering and the sciences. The event kicks off the University's 50th Anniversary Celebration.
TAMIU affirms its shared commitment to high school student college readiness by entering into Memorandums of Agreement with Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District. The memorandums lay the foundation for the University's aggressive TAMIU Student Success Mentor Program at the districts' campuses. The TAMIU-led initiative is funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, the nation's independent leader in higher education journalism, ranks TAMIU eighth nationally among "Colleges with the Greatest Racial and Ethnic Diversity Among Faculty Members."
TAMIU employees know how to "Go Beyond"... and they've done just that by earning the State Employee Charitable Campaign's Highest Employee Group Contributor Recognition Award for 2018. Through the Campaign, TAMIU employees share their support for over 300 charities including 22 local and area charities in Laredo.
TAMIU's Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Dr. Puneet Gill, assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction, and Outstanding Teacher of the Year Kimber J. Palmer, instructor in the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business' division of International Banking and Finance, are recognized at the Fall Freshman Welcome.
Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School fourth grade teacher and TAMIU alum Roberto Valdez, Jr. ('11) is one of 40 Regional Teachers of the Year selected by the Texas Association of School Administrators. He has been part of the Juarez-Lincoln faculty for eight years.
In celebration of TAMIU's 50thAnniversary, over 50 works of art by 26 alumni are displayed during the "Going Beyond Alumni Art Exhibit" at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. The exhibit hangs through Oct. 24.
The TAMIU Master of Public Administration program celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a reception for alumni, students and current and former faculty in The Helen Richter Watson Gallery in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.
TAMIU is the highest-ranked regional university in the Texas A&M University System among Regional Universities West and is singled out as a top performer on social mobility in U.S. News and World Report's 2020 Best Colleges edition.
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Online MBA in International Banking and Finance is ranked #19 among the Top 30 Online Masters Programs in Finance in the nation by online source Online College Plan.
Laredo's chronic shortage of available Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners for adults and adolescents is impactfully addressed by a TAMIU program that has led to eight nurses being SANE-certified. Prior to the TAMIU Program, there was only one SANE nurse in Laredo.
Students roll up their sleeves and grab their trowels to help prepare 24 garden beds in the TAMIU Service-Learning Center Community Garden. The Garden is located behind the Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center.
A world premiere benefit screening of Laredo-born filmmaker and TV producer Alfonso Gómez-Rejón's latest feature film, "The Current War," sells out. The 50thAnniversary Celebration Event serves as a fundraiser to benefit the Julio C. Gómez-Rejón, M.D. Endowment which supports TAMIU student scholarships.
TAMIU's 50th Anniversary enters the history books this Fall 2019 for a number of reasons...but the largest enrollment in the University's history...8,455 students is a BIG one. In outdoor ceremonies near the TAMIU Fountain, Kevin Zamora is introduced as the University's 8,000th student.
At Fall Convocation, Dr. Tom Mitchell, TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, presents the Distinguished University Scholar of the Year Award to Dr. John Dean, TAMIU associate professor of English, and the Senator Judith Zaffirini Award for Scholarship and Leadership to Dr. John Kilburn, TAMIU associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Projects and sociology professor.
College of Education students Olby Hughes and Alan Villarreal share their perspective as purposeful educators as part of the Texas A&M University System's state-wide campaign, "We Teach Texas." TAMIU, along with the 11 universities in the A&M system, produces more fully certified teachers than any other university system in Texas.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces a grant totaling over $2.9 million focused on advancing opportunities for Hispanic students seeking TAMIU graduate degrees in Social Science or in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Allocated through the Department of Education's Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program, it helps TAMIU establish the Advanced Curriculum and Research Program.
Hector Cárdenas, a senior at TAMIU's Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies, is named a Commended Student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program.
TAMIU celebrates Energy Awareness Month with a week-long Energy Challenge for students. Activities include a "Lights Out" activity utilizing natural light; "Sustainable Snacks" made without using energy from microwaves or using refrigerators, and "Eco-Friendly Laundry Habits." Also popular are an outdoor "Watt-Free Workout" class, an "Unplugged Board Game" night and an unplugged outdoor live music performance.
Maroon Madness, the annual unofficial kickoff of TAMIU's Dustdevil Basketball season, rolls. A big crowd of over 1500 enjoys pre-show free food provided by Aramark and Taco Palenque, a DJ and games before things move inside. The Madness is hosted by Sammy The House and includes team introductions, a dunk showcase, a skills competition and a performance by TAMIU cheer and dance teams, among other things. A special 2019 Maroon Madness T-shirt, courtesy of TAMIU Housing & Residence Life, commemorates the University's 50th Anniversary.
The "Going Beyond Alumni Art Exhibit," a celebration of TAMIU's 50th Anniversary including over 50 works of art by 26 alumni, holds its closing Artist Panel in the Sam Johnson Experimental Theater, in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.
A silent film screening of the classic German Expressionist horror film, "Nosferatu," complete with organ accompaniment, is held at TAMIU's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. University organist and assistant professor Dr. Colin Campbell provides the live improvisation on the Sharkey Corrigan Pipe Organ.
A group representing Argentina's Universidad Nacional de Quilmes visits TAMIU to work with student colleagues on three joint engineering projects with School of Engineering faculty and students. Together, the group hopes to publish their research results in academic publications in the United States.
Seven local agencies entered into powerful agreements aimed at furthering their missions by linking with Partnership TAMIU: An Alliance for Good in ceremonies in the Student Center rotunda. Representatives signed an agreement establishing service opportunities assisting agencies and enhancing TAMIU student learning and development. The agencies include Bethany House of Laredo, Children's Advocacy Center, Laredo Area Community Foundation, Laredo Crime Stoppers, MileOne, Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center and the United Way of Laredo.
TAMIU's on-campus wellness program, "HealthyU," earns an enviable "Thriving" progress rating after a healthy worksite assessment. Part of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor's Wellness Initiative, 12 campuses and five agencies were assessed, each with their own unique program, brand, and culture needs. President Pablo Arenaz said the University is proudly committed to impacting its employees' physical, mental and social well-being.
TAMIU students, staff, faculty and alumni truly lived up to "Make A Difference Day" by participating in three impactful community service experiences. All told, volunteers generated 2,326 service hours with an equivalent monetary impact projected at $76,172. Students, faculty, staff and alumni powered three different service activities: a mobile food-packing partnership with Feed My Starving Children, Juan Ramírez Park beautification initiatives with Keep Laredo Beautiful and Jamboozie Festival site preparations with Laredo Main Street.
TAMIU student researchers earned the highest number of awards, 18 of 61 Awards presented, at the competitive 16th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium. Over 400 student and faculty representatives from throughout the sprawling Texas A&M University System gathered at TAMIU for the two-day competition.
TAMIU receives a gold seal for achieving a student rate between 40% and 49% at the 2019 ALL IN Challenge Awards Ceremony held in Washington, D. C. recognizing colleges and universities committed to increasing college student voting rates. The campus initiative was led by University College and former instructor Paty Cantú and Gina González, associate vice president for Student Success. Both worked closely with the Student Government Association, MOVE Texas, and the Political Science Association.
Native American Heritage Month at TAMIU features enriching cultural and educational events including the films "Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe" and "Ixcanul;" an Aztec dance performance by the TAMIU Ballet Folklórico, and a reading of the "Florentine Codex." The observance was made possible by TAMIU's Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity in collaboration with the Intercultural Events and Education Committee.
TAMIU dance students present their 2019 Fall Dance Concert at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater featuring several dance genres, ranging from ballet, ballet folklórico, jazz and modern dance.
TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences' faculty and students present a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls in the Student Center Rotunda. It features a reading of Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise" and presentations on awareness and prevention of violence against women and girls.
A student-led initiative prints event posters for TAMIU events with the support of the College of Arts and Sciences Fine and Performing Arts Department and Act on IDEAs – TAMIU's Quality Enrichment Plan focused on developing applied critical thinking. Student Art majors create the posters which are produced in the printmaking studio with Jesse Shaw, TAMIU assistant professor of Art.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces a $2,330,291 federal grant for TAMIU's Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program. This online program will ensure more Hispanic students have the opportunity to help address the nursing shortage in Texas. The funding came from the Department of Education's Title V, Part B, Promoting Post-baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program.
Two TAMIU degree programs are awarded top ranking status by Intelligent.com, an online source. TAMIU's Master in Public Administration Degree Program was ranked #21 among the Top 50 in the nation. The University's Master in Education Administration Degree Program was ranked #38 among the Top 50.
Some 55 TAMIU students truly have something to be thankful about for Thanksgiving: they're recipients of scholarships totaling $125,000 from the D&J Alexander Foundation of Laredo. President of the Alexander Foundation, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, presented the Awards in special ceremonies in the Academic Innovation Center.
By using an innovative social media campaign mobilizing students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends online relations, TAMIU posts its way to a record fundraising goal. Over 600 donors generate over $47,000 in gifts to the University. Through emails, shares, tweets and more, participants celebrate and share their support for TAMIU.
For the second year in a row TAMIU Ballet Folklórico students are invited to perform for Disney Performing Arts at the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, CA. Seventeen Ballet Folklórico students travel to Los Angeles over the Thanksgiving holiday.
TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business was ranked #1 in the Top 25 Best Online Finance MBA Degree Programs in the nation by online source College Consensus.
A renewable $40,000 Gift from the Trustees of the Dolly Richter Watson Memorial Foundation of Laredo will support a new Art Scholarship. Inaugural TAMIU student Scholarship recipients are Art majors Sandra Barcenas, Briana Cabrales, Jaime Gonzáles, Julian Martínez, Douglas Naudin, Isai Olivas, Pedro Plascencia, and Jennifer Ramos. The Foundation made possible the Helen Richter Watson Gallery in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, which opened in 2011. The late Helen Richter Watson was the late Dolly Richter Watson's daughter.
Beloved TAMIU Regents Professor of History, Dr. Jerry D. Thompson publishes his 27th book, Wrecked Lives and Lost Souls: Joe Lynch Davis and the Last of the Oklahoma Outlaws, (University of Oklahoma Press, 2019). It tells the story of his grandfather, a cowboy named Joe Lynch Davis.
Over 800 candidates for graduation from Texas A&M International University participate in Summer and Fall 2019 Commencement Exercises at the Sames Auto Arena on Thursday, Dec. 12.
TAMIU ranks No. 4 out of the Top 20 Most Affordable Schools in Texas for a Bachelor's degree, according to online source, Affordable Schools.
Video gamers from across the region take part in the "Hidden Flame" Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gaming Tournament at Texas A&M International University's Western Hemispheric Trade Center.
Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. honors his mother, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, by providing five Laredo educators generous grants to help them reduce their college student loan debts. The recipients are Gloria S. Becerra ('99), kindergarten teacher, Juarez Lincoln Elementary (United Independent School District); Dr. Gilberto Martinez, assistant professional of Theatre Arts, TAMIU; Prakash K. Mansinghani ('10, '11) , associate professor of Government, Laredo College (LC); Rebecca Mendoza ('12), fifth grade teacher, Heights Elementary (Laredo Independent School District), and Sandy Webb ('13), English teacher, St. Augustine Catholic School. Four of the five honorees are TAMIU alumni.
TAMIU's power to move graduates from low-income backgrounds to well-paying jobs earns it 13th place in the national Top 20 of the Sixth Annual 2019 Social Mobility Index (SMI) created by CollegeNET, a leading provider of web-based on-demand technologies for higher education.
If it's New Year, it's a new country for TAMIU students who travel to Brazil as part of TAMIU's "Reading the Globe" Study Travel Program. Competitively selected, the 15 freshmen students study various dimensions of social inequality throughout their 15-day experience. Students selected for the singular study-travel opportunity include: Cynthia Aradillas, Rebecca Canales, Chelsea Fuentes, Cristina Garcia, Maritza Garcia, Edith Garza, Samantha Lara, Hannah Loring, Lourdes Marquez, Anaiz Martinez, Daniela Palacios, Mary Patricio, Juan Manuel Sanchez, Jorge De Los Santos and Aleyda Sarabia.
TAMIU students and alumni have over a million reasons to celebrate their TAMIU degree. Researchers with Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce McCourt School of Public Policy have ranked TAMIU's Return on Investment (ROI) at 16th, among the highest in the nation -- with graduates projected to earn $1,006,000 more 40 years after graduation.
Print and digital versions of the 50th Anniversary edition of TAMIU's 2019 Annual Report are released. The Report reflects the 50th Anniversary Theme, "A World of Difference." The award-winning publication provides a glimpse into the past year of student, faculty, alumni, staff and community accomplishments as well as the immeasurable kindness and generosity of University donors and partners.
TAMIU's Phi Kappa Phi chapter is named a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, an accolade awarded by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest honor society for all academic disciplines.
TAMIU provides a new and special welcome for Foster Care young adult students. The University launches a Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program, a voluntary Extended Foster Care placement which enables young adult students to live on their own while still getting casework and support services to help them become independent and self-sufficient.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laredo Sector Border Patrol, Laredo Port of Entry and Office of Chief Counsel, join TAMIU in celebrating National African American Heritage Month in TAMIU's Student Center Auditorium.
In an historic visit, members of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents hold their quarterly meeting at TAMIU. Previous Regents visits occurred in 1997 and 2002. "We are especially excited to welcome them to our campus during our milestone 50th Anniversary," said TAMIU president, Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Various TAMIU academic programs receive top ranking status in national 2020 rankings conducted by College Consensus, Intelligent.com, and U.S. News and World Report.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing December 2019 graduates of TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences post an enviable accomplishment: 100% of the 34-member class passed the State Boards Licensure Exam. This has been previously accomplished in 2002.
Members of TAMIU community seeking effective help with anxiety, relationship challenges, stress or other concerns that accompany today's fast-paced life now have an online ally at their fingertips: TAMIU launches Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). TAO provides a broad spectrum of educational videos, interactive exercises, and progress measures ...all available on desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) (TX-28) announces $307,795 in federal funding to TAMIU through the Department of Defense Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics program. Funds will enhance high-performance computational capabilities that will support research within multiple STEM fields, as well as build the skills of minority students.
The AEP Foundation provides a $50,000 grant to support the robotics program at TAMIU. The grant will help perpetually fund annual expenses related to the design, programming and ultimate build out of two award-winning engineering projects. Judith E. Talavera, AEP Texas president and chief operating officer, presented a Dustdevil-sized check during a recognition event held at the University with students.
A new series of online interviews features the diverse voices of the University's faculty and is inaugurated featuring Dr. Peter Haruna, TAMIU professor of Public Administration. The series is dubbed Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight.
TAMIU dedicates a dynamic website to share awareness and health tips regarding the emerging Coronavirus, COVID-19.
TAMIU's Sixth Annual International Mariachi Festival, scheduled April 23 - 25, 2020, is set to honor one of Texas' leading advocates for the preservation of cultural and historical treasures including mariachi music, businessman and banker Renato Ramírez.
Ramírez' selection was announced at a press reception in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library's Helen Richter Watson Gallery at TAMIU.
Three TAMIU students in the Laredo Early Acceptance Program are accepted into the School of Health Professions (SHP) at UT Health San Antonio. Accepted students are Austin Fierro and Alexa Alvarez, Occupational Therapy program; Carolina Gómez-Salinas, Physician Assistant Studies program; and Eduardo Siller, Medical Laboratory Sciences program.
TAMIU is ranked 5th in nation among the 100 Most Affordable Public Schools with the Highest Return on Investment by ranking authority Great Value Colleges.
Recipients of the inaugural TAMIU Alumni Rising Star Awards are named for presentation in March at TAMIU's new Academic Innovation Center. Named are: Leslie D. Martínez '15; Joseph P. Byrd, MA, College of Education, Educational Administration, '17; Guillermo Heard, MSN, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing and Health Sciences, '10; Eduardo Castillo, Jr., BA, College of Arts and Sciences, English, '14; Dr. Alejandro G. Barrera, College of Arts and Sciences, Biology, '13 and Alejandra Avila, BBA, A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, Business Administration, '11.
In light of concerns about the global outbreak of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus"), TAMIU follows Texas A&M University System restrictions on foreign travel impacting the students, faculty and staff. "We must do our best to protect our students and campus community. While some of these measures may seem intrusive, we must bear in mind that we are dealing with a developing health crisis," Dr. Arenaz said. The University continues to share news and updated information at its dedicated COVID-19 website.
With evolving United States government travel restrictions regarding travel from Europe and other Level 3 countries, TAMIU faculty, students and staff are advised that they will need to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to campus.
As part of TAMIU's continued response to COVID-19 ("Coronavirus"), the City's Stay Home/Work Safe Order and the University's essential education mission, the University begins a speedy transition to offering classes in a Virtual Environment. The University suspends classes for an additional week after Spring Break to complete the campus-wide transition.
In video communication with TAMIU students, president Dr. Pablo Arenaz offers insight into the University's Virtual Classroom and resumption of online classes after March 30, 2020. "This semester, Dustdevil Nation and our world have been dealt a blow, prompting some tough decisions. And so, there will be some changes. We must and will reimagine higher education for the immediate future. Your classroom is now a Virtual Environment and your campus is as close as the palm of your hand. Your TAMIU faculty and staff are by your side and we're all ready to help. Together, we will rise to the challenge," Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU enables qualified students wishing to move out of campus housing a waiver of their outstanding housing or meal plan balances or a refund, pro-rated for April and May. "While we remain fully committed to keeping TAMIU housing open for those students wishing to remain on campus to continue their education here virtually, we realize that some students and their families may feel it best to bring their student home ...We understand this and offer this proactive program to assist students and their families during this difficult time, " said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
TAMIU's students complete their final classes of the Spring semester in a Virtual Environment, which launched Monday, March 30, 2020. "For the next four weeks, a short time in the life of a long semester, we will all work together to complete this semester. As I am telling our University community and community at large, we are TAMIU Together and Laredo Together," Dr. Arenaz said. The University shares a special video with its community that helps capture the challenge and resilience of the time.
TAMIU ranks #10 among 2020's Top Public Universities in Texas, according to a newly released ranking by online source, Niche.com. The ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni, the site states. It compares over 500 public colleges and state universities.
With some 80 percent of the U.S. population at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, a TAMIU researcher is hoping some will volunteer for a global research study she's involved in. Dr. Angelique Blackburn, TAMIU assistant professor of Psychology is part of a research group looking at the impact of COVID-19 on psychology.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz presents Laredo Health Department Director Dr. Hector González with 110 COVID-19 sampling kits. "We're a proud part of The Texas A&M University System, and honored to be able to share the A&M System's resources right here in Laredo where they can be most utilized in our City's COVID-19 pandemic response. TAMIU cares about our community we're honored to be able to help out in this crisis," said Dr. Arenaz.
TAMIU students who transitioned to the University's Virtual Classroom offer insight into their experiences taking courses online and how they are coping with social distancing and offer their fellow students encouragement and tips for success.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz receives some of the best news possible during the University's COVID-19 response: TAMIU will be the recipient of $9,501,756 million in CARES Act relief funding. "We're enormously appreciative of Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) and the entire delegation for their quick initial response to this historic emergency. The relief the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, authorized by the CARES Act, will provide both our students and our institution is dramatic," Dr. Arenaz said.
The impact of COVID-19 drives a resilient TAMIU faculty to forge ahead with innovation, connecting anew with students in rich and relevant ways in the University's Virtual Classroom.
In an effort to stay connected with faculty, staff, students and the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) community during these challenging times, several robust online-only efforts are offered by offices and departments across campus. The offerings, available through TAMIU's website and social media channels, include everything from short workout videos, study guides, self-care tips, trivia contests and much more.
TAMIU's Student Philanthropy Council members decide to donate their allocated 2020 Class Giving Campaign funds to help support students facing unforeseen financial difficulties during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their Student Emergency Grant has been designated to help support undergraduate or graduate, degree-seeking students enrolled either part-time or full-time.
In a video message to Class of 2020 candidates TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz announces the University's plans to honor Spring and Summer candidates for graduation in Commencement Exercises tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 at the Sames Auto Arena. "This has been the most challenging semester that we have ever shared here at TAMIU ...but we are persevering... Your resilience has been awesome. For you, the Senior Class of 2020, our 50th Anniversary Class, you have seen your last semester delivered online and the traditions and celebrations that have always framed the senior year experience either cancelled and postponed. We know this has been deeply disappointing for you -- as it has been for us," he observed.
A new website for members of the TAMIU community and the Laredo community at large is launched, providing resources to build resilience and recovery. The site helps affirm the binding spirit of the broad Dustdevil community as it navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and prepares for the recovery that will come. "We wanted to remind our students that we are all in this together. Whether we're students, faculty, staff or alumni, we are a community and a partner to our community," explained TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Visual Arts students at TAMIU take their artwork to Instagram for a special, virtual showcase. The TAMIU's Visual Arts Instagram account posts the artwork of its 16 senior art students as part of a digital offering of its "Yes. I AM an Artist." exhibit. The online exhibition takes the place of the traditional display not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TAMIU's College of Education is providing a broad range of free online teaching resources to help support both parents and educators as they continue to deliver home-based education to Laredo's children throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response.
TAMIU graduate student Liabette Rodríguez, a third-year Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) student, is accepted to Texas A&M University's Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. She'll begin her studies this Fall.
TAMIU School of Engineering students and their professor create protective masks, shields and aerosol boxes for Laredo's frontline first responders. The masks and shields were donated for use by ER doctors in the three Laredo hospitals and both Laredo City and Webb County fire departments. The aerosol boxes, used to protect responders during intubation procedures, were presented to the Laredo Fire Department to be used by department paramedics and local hospitals.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Online RN to BSN Program ranks fourth among the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas, according online source, Registered Nursing.
Mariana Rodríguez, who received her MA in Communication in 2019 and BA in English in 2014 from TAMIU will make her next stop at Texas A&M University where she'll pursue her doctoral degree in Communication.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves and authorizes two new Engineering degrees to be offered by TAMIU's School of Engineering: a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. "This is the culmination of a long process that had its germination some 10 years ago," Dr. Arenaz said.
With a cautious eye to the future, TAMIU has its sights set on seeing students face-to-face this Fall on campus. Along with the 11 other campuses of the Texas A&M University System, TAMIU plans to resume on-campus classes this coming Fall 2020. "We'll proceed cautiously and our first priority remains the safety of all members of the campus community: students, faculty and staff," president Arenaz said.
U.S. News and World Report's 2020 Edition of its popular Best Colleges guide ranks TAMIU as the second highest-ranked Texas public university in its Best Regional Universities West category and the highest-ranked regional campus of the Texas A&M University System.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences adds to its legacy of service to public health with a new Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health (BSPH). Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Marivic Torregosa said there's no better time for the University to expand and maintain its leadership in the public health arena.
TAMIU Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) graduate Aileen Terrazas is accepted to Texas A&M University's Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program. She's the recipient of a Graduate Diversity Fellowship and decided to pursue her studies in Counseling Psychology to someday help her community offer essential mental health services.
TAMIU Service-Learning Center staff members hand out 50 bags of vegetables harvested from the TAMIU Community Garden to University students, faculty, staff members, and the general public as part of its COVID-19 community outreach and response.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Higher Education Foundation, Greater Texas Foundation, and Trellis Foundation announces that the Texas Emergency Aid Grant Program, launched three weeks ago, has awarded TAMIU one of 57 grants to Texas higher education institutions.
2014 graduate Julio Obscura becomes the first TAMIU alumnus selected for a 2020 Fulbright Arts award. He was named a recipient of the 2020 Fulbright-LUSK Award in the Arts at the Royal College of Art in London.
TAMIU's Small Business Development Center is named recipient of the 2020 San Antonio District Small Business Week Small Business Development Center, Excellence and Innovation Center Award. It's the third consecutive year the TAMIU SBDC has been selected as district winner and its first time as regional winner.
TAMIU's College of Education helps teachers, University students and parents with online professional development opportunities and summer parent enrichment camps through the "Summer of Sanford." It's a partnership between the College and Education Service Center 1 and part of the University's COVID-19 community outreach and response.
A cohort of 48 students graduate from TAMIU's Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies. Located on the TAMIU campus, the Academy is an innovative, University-level institution designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and International Studies.
Incoming TAMIU freshmen have members of the University community welcome them to the TAMIU Class of 2024 community...at their own front door. TAMIU Orientation Staff and Student Success Mentors deliver Welcome Packets to 200-plus students at their homes to begin to bring the University experience home to incoming Dustdevils.
TAMIU earns a top tier ranking for its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The 2020 Educate to Career College ranking places TAMIU in Tier I among colleges and universities that have responded to the pandemic in ways that benefit and protect students, especially in terms of available online learning resources.
TAMIU International Business Administration doctoral degree graduate Doreen Hanke wins the Best Student Paper Award at the 24th Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference, hosted virtually by TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business.
Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82) announces $1,649,197 in federal funds to TAMIU to help develop and expand Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning opportunities for Hispanic and Low-Income students in the region. Funding was awarded through the National Science Foundation's Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant program, established by Cong. Cuellar in 2018.
The ongoing challenge of student food insecurity gets a supportive partner at TAMIU when the Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club provides Dusty's Food Pantry with a gift of $1000. Rotary members conducted a variety of fundraising initiatives to provide assistance, said Liz Gomez, Daybreak Rotary president.
Dr. Marivic Torregosa is named Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell said: "Dr. Torregosa has led the College for a year now as Interim Dean and has done an outstanding job in meeting the challenges of this often difficult year. We are impressed with her innovative outlook, real-world nursing experience and visionary ability to marshal University and community resources to continue to strengthen the College's nursing and health sciences' legacy."
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz says a new Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Scholarship Fund will bring approximately $528,000 for student use at TAMIU for Fall 2020. TAMIU's share is part of an overall $100 million scholarship program Regents approved for the 11 campuses of the A&M System last week.
The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, administered by International Bank of Commerce, adds to its TAMIU legacy by donating an additional $300,000 as part of its mission to do more for Laredo. The Trust's generosity was celebrated with the dedication of a special plaque in the Academic Innovation Center, home to planned offerings supported by the gift.
TAMIU shares its Fall Plan for the University, TAMIU Back Together, remaining focused on joining the other 10 campuses of The Texas A&M University System on an in-person Fall, for those wanting that experience, consistent with the guidance of the Board of Regents and local health authorities.
TAMIU's Service-Learning Center launches a 24-hour online donation campaign to help support ongoing efforts by the TAMIU Community Garden to encourage and support food sustainability. The collected funds are used to purchase a shed to store equipment and materials to support the Garden.
TAMIU's new Director of Student Counseling and Disability Services, Dr. Guillermo González, says he's realized a lifelong career goal: working in a University setting. "Our services are of critical importance to our students and their success here," he maintained, "and our staff is honored to advocate for and help our students as we move forward."
Dr. Barbara Hong is named dean of TAMIU's University College and Professor of Special Education. University College grounds students in early academic college experiences, through First Year Experiences. Dr. Hong is no stranger to TAMIU...from 2005-2008, she was an associate professor of Education Administration and Special Education.
TAMIU faculty, students and staff will be able to get free COVID-19 testing on campus as part of an initiative by the Texas A&M University System. Approximately 15,000 test kits will be sent to System campuses each month and are not available to the general public. Testing begins in August.
As part of its ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, TAMIU students who may be facing food insecurity can seek a temporary supplemental supply of non-perishable goods through Dusty's Food Pantry. Initially launched in 2017, the Pantry provides daily access to non-perishable goods. Supplies are donated by members of the University community, including fellow students, faculty, staff and administration.
New TAMIU assistant professor of Humanities, Dr. Adam Kozaczka shares his perspective on sharing and embracing diversity in a new environment as part of the University's online Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight.
TAMIU's Fall semester 2020 is delivered by TAMIUFlex, designed to provide students with the greatest flexibility as the University continues its higher education mission. TAMIUFlex will drive the majority of courses, said Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell. "We're all keenly aware of the anxieties and concerns that our world's response to the COVID-19 Pandemic has created. We are absolutely committed to ensuring a safe and healthy return for all members of our campus community: students, faculty and staff, " Dr. Mitchell said.
Dr. Jared Dmello, assistant professor of Criminal Justice, shares his commitment to work actively to bring about diversity, equity and inclusion in an interview as part of the University's online Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight..
The continuing COVID-19 Pandemic doesn't keep TAMIU students from continuing their degree pursuits over summer. In fact, TAMIU reports enrollment and semester credit hour increases: a 9.78% increase in headcount this summer to 3,642 students and a near 9% increase from in credit hours to 23,649.
TAMIU student nurses are part of an innovative partnership with the City of Laredo helping all-important contact tracing for COVID-19. About 60 TAMIU junior and senior level nursing students, led by Dr. Belva González, participate in the initiative, completing training and rehearsals with the Health Department and faculty supervisors. The initiative is considered a clinical experience and part of their class program for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Congressman Henry Cuellar TX-28) announces $1.47 million in federal funds to Texas TAMIU , awarded as part of the Department of Education's TRIO program. Cong. Cuellar ('82) said the grant will be used to assist low income and first-generation college students stay on track to graduate.
Alumnus Yasmin Layla Shariff ('15, '20) shares her love of teaching students empathy by reading globally and universally as part of the University's online Dustdevil Diversity Spotlight.
Move-In Days for TAMIU students living on campus are revised and retooled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic response. The housing experience places health and safety of residents at the highest priority, while still making on-campus residence rewarding and relevant. A first-of-its-kind resident responsibility and disinfection program specifically for the higher education residential experience is part of the changes.
The University's traditional Welcome Week takes on a new dimension this year when it goes virtual. The free events look at ways to encourage and maximize student engagement and does so across a variety of virtual platforms. The week culminates with a socially-distanced Drive In Movie Night with limited capacity.
It's not often that you can call your Congressman your professor AND an alumnus as well. This Fall at Congressman Henry Cuellar ('82), U.S. Representative for Texas' 28th Congressional District, leads a new hybrid course, "Government Appropriations: Introduction to the United States Federal Budget."
TAMIU welcomes 20 new faculty members to its ranks for the Fall semester 2020. "We're welcoming an impressive group of new faculty this Fall. They are the result of nationwide searches and we're eager for them to share their insight, guidance and research with our students. Over 90% hold the highest terminal degree in their discipline, bringing additional depth and expertise that continues to distinguish our students' learning experience here," Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell said.
TAMIU's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic now includes a way to answer one of the challenges students face... access to technology. TAMIU's solution is just a click away: a Loaner Laptop Program supported by federal funding from the TAMIU CARES program.
TAMIU is ranked second in the U.S. and first in the State of Texas for having the lowest student debt in LendEDU's annual Student Loan Debt by School by State Report, an in-depth analysis of the most recent student loan debt figures at 475 U.S. Colleges and Universities.
The University's 50th anniversary of the day it opened its doors, Aug. 28, 1970, is observed by President Pablo Arenaz with a special video that reminds viewers of the University's beginnings, it's phenomenal growth in campus, degree inventory, enrollment and faculty since then... and the mission it still holds true: We're Here for You.
A 50th Anniversary is cause to celebrate… and the TAMIU Alumni Association did so worldwide with its Virtual 50th Anniversary Bash, “Alumni@Home.” The Association brought home the University with over 13 hours of fun virtual content celebrating TAMIU’s impact, legacy and ongoing mission.
Dr. Elizabeth Terrazas-Carrillo, TAMIU associate professor of Psychology, was one of 21 nationwide scholars selected to receive the 2020 Early Career Achievement Awards from the American Psychological Association. Her Award was based on her achievements, demonstration of leadership in the field of Psychology, and the importance she placed on the APA Convention.
A new federal grant of $435,020 to TAMIU) was announced by Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28). The funds from the National Institute of Justice’s Investigator-Initiated Research and Evaluation on Firearm Violence grant program will be used to map the networks of gang violence in New Jersey and investigate the role of firearm violence in conflicts.
TAMIU was one of 53 statewide entities receiving a grant of $1,164,910 as part of $45 million in funds awarded through Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission’s Community Mental Health Grant Program supporting mental health services and projects. TAMIU’s grant is a collaboration between Student Counseling Services offices, Border Region Behavioral Health Center, and Serving Children and Adults in Need.
TAMIU added another accolade to 2020: online job search platform Zippia says TAMIU has got “the total package.” Zippia ranked TAMIU fifth in its national Top 10 Total Package Colleges ranking…the only Texas university so ranked. Zippia used the College Scorecard Data from the Department of Education to rank colleges in each state with factors including Cost, Debt, Job Prospects and Earnings.
In official numbers reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TAMIU shows a record Fall 2020 total enrollment of 8,467, above the previous Fall enrollment of 8,448…despite Pandemic challenges. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said he attributes the gain to three factors: “First, an absolute full-campus commitment to making sure students could safely continue their degree progress; second, student resilience and faculty innovation, and third, the University’s momentum and growth continued unabated.”
TAMIU’s Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Association are looking a little starry-eyed lately, thanks to their new brand. The new brand was unveiled during TAMIU’s Alumni at Home Virtual 50th Anniversary Celebration. Designed by the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services, it includes a bold grey star that encircles and morphs into a maroon Dustdevil.
TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences visual art students completed a series of paintings, screen prints, and ceramics to donate to healthcare workers at Laredo Medical Center (LMC). LMC administrative team members welcomed the donations in a socially distanced and masked event. Delivering the student-created art were Jesse Shaw, Josias Figueirido and Emily Bayless, TAMIU assistant professors of Art.
TAMIU officials joined U.S. Congressman Rep. Henry Cuellar (’82) for the awarding of two grants totaling $1.6+ million, aimed at benefiting TAMIU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and TRIO Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. The grants were awarded by the Department of Education’s Student Support Services STEM Program and the Internal Revenue Service
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents designated TAMIU professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Frances P. Bernat as one of 15 faculty members and seven agency service, extension or research professionals within the A&M System to be named Regents Professors and Regents Fellows for 2019-2020.
A lifelong love of art and music and a desire to support programs at TAMIU has prompted the initiation of an Endowment at TAMIU. Named for its benefactor, the $25,000 Rosanne Palacios Endowment offers a way to extend that love of art and music to others, Palacios said. “I grew up in a home filled with music and art and both have always been core values I proudly share with my family. With this Endowment, I’m hoping to make it possible for others to share in my love of art and music through programs supporting them at TAMIU,” she explained. Palacios leads the University’s Advancement efforts as Vice President for Advancement.
An expanded vision for scholarships at TAMIU, is providing first time freshmen with access to an additional $1 million in scholarship funds. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the program, dubbed “The Excellence Investment,” aims to attract and retain students to become TAMIU graduates, drive future growth, and sustain South Texas’ economic success.
TAMIU’s A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business was named one of the nation's 244 most outstanding business schools, according to The Princeton Review.® The education services company chose the school for its list "Best Business Schools for 2021" released in December. The Sanchez School of Business figures as one of 62 Best Business Schools (West) and one of the Best Online MBA Programs.
TAMIU saw over 1,800 2020 graduates and candidates for graduation participate in its first-ever Fall 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony available for livestream viewing Dec. 12, 2020. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the Fall 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony provided students an opportunity to celebrate, albeit in a different manner. “One of the most disappointing aspects of our nation and world’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 Pandemic has been the loss of opportunities to gather and celebrate collective and personal milestones…like our traditional Fall and Spring Commencement Exercises. That’s why the University partnered with Marching Orders, a company specializing in virtual celebrations, to present an historic Fall 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony,” Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU assistant professor of Music passed away in Houston on Dec. 18, 2020. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz shared the news with the campus community. “We are saddened to hear of the passing of longtime faculty member Brendan Townsend. His artistry and teaching made a profound impact on TAMIU students and our community. His leadership and advocacy for the performing arts on and off campus helped elevate TAMIU’s music and performing arts program and our community’s quality of life. “As music director and conductor of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, he embraced our border culture and eagerly explored new horizons in developing the LPO’s various concert seasons. His enthusiastic support of TAMIU and Laredo was unmatched, and we will miss his jovial presence on campus, in our classrooms, on stage, and in our community,” Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU was awarded a $112,500 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program to provide critical support to students wishing to return to TAMIU to complete their degree. Scheiby González Fisher, TAMIU executive director of Outreach and Pre-College Programs, said the new program hopes to get students back on track to graduate with a degree enabling them to return to and succeed in the workforce.
Dr. Frances Gates Rhodes, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences, department of Humanities, passed away due to complications of COVID-19 in January 2021. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz shared news with the University community. “Dr. Rhodes, or as most of us better knew her, ‘Panchita,’ was a beloved faculty member. She was a passionate advocate for her discipline, for her students, for her colleagues and for this University. The students and graduates she inspired easily number in the thousands. In her passing, we lose a gifted and special educator, and friend. Respected by her students, colleagues and all who were fortunate to be part of her ever-widening orbit, her dynamic presence here will be much missed,” Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz was selected the 2021 Recipient of The President’s Award for Region III by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, a member-centered association of student affairs administrators in higher education. It supports a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1200 institutions worldwide and annually honors prominent higher education and student affairs leaders, programs, and initiatives that contribute to or impact the field.
TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services earned nine national awards in the 8th Annual Educational Digital Marketing Awards competition -- placing it among top peer national winners. The EDM Award competition recognizes the best in educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media.
TAMIU has been awarded top ranking status for seven degree programs by online source Intelligent.com. The University was selected by the comprehensive research guide based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Each program was evaluated for curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.
TAMIU is selected as one of six educator preparation programs at minority-serving institutions across the U.S. selected to participate in the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity’s National Teacher Preparation Transformation Center, providing an immersion process aimed at producing highly effective and diverse teachers.
TAMIU University College assistant professional Dr. Hayley Kazen was named the recipient of the 2020 Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award from The National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience. Only one Award-winner is selected nationwide. Award recipients must have achieved great success in teaching first-year seminars and continue to inspire student learning, development, and success.
Congressman Henry Cuellar (’82) joined TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz to share news about federal funding for TAMIU’s CARES program. “Authorized by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act these funds provide grants to students to help address financial hardships. They have also helped TAMIU address expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Cong. Cuellar noted. TAMIU president Dr. Arenaz said CARES funding has been critical. “CARES funding has been absolutely crucial for TAMIU students, making sure they continue degree progress and don’t drop out. We’ve awarded some $5.1M in students grants and look forward to additional CRRSAA funding that students can apply for this Spring,” he said.
As they did since the beginning of the City’s COVID-19 Response, some 120 TAMIU student nurses helped administer coronavirus vaccines in a City of Laredo vaccine drive at TAMIU in February. Dr. Marivic Torregosa, TAMIU dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing, said TAMIU nurses have long provided help in vaccine delivery, flu clinics, outreach to vulnerable populations like stroke victims and contact tracing – providing them a rare learning opportunity. This is something most students would only read about in a textbook. Instead, they are part of vital team that is helping to flatten COVID-19 transmission here,” Dr. Torregosa said.
The Texas A&M University System named TAMIU associate director of Marketing Mika Akikuni one of 11 faculty and professional honorees recognized within the A&M System at its Second Annual Chancellor’s Summit on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Ceremony. The virtual Chancellor’s Summit on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion brought together over 900 faculty and staff from A&M System universities.
TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services was awarded nine national awards in the 36th Annual Educational Advertising Awards (EAA). TAMIU was the top award-winner among Texas colleges and universities competing. The EAA is the nation’s largest, oldest, and most respected educational advertising awards competition.
TAMIU’s Police Department achieved a program-defining award designation as a “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program… becoming the first agency in the City of Laredo to earn the coveted status. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz commended the TAMIU PD accomplishment, led by Fructuoso San Miguel, TAMIU PD chief of police. “This is an impressive accomplishment that further distinguishes our University and the community we so proudly serve,” Dr. Arenaz noted, “We commend Chief San Miguel and all our fine officers and civilian employees for earning this prestigious designation. He has set an enviable standard for the entire law enforcement community.”
TAMIU’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree program and Bachelor of Psychology program are among the best in the nation, according to online source, Study.com. TAMIU’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice program ranks #17 among the 50 Best Bachelor of Criminal Justice Degrees, according to online source, Study.com. Study.com also ranked the Bachelor of Psychology degree program #33 among the 50 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology.
Dr. Angelique Blackburn, assistant professor of Psychology at TAMIU was nominated as a recipient of the COVID-19 Data Hero by the internationally recognized Data Access, Transparency and Advocacy Group. The Award aims to recognize individuals who have made data a central element of their efforts and communications during COVID-19.
The 2020 Collegiate Advertising Awards, an elite, national program recognizing higher education for excellence in advertising, communications, marketing, and promotions of their schools, named TAMIU one of its top award recipients. The Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services and Office of Student Success received four international awards in the competition: a Gold for Newspaper Advertising; a Gold for COVID-19 Response Signage; a Silver for the TAMIU Dustdevil Diversity and Inclusion Website, and a Silver for the Office of Student Success’ Recruitment Campaign 2021.
TAMIU has its sights firmly set on a campus future that looks a lot like the campus’ past. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the University’s plan for Fall is focused on a return to a vibrant, on-campus experience for students, faculty and staff for the 300-acre northeast Laredo campus. “We’ve followed the science, and our strict adherence to safety protocols, aggressive testing and a vaccination program here on campus has kept our campus’ COVID-19 prevalence at below 2% -- among the lowest in The Texas A&M University System, throughout this Pandemic response. In addition to on-campus rapid testing and vaccination opportunities, we will continue to require on-campus face coverings, social distancing and rigorous hand-washing. We’ll work with Federal, City, State, and A&M System partners to guide our recovery, and adjust operations as needed,” Dr. Arenaz advised.
Online resource Best Value Schools notified TAMIU that its College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing was ranked among the Top 14 Most Affordable Nursing Programs in Texas. The College ranked 10th and Best Value staff writers noted: “As one of the eight nursing programs offered through The Texas A&M University System, TAMIU also happens to be home to a top-ranking program in various areas. It is number one for student retention, third for highest mobility rate, and fifth for affordability. Those all add up to a great program at an affordable rate for students seeking to earn a nursing degree.”
As TAMIU readies for Fall, it has been awarded a total of 19 graduate program-specific, Top 10 rankings in Texas and the Southwest Region by online source, Grad Degree. The College of Education was awarded 16 top placements while the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business received two top rankings. The College of Arts and Sciences also received a top placement for one of its programs.
As the eSports industry quickly becomes one of the fastest-growing professional sports industries in the world, one TAMIU student is making his mark in the gaming industry among collegiate gamers throughout the world. Ivan Larumbe, a junior at TAMIU, took the title of the NIRSA eSports Tournament Champion. He competed in the Rocket League 1v1Rec Division.
TAMIU 2020 graduates and 2021 candidates for graduation have spoken. Their online survey responses have guided TAMIU’s scheduling of long-awaited in-person Commencement Ceremonies at the Sames Auto Arena in May 2021. The student input was crucial to the University’s construction of four ceremonies meeting capacity guidelines respecting social distancing, masking and gathering restrictions, TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said. “Student survey response was pivotal to scheduling ceremonies respective of event capacity. We’re all looking forward to joining our graduates and their families to mark this milestone in an intimate and deeply meaningful way,” Dr. Arenaz said.
While the ongoing pandemic postponed celebratory events for high school seniors across the nation, TAMIU took time out to recognize and celebrate high school members of the Class of 2021 -- on wheels, no less. Over 280 graduating high school seniors attended TAMIU's Future Dustdevil Car Parade, said TAMIU vice president for Student Success, Dr. Minita Ramírez. "We had a terrific turnout and I think we were all excited to have a fun way to connect and congratulate our high school seniors -- and help guide their journey forward to becoming full-fledged Dustdevils. All offices assisting students were on hand for an innovative and fun event. We had hundreds of cars, with lots of 'happy honking,' and waving," Dr. Ramírez said.
There’s a new doctorate in the house at TAMIU. In April, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved TAMIU’s new doctoral degree program in Criminal Justice. Course offerings begin this Fall for TAMIU’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, the University’s second free-standing doctoral program in its 50-year history. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the degree addition moved the University closer to designation as a doctoral-granting institution. “TAMIU continues its ascendancy by creating richly relevant degree programs that address critical local, regional, national and international needs. The addition of this doctoral degree elevates the University’s academic status, accelerating our classification as a doctoral-granting institution,” he said.
A major $1million gift ushering in a new endowed Professorship in TAMIU’s Petroleum Engineering program was provided to TAMIU by the Killam Family Foundation. Killam Family Foundation family members include Tracy DiLeo, Kati Killam, and David Killam – Sue and Radcliffe Killam’s two daughters and son. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz noted that the gift helps support the Petroleum Engineering program. The Killam family has always figured prominently in the University’s development and growth. “The Killam family has been absolutely crucial in the creation, development and continued growth of TAMIU. The vision for this program started with the Killam family’s leadership and commitment to encouraging future generations of oil and gas industry professionals, pivotal to its creation in April 2020,” Dr. Arenaz said.
You might say the fix is in at TAMIU. The University fixed some 4,084 files in its observation of “Fix Your Content Day,” a global competition focused on making digital course content more inclusive. TAMIU placed 16th among 114 total participants and was the highest ranked of Texas A&M University System campuses. The total fixes worldwide numbered 108,546. The 24-hour challenge is held annually by Blackboard Inc. on Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
TAMIU students have made a difference in the lives of children, one book at a time. Students enrolled in the Multilingual Children’s Literature course this past Spring 2020 semester crafted a series of children’s books to be used by student tutors involved in the TAMIU-Lamar Bruni Vergara Literacy Partnership. A total of 42 books were created by 42 University students for donation to the TAMIU - LBV Literacy Partnership.
Two TAMIU A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business programs recently received top accolades from recognized online sources. The first accolade, from University HQ, ranked TAMIU #1 in the Top 100 Best Affordable Finance Degree Programs for 2021. The second, from College Consensus, ranked TAMIU #21 among the Best Online Master's in I.T. Management Programs 2021.
The City of Laredo introduced its Tennis Complex at TAMIU during a groundbreaking ceremony at the University’s northeast Laredo campus. The project grew from joint efforts by the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, TAMIU Athletics Department, Laredo Tennis Association, and the United States Tennis Association. The University has leased the land to the City of Laredo. The City of Laredo Tennis Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility to include six National Collegiate Athletic Association collegiate-level courts and 12 United States Tennis Association recreational-level courts.
For TAMIU students who were enrolled on or after March 13, 2020 and have an outstanding TAMIU student account balance, a debt-free dream is now a sweet reality with a new offering dubbed the “Fresh Start Initiative.” To the tune of over $1 million dollars, outstanding TAMIU student account balances from Spring/Summer/Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 have been erased, impacting over 700 students. The balances erased are those owed to the University.
TAMIU’s Graduate School has launched new programs to offer graduate students' career-enhancing opportunities. Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Jennifer Coronado said these new and enhanced programs respond to market needs and preferences from graduate students.
TAMIU expands its COVID-19 vaccine delivery on campus through a new partnership with the National Guard. The National Guard assists TAMIU in the delivery of vaccines twice-weekly in a walk-up opportunity for participants 12 years or older.
TAMIU Regents and Piper Professor of History Dr. Jerry Thompson is named the recipient of the 2020 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award. Thompson was honored under the Book Awards – Biography category for his “Courage Above All Things: General John Ellis Wool and the U.S. Military, 1812 – 1863,” co-authored with Professor of History at the University of Arizona Dr. Harwood P. Hinton.
Two cherished TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences faculty with combined service and teaching of over 90 years in Nursing have retired. Dr. Rose Saldivar, clinical assistant professor and coordinator of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner program and Linda Flores, lead instructor, provided service to education, professional service as nurses, and shared remarkable career insight with students and graduates, said Dr. Marivic Torregosa, Dean of the College.
TAMIU degree-seeking students this Fall will be the lucky beneficiaries of a pilot program providing all TAMIU required textbooks and course materials -- free of charge. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the pilot, dubbed “TAMIU Books IncludED,” offers students and their families substantial savings, provides access to books and course materials on day one of classes, and champions TAMIU students’ journeys to success. “If you have access, you have success. If you have less stress, you have more success. For this pilot year, we will cover the fees for required course materials for our enrolled, degree-seeking students, including online students,” Dr. Arenaz said.
Congressman Henry Cuellar (MBA, ’82), a TAMIU alum, shared good news for the University and its students… nearly $31 million in new funding for the 2021 academic year. The main funding sources are the American Rescue Plan and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, among others. The total funding is $30,799,805 and includes $29,210,965 in American Rescue Plan funds; $1,399,543 for TAMIU’s Advanced Nurse Education-Sexual Nurse Assault Examiner program and $249,297 for open educational resources through the University’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.
TAMIU welcomed 41 new members to its faculty this Fall Semester. Acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Stephen M. Duffy said the new faculty are joining five Colleges and Schools from a variety of universities and most hold the highest degree in their field. “We have recruited an impressive group of faculty to join us. All are the result of nationwide searches, and we’re eager to provide them an opportunity to share their insight and guidance with our students. Most hold the highest terminal degree in their disciplines, bringing additional depth and research expertise to further distinguish our students’ learning experience,” Dr. Duffy said.
As the 87th Session of the Texas Legislature drew to a close, TAMIU learned its “Path to Academic and Student Success" program would be the recipient of funding totaling $6 million -- truly paving a broad path to student success. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the partnership of TAMIU’s legislative team of Senator Judith Zaffirini and Representatives Richard Raymond Peña and Tracy King, as well as The Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and the TAMUS Office of Governmental Affairs, was fundamental to the successful funding.
Just in time for the start of Fall semester classes, TAMIU's Master of Public Administration Program received exciting news of its recent accreditation renewal by the prestigious Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the global standard in public service education.
As part of TAMIU’s commitment to a full, on-campus experience for Fall 2021, incoming and returning students took part in a slew of activities, culminating in an exciting fireworks display. Organized through the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement, TAMIU’s annual Welcome Week activities welcomed students back with a bang known as Dusty’s Lights Fireworks Extravaganza.
A total of 12 local agencies signed powerful agreements aimed at furthering their missions by linking with Partnership TAMIU: An Alliance for Good. The organizations signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing service opportunities that assist the agencies while enhancing TAMIU student learning and development.
TAMIU was once again recognized as one of the nation's top-ranked Southern Colleges in Washington Monthly Magazine's "Best Bang for the Buck" ranking, ranking #4. The publication's "2021 College Guide and Rankings" also listed TAMIU among the "Best Colleges for Student Voting" list and ranked TAMIU #73 among the nation's "Top 200 Master's Universities."
TAMIU joined a select group of Top Public Universities in Texas, ranking eighth in the 2022 assessment compiled by Niche. Niche’s Top Public Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education alongside millions of reviews from students and alumni.
TAMIU’s TRiO Student Support Services commemorated its 20th Anniversary with a special ceremony honoring program students. During their 20th Annual Awards Dinner over 40 TAMIU students were recognized for academic achievements and participation in the TRiO program throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
TAMIU once again ranked high on Social Mobility in the 2022 U.S. News and World Report's Best College Rankings Regional Universities West category—ranking No. 15. TAMIU was the only Texas university in the Regional Universities West category and in The Texas A&M University System to be included in the Top 15 ranking among 122 schools.
With the stroke of multiple pens, a long-cherished agreement between Laredo’s champions of higher education was renewed. Leaders of Laredo College and TAMIU once again committed to a shared path benefiting students and their higher education goals with a renewed Memorandum of Understanding. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the accord signaled a renewal of the institutions’ shared commitment and vision for higher education.
TAMIU’s Fall University Convocation recognized stellar faculty and community partners this week in a ceremony at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Tom Mitchell presented the 2021 Awards to University faculty while TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz presented the Senator Judith Zaffirini Leadership Medal Award, the Innovador Award to Bob and Shirley González, and the University’s annual State of the University message.
TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Science faculty and staff are smiling as EduMed.org has named the College one of the best in the nation for online learning in healthcare in its 2021 rankings. Over 7,700 accredited schools were reviewed for the rankings, which looked for those Colleges and Schools offering the best combinations of online learning opportunity, affordability, and student support.
TAMIU announced the first Grand Prize winner of the “Be A Champ, Get The Shot” campaign. Karla L. Carreón, a senior double majoring in Psychology and Spanish, was the winner of free tuition for the Fall 2021 semester. The initiative encouraged students to help end the COVID-19 Pandemic by being part of a safe and vaccinated campus community.
TAMIU’s Petroleum Engineering program is the fortunate beneficiary of a generous $3.087 million software donation from Petroleum Experts (Petex), an international company that develops engineering software for the petroleum industry. The state-of-the-art software addition can help drive complete modeling of oil and gas production systems in the petroleum industry for students and contribute to cutting-edge teaching, research, and training, said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
Family members and University colleagues of the late TAMIU longtime faculty member Dr. Frances “Panchita” Gates Rhodes unveiled and dedicated a new Children’s and Young Adult Literature Collection bearing her name in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. The Dr. Frances “Panchita” Gates Rhodes Children’s and Young Adult Literature Collection, spanning 15,644 items, memorializes Dr. Rhodes’ research and teaching focus on these areas. A plaque honoring Dr. Rhodes and her over 38 years of service heralds the Collection, located on the second floor of the Killam Library.
TAMIU faculty and staff have once again generously donated over $72,900 right back to the University to support students in the #VivaTAMIU Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign, thus marking an impressive, eight percent increase in employee giving over last year. The #VivaTAMIU Faculty & Staff Challenge celebrates and encourages giving from within. Over the years, TAMIU employees have donated over $1,325,000 to support the needs of TAMIU students.
In an impressive new ranking, TAMIU was identified as the Least Expensive Public College/University in Texas by Student Loan Hero, a LendingTree® company. Student Loan Hero’s researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 colleges and universities that enrolled at least 1,000 students and granted primarily Bachelor’s degrees.
A total of 1,641 students were recognized on TAMIU’s Student Success Wall during a special ceremony at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center. The festivities saw University College celebrate its 10th year recognizing students on the 18-foot special permanent display, “Four Years, Many Futures.”
TAMIU’s Fall enrollment held steady despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and graduate student enrollment grew. In official enrollment figures shared with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TAMIU reported 8,457 students, an 8.7% increase in graduate student enrollment. Undergraduate enrollment was 6,892, with graduate and doctoral enrollment at 1,565. Semester credit hours, upon which the University’s funding is calculated, were 93,216.
The span of 1,970 minutes or 33 hours can help give TAMIU students a reason to celebrate. That’s the time frame that marking the University’s Giving Day, an annual campaign that’s been part of TAMIU’s fundraising efforts on behalf of students, faculty, and programs since 2015. It's also a nod to the University’s founding year, 1970. Rosanne Palacios, TAMIU vice president for Institutional Advancement, said that Giving Day is a call to community in a season dedicated to giving thanks.
TAMIU welcomed the holiday season by lighting up the campus beginning November 22,2021. Members of the University community: students, faculty and staff, gathered in front of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library for hot cocoa, cookies and impromptu carols. TAMIU welcomed visitors to its seasonally decorated campus and encouraged exterior photos throughout.
Q: What’s 30-foot long and three stories tall, provides an inspired sense of our shared culture and past and is poised to become a living, iconographic destination for downtown Laredo?
A: “The Living Mural,” a downtown, interactive, three-dimensional mosaic mural funded by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grant to be installed downtown.
It’s led by Grant authors, principals and faculty members Emily Bayless, assistant professor, ceramics, and Josias Figueirido, assistant professor, drawing and painting. They are being assisted by student research associates Elkin Cortez Cab, Daniela Jiménez, Lauretta Martínez, and Vanessa Rodríguez Renteria.
TAMIU has been recognized for top ranking status for 17 degree programs by online source Intelligent.com. The resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning included TAMIU in its list of 2022 programs assessed. It identifies programs in the nation based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.
TAMIU’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement hosted its first-ever Celebration of Community Engagement, recognizing the achievements of TAMIU students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Dr. Rex H. Ball, a former key TAMIU faculty member, and administrator, passed away at age 78 in New Mexico in December 2021. Dr. Ball was a professor of History at TAMIU and had the distinction of being one of the founding faculty members at its predecessor, the Texas A&I University Center at Laredo, as well as Laredo State University and TAMIU. His service to the University was broad, and he rose from the rank of assistant professor of History in 1970 to professor of History in 1979. He also served as coordinator of the Division of Program Development and Continuing Education from 1972-1977, administrative assistant to the President and chief development officer from 1980-1985, and vice president for Administration and University Relations from 1985-1987. He came home to TAMIU in 2008 as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, remaining as a senior lecturer and visiting professor of History.
A Laredo family says their late parents’ encouragement of the pursuit of higher education guided their decision to establish a Scholarship Endowment to make such pursuits possible for Martin High School graduates attending TAMIU. Family spokesperson and TAMIU alumna Dr. Norma Elia Cantú helped lead the initiative. She is the Norine R. and T. Frank Murchison Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Trinity University in San Antonio. Dr. Cantú shared insights with TAMIU candidates for graduation as Commencement Speaker at the University’s Fall 2021 Commencement Exercises.
Digital and print versions of the 2021 edition of TAMIU’s Annual Report document the continued commitment and resilience of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni, said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz. “This has clearly been another year of unparalleled challenges,” Dr. Arenaz said, “our story is steeped in resilience and it is this collective resilience that has enabled us to sustain enrollment, maintain our student-focused mission, launch new programs and outreach, earn national accolades, and continue to extend our 50-plus year legacy,” Dr. Arenaz observed.
TAMIU upper-level STEM students have a powerful support ally in the AIRES (Academic and Industry Readiness in Engineering and Science) project, a five-year, Title V grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Funded for $3 million, it provides academic support services and career readiness training to upper-level undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degree programs.
Dr. Billy F. Cowart, the first president of the former Texas A&I University at Laredo, now TAMIU, passed away December 25, 2021 following a brief illness at the age of 89 in Temple, TX. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said Dr. Cowart’s hand in the University’s story was beyond historical, and his campus model was duplicated across the state and nation. "Dr. Cowart truly planted the seed for the 300-acre campus and expansive mission we enjoy today. He began to build this University from within a small study carrel at then-Laredo Junior College. He developed an innovative hybrid, the upper-level senior institution, which was embraced by others seeking to bring higher education to their communities. His strategic use of community engagement, which we follow today, helped the University to create and implement programs that advanced our community and region. We will be forever indebted to his leadership and vision that helped create the remarkable campus reality we see today," Dr. Arenaz said.
TAMIU was ranked third in the nation among those higher education institutions leading the charge in empowering graduates’ long-term economic success. Third Way, a public policy think tank, looked at the degree of economic mobility the nation’s higher education institutions provided to low-and moderate-income students. TAMIU was the highest-ranked Texas school in the analysis.
First-time freshmen admitted to TAMIU by February 1, 2022 can now access an expanded world of Automatic Freshman Scholarship Program opportunities. Students meeting criteria can receive four-year automatic scholarships ranging from $16,000 to $32,000. These non-transferable awards apply to Fall 2022-Spring 2023 tuition and fees at TAMIU, said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz
For Spring 2022, eligible TAMIU students can benefit from over $7.5 million in student support funding through TAMIU CARES. This support comes from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund appropriations, formerly known as the CARES grant. The grants address any component of the cost of attendance or emergency costs arising from the Pandemic, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental healthcare), and childcare.
Alejandra Ávila, a Texas A&M International University alumna, was selected for a prestigious judicial law clerk post for Justice Sonia Sotomayor on the nation’s highest court, the United States Supreme Court. Ávila (’11) is the first TAMIU graduate to clerk on the nation’s highest court and, as many TAMIU students, the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education in the United States.
TAMIU is awarded a $750,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program to help students returning to TAMIU to complete their degree, or start a graduate degree.
TAMIU’s College of Arts and Science's Online Master's in Criminal Justice degree program was ranked as one of the tops in the nation, according to online source, Online Masters Degrees. TAMIU's Online Master of Criminal Justice program ranks #47 among the Top 50 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice programs, according to OnlineMastersDegrees.org.
An innovative ballet performance exploring the strength and resilience of women during the time of revolutionary México bowed at TAMIU’’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Theatre March 4, 2022 The performance, hosted by TAMIU’s College of Arts and Sciences, was brought to life by Ballet Nepantla, a New York City-based affiliate of the Edinburg Dance Theatre.
A TAMIU Mental Health Grant helps students get mental health services through a collaborative service program delivered by its Student Counseling Services, Border Region Behavioral Health Center, and Serving Children and Adults in Need. The $1.1 million Grant was awarded by Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission’s Community Mental Health Grant Program supporting mental health services and projects.
An ongoing City water crisis created problems for all Laredoans, including members of the TAMIU community of students, faculty, and staff. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said the University’s Rec Center was open to all students and staff in need of bathing services. “We’re a caring university and we want to take care of all of our Dustdevils,” Dr. Arenaz said, "Unfortunately, some have been without water for days – and so the University has opened its Rec Center to all TAMIU students and employees for bathing."
In Fall 2022, TAMIU alumnus Alejandro Flores began his Ph.D. studies in Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University. Flores, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2013, and later a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, didn’t intend to pursue a doctoral degree but was drawn to the research projects he undertook while at TAMIU.
Despite another challenging year bracketed by the response to COVID-19 and its variants, TAMIU's Spring 2022 enrollment remains strong, holding at 7,725 students, a less than 1% decrease in enrollment from last Spring’s 7,750. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said successfully holding the University’s enrollment is a testament to the shared resilience of students, faculty, and staff.
The “book” you can check out at TAMIU may live and breathe…just like you. The “books” are Human and part of University College’s first-ever presentation of “The Human Library” in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library’s Great Room. The Human Library® is a not-for-profit learning platform dedicated to hosting personal conversations to challenge stigma and stereotypes.
Two TAMIU students’ research placed in the 17th Annual Texas A&M University System Pathways Student Research Symposium held in College Station with representation from all 11 TAMUS campuses. Ian Lopez, a TAMIU senior, placed second among undergraduate Engineering and Computer Science competitors in the Poster Presentation. In the Master’s Oral Presentation Competition for Social Sciences, TAMIU graduate student Krista Rodríguez placed second with her research.
While the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted so many, it also increased awareness about the importance of Public Health…and the diverse career opportunities it makes possible. TAMIU assistant professor of Public Health Dr. Cindy Lynn Salazar-Collier said the shared Pandemic experience helped drive interest in the University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health.
TAMIU faculty member Dr. Lola Norris is named one of three individual statewide recipients of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators (CATE) Award presented by Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.
In its eighth year, “Discover TAMIU” made its on-campus return April 9, 2022, offering a robust 110+ activities throughout its 300-acre campus. The free, family-friendly event celebrated the excitement and discovery made possible at TAMIU.
The renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre marked its third return performance to Texas A&M International University at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre, hosted by TAMIU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
The Mr. South Texas Foundation announced the 12 student recipients of its 2022 MSTF Scholarships. The recipients were named in a virtual ceremony May hosted by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and sponsored by TAMIU.
TAMIU candidates for graduation celebrated their milestone accomplishments at in-person Spring Commencement Exercises May 12 at the Sames Auto Arena. Some 870 students representing 13 countries participated in two ceremonies. Commencement Speaker for both ceremonies was Susana Melendez-Valencia, regional president and head of Commercial Banking of PNC Bank for the Texas Border markets, including the Rio Grande Valley (McAllen to Brownsville), Laredo, El Paso, and Corpus Christi, TX.
If things are broken, you fix them…but once a year, the world has a hand in that fix. On May 19, “Fix Your Content Day,” Colleges and Universities around the world entered a global competition focused on making digital course content more inclusive for students. TAMIU's Instructional Technology Team won 10th place out of 173 worldwide participants that collectively generated 110,248 fixes.
TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences faculty member Lisa Heard, who has tirelessly sought out opportunities to expand real-world learning experiences for TAMIU nursing students is named the 2021 Daisy Award recipient.
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents announced it would not increase tuition for Fall 2022, said Chairman of the Board Tim Leach. “The Board is very focused on making a college education affordable for all Texans and pledges to make accessibility and fairness our highest priority,” Chairman Leach said.
TAMIU launched a Certified Public Manager Program designed to enhance public servants' skills and knowledge in municipal management and administration. The CPM program, a nationally-accredited program offered by TAMIU's Master of Public Administration Program through the Office of Continuing Education, kicked off with its first cohort of 15 City of Laredo department directors.
TAMIU was named a recipient of a National Science Foundation Award. The funding, totaling $248,180, was awarded to the research endeavor, “LEAPS-MPS: Fast and Efficient Novel Algorithms for MHD Flow Ensembles," which is led by Dr. Muhammed Mohebujjaman, principal investigator and TAMIU assistant professor of Mathematics.
TAMIU students who were enrolled for the Summer or Fall 2021 semesters and have an outstanding TAMIU student account balance are told it has been erased and they are debt-free. These are balances owed to the University and do not include loans owed to third parties. Dubbed “Fresh Start 2.0,” it was the second offering of a previous program that wiped away over $1 million in outstanding student account balances from Spring/Summer/Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 for over 700 students. That program and the new offering were made possible by federal funding through CARES, CRRSA, and ARP Acts designed to help students affected by COVID-19.
Recent TAMIU graduates who have been accepted into an accredited Texas Medical School are encouraged to apply for a renewable four-year scholarship. The Ruby South Lowry Scholarship Fund for Medical School provides $25,000 annually for four years with satisfactory progress towards completion of a medical doctorate.
TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has been ranked fourth among the nation’s 10 Best Online Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs for 2022 by online source, OnlineU.
Summer may bring expectations of sunny shores and lazy days, a group of TAMIU College of Education students rolled up their sleeves to join in a national competition, emerging as victors in four competition categories. The students were members of TAMIU’s Texas Association of Future Educators and traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in the 2022 Educators Rising Conference. They advanced to the national competition after their success at the Texas TAFE State Competition.
For the ninth year in a row, the Consulate General of México and TAMIU renewed their continued support of the Institute of Mexicans in the Exterior Becas Program at TAMIU. Consul General of México in Laredo Juan Carlos Mendoza Sánchez and TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding reaffirming their commitment to the IME-BECAS Program.
College of Education student Alma González De La Cruz exemplifies beauty in her community and on the runway. A senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with EC-6 Certification and a Bilingual Emphasis, González is a three-time President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) – Gold Level recipient and a Miss Laredo 2022 titleholder.
TAMIU student Daniel Tovar, Jr., a senior Mathematics major and Creative Writing minor, recently earned the top award in a statewide writing competition held by the Texas Association of Creative Writing Teachers’ undergraduate nonfiction category.
TAMIU students and graduates of its online Master of Business Administration Program have special bragging rights these days. The TAMIU MBA program has been ranked first among Texas’s Top Five Best Online MBA Programs by OnlineMBA.
TAMIU's College of Arts and Sciences, department of Psychology and Communication learns its popular graduate program in Counseling Psychology was reaccredited through January 2028.
Just as TAMIU students ready for the start of the Fall semester 2022, a new set of rankings affirms that attending TAMIU is both affordable…and smart. In a special Texas-focused web feature, CareerKarma, a popular online destination for career advice, has identified the most affordable and cheapest colleges in the State. By In-State Tuition, TAMIU is ranked fourth in the State for cheapest and fifth in the State for cheapest for Out-of-State Tuition.
The high school Sames Scholars cohort is introduced at TAMIU. The Sames Scholars Program is a college-bound mentorship program that pairs high school students with TAMIU faculty mentors throughout their high school experience. Upon high school graduation, it offers students a four-year scholarship to TAMIU including tuition, books and fees. Founders Hank and Elizabeth Sames celebrated the 20th year of their unique scholarship program.
At TAMIU, an academically focused and student-oriented experience can be both exceptional…and affordable. A study by Money.com named TAMIU as one of the “Best Colleges in America, Ranked by Value” based on quality and affordability, ranking it sixth in Texas.
It’s always nice to know that what you’re doing is well-regarded by others…and that counts for universities too. That’s why TAMIU shares the accolades that help to distinguish its campus experience in a new, dedicated website launched in the summer of 2022.
TAMIU presents Faculty Service Awards recognizing over 555 years of combined service to TAMIU. Faculty members were acknowledged at the Fall Faculty & Staff Assembly in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. TAMIU Provost Dr. Tom Mitchell and President Dr. Pablo Arenaz recognized Service Award recipients completing 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and five years of Service to the University. Each also received a plaque acknowledging their service.
TAMIU is again recognized as one of the nation's Top Ten-ranked Southern Colleges in Washington Monthly Magazine's 2022 College Guide "Best Bang for the Buck" ranking. TAMIU ranked #4. The University was also ranked #4 for the 2021 edition.
Public Health study opportunities at TAMIU expand thanks to an innovative partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Biomedical Informatics (UTHealth Houston SBMI). The partnership is focused on the delivery of the Development of Informatics Accelerated Learning in Laredo program. Biomedical Informatics is a dynamic field with rich employment opportunities, organizers observed.
TAMIU welcomes internationally recognized percussionist Valerie Naranjo to its Artist in Residence program at a reception in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery. Naranjo, a globally acclaimed, award-winning percussionist, is a longtime member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live band and performs in Broadway’s The Lion King.
TAMIU assistant professor of English Dr. Adam Kozaczka is one of five recipients of a prestigious fellowship, the Gale-ASECS Non-Residential Fellowship, aimed at helping scholars expand the field of 18th Century studies for research and teaching.
An exuberant retrospective collection demonstrating the late Laredo artist Julie Shaifer Watson's love for Texas and México opens in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Gallery. The retrospective includes 16 works for viewing.
TAMIU is selected to receive the Betty Flores Academy of Honor Scholarship in the amount of $25,000 thanks to the generosity of Farm Credit Bank of Texas.
TAMIU repeats its high ranking for Social Mobility in the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report's Best College Rankings Regional Universities West category -- TAMIU ranked No. 15. Other rankings included TAMIU’s move up to No. 26 in Top Public Schools from last year’s 30; to 39 among Best Value Schools, and climbing to No. 57 from the previous year’s 67 ranking among the 120 national universities ranked in the Regional Universities West category.
When incoming TAMIU Chief of Police Cordelia G. Perez looks out across the TAMIU campus, she sees something that looks familiar to her. After all, it’s the home of her 2014 Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Perez is the first female Hispanic Chief of Police at TAMIU. She’s also one of a few female police chiefs in the Texas A&M University System’s history.
Laredo-born and raised author Katie Gutierrez presents a special reading and talk from her best-selling and highly acclaimed debut novel, "More Than You'll Ever Know," during her visit at TAMIU in the Academic Innovation Center.
TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Nursing programs earned top spots in rankings released by online source EduMed. The rankings highlight the top programs based on a combination of factors such as affordability, accessibility, and commitment to student success.
The "undead" came alive during the first-ever 3K Zombie Run Oct. 15, 2022 at TAMIU. The event was made possible through TAMIU Rec Sports, which offers an array of services ranging from group fitness, personal training, intramurals and Esports.
TAMIU’s Fall 2022 University Convocation recognizes excelling faculty and community partners in a ceremony held at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tom Mitchell presented the 2022 Awards to University faculty while TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz presented the Senator Judith Zaffirini Leadership Medal Award, and the Innovador Award. The University’s Innovador Award was created in 2019 to recognize an individual or organization making a lasting impact on education, particularly higher education, in Laredo and the South Texas region. It was awarded to Frank Staggs longtime champion of education, students and teachers.
Grants totaling $3.5 million targeting scientific research and increasing the number and quality of well-prepared Hispanic students completing TAMIU undergraduate degrees were announced by Congressman Henry Cuellar and University president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
TAMIU returned to its long-cherished tradition of celebrating its Diwali Festival in the Student Center Courtyard. Organized by TAMIU's Office of International Engagement, Diwali Festival participants had an opportunity to learn and get a taste of the annual Festival through the sampling of Indian cuisine.
Halloween Fest, TAMIU’s annual community festival ushering in the spooky season returns to TAMIU at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center lawn. The free Festival included over 35 food and activity booths entertaining children and adults of all ages.
TAMIU students, faculty, and staff gathered for a day of service benefiting their local community as part of Make a Difference Day at North Central Park. Some 425+ TAMIU volunteers took part in the event, planting a total of 174 trees. Volunteers were awarded some 17,500 service hours for their work.
The immortal words of the world’s playwright, Shakespeare, and his famed ‘Macbeth’ came to life at TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was also presented by the traveling cast of the Kilgore College-based Texas Shakespeare Festival’s Roadshow. Performances were made possible by the College of Arts and Sciences with grants from and support by Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Arts Midwest; Humanities Texas and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
A total of 1,645 students were commended for their on-time degree completion during TAMIU's 11th Student Success Wall ceremony in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines— recognized TAMIU's Chapter 296 as a Circle of Excellence Silver Chapter.
On Giving Day, the span of 1,970 minutes or 33 hours gives TAMIU students a reason to celebrate. The annual campaign has been part of TAMIU’s fundraising efforts on behalf of its students, faculty, and programs since 2015.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents green-lights plans for a new Health Sciences Education and Research Center and an expansion for the Western Hemispheric Trade Center at TAMIU with a total planning amount of $71.2 million.
TAMIU rings in the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library front lawn. The annual multiple-tree lighting ceremony commemorated the start of the holiday season at TAMIU and included a special visit by jolly old Santa Claus.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board notifies TAMIU of its selection for a $163,661.49 Student Success Acceleration Program Implementation Grant Award.
TAMIU produces value in many ways...$356 million to be exact. That’s the finding of an Economic Impact Analysis by The TAMIU Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development led by Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, TCBEED director.
Fall TAMIU recognized its historically largest number of candidates for graduation with 2022 Fall Commencement Ceremonies at the Sames Auto Arena. Some 1,166 candidates for graduation participated in two ceremonies. Providing the Commencement Address for candidates for graduation is Texas A&M University System Regent of the Board, Miguel A. “Mike” Hernández of Fort Worth.
TAMIU esports team members finished fourth in the nation during the Call of Duty Vanguard Starleague National Tournament playoffs. After an undefeated season, the team advanced to the finals after being named the Starleague West-Central Conference Champions.
Four Laredo educators receive generous grants to assist them in reducing their college student loan debts through a program established by Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. honoring his mother, State Senator Judith Zaffirini. The 2022 recipients of The Senator Judith Zaffirini Teachers' College Student Loan Debt Grant Program included Martha Salinas (’06); Dr. Marissa Guerrero (’05), Francisco Maldonado, and Veronica Contreras (’08, ’11).
Digital and print versions of the 2022 edition of TAMIU’s Annual Report are shared. The Report is dubbed “Reset. Restart. Renew,” and shares the University’s “reset” as TAMIU and the world began a transition to a post-Pandemic world through continued commitment and resilience.
A stalwart champion of the power of education to free minds and hearts, Frank Staggs, a namesake and supporter of the TAMIU Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies, dies at age 95 on December 20, 2022. Staggs was on campus in October to attend the University’s Fall Convocation and receive the University’s Innovador Award recognizing his legacy of and support for higher education.
TAMIU students can get a sneak peek at what’s in store for the Spring semester with a dedicated website. The site explores new courses, events, experiences, and opportunities for students…and members of the community at large as well.
TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences launches two new fully online programs: the RN-MSN in Nursing Administration and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice.
Some 43 TAMIU students belonging to the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers traveled to the SHPE National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, to take part in one of the largest technical and career conferences for Hispanic engineers.
TAMIU music students performed at the 43rd International Saxophone Symposium at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Members of the TAMIU Saxophone Studio delivered two distinct performances at the international music Symposium.
For the second year in a row, The Human Library, an interactive event that focuses on holding personal conversations that challenge stigmas and stereotypes, returned to TAMIU. The event was led by Dr. Hayley Kazen, TAMIU University College's instructional associate professor.
TAMIU honored four outstanding professional women during a special panel discussion observing International Women's Day. The 2023 honorees and the professional areas they represent were: Dr. Minita Ramírez, Laredo College president (Education); Yolanda Malagón, former president of Asociación de Agentes Aduanales de Nuevo Laredo (The Association of Custom Brokers of Nuevo Laredo) (International Business); Adriana Piñón, legal director, American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (Law); and Dr. Grace Snyder, transplant nephrologist (Healthcare).
A chance to glimpse the future of TAMIU’s campus in five years, 15 years, and beyond was shared with University students, faculty, staff, and the community during two distinct information sessions. The Master Plan includes existing conditions analysis, space utilization and benchmarking, enrollment statistics, and facility condition assessment as data-informed inputs. The Master Plan offers a holistic set of future improvement recommendations for land use and building renovation/demolition/new construction.
TAMIU’s College of Arts and Sciences, department of Psychology and Communication hosted its first-ever Broadcast Education Association Day. The event showcased pathways into media production, journalism and communications for young professionals. The event’s keynote address was provided by Maegan Vazquez, a Laredo native and current CNN White House Reporter.
TAMIU’s Ballet Folklórico swept awards at the 18th Annual Bailes de Mi Tierra Competencia Folklórica held in Cedar Creek, TX and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Dance Adjudication Festival in Edinburg.
Some 520 volunteers including TAMIU students, faculty, staff and alumni donned their gardening gloves and planted trees during The Big Event. Together, they generated some 20,800 hours of community service with an approximate monetary impact of $475,000. Participants gathered at North Central Park, planting 150 trees, painting a mural, and picking up trash and debris.
A special community listening session, “Building a Healthy Community Together,” provided Laredoans with an opportunity to share their thoughts on food and health with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M AgriLife’s Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture at TAMIU.
A lecture, “Cervantes & Don Quijote: The Enduring Legacy for the Ages” featured Dr. Ray M. Keck, President Emeritus and scholar of Spanish and Cervantes, and provided a special lecture. The evening also included a chance to see books from the Cliffe Killam Collection including rare first and illustrated Spanish editions, for the first time at TAMIU.
The Hector and Gloria López Foundation announced a $1M grant to provide full tuition assistance for 15 first-generation Latino students at Texas A&M International University — creating pathways to educational attainment and a pipeline to a successful career. Beginning in the Fall of 2023 and for the next five years, López Scholars will receive support for tuition and fees, as well as other resources including mentorship, tutoring, housing, study abroad programs, paid internships, leadership development, and more.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced $2,910,420 in federal funding for Texas A&M International University to promote graduate-level opportunities for Hispanics through its Next Level Engineering (NLE) Project.
Texas A&M International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Online RN to BSN Program ranked second among the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas, according to online source, Registered Nursing.
TAMIU was designated a Voter Friendly Campus by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
TAMIU students “strut their stuff” during the first-ever Fashion Show featuring student designers, models, make-up artists, photographers, stylists in addition to participation by local boutiques and stores. The fully student-led event offered a new creative outlet for its student members while raising funds for future events and activities.
TAMIU’s College of Education and key scholarship donors pledged $21,000 in scholarship support for future teachers in observance of Teacher Appreciation Week.
TAMIU associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction for the College of Education Dr. Diana Linn received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent 2023 Region 5 Texas National Association of Multicultural Education Conference hosted by Baylor University’s School of Education, department of Curriculum and Instruction.
TAMIU music students garnered accolades for their musical talents. Dante G. Carreón, a classical pianist, was chosen as the 2023 Adam’s Music House Fellowship recipient. Ricardo Hernández, flautist, was performed and participated in a master class with composer Ian Clarke. Carlos Merino-Gutiérrez, flautist, participated in the Texas Flute Society Collegiate/Adult Masterclass Competition.
TAMIU’s Mauricio Figueroa shined on the national stage, finishing in third place of the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship. Figueroa made history by becoming the first individual golfer to qualify for the NCAA National Championship and represented TAMIU Dustdevil Athletics proudly with a top five finish, the highest-ever national spotlight for a TAMIU golfer, both men’s and women’s.
After a national search, native Laredoan Rosalinda García is named TAMIU’s first Vice President for Student Engagement. García supports and leads TAMIU’s Student Conduct and Community Engagement, Student Orientation, Leadership, and Engagement with 100+ student organizations, Recreational Sports, Student Counseling and Disability Services, and Student Health Services.
Dr. Adam Kozaczka, assistant professor of English for TAMIU’s College of Arts and Sciences, department of Humanities, was named a Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Arts & Humanities, based at the University of Alberta, a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents named TAMIU professor of English Dr. Robert W. Haynes as one of 12 faculty members and 11 agency service, extension, or research professionals within the A&M System named Regents Professors and Regents Fellows. Dr. Haynes has been a member of the TAMIU faculty for 30+ years.
TAMIU’s Instructional Technology Team earned 7th place among 85 colleges and universities competing in the annual event focused on fixing errors in digital course content.
TAMIU students participated in six different Study Abroad programs, of which five were faculty-led. Student travels took them to Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Singapore and Spain.
Dr. Puneet Gill, TAMIU College of Education associate professor, was named the recipient of the RGISC’s Dr. Tom Vaughan Educator of the Year Community Award. The Award recognized outstanding contributions and dedication that have made a significant impact. The Award is named after Dr. Tom Vaughan, a retired longtime TAMIU biology professor and co-founder of RGISC, who has long championed the Rio Grande and environmental education.
TAMIU was named one of the nation’s top degree producers for Hispanic-Serving Institutions by Diverse Magazine. TAMIU ranked 40th in the assessment of Bachelor’s degrees in all disciplines and was the highest ranked of all Texas A&M University System campuses.
Mayra Hernández, director of Student Conduct and Community Engagement at TAMIU, was named president-elect of the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators.
For the 10th year in a row, the Consulate General of México and TAMIU renewed their continued partnership in support of the Institute of Mexicans in the Exterior BECAS Program. Thirty-six students received a total of $7,500 in scholarship funds, which were matched by TAMIU. Additional funding was also provided by Ermilo Richer, CEO of Richer Agencia Aduanal and Uni-Trade Forwarding.
Eight TAMIU students attended the University of Texas Medical Branch’s Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp in Galveston, TX. There, students took part in several learning opportunities including entrepreneurship in the life sciences.
TAMIU associate professor Marcela Morán received the Cinema Verde Award as part of the 2023 Cinema Verde 14th Annual Film and Arts Festival. Morán’s Award in the Waste Category was for her documentary produced with collaborator Maritza Bautista, titled “Cardboard Scavengers.”
Dr. Claudia E. San Miguel, long-time faculty member and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was named the University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Before becoming Provost, San Miguel served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, and Director of the Border Studies Institute/Texas Military Forces. Her research efforts have secured over $5.7 million in external grants. She is a five-time recipient of The Texas A&M University System’s Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award.
Undergraduate students studying Ballet Folklórico at TAMIU traveled to Mexico City for a series of master classes at the Escuela de Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández. Students were led by Nayeli López, adjunct faculty of Dance.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced funding for TAMIU’s Preparing STEM Majors as Outstanding Certified Secondary Mathematics Teachers for South Texas and the University’s Track 1 Project. Both were made possible through the National Science Foundation.
Laredo Learns, a new initiative aimed at nurturing new parents, unveiled a Brain Bag containing learning materials, including guidance on parenting tips, online child development insights and prompts, and more. The initiative was spearheaded by Guillermo “Memo” Treviño, businessman and philanthropist, TAMIU’s College of Education and local community partners.
TAMIU and Laredo College were awarded $963,000 in congressionally directed funding for TAMIU’s STEM Connector Project with LC. Funds aimed to create a graduate certificate in Systems Engineering at TAMIU, develop a coordinated engineering curriculum at TAMIU and LC, purchase high-performing computers and other computer labware, and hire Engineering Lab staff. The funding was administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
A total of $150,000 in federal funding provided to TAMIU and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, focused on the development and implementation on a binational air quality measurement system for the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo border region.
TAMIU faculty member Josias Figueirido and alum Julio Obscura joined forces for the unveiling of their exhibit, “Dreaming at The Border: Digital, Imaginary and Real.” The exhibit hosted an opening reception at the Laredo Center for the Arts. Dreaming at the Border tells real and imaginary stories of people impacted by moving, relocating, crossing borders, and finding themselves in new and unfamiliar environments.
Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, professor of Public Administration at TAMIU, introduced her publication, Listening to Laredo: A Border City in a Globalized Age during an evening presentation at the Laredo Center for the Arts. In her book, Dr. Momen traces Laredo’s history while examining the city's ever-changing economic and cultural infrastructure.
TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business maintained its business accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business with its continuous improvement review. The Sanchez School of Business joins a select group of only 5.7% of business schools of the estimated 16,593 business schools worldwide that are AACSB-accredited.
TAMIU was recognized as one of the nation's Top Ten-ranked Southern Colleges in Washington Monthly Magazine's 2023 College Guide "Best Bang for the Buck" ranking. TAMIU was the highest-ranked public/state University, #3, among colleges and universities ranked in the South. TAMIU also earned a #2 ranking for low net price cost.
Some 400+ participants participated in the Second Annual Unidos Para Texas Bilingual Education Conference. The Conference theme was "Developing Thriving Teachers,” and some 28 presentations were scheduled across campus in four sessions.
Career and internship opportunities were up, up and away at the inaugural Aviation, Aeronautics & Aerospace Recruitment Fair at TAMIU. An initiative of the Hispanic Employment Program, this Fair aimed to create outreach opportunities for Hispanic Serving Institutions like TAMIU to connect students with valuable information about the industry, internship opportunities, federal job applications, and resume writing for government positions.
Rapsodia del Río Grande, a musical composition by Dr. Colin Campbell, TAMIU associate professor of Music, was performed in San Antonio with the UTSA Orchestra. The evening also featured the UTSA mariachi, Los Paisanos. The music inspired a Lone Star Chapter Regional Emmy Award-winning documentary film, “Rhapsody on the Rio Grande,” aired on KLRN and other PBS Channels.
A TAMIU event afforded the public a rare opportunity to celebrate the life and times of the iconic Laredo heroine and icon, Jovita Idar. Highlighting the program was the innovative performance by the TAMIU Ballet Folklórico of “Tributo a Jovita Idar,” a multimedia/dance performance selection under the direction of Nayeli Lopez Diaz. It was performed in traditional costume and included multimedia projections of archival photographs.
TAMIU students Ana Ramos and Geysira Vela took part in the 2023 Summer Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates at the Interface of Plant, Microbial, and Bioenvironmental Sciences, held this summer in College Station.
A shared lifetime of loving their community and impacting education was recognized with the awarding of the 2023 TAMIU Innovador Award to Evelyn Summers and her husband, the late Carroll E. Summers, Jr. at TAMIU’s Fall Convocation Ceremony. TAMIU’s Innovador Award was created in 2018 to recognize individuals or organizations making a lasting impact on education, particularly higher education, in Laredo and the South Texas region.
Adilene I. Rosales, a lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, was named TAMIU’s Artist in Residence, 2023-24. Rosales led three TAMIU Workshops throughout her residency. The student workshops focused on figurative ceramics, organic materials, and social practice.
Dr. Patricia Abrego, TAMIU’s director of Academic Technology and Quality Matters Coordinator, was appointed to serve as a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Learning Technology Advisory Committee.
For the 14th year in a row, Make A Difference Day made its impact on the local community with a day of service benefiting Slaughter Park. Volunteers worked on two major projects that day, including the painting of two trails and the placement of recycled, crushed grass near the park’s entrance to act as colorful décor and protect the soil from the heat.
Eighth grade students from Laredo Independent School District interested in pursuing a career in teaching participated in a special seminar with TAMIU College of Education faculty, TAMIU student representatives of the Texas Association of Future Educators, and TAFE student representatives from J.W. Nixon High School and the Hector García Early College High School at the Seminar.
TAMIU celebrated the official confirmation of its National Weather Service StormReady certification. TAMIU is the first higher education institution in Webb County, and the sixth university in The Texas A&M University System to secure StormReady certification.
TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences received formal notification of reaccreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
TAMIU entered an innovative partnership with Harmony Public Schools with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The partnership identifies TAMIU as a “Harmony College Partner,” with shared objectives including opportunities to meet with HPS students and alumni; targeted strategies to help students address the challenges of college attendance; helping students to understand the value and importance of higher education and designating HPS alumni college success coaches.
University of Texas at Austin associate professor of Astronomy Dr. Steven Finkelstein presented a lecture on the earliest formation of the galaxy. Dr. Finkelstein's lecture focused on the earliest days of the universe as captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. The lecture was sponsored by TAMIU longtime partner and benefactor Guillermo Benavides.
TAMIU’s A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Regents Professor Dr. Nereu Kock was recognized as one of the Top 2% Researchers in the World in a 2023 Stanford University list published on Elsevier's Digital Commons Data Repository.
Acclaimed writer Sandra Cisneros visited TAMIU, sharing a reading, Q&A, and book signing in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall, presented by the College of Arts and Sciences, department of Humanities. Cisneros, the celebrated author of the beloved best-selling novel The House on Mango Street, a coming-of-age classic, read from her new poetry collection, Woman Without Shame.
A total of 1,693 students were recognized for their on-time degree completion during TAMIU’s Student Success Wall Ceremony. This is the 12th year TAMIU’s University College recognizes students on the 18-foot permanent display, “Four Years, Many Futures.” The display recognizes students’ accomplishments and commitment in maintaining a four-year track as a sophomore, junior or senior at TAMIU.
TAMIU reported 8,507 students, a 1% increase in enrollment over last Fall. The total enrollment included 6,975 undergraduates and 1,532 graduate students. A substantial chunk of that growth comes from the University securing its historically largest Freshman class, a 6% increase over Fall 2022.
The AEP Foundation contributed $50,000 to the TAMIU Alumni Association to help fund the Proyecto Amigos Program at TAMIU. Proyecto Amigos is dedicated to supporting TAMIU's primarily underserved and disadvantaged undergraduate students.
TAMIU students voted in support a Referendum to help maintain and enhance high-quality health services. The Referendum was unanimously recommended by the TAMIU Student Fee Advisory Committee made up of five TAMIU students and four TAMIU employees.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced $5,381,454 in federal funding for TAMIU to support student success, STEM programs, and Nursing education and training.
An opportunity to learn about a historic large-scale art installation taking place at TAMIU was the focus of a special Artist Talk in January 2024 at TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater. Crystal Wagner, the artist and creator of the project known as “Rhizome” shared her artistic vision for the project, which provides opportunities for the campus and community at large to be engaged in its creation.
Graduates of TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Science Online Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) master’s degree program achieved a remarkable milestone. On their first attempt, all nine FNP graduates who completed the TAMIU program passed the rigorous exam for national certification.
TAMIU was recognized as one of the top 9% colleges and universities in the nation and state for online and hybrid graduate-level education for 2024, according to online source, Online Master's Degrees.
Texas A&M University System Regents approved building a health sciences building in Laredo and expansion of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center at a projected cost of approximately $71.2 million.
Texas A&M International University ushered in its new Center to Counter Human Trafficking with two of the Center’s stalwart champions: Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) who secured the $1 million to develop the human trafficking research program, and former Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.
TAMIU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences and its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing earned statewide recognition in 2024 when its Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (RN-BSN) was ranked No. 2 in Texas by RegisteredNursing.org.
Longtime KGNS-TV chief meteorologist Richard ‘Heatwave’ Berler has a knack for forecasting, but he likely didn’t anticipate that his service to Laredo’s weather would be recognized and celebrated with a new meteorological station dedicated in March at TAMIU.
In March, some 500+ TAMIU faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers gathered for the 15th year in celebration of "The Big Event," the University's annual day of service. Together, volunteers made a significant impact in their local community, with an estimated monetary impact of $710,412 and generating 20,420 hours of community service.
In April, TAMIU breaks ground on its transformative $71.2 million Health Sciences Center. At the same time, TAMIU announced two new in-person academic programs and a commitment to offer free tuition to their first student cohorts. The new programs in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Physical Therapy were the result of a generous $6 million in non-formula items provided by the 88th Legislature. TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz described the programs as providing dynamic study and career options for students preparing to meet critical workforce needs in healthcare.
Two Texas A&M International University International Business Administration doctoral students and an undergraduate Business student won cash prizes for the Best Student Paper Award and Honorable Mentions at the 28th Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference, hosted both virtually and in person recently by TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business.
A surprise highlight of the 8th Annual International Mariachi Festival performance in April 2024 at TAMIU was the announcement of a $100,000 gift from Eduardo and Juanita Garza.
Two TAMIU researchers were included in the 2024 Ranking of the Best Scientists in Economics and Finance in the World by Research.com, a leading academic platform for researchers. Dr. Nereu Kock, TAMIU Regents Professor and Chair of the Division of International Business and Technology Studies, and Dr. George R.G. Clarke, TAMIU Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade director, and Distinguished Professor in the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, were both recognized for their impactful research contributions in their respective fields.
929 candidates for graduation, the largest graduating Spring class in the University’s history, took part in TAMIU's Spring 2024 Commencement Exercises at the Sames Auto Arena May 9, 2024.
In June 2024, TAMIU received a total of $17.8 million in financial aid funding through the Toward Excellence Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant program, the highest amount among regional universities in the Texas A&M University System.
At the Texas Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta Kappa Chapter 39th Annual Golden Apple Awards "Starts in Education" Ceremony, Dr. Diana Linn, longtime TAMIU associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction for the College of Education, was named the 2024 Golden Apple Award Winner. She was selected from a field of 84 nominees.
EDsmart, a website dedicated to helping students and their families identify quality degree options available at the least expensive U.S. colleges, ranked TAMIU’s net price as among the lowest of 15 national colleges and universities in July 2024. TAMIU was ranked No. 10 nationally.
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $799,853 in federal grant funding for Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in July 2024. The funding consists of three separate awards for the establishment of a center for physics-based A.I. application training, enhancement of statistics curricula for A.I. development, and STEM recruitment. Together, these federal dollars will help TAMIU students apply their knowledge to real-world projects, especially in the dynamic field of A.I.
As the Fall Semester got underway, students and their families remained optimistic about the promise of a brighter future. For many that promise was made certain with TAMIU’s Dusty Promise, an assistance program that since its 2008 launch has helped students receive over $26.7 million in free aid to attend TAMIU. TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said that’s because promises made at TAMIU are promises kept.
TAMIU's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program was recognized among the Top FNP programs in Texas, according to online source All Nurses. All Nurses gave TAMIU's FNP program a score of 100 and listed it among leading Texas universities.
TAMIU was once again recognized as one of the nation's Top Ten-ranked Southern Colleges in Washington Monthly Magazine's 2024 College Guide "Best Bang for the Buck," ranking #5. TAMIU also earned a # 2 ranking for low net price. TAMIU was the highest-ranked regional campus of The Texas A&M University System.
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $370,347 in grant funding for TAMIU in September 2024 at the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Colonnade. Joining Cong. Cuellar were TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz and members of TAMIU’s faculty and administration. This National Science Foundation (NSF) grant will support the acquisition of a state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a technical device used for materials science research.
Some 700+ volunteers including TAMIU students, faculty, staff, and alumni spent their morning at the Las Palmas Trail and La Azteca neighborhood in celebration of Make a Difference Day 2024. Volunteers generated 28,560 hours of community service with an approximate monetary impact of $993,602.
TAMIU strongly believes you can always bank on Laredo...and Texas Community Bank (TCB) has concurred, providing a $1 million gift for the new Texas A&M International University Banking Academy of the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business in ceremonies held at TCB's McPherson Road offices.
Dr. Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU's sixth president, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Chancellor John Sharp of The Texas A&M University System shared his condolences. “Texas A&M International University has thrived under Pablo. He was truly one of the best presidents in the country! He will be difficult to replace as a president and a friend!” Chancellor Sharp said. Students, faculty and staff observed the President’s passing with an outdoor moment of silence before the Acequia Fountain and shared many their written reflections on a memorial banner.
Juan J. Castillo, TAMIU vice president for Finance and Administration since 2008, was named acting president Oct. 3 after the passing of Dr. Pablo Arenaz. In action Nov. 7, 2024, Regents voted to name Castillo Interim President.
The Fall 2024 semester at TAMIU heralded impressive gains with a historic Fall enrollment of 8,945 students, a 5.24% increase over the previous Fall and a 5.26% increase in semester credit hours. TAMIU Interim President Juan J. Castillo shared some factors that drove the enrollment growth. “TAMIU has the lowest tuition of any South Texas university and that’s important as parents and students consider higher ed options. In addition, at TAMIU the published tuition rate is the price students pay regardless of their field of study. Students aren’t forced into a field of study based on what they can afford to pay—they’re free to pursue their passion for the same published tuition rate, which has been the same since 2021,” he observed.
TAMIU's Dr. Anna B. Cieslicka, professor of Psychology, was selected as a Regents Professor by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Only eight faculty members and 13 agency service, extension, or research professionals within the A&M System were named Regents Professors and Regents Fellows in recognition of their exemplary performance during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
TAMIU student Melanie Worsley crossed the Commencement stage and walked into history as the first graduate of the University's PhD program in Criminal Justice. Dr. Melanie Worsley, associate provost, Assessment and Academic Operations, and professor at Washburn University, Dr. Worsley completed her TAMIU doctoral work online from Kansas, while working full-time.
TAMIU joined Antwerp University and Ghent University of Belgium for a virtual session of the International Seminar of the on-Screen Culture. The closing virtual session featured Dr. Paolo Noto, professor of cinema studies in the prestigious University of Bologna, Italy, who addressed Italo-Mexican relations in cinema in the 1940s and 1950s.
Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education announced that Juan J. Castillo, TAMIU interim president, joined the national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS). The network is comprised of a group of presidents and chancellors committed to making their campuses learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive.
TAMIU generated $374 million in economic impact for Webb County's economy and supported nearly 6,300 jobs during fiscal year 2024, according to a report by TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development in its Economic Impact Analysis FY 2024 Report.
The long-cherished dream of tennis play on courts at TAMIU became a new reality with formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the 18-court facility. Known as the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU, the project grew from joint efforts by the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, TAMIU Athletics Department, Laredo Tennis Association, and the United States Tennis Association.
Jessica Saldivar, a TAMIU December 2024 mathematics education graduate and Noyce Scholar, launched her teaching career with a clear focus: combining her passion for math with data-driven research and reflection to transform high school learning outcomes. She is the first graduate of TAMIU’s Marzano Research Scholars program, where she developed expertise in classroom-based research through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship.
The TAMIU Office of Research and Sponsored Projects concludes its Spring Seminar Series showcasing research conducted by TAMIU faculty members who have successfully secured grants to fund sponsored research projects. The session is led by Dr. Lourdes Viloria, TAMIU associate professor, College of Education, whose research, “Building Academic Success Early for STEM (BASE), was funded by the National Science Foundation with a grant award of $199,998.
TAMIU associate professor of Psychology Dr. Kate Houston is awarded an Honorary Lectureship position at the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee in Scotland, UK. This honorary position was granted in recognition of Dr. Houston’s contributions to the University of Dundee’s forensic facial reconstruction graduate programs.
The Laredo Public Health Department launches an innovative partnership with TAMIU software engineering students to develop digital solutions that enhance public health services. The collaboration provides students with real-world experience while equipping the department with modernized tools to streamline operations and improve community engagement.
Dr. Jerry D. Thompson, TAMIU Regents Professor of History, has taught history at Laredo College and TAMIU for 56 years, encouraging hundreds of students to pursue graduate degrees. At the Annual Meeting of the Texas State Historical Association in Houston he was joined by three of his top students for a session he chaired, “Political, Economic, and Social Leaders on the 20th Century South Texas Borderlands,” highlighting the significance of legendary figures in South Texas.
TAMIU's College of Arts and Sciences Office of the Dean hosts Norman Roy Garza, executive director of the Texas Space Commission, at a breakfast attended by leaders from Laredo's business, higher education, and secondary education sectors. The event focused on Texas' growing space industry and leveraging Laredo's strategic location as well as the region's educational resources to position it as a key player in the state's commercial space sector.
The enduring philanthropic commitment of David W. Killam and the Killam Family adds a new chapter to its legacy with the announcement of his intent to launch an Endowed Speaker Series at TAMIU. The longtime TAMIU champion and partner said the new Endowed Lecture Series will explore the intersection of innovative thinking, public planning, and enhanced quality of life.
Over 500 TAMIU students, faculty, staff and alumni rolled up their sleeves for a day of service to their community as part of the annual commemoration of “The Big Event.” Together, volunteers made a significant impact in their local community, with an estimated monetary impact of $711,456 and generating 20,450 hours of community service. Joining TAMIU for the event for the first time were Laredo College students, creating a colorful tapestry of long-sleeved protective T-shirts in TAMIU maroon and silver and LC green and gold.
Exemplary and innovative work by TAMIU faculty member Dr. Kele Anyanwu, associate professor of Educational Programs, College of Education prompted his selection as one of only three statewide recipients of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators Award of The Texas A&M University System.
It’s paddles at the ready for kayaking, and backpacks packed for camping as TAMIU students ventured out of their classrooms into the great outdoors thanks to a new outdoor adventures program launched at the University. The TAMIU Outdoor Adventures (TOA) program is funded by a competitive grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and hopes to foster a lifelong connection to nature through camping, kayaking, and outdoor education.
As you cross TAMIU’s campus you’ll likely see visual references to something called a Q.E.P... and there seems to be a graduation-capped owl involved. Q.E.P. stands for the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan for enhancing student learning as part of LEARN (Learning Experientially: Active Real-world Navigation) ...and it’s all about experiential learning.
A 14-member committee is created to conduct a national search to find a successor to former Texas A&M International University President Dr. Pablo Arenaz. “Texas A&M International University was created to help an underserved population succeed and it has flourished, transforming tens of thousands of lives and becoming a critical part of Laredo’s economic growth” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, “Selecting a leader capable of taking this campus to the next level is a critically important task. I am confident this committee of local campus leaders and civic icons is up to the task.”
TAMIU's Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services is named a multiple award recipient in the national 40th Annual Educational Advertising Awards (EduAD Awards), the largest educational advertising competition in the country. The TAMIU PR office earned 10 awards, placing in all categories entered.
Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) presents a $250,000 gift to Texas A&M International University’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at the RSTEF 2025 Awards Ceremony in McAllen. The generous endowment supports the Sanchez School’s Banking Academy, fostering comprehensive financial education and industry leadership development in the region, said Dr. Luis A. Pérez-Batres, Dean of TAMIU’s Sanchez School of Business.
In its 11th year, “Discover TAMIU 2025,” made possible with generous support from PNC Bank, provides a day of fun, free activities for the entire family at TAMIU. Sunshine welcomed crowds to enjoy the free event open to the community with over 125 activities throughout campus. Event highlights included a coloring mural, DIY graduation cap designing, an origami paper station, slime décor, make-your-own piggy banks, a video game party, face painting, laser tag, virtual reality activities with TAMIU Nursing students, and cheering lessons and routines with TAMIU cheerleaders.
A glimpse into a future of streamlined small business transactions, mobile applications to harvest ecological data, and holistic resources to report border-crossing traffic was presented by students of the TAMIU Academic and Industry Readiness in Engineering and Science (TAMIU AIRES) Project’s AIRES Incubatorship Project.
Students enrolling at TAMIU set a historic record for the highest Spring Enrollment in the University’s history: 8,254 students, a 3.95% increase in headcount, and a 5.17% increase in Semester Credit Hours, upon which State funding is configured. TAMIU celebrated the milestone Wednesday with a fun event, “Release the Quacken.”
A full Country Club room of well-wishers, many garbed in traditional Aggie and TAMIU maroon, welcomed Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp to honor him with a retirement luncheon for his nearly 14 years of service to the A&M System, its 11 universities, eight agencies, and RELLIS campus.
In celebration of Earth Day, TAMIU partnered with Schneider Electric to host an Earth Day Fair on campus featuring a symbolic lights-out observance, solar smoothie tastings, green pledges activity, and a tree adoption initiative. The theme for this year’s annual Earth Day celebration was “Protect, Preserve, and Participate” to highlight the importance of environmental awareness and student engagement.
TAMIU Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 296 welcomed 50 new members into TAMIU’s Chapter of the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society during in-person or virtual ceremonies held in the Student Center. A welcome was provided by Dr. Ruby Ynalvez, PKP chapter president. The Distinguished Speaker for the event was Juan J. Castillo, interim president and CFO at TAMIU.
Let’s get this W. TAMIU Esports student-athletes took aim at victory as they headed to the 2025 Grand Finals LAN tournament for the National Association of College Esports. For the first time in the program’s four-year history, TAMIU’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (CoD) team traveled to the competition in Orlando, FL.
TAMIU's Police Department successfully completes its second onsite inspection in the Law Enforcement Accreditation Program’s Best Practices Program, making TAMIU PD the only law enforcement agency in Laredo to achieve this standard. TAMIU’s honor was announced in ceremonies held in Galveston at the Texas Police Chief’s Association Annual Conference. The honor was receieved by University Police Chief Cordelia Perez.
TAMIU assistant professor of History Dr. Asligul Berktay travels to Colombia to undertake archival research and community-engaged scholarship on the experiences of enslaved and freed Africans in Latin America.
The Texas Computer Education Association appoints TAMIU College of Education instructional associate professor Dr. Cynthia Sosa as president of its Board of Directors. She’s the first Latina president from South Texas to hold the office since its inception in 1980.
TAMIU professor of Public Administration and director of the Master of the Public Administration Program, Dr. Peter F. Haruna was awarded the Jean-Claude García-Zamor Best Paper Award for a paper he co-authored on community-centered governance in Ghana. The Award was presented at the American Society for Public Administration Conference in Washington, D.C.
Through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement by Laredo’s maroon-and-silver and green-and-gold institutions of higher education, Laredo College and TAMIU will partner to make The Big Event even greater. The partnership will see both institutions co-hosting The Big Event, an annual community service day, with the goal of getting more students from our area out and about helping the community and bonding in the spirit of service.
At TAMIU, no student should have to choose between their education and their next meal. Thanks to a partnership announced with the South Texas Food Bank and through the support of the TAMIU Alumni Association, food insecurity is being actively addressed through an expanded community partnership aimed at supporting Dusty’s Food Pantry, an on-campus food pantry available to enrolled students.
TAMIU assistant professor of English Dr. Adam Kozaczka was awarded a highly selective Lewis Walpole Library Travel Grant by Yale University Libraries. The grant supports a fully funded summer research residency for two weeks at Yale's prestigious Lewis Walpole Library in Farmington, CT.
By day, Dr. Colleen Harris, dean of TAMIU’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, directs the 1.2 million-item Library for staff, students and faculty. After hours she’s blazing a prominent path in poetry creation, editing, and publication. Dr. Harris has signed contracts for three forthcoming poetry books. She’s also been appointed a poetry editor at Iron Oak Editions.
TAMIU enhances its commitment to accessible, affordable, and exceptional education by launching three new online Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs in Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice Administration beginning Fall 2025.
The largest Spring graduating class in TAMIU’s history, numbering 948 candidates for graduation, crossed the stage at Spring 2025 Commencement Exercises at the Sames Auto Arena May 15. Commencement Speaker for both ceremonies was Morgan LaMantia, Chairman of the STARS Scholarship Fund.
For many student-athletes, life after sports can feel uncertain. The roar of the crowd fades, the uniforms are packed away, and the routine of practice and competition is replaced by something quieter. But for 2021 Dustdevil graduate Dr. Melanie Oxley (nee Lint), a former softball player at TAMIU, the end of an athletic chapter was just the beginning of a lifelong calling—to care for those without a voice... as a licensed veterinarian.
TAMIU’s Advanced Nurse Education–Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program partnered with Laredo Medical Center to expand access to forensic medical care and provide local training, certification, and renewal opportunities for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.
“We’ve gone viral.” That phrase can signal pride or fear for any entity as it refers to a social media post that has generated an uncommonly high number of views. Fortunately, sharing good news has helped to drive an historic viral benchmark for TAMIU. An Instagram post on the main txamiu Instagram account has become the University’s first-ever viral post, racking up over 3.18 million views.
Laredo College and TAMIU unveiled new scholarship opportunities as part of their ongoing LC-TAMIU STEM Connector Project. This two-year federally funded initiative is designed to streamline the transfer process for STEM students and expand access to high-impact learning experiences.
TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo joined Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp in thanking Texas lawmakers for delivering significant funding increases to The Texas A&M University System members during the 89th Legislative Session. Castillo noted that TAMIU’s growth and strength were aggressively championed by its Legislative team with an $8.8 million general revenue (GR) funding increase, to total $ 77.7 million in Net GR for the biennium.
It’s time to really rise and shine this Fall at TAMIU. That’s because TAMIU will be offering students a chance to start their day early with “Bright Start” classes that begin at 7 and 8:30 a.m., providing a right start to accommodate busy working schedules while maintaining or speeding degree progress. A sister initiative, ‘Night Start,’ expands classes available at night. ‘Night Start’ classes will be offered at 7:35 and 9:10 p.m.
In the quiet hum of a high-tech workspace, where algorithms are written and data flows freely, sits a man whose journey to success is anything but conventional. Once a fierce competitor on the collegiate soccer fields, a former TAMIU athlete has traded cleats for code, and corner kicks for KPIs. Tayeb Ahmadi (’17) shares his story, one of grit, love, and an unwavering drive to excel—on and off the field.
TAMIU Certified Public Manager Program graduated 14 City of Laredo employees at a ceremony held at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Over the past three years 64 participants from the City of Laredo and Webb County have completed the program.
TAMIU assistant professor in Social Sciences Dr. Nilda M. García co-authors a book focused on the experiences of Argentina, Portugal, and Uruguay in their efforts at depenalization, decriminalization, and legalization/regulation of recreational drugs.
10 TAMIU students, four graduate and six undergraduates, embarked on a Service Abroad excursion to Costa Rica, where they engaged in a hands-on community service experience and cross-cultural exchange. The group visited San José and Sarapiquí, where they partnered with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation to support community-focused initiatives in La Carpio, a vulnerable regional neighborhood.
Eight members of the TAMIU Ballet Folklórico, accompanied by TAMIU instructor Nayeli López, traveled to Switzerland to represent TAMIU and Mexican culture through dance performances. They performed in Zurich and Bern as part of Raíces en Movimiento, the first Mexican-Swiss folkloric dance gathering hosted by there the association Artistas Mexicanos en Suiza.
TAMIU’s Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program graduated 14 City of Laredo employees at a ceremony held at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The CPM Program is a seven-month professional development initiative comprising seven tracks, each with three sessions. With cohorts from 2023-2025, CPM graduates now number 78.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar hit the ground running...straight to TAMIU for a first-time, sit-down visit with TAMIU students, faculty, and staff. Hegar officially assumed his duties as Chancellor of the A&M System July 1, and immediately set a priority to begin a whirlwind visit to all 11 campuses, including TAMIU.
A TAMIU faculty member traveled to Spain to present his innovative research at the 32nd International Conference on Learning hosted by the Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain. Dr. Heriberto Godina, TAMIU assistant professor of Curriculum & Instruction in the College of Education, presented “Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education en la Frontera: Enhancing Literacy Instruction and Ethical Frameworks for Culturally Diverse Teacher Candidates.
As part of its enduring commitment to health, TAMIU provides enrolled students a convenient way to prioritize their mental health...with “Umatter,” a free, confidential mental health care app as close as their smartphone. The Umatter Health Student Support App provides TAMIU students with access to individual counseling, workshops, and a broad range of local and national crisis resources.
A TAMIU faculty member’s national and international contributions to educational leadership, data-driven research, and instructional motivation have earned her the first International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership James Berry Emerging Scholar Award. Dr. Cynthia A. Gallardo, TAMIU College of Education assistant professor of Educational Administration was named the recipient of the distinguished honor.
Five TAMIU alums garnered statewide acclaim for their written contributions. Lucia Santa Anna, Graciela Chavez, Aleida Granados, Victoria Spring and Daniel Tovar, Jr. were featured in “Gather ’Round: Gatherings in Texas and the Southwest,” a publication released by the Texas Folklore Society (TFS).
A research report prepared by TAMIU faculty provided insight from a “Structural and Administrative Analysis of Webb County (2000-2020)” for members of the Webb County Commissioners’ Court. Dr. Peter F. Haruna, professor of Public Administration and director of the Master of Public Administration Program, and Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, professor of Public Administration, prepared the Report.
Now in its 12th year, the Consulate General of México and TAMIU reaffirmed their continued support for the Institute of Mexicans in the Exterior BECAS Program at TAMIU. Consul General of México in Laredo Juan Carlos Mendoza Sánchez and TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the institutions and shared news of scholarships with 14 students.
The TAMIU Alumni Association kicked off the Fall semester by awarding 10 well-deserved scholarships to currently enrolled Dustdevils .Alumni Association Endowed Scholarships recipients were Arnold Cazares, Jazmin Flores, Mindy García, Karen Martínez, Sara Montiel, Ximena Ríos, Francheska Rodríguez, Jorge Rodríguez, Daniela Sánchez Gomez and Leslie Sánchez.
TAMIU received a $400,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Minority Health Grant Program to help reduce mental health disparities among low-income adults in Laredo. The two-year project will conduct robust data collection, targeted outreach, and workforce development.
Dr. Elda G. Ramirez is selected as Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Science, marking a full-circle moment for the daughter of Laredo and South Texas. She said she traces it all to becoming a junior volunteer at Laredo’s former Mercy Hospital.
Continuing to keep pace with dynamic enrollment growth this Fall semester at TAMIU, 32 new faculty members have taken their place to lead learning and research. Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Claudia E. San Miguel, said these additions to the University’s faculty were the result of national and international searches focused on teaching and research excellence.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents vote to name Dr. Christopher Maynard sole finalist for the position of president of TAMIU. “Dr. Maynard is an accomplished academic leader with a strong record of elevating student success, growing research and forging partnerships that open doors for students,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton, TAMIU plays a vital role in South Texas and along the border, and we believe he is the right person to lead the university into its next chapter.”
Fans, family, and members of the Dustdevil Athletics Nation attended a “Kick Off” for the much-anticipated Dustdevils Fall season at the Golondrina Food Truck Park. TAMIU Dustdevil Athletic Director Griz Zimmermann said the Fall Athletics Kick & Serve event, “We brought the community together for a high-energy night full of food, fun, and Dustdevil pride. We gathered to celebrate the start of our Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Volleyball, and Cross-Country seasons at one of Laredo’s favorite hangout spots,” Zimmermann said.
The United States Tennis Association announced the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU is one of 45 winners in the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards program recognizing excellence in the construction or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country.
Dr. Alfredo Ramírez, a TAMIU alum, is named Dean of the College of Education, continuing a long and wide arc of educational experiences that has driven him to nurture public school leaders who can create high performing schools in some of the most challenging school settings.
TAMIU is once again recognized by Washington Monthly Magazine’s 2025 College Guide, this year as #3 in the nation in its new Best Four-Year Hispanic-Serving Colleges ranking. TAMIU also earned a #2 ranking for Lowest Net Price in the South and repeated as one of the nation's Top Ten-ranked Southern Colleges in its "Best Bang for the Buck" category, which reviewed 100 institutions.
Dr. Marcus Antonius Ynalvez is named to serve as the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest of TAMIU's Colleges and Schools. Dr. Ynalvez is a scholar whose global journey has been grounded in rigorous inquiry, teaching excellence, and a lifelong dedication to creating positive social transformation.
Dr. Huseyin Cinoglu, TAMIU associate professor of Criminal Justice, co-authors a new book that provides a systematic approach for comparing terrorist groups through the lenses of ideology, organization and operations. Titled “Typologies of Terrorist Organizations,” it is published by Carolina Academic Press.
In 2025, over 100 TAMIU students packed their bags and explored the world through a study abroad opportunity, many funded by the Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation. The TAMIU Office of International Experiences celebrated faculty, students, and staff who traveled to over 13 countries with a “Global Wrap Up” reception.
Longtime advocates, educators and trailblazers Dr. Juan Lira and his wife Juanita Lira were named recipients of the Texas A&M International University Innovador Award for 2025, presented during TAMIU’s Faculty and Professional Staff Assembly. Established by the late TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz to honor those who have had a profound influence on education in Laredo, the Award is modeled after the Trailblazer Tower on campus and recognizes the trailblazers of today.
Laredo’s two institutions of higher education, Laredo College and Texas A&M International University, have always shared a commitment to the success of the educational opportunities for the community. And now they’re fully aligned and committed to a shared process that helps LC students navigate a streamlined transfer pathway to TAMIU that helps ensure no credits are wasted.
For TAMIU women's soccer coach Jovany Macias (’15), the road to the sidelines started exactly where it all began — under the scorching Laredo sun, wearing the same Dustdevil logo he now leads. It's a full-circle moment that's been years in the making. Going from soccer cleats to clipboards, from captain to coach, from student-athlete to mentor, his journey is proof that with heart, resilience, and vision, home can be both your launchpad and your legacy.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents votes September 19, 2025 to appoint Dr. Christopher Maynard as the seventh President of Texas A&M International University in Laredo. “Dr. Maynard is ready to lead Texas A&M International University into a period of smart growth and greater impact,” Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton said, “Dr. Maynard’s track record of elevating student success and forging high-value partnerships will create new opportunities for both students and the region.”