TAMIU Annual Report 2020

TAMIU ADDS THREE NEW DEGREE OFFERINGS IN ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC HEALTH While both the Spring and Fall 2020 semesters brought significant changes to the University community, this year also brought the ad- dition of three new degrees now available to students. TAMIU’s School of Engineering added a Bachelor of Science in PetroleumEngineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engi- neering, while the College of Nursing and Health Sciences added a new Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Approved through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the new Engineering degrees support bolstering the oil and gas industry, as well as providing options for individuals entering the tech industry. “With the addition of these two newdegrees, School of Engineer- ing graduates will be able to secure employment in a wide range of settings, including business enterprises,manufacturing plants, state and local government agencies, health-care services and service orga- nizations,” said School of Engineering director Dr. Guillermo Domínguez. The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health focuses on educating students fromdiverse disciplines, cul- tures, and backgrounds in core public health knowledge areas, explained Dr. Marivic Torregosa , Dean of the College ofNursing andHealthSciences. “With the international response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, no other time in our shared history has seen a greater need for public health professionals. We’re honored to be able to continue its legacy of leadership in public health here,” Dr. Torregosa said. NEW DEANS LEADING TAMIU FORWARD Two new Deans are helping to leadTAMIU forwardwith remarkable education, experiences andmission- focused vision. Dr.Marivic Torregosa was named Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences in June. Dr. Barbara Hong was named Dean of University College in July. Dr. Torregosa said she is honored to take on the College’s leadership and its commitment to advancingTAMIU’s mission and response to local, regional and global health needs. “My vision for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is to continue to advance the University’s mission. We want to expand enrollment of our current programs and offer more options for a Masters degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, and Communication Dis- orders,” she said. Her Ph.D. in Nursing was earned at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Her Masters of Science in Nursing was received from Texas A&MUniversity-Corpus Christi while her Bachelors of Science in Nursing was earned at the University of Bohol, Philippines. Dr. Hong saidher vision for University College is to communicate, collaborate and contribute with pivotal TAMIU units to empower students to timely complete their education. “Our mission is to empower students to become competent, re- silient, and self-determined, life-long learners,” she said, “Utilizing collaborative academic and support programs, we aim to enhance the outcomes of every student through a ’Personal Empowerment Path’ that fosters a learning community, critical-thinking, andglobal citizenship.” Her Ph.D. inDisability Studieswas earned at ColumbiaUniversity. HerMaster of Philosophy inEducation Leadership andPolicyAdmin- istration, Master of Education in Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners and MA as a Learning Specialist for Diverse Learners were also earned at Columbia University. Her Bachelors of Science in Spe- cial Education was obtained at BrighamYoung University in Hawaii. 22