1 IN THIS EDITION CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 3 UNIVERSITY NEWS 5 GIVING 13 UNIVERSITY DONORS 15 UNIVERSITY FACULTY 17 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS 21 UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS 25 UNIVERSITY OUTREACH 27 TAMIU ALUMNI 33 ANNUAL GIVING 2024-25 35 BY THE NUMBERS 41 STAY CONNECTED Visit us Online at tamiu.edu WANT MORE TAMIU NEWS? SCAN HERE TO VISIT OUR TAMIU NEWSHUB go.tamiu.edu/newshub 2025 ANNUAL REPORT TEAM DR. CHRISTOPHER MAYNARD PRESIDENT PUBLISHER: ROSANNE PALACIOS EDITOR: STEVE HARMON CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ANA P. CLAMONT DESIGN: GEORGINA ZAMUDIO CONTRIBUTING DESIGN: MARCO E. VILLARREAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: MIKA AKIKUNI CHRISTINE ROJAS AUSTIN D. CHILDRESS former TAMIU Sports Information Director CAITLIN FOWBLE former TAMIU Sports Information Assistant Director PHOTOGRAPHY: ROLANDO SANTOS JOSE “JOEY” HERNANDEZ, III TAMIU STAFF Visit Our Dedicated 55th Anniversary Website at www.tamiu.edu/55
2 OUR JOURNEY CONT INUES
3 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
4 TAMIU'S MISSION AND JOURNEY CONTINUES TO TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION By Dr. Christopher Maynard Texas A&M International University is a nationally ranked and regionally focused University with a rich and proud history of delivering transformative educational opportunities that change the trajectory of our students, their families, and South Texas. TAMIU combines an individualized educational experience with the resources of one of the world’s largest and most prestigious university systems, all located on a vibrant campus at an international crossroad for trade and culture. Our mission at TAMIU is straightforward yet powerful: to transform lives through higher education. Whether you are a first-generation college student, a transfer student, an international student, or a working professional, TAMIU welcomes you. Our rich University community will provide the support and encouragement needed to ensure student success. This mission as a social catalyst empowers South Texas by connecting regional needs with national and global opportunities. For 55 years, TAMIU has powered the progress and prosperity of South Texas by providing a skilled workforce to drive economic growth and expand opportunities. Together with our community and industry partners, TAMIU supports thousands of local jobs and creates bright paths for our students to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. In this way, TAMIU is not just a place of learning, but an engine of opportunity for South Texas. Over 9,100 students pursued their dreams of higher education at TAMIU this Fall. They are preparing to become entrepreneurs, teachers, and public servants who will lead the economic future of our region. One thing that I have already learned is that TAMIU students are ambitious. They want to go beyond and invest in their futures, and that growth mindset will ensure that they are successful now and throughout their lives. TAMIU must match that ambition, and we will continue to push our University community to do more, to go beyond. And while we will enjoy celebrating our 55th Anniversary this year, I cannot wait to see what the coming years bring for TAMIU. We remain committed to growing our academic programs, strengthening workforce partnerships, and positioning TAMIU as a driving force for innovation, talent development, and economic opportunity in South Texas. Dr. Christopher Maynard is the seventh President of Texas A&M International University.
5 UNIVERSITY NEWS CENTERPOINT ENERGY FOUNDATION GIFT HELPS TAMIU’S ENGINEERING STUDENTS FORGE THE FUTURE OF SOUTH TEXAS A generous gift by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation will help TAMIU Engineering students forge the future of South Texas through access to specialized, high-performance laptops and robotic training kits. In November, CenterPoint Energy Foundation shared its gift totaling over $56,000 with the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Engineering students and trusted partner and gift steward, the TAMIU Alumni Association. June Deadrick, CenterPoint Energy vice president, Community Relations, said that CenterPoint considers this gift an investment in students and an investment in the future of South Texas. “Education is vitally important to all our futures. We want to open up windows of opportunity, to help students chart a well-lit path to the future, and for these TAMIU engineering students to walk into brighter futures of purpose... in the most dynamic growth industries that will power the future,” Deadrick said. TAMIU Engineering students at the announcement showed that they’re already keen on that future, demonstrating their newly acquired robotic dog with moves showcasing programming prowess. Dr. Christopher Maynard, TAMIU president, lauded the generosity shown by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. “Alongside our trusted partners and gift stewards, the TAMIU Alumni Association, we’re enormously proud that the CenterPoint Foundation shares our vision of futures powered by TAMIU. With this generous support, we will provide students with laptops with the powerful processing, high-resolution graphics, and multi-tasking abilities they need to be ready for that brighter future Ms. Deadrick envisions,” Dr. Maynard said. CenterPoint Energy Foundation of Houston presented its gift totaling over $56,000 to the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Engineering students and trusted partner and gift steward, the TAMIU Alumni Association. The gift provides access to specialized, high-performance laptops and robotic training kits. TAMIU RECOGNIZED WITH NRG’S SILVER EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR CAMPUS ENERGY EFFICIENCY TAMIU was recognized with a Silver Excellence in Energy Award in the Energy Efficiency category during NRG’s 6th Annual Awards Ceremony in November. Robert J. Gaudette, executive vice president and president of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations, explained the importance of the national NRG Awards. “Over the past six years, we have seen incredible dedication to progress in energy innovation and resilience. These Awards are about honoring that commitment and looking ahead to the possibilities still to come,” said Gaudette. During the virtual ceremony, NRG representatives said TAMIU won for its remarkable transformation into a model of energy excellence. Through strategic initiatives such as lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and water conservation, the University significantly reduced utility consumption while enhancing operational efficiency. By embracing real-time data tools and predictive insights, TAMIU sets a national standard for sustainability and resource stewardship, creating a more resilient and forward-thinking campus, they observed. TAMIU president Dr. Christopher Maynard said the national Award affirms the importance and long-term benefits of energy efficiency on campus. “This Award underscores TAMIU’s leadership in implementing more than $20 million in energy efficiency upgrades, all funded through guaranteed savings. With our partner, Schneider Electric, the University has been positioned as a model for efficient campus operations. TAMIU improvements include advanced building performance monitoring and operational management programs that optimize energy use, enhance comfort, and reinvest savings into student success,” Dr. Maynard explained. Tammy Tolle, vice president at Schneider Electric, concurred and said TAMIU’s investment anticipates the nimble needs of the classrooms of tomorrow. "This recognition celebrates TAMIU’s bold, ongoing vision to transform campus operations. By embracing advanced building automation, energy monitoring, and asset planning tools, the University is creating a world-class learning environment that anticipates the needs of tomorrow and empowers students, faculty, and the broader Laredo community to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” said Tolle. The partnership with Schneider has been led on campus by Juan J. Castillo, TAMIU’s vice president for Finance and Administration, and Trevor Liddle, associate vice president, Campus Planning and Safety.
6 WE LOVE THE ENERGY OUR DUSTDEVILS BRING TO SOCIAL MEDIA! Here are some of our favorite social media posts. Don’t forget to tag @txamiu in your social media post statuses, stories and images! @TXAMIU “As with all of our projects, our goals are to control costs, ensure reliability, and position us for future growth and needs, and we believe NRG’s recognition of TAMIU reflects the growing importance of energy stewardship in higher education,” Castillo said, “In addition to this recognition, Trevor has co-presented on our successes with Schneider Electric at state and national conferences for business officers and facilities professionals. It is our hope other institutions will join us in adopting similar strategies.” Watch an Award replay at go.tamiu.edu/nrg-award25. TAMIU LAUNCHES FIRST GRADUATION ENGINEERING PROGRAM This November, TAMIU announced the launch of its first graduate engineering program, the Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MS SENG), scheduled to begin Fall 2026. This landmark initiative marks a historic milestone for both the University and the South Texas border region, expanding graduate opportunities and driving innovation across regional industries. TAMIU president Dr. Christopher Maynard said the program which has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges will fuel the future of South Texas. “This graduate program is a testament to TAMIU’s enduring commitment to transforming lives through education,” said Dr. Maynard, “By introducing advanced engineering studies to our campus, we’re not only expanding academic horizons, we are fueling the future of South Texas with innovation, opportunity, and leadership.” TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Claudia San Miguel concurred and said the new program reinforces the University’s mission. “The MS in Systems Engineering is a strategic response to the evolving demands of our region’s industries. It equips our students to lead in high-impact fields like automation and data analytics, while reinforcing our mission to provide accessible, forward-thinking graduate education,” Dr. San Miguel explained.
7 An Instagram post on the main txamiu account became the University’s first-ever viral post, racking up 3.18 million (and counting) views. The post paired May’s traditional Diploma Party with a look back at the highly ornamented graduation caps that provide a visual highlight at TAMIU’s Commencement Exercises. The content received a major boost after being reposted by Pubity on June 10, a highly influential media outlet known for viral content and global reach. Pubity’s repost, which included an account tag, amassed 758,686 likes and 3,548 shares in less than 48 hours, amplifying TAMIU’s visibility and reach. The social media coup was led by the award-winning TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services’ social media team of Christine Rojas, manager, social media and communications, and José "Joey" Hernández, communication specialist. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/viralpost. Follow us on istagram at instagram.com/txamiu. TAMIU NAMES NEW DEANS WITH START OF FALL SEMESTER This Fall at TAMIU, new leadership faces welcomed new and returning undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. After national searches, TAMIU named three new deans: Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing, Dr. Elda G. Ramírez; Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Alfredo Ramírez, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Marcus Antonius Ynalvez. Dr. Elda Ramírez’ selection as Dean of the TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences marks a full-circle moment for the daughter of Laredo and South Texas who traces her interest in nursing to serving as a junior volunteer at Laredo’s former Mercy Hospital. Ramirez is an Emergency Nurse Practitioner and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in Houston. Find out more at go.tamiu.edu/eramirez-conhs. ONLINE CJ GRADUATE PROGRAMS NOW INCLUDE HOMELAND SECURITY, CYBERSECURITY, CJ ADMINISTRATION This Fall, TAMIU expanded its online Criminal Justice offerings with three new fully online Master of Science degrees: Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice Administration. These programs prepare professionals for leadership roles in Criminal Justice fields vital to national security, public safety, and cyber defense. They are delivered in partnership with Risepoint, an education technology company advancing TAMIU’s mission to increase access to life-changing education. Dr. Claudia San Miguel TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs noted that online course delivery at the graduate level remains popular among students. “This really is an exciting time at the University for degree program growth that answers the needs of our students,” she said, “In collaboration with our faculty, we’ve strategically grown our online degree delivery in areas desired by and relevant to our students’ career aspirations and dynamic employment opportunities.” This fueled a nearly 13% increase in graduate student enrollment, Dr. San Miguel noted. College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Marcus Ynalvez observed that with a 100 percent online format, TAMIU offers working professionals and career changers access to the same distinguished education without compromising their personal or professional obligations. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/cj-expands. TAMIU SOCIAL POST SETS HISTORIC VIRAL BENCHMARK WITH 3M+ VIEWS “We’ve gone viral.” That phrase can signal fear or pride for any entity as it refers to a social media post that has generated an uncommonly high number of views. Fortunately, sharing good news helped drive an historic viral benchmark for TAMIU in June. UNIVERSITY NEWS
8 As Dean of the College of Education Dr. Alfredo Ramírez’s new post continues his mission to nurture public school leaders who can create high performing schools. He credits the inspiration and successes of his father, a TAMIU alum, and grandfather, a public-school teacher and administrator, with the drive that fuels his life in education. He’s a proud TAMIU alum and completed his Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education. Find out more at go.tamiu.edu/aramirez-coe. Dr. Marcus Antonius Ynalvez is the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest of TAMIU’s Colleges and Schools. Dr. Ynalvez’s appointment sees the College being led by a scholar whose global journey is grounded in rigorous inquiry, teaching excellence, and a lifelong dedication to positive social transformation. He began his journey at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, securing degrees in Statistics and Sociology. Ynalvez’s Ph.D. in Sociology was earned from Louisiana State University with a focus on the Sociology of Science. Find out more at go.tamiu.edu/ynalvez-coas. TAMIU AND LC OPEN ‘PATHWAYS’ TO STREAMLINED TRANSFER, ENGAGEMENT Laredo’s two higher education institutions, TAMIU and Laredo College (LC), have continued their collaborative tradition with the TAMIU Open House at LC, a strategic opportunity for LC students to explore transfer to the University. Juan G. García, Jr. TAMIU vice president for Student Enrollment, praised the future-focused shared initiative. “We’re enormously grateful to LC president Dr. Minita Ramírez and the entire LC team for their partnership and shared vision. The TAMIU Open House reinforces our strong partnership and our mutual commitment to student success,” García noted. The Open Houses are offered each semester. They’ve taken on additional importance as TAMIU and LC collaborated to streamline transfer Pathways that align to help LC students navigate a clear transfer pathway to TAMIU ensuring credits aren’t wasted. The collaborative spirit between TAMIU and LC also extends to shared community engagement events like “The Big Event,” a March community service event where 500+ TAMIU and LC students shared service projects. In October, the 16th Annual Make a Difference Day, a National Day of Service, saw TAMIU and LC students, faculty, and staff, focus on three distinct areas. Find out more on page 30. TAMIU GETS NODS FOR #2 LOWEST NET PRICE AND #3 AMONG BEST FOUR-YEAR HISPANIC SERVING COLLEGES TAMIU was recognized by Washington Monthly Magazine’s 2025 College Guide and ranked #2 for Lowest Net Price in the South and #3 in the nation in its new Best Four-Year Hispanic-Serving Colleges ranking. Additional rankings included #4 for Affordability in the South, and #5 for Lowest Student Loan Debt in the South. TAMIU repeated as one of the nation’s Top Ten-ranked Southern Colleges in the “Best Bang for the Buck” category, ranking #10 among 100 institutions. TAMIU has appeared in the Top Ten since the College Guide’s inception. Of the ranking as #3 in the nation for Hispanic-Serving Colleges, the highest-ranked of Texas A&M University System campuses, the Guide’s authors observed, “Texas A&M International University is in third place, with an incredibly low price of $3,833 and a graduation rate for Hispanic students equal to that of the general population.” The rankings underscore TAMIU’s commitment to being Accessible, Affordable, and Exceptional. These rankings, coupled with the most affordable tuition of any South Texas university, have helped drive TAMIU’s enrollment milestone this Fall of over 9,000 students, clearly delivering on its core, founding mission. Since 2005, the Washington Monthly College Guide has ranked colleges based on what they do for the country, according to Guide authors. Many consider the Guide an answer to U.S News & World Report, which relies on measures of exclusivity, prestige and wealth, the Guide maintains. Washington Monthly surveys over 1,400 public, private nonprofit, and for-profit colleges and its rankings are based on their contribution to the public good in four broad categories: access, affordability, outcomes, and promoting public service. For more visit go.tamiu.edu/wm-rankings.
9 TAMIU MARKS 55TH ANNIVERSARY WITH HISTORIC ENROLLMENT, INTRODUCING 7TH PRESIDENT On a balmy October morning TAMIU students, faculty, staff, and alumni became a part of a another milestone in the University’s history. “55 Years of Making Milestones, A TAMIU Celebration” kicked off the University’s 55th Anniversary with new harbingers of change and growth: the appointment by The Texas A&M University Board of Regents of TAMIU’s seventh President, Dr. Christopher Maynard, and securing its largest enrollment in history, 9,000+ students. Dr. Maynard, enveloped by the celebratory crowd mood, offered his appraisal after less than two weeks on the job. “Texas A&M International University is a nationally ranked, regionally focused university with a rich and proud history of delivering transformative educational opportunities that change the trajectory of our students, their families, and South Texas. This University’s impactful force is delivered daily by over 486 gifted faculty members from around the world, leading 55-degree programs at bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels...all on a dynamic residential campus that’s just posted its highest enrollment in our history,” he observed. “In the short time I have been here, I’ve seen the remarkable commitment, pride, and affection for this University that’s palpable throughout the region. I am honored to be able to extend TAMIU’s 55year legacy and ensure the promise and success of the future begins here, focused clearly on student success,” Maynard continued. The University’s 9,000th student, Mel Velázquez, a TAMIU freshman and Lopez Scholar majoring in Criminal Justice, was also on hand for the celebration. Adding to the historic day was a spirited countdown to the recordbreaking enrollment, commemorative “9K” cookies, miniature deer and duck souvenirs, and a giant inflatable version of the University’s popular mascot, Dusty the Dustdevil, towering above the festivities at 10 feet tall. View a recap at go.tamiu.edu/55milestones-vid. TAMIU’S ECONOMIC IMPACT ON WEBB COUNTY TOPS $374M; 6,300 JOBS When TAMIU graduates cross the stage to receive their diploma, it’s the most energizing sign of the University’s impact. But there’s also a sizable economic impact delivered daily by South Texas’s fastestgrowing university...and it’s just as far-reaching. A Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Impact Analysis by TAMIU’s A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (TCBEED) showed TAMIU generated $374 million in economic impact for Webb County’s economy, supporting nearly 6,300 jobs during fiscal year 2024. TCBEED director and report author Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, explained the ripple effect of that impact. “The University strengthens local businesses through increased regional spending, providing a pipeline of skilled graduates enhancing the region’s human capital. TAMIU transforms individual lives by increasing graduates’ lifetime earnings, creating broader societal benefits and a more prosperous regional economy,” Dr. Covarrubias explained. He said TAMIU’s impact represents 3.3 percent of Webb County’s total Gross Regional Product, placing the University among the top two percent of the county’s industry sectors. In FY24, TAMIU disbursed $77 million in payroll/benefits to 1,778 full and part-time employees. Operations and student spending generated $183 million, supporting 2,361 jobs. TAMIU alumni working in Webb County contributed $186 million to the regional economy, supporting 3,885 jobs. UNIVERSITY NEWS
10 Through a powerful multiplier effect every dollar invested in and by TAMIU creates an additional 76 cents in regional economic activity. The employment multiplier of 1.21 indicates each TAMIU position supports one-fifth of a job in the broader economy. In workforce development, TAMIU graduates earn significantly more than high school diploma holders. In Webb County, those with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of $52,125 annually, a $24,036 premium over high school graduates. Access TAMIU’s Economic Impact Analysis FY 2024 Report at go.tamiu.edu/eia. TENNIS COMES TO TAMIU WITH NEW CITY OF LAREDO TENNIS COMPLEX The long-cherished dream of tennis at TAMIU became a reality last January when the new 18-court facility was dedicated. go.tamiu.edu/tennis-ceremony25. Known as the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU, the project grew from the combined efforts of the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, TAMIU Athletics Department, Laredo Tennis Association (LTA), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA). On hand to usher in a new age for tennis at TAMIU was alumna Tina Treviño ’80, of the LTA. She and her late husband Dr. Alfredo Treviño championed the addition of tennis to TAMIU for years. “I’m filled with great excitement, joy, and pride to see that the courts have come to fruition. My late husband and I dreamed of a facility like this to serve all present and future tennis players in our beloved City of Laredo. Our community deserves this high-quality facility,” Treviño enthused. At 2021 groundbreaking ceremonies the late TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz lauded the project. “This is a public-public project. We worked long and hard to get this done in a great partnership with the City of Laredo,” he said then. The Tennis Complex is a recipient of the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards recognizing excellence in tennis facilities construction throughout the nation see go.tamiu.edu/usta-award25. For more, contact Director Jaime Donjuan at jaime.donjuan@ tamiu.edu , call 956.326.3741, or click on tamiu.edu/tennis. The 18-court City of Laredo Tennis Complex at TAMIU Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
11 89TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION HAS POSITIVE IMPACT FOR A&M SYSTEM, TAMIU Texas A&M International University leaders had two big words for the leaders of the 89th Legislative Session: THANK YOU. Texas lawmakers delivered significant funding increases to The Texas A&M University System members during the Session, strengthening its ability to serve Texas and meet the needs of its people, from higher education and healthcare to emergency response and workforce development. A&M System universities received a $60.4 million increase in formula funding, part of a $226.5 million statewide increase to support instruction, operations, infrastructure, and research. Higher Education Fund appropriations for the System’s eligible universities increased by nearly $20 million annually, helping address capital, library, and equipment needs. For TAMIU, the legislative team’s championing of the University’s growth and strength helped yield an $8.8 million general revenue (GR) funding increase, to total $ 77.7 million in Net GR for the biennium. TAMIU’s success, growth, and excellence have been empowered by the stalwart efforts of Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (District 21), who has championed every step of the University’s development and growth throughout its now 55-year history. Senator Zaffirini said the increase is reflective of the Texas Legislature’s commitment to higher education in South Texas. “Texas A&M International University’s increase in General Revenue funding, as well as $3 million in supplemental funding for new Civil Engineering and Computer Science degree programs, underscore the Texas Legislature’s strong commitment to higher education in South Texas. These investments will help meet our State’s growing workforce needs while expanding opportunities for our students. “I was proud to sponsor this critical funding and thank Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Reps. Richard Peña Raymond and Don McLaughlin and TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo for their collaborative leadership roles in making this possible,” Senator Zaffirini said. Castillo noted there were clear drivers for the funding increase at TAMIU. “This was largely driven by our strong growth in enrollment and, more importantly, in semester credit hour production, which contributed to an increase in formula funding. In addition, steady gains in our number of graduates led to a modest boost in Comprehensive Regional University funding,” he explained. He observed that TAMIU’s enrollment growth and the State’s support of it has generational implications for Laredo and beyond. “As the University of choice for Laredo and South Texas, Texas A&M International University plays a transformational role—changing lives, fulfilling dreams, and creating brighter futures. This impact, however, is only possible through the State’s pivotal investment in our institution, and that is why we were so pleased with the outcome of the 89th Legislative Session,” Castillo concluded. CHANCELLOR GLENN HEGAR MAKES INAUGURAL VISIT TO TAMIU Shortly after officially assuming his duties as 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 this past summer. His campus visit saw him participate in focused forums to build his awareness of TAMIU, its programs, services, strengths, and plans, and to gather input and outline his priorities as Chancellor. UNIVERSITY NEWS Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar joins Juan J. Castillo and TAMIU students on his visit to campus. Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini
12 The new faculty will help drive new and developing degree programs including Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Physical Therapy, in addition to dynamic growth in online graduate program delivery. For a full listing of faculty who have joined TAMIU this past Fall visit go.tamiu.edu/newfaculty25. SPRING SEMESTER ENROLLMENT AT TAMIU ‘QUACKS’ UP RECORD The 2025 Spring Semester at TAMIU was another one for the record books...and the ducks have it. 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 with a fun event named, “Release the Quacken.” Students collected a special commemorative silver duck from thousands afloat in the campus’s central Acequia Fountain. The ducks symbolized the thousands of TAMIU students enrolled this Spring at the University. Ahead of the celebration, dozens of branded and customized silver rubber duckies were hidden across campus daily. University social media ‘fowl-owers’ tracked and found the hidden ducks in a digital scavenger hunt. “We’re tremendously proud of our University enrollment team and their vital roles in meeting with potential students to explore the opportunities TAMIU can make real for them. These efforts, along with those of our gifted faculty and administrative support, combine to create a welcoming environment where students can and do succeed,” said Juan G. García, Jr., TAMIU vice president for Enrollment Management. Learn more at go.tamiu.edu/luckyducky. See an event video at go.tamiu.edu/discoduck-vid. Speaking with students, he said that as a first-generation graduate himself, he shared their priorities of access and that the A&M System is committed to them and their success. “This System is full of dedicated public servants — from faculty and researchers to campus staff and agency field workers,” Hegar said, “It’s a privilege to lead them, and together we’re going to continue building a future Texas can be proud of.” With faculty and staff, he shared his reason for accepting the role as Chancellor. “I’ve spent my entire career serving the people of Texas,” Hegar said, “But what drew me to this role is the opportunity to positively influence the next generation of Texans — to give them the tools, the education, and the values they need to lead. That’s what the Texas A&M System does better than anyone.” ENROLLMENT GROWTH AT TAMIU FUELS ADDITION OF 32 NEW FACULTY MEMBERS 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 in undergraduate and graduate classrooms. TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Claudia E. San Miguel said these additions to the University’s faculty are the result of national and international searches focused on teaching and research excellence. “Our search committees spent an incredible amount of time and energy in working to recruit and secure these new members of our gifted faculty. We’re thrilled to have them join our growing campus and community. We are eager to have them share their contributions to TAMIU’s accessible, affordable and exceptional education, and to engage with our community, South Texas, and beyond in research and service,” Dr. San Miguel said. The largest concentration of new faculty, 16, is in the College of Arts and Sciences, TAMIU’s largest College. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences follows with 11 new faculty members. New faculty for the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business number three and the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library has added two librarians. Dr. Claudia E. San Miguel
13 GI V ING 500+ LC, TAMIU VOLUNTEERS FOCUS ’25 ‘THE BIG EVENT’ ON LOCAL IMPACT Over 500 TAMIU, 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” March 22, 2025. Volunteers made a significant local difference, with an estimated monetary impact of $711,456 and over 20,000 community service hours generated. Joining TAMIU for the first time were Laredo College students through the earlier signing of a Memorandum of Agreement by Laredo’s maroon-and-silver and green-and-gold institutions of higher education. The agreement explores future opportunities for joint servicelearning initiatives, providing students with leadership experiences and empowering them to become active contributors to their community. Volunteers committed to service projects at the Haynes Recreation Center, Arturo Benavides Park, and Slaughter Park. Beautification projects included tree planting, mural painting, trash pick-up, seed ball planting, tending to a monarch butterfly garden, brush removal, and much more. The event was made possible through the University’s Office of Student Affairs, in collaboration with TAMIU’s Student Government Association's Leaders Organizing Volunteer Events Committee, the City of Laredo, Keep Laredo Beautiful, TAMIU Housing and Residence Life, the Rio Grande International Study Center, and ARCA Continental Southwest Beverages. For a look back at past ‘The Big Event’ initiatives, visit go.tamiu.edu/serve.
14 TAMIU, LC TEAM UP FOR 16TH ANNUAL 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY' Some 300+ volunteers from TAMIU and Laredo College joined to create a lasting impact in their community during Make a Difference Day 2025 held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Now in its 16th year, TAMIU and LC students, faculty, and staff, focused on three distinct areas, including downtown Laredo, the City of Laredo Health Department and its surrounding neighborhood, and the Larga Vista Community Center. Planned activities included tree planting, bulk trash collection, mulch application, house painting, yard cleanup, gardening, wood staining, and graffiti removal. Additionally, students from both institutions jointly hosted a Kids Clothing Donation Drive benefiting the Larga Vista Community Center. This annual event, led by the University’s Office of Student Affairs in collaboration with the University’s Student Government Association's Leaders Organizing Volunteer Events Committee, is made possible through the support of community partners, including the City of Laredo, Webb County, Keep Laredo Beautiful, H.E.B, Laredo Main Street, the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo, and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. Since 2010, University volunteers have worked on various community-wide projects benefiting groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers Serving the Need, the Laredo Animal Care Facility, the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, and many more. Learn more at go.tamiu.edu/maddandtbe.
15 UNIVERSITY DONORS BANKING ACADEMY PLEDGES TOTAL $1.4M, BUOYING SANCHEZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROGRAM Banking is big business in Laredo, a crossroads of international commerce. TAMIU is leading the charge to make the industry even bigger through its A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Banking Academy... and business leaders here say it’s something they want to bank on. Banking Academy students are provided with specialized training, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience in the financial industry. Bankers in the community have been generous in their support, realizing the Academy offers a local and regional conduit of future banking industry leaders who can nimbly address the highly varied banking needs of the U.S.-México border. Funding from donors further enhances academic programs, scholarships, co-curricular training aligned with industry standards, and provides additional professional development initiatives. Dr. Luis Perez-Batres, Dean of the School of Business, said donor investment helps bridge academia and industry for mutual success. “The generosity of our banking partners reflects a shared belief in TAMIU’s Banking Academy mission to develop highly qualified banking and finance leaders for South Texas and beyond. Their collective investment and our academic expertise exemplify how we bridge academia and industry for student success and community impact.” Dr. Perez-Batres explained. To date, donors pledging the Banking Academy with substantial support have included: In September, 2024, The Matias De Llano Charitable Trust, administered by the International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank), provided the first gift of $100,000 earmarked to benefit the newly established Banking Academy. Dennis E. Nixon, CEO of IBC Bank, said the Trust was steadfast in its commitment to realizing the late philanthropist’s dream for his Trust. “Mr. De Llano directed that the Trust continue his legacy by helping the community he lived in and loved. This special gift expands that
16 legacy of caring by providing new opportunities for our community to engage with and be empowered by our hometown University,” Nixon explained. In October 2024, Texas Community Bank (TCB) concurred, providing a $1 million gift. Douglas Macdonald, TCB president and CEO spoke of TCB’s commitment to the banking industry, the communities it serves, and TAMIU. “As our name affirms, we are a community bank and believe that partnering with TAMIU, the primary source of this community’s human capital, is a perfect way to elevate our community and prepare generations for growth. Texas Community Bank is all about service and our gift will help ensure our service and all banking services remain superior in Laredo and beyond,” Macdonald observed. In December 2024, Falcon Bank added its donation of $50,000 in support of the Banking Academy. Gilbert Narvaez, Jr. Falcon Bank president and CEO and TAMIU alumnus (’84) said the gift will empower the next generation of bankers. “It is with great pride and commitment to our shared values of excellence and innovation that we announce our donation to the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Banking Academy. We believe in empowering the next generation of bankers and providing them with the resources necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global market. This contribution represents more than just financial support; it is an investment in the future of education, leadership, and community development. We look forward to seeing the remarkable achievements that will undoubtedly arise from this collaboration,” Narvaez said. In March of 2025, the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation (RSTEF) presented a $250,000 gift in support of the Banking Academy at its RSTEF 2025 Awards Ceremony. RSTEF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. It serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. It provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs increase skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. Opportunities to support TAMIU initiatives, students, and programming can be explored further by contacting the University's Office of Institutional Advancement at 956.326.2178.
17 UNIVERSITY FACULTY DR. BERKTAY CONDUCTS RESEARCH EXAMINING HISTORY OF ENSLAVED AFRICANS IN COLOMBIA TAMIU assistant professor of History Dr. Asligul Berktay recently traveled to Colombia to undertake archival research and communityengaged scholarship on the experiences of enslaved and freed Africans in Latin America. Her visit to Cartagena and Barranquilla, two Caribbean port cities, was part of larger-scale research projects on the legacy of slavery and race relations across Latin America and the African diaspora. In Cartagena, she worked at the Archivo Histórico de Cartagena de Indias (Historical Archive of Cartagena de Indias), examining historical records documenting the lives of enslaved people, including estate inventories, bills of sale, and censuses sharing the free/unfree status of individuals. In Barranquilla, she held activities with Plataforma Caníbal and Fundación Casa de Hierro, gave a radio interview for Universidad del Norte, and met with doctoral students at Universidad Simón Bolívar. “My work contributes to the larger effort of accessing the lives of Africans and their descendants,” she said. Dr. Berktay’s Colombian field experience will contribute to two articles and a historical monograph she is preparing. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/berktay-colombiaresearch. TAMIU FACULTY DR. GALLARDO HONORED AS 1ST ICPEL JAMES BERRY EMERGING SCHOLAR A TAMIU faculty member’s national and international contributions to educational leadership, data-driven research, and instructional motivation earned her the first International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) James Berry Emerging Scholar Award. DR. ANYANWU RECEIVES CATE AWARD FROM TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM A TAMIU faculty member’s exemplary and innovative work prompted his selection as one of only three statewide recipients of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators (CATE) Award of The Texas A&M University System. Dr. Kele Anyanwu, associate professor of Educational Programs, College of Education, was notified of his selection by TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Claudia San Miguel. The Award recognizes individuals and university teams making exemplary contributions to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in teacher preparation. Dr. Anyanwu was presented with his Award by former Chancellor John Sharp and members of the A&M System Board of Regents at the Chancellor’s Century Council 2025 Annual Meeting. Dr. San Miguel said Dr. Anyanwu’s contributions to teacher preparation at TAMIU have been impressive. “Dr. Anyanwu’s work with Mixed Reality Simulation replicates realworld classroom challenges that allow the professor to take corrective action in real time to enhance students’ learning and preparedness. This is a bold and innovative approach with measurable impact,” Dr. San Miguel observed. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/anyanwu-cate. Dr. Asligul Berktay
18 Dr. Cynthia A. Gallardo, College of Education assistant professor of Educational Administration, was named the recipient of the honor recognizing early-career scholars whose research, teaching, and service demonstrate exceptional promise and impact in educational leadership. Her research explores how principal preparation, instructional leadership, and dual enrollment influence educational opportunity and outcomes across diverse learning environments in South Texas and the U.S.–México border region. Dr. Gallardo said she was honored to earn the Award. “I’m incredibly honored and elated to receive this recognition and be the first ever-recipient. Through data-driven research, reflection, and service, I’m committed to the field and preparing future school leaders who lead with purpose, think critically, and are driven by a deep sense of responsibility to those they serve,” she said. A dedicated scholar-practitioner, Gallardo serves as Principal Investigator of Project UP (Unveiling Perspectives), a TAMIU University Research Development Award-funded initiative examining dual enrollment across six school districts. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/gallardo-icpelaward. DR. KOZACKZA AWARDED YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES RESEARCH GRANT TAMIU associate professor of English Dr. Adam Kozaczka was recently awarded a highly selective Lewis Walpole Library Travel Grant by Yale University Libraries. The grant supported a fully funded two-week research residency at Yale’s prestigious Lewis Walpole Library in Farmington, CT. Dr. Kozaczka’s research, “Pinkerton’s Racialism and the LawLiterature-Architecture Axis in Walpole and Scott,” focuses on 18th Century antiquarian John Pinkerton, whose arguments outlined early theories of racial and ethnic differences in the British Isles. “The project seeks to discover how Pinkerton’s ideas were influenced by the ongoing popularity of antiquarian research in an era still quite early in the history of writing history and of doing ethnographic research,” Dr. Kozaczka said. He emphasized the scholarly significance of the study. “Much of this is significant because it follows new scholarship from scholars like UCLA professor Saree Makdisi, who contends that in the 19th Century, discussions of what we now understand as race applied just as much to perceived differences among Europeans as it did to perceived differences between white and non-white people,” he said. The Lewis Walpole Library, a department of the Yale University Library since 1980, is an internationally recognized research collection in British 18th Century studies. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/kozaczka-walpolegrant. DR. MEHNAAZ MOMEN RECEIVES FULBRIGHT U.S. SCHOLAR AWARD Longtime TAMIU professor of Public Administration and author Dr. Mehnaaz Momen was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award to Canada for the 2024-2025 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Dr. Momen, professor in the TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences, department of Social Sciences, was the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Digitization and Democracy, based in McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (more on page 19) Dr. Mehnaaz Momen Dr. Adam Kozaczka Dr. Cynthia A. Gallardo
19 UNIVERSITY FACULTY Dr. Momen’s research project focused on the acculturation processes that Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area of Canada undergo as they utilize technology to create a comfort zone in navigating between their Bangladeshi and Canadian identities. Momen said she was honored to receive the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award. “I am thrilled to receive the Fulbright Scholar Award,” Dr. Momen said, “I have been dreaming about such an opportunity and consider this an honor to have represented TAMIU and Laredo in Canada.” With her Fulbright selection, Momen joins an elite group of current, former, and retired TAMIU faculty members who have been Fulbright Scholars. LIBRARY DEAN BLAZES PATH TO EDITING, NOMINATION AND PUBLICATION By day, Dr. Colleen Harris, dean of TAMIU’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, directs the 1.2 million-plus-item Library for staff, students and faculty. But after-hours Dr. Harris is blazing a prominent path in poetry creation, editing, and publication. She’s signed contracts for three poetry books: The Light Becomes Us (Main Street Rag, 2025), Toothache in the Bone (Boats Against the Current Press, 2025), and Babylon Songs (First Bite Press, pending 2026 release). A fourth unpublished poetry book manuscript, Tell the Bees, was longlisted for the International Beverly Prize for Literature. In mid-April Harris was appointed a poetry editor at Iron Oak Editions Press, working with that team to publish new books of poetry from other writers. Harris revealed that poetry has long been a passion, but admitted finding time to write is often a challenge. “It’s not easy with such an active Library team and campus, but creative writing clears my head and makes me feel better, the way going to the gym does for other people. I get most of my writing in at night...usually in the corner of my couch at the window overlooking my neighborhood, with my laptop, curled up like a croissant with terrible posture,” she revealed. Find out more at go.tamiu.edu/harris-poetry. TAMIU EARNS PRESTIGIOUS RCU AND OCU CARNEGIE DESIGNATIONS The prestige of a TAMIU degree took on additional luster this past Spring as the University learned it was one of just 33 nationwide to earn both Research College & University (RCU) and Opportunity College & University (OCU) designations in the new 2025 Carnegie Classifications. Both Carnegie designations elevate the University’s research and teaching and affirm its daily mission. They are considered a crowning achievement and a source of tremendous pride for TAMIU’s gifted faculty who daily drive discovery in and out of the classroom. The designations strongly affirm TAMIU’s solid foundational and service support to students and its tight focus on their success. The Carnegie Classification® is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education began developing a classification of colleges and universities to support its program of research and policy analysis in 1970. It published its first framework in 1973 which is now updated every three years to reflect changes at colleges and universities. Find out more at go.tamiu.edu/carnegie25. PROFESSOR PRESENTS RESEARCH ON A.I. TEACHING INTEGRATION IN SPAIN A TAMIU faculty member traveled to Spain in July to present his innovative research at the 32nd International Conference on Learning hosted by the Universidad de Granada. 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.” Dr. Godina’s research explores the transformative use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to support teacher candidates, particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse communities. Dr. Colleen Harris Dr. Heriberto Godina
20 His work centers on bridging technology with educational equity in the U.S.-México border region. His research highlights how A.I. tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly can be used ethically and effectively in preparing future educators for certification, including the rigorous Science of Teaching Reading exam mandated in Texas. “Participating in the Conference allowed me to share our local experiences in South Texas with a global audience,” Godina said. His presentation built upon findings of his 2025 publication, “Empowering Teacher Candidates of Mexican Descent: Adapting A.I. for Science of Teaching Reading in the Southwestern United States,” in the International Journal of Technologies in Learning. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/godina-aiconf25. TAMIU, UTSA PROFESSORS RELEASE BOOK ON SOCIAL BEHAVIORAL STATISTICS Cambridge University Press recently released a new book on statistics authored by Dr. Roberto Heredia, TAMIU Regents Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology and Communication, and Dr. Richard Hartley, Professor and Chair of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s (UTSA) Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Titled “Social Behavioral Statistics,” the book introduces statistical principles and examples from social and behavioral research and incorporates jamovi, a free open-source statistical software. Dr. Heredia said the authors’ goal was to bring statistics closer to readers. “Our goal was to do away with the mindset that statistics is difficult and that they are not good at math,” he said. Dr. Hartley added, “Our vision was to write a book with the student in mind that simplified the learning process; a book written in simple and clear language to help students understand critical statistical principles.” The textbook emphasizes doing and understanding statistics through practical applications. Dr. Heredia has been a TAMIU faculty member since 1998. Dr. Hartley, a former TAMIU faculty member, has served at UTSA since 2008. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/heredia-socialstats. FACULTY MEMBER CO-AUTHORS PUBLICATION ON DRUG POLICIES IN SOUTH AMERICA, EUROPE A recently co-authored publication by a TAMIU faculty member focuses on the experiences of Argentina, Portugal, and Uruguay in their efforts at depenalization, decriminalization, and legalization/regulation of recreational drugs. The publication, Drug Policy Revolutions: Scenarios, Impacts, and Trajectories, was written by TAMIU associate professor in Social Sciences Dr. Nilda M. García, with Dr. Sebastián A. Cutrona, senior lecturer in Criminology at Liverpool Hope University. Their work presents the successes and challenges in approaching impacts on drug use, public health, and security, while debunking myths surrounding flexible drug policies. “The findings in our book debunk some myths around the adoption and implementation of more flexible drug policies. We observe that softening or removing criminal penalties did not transform any of the three country case studies of this book into a ‘drug paradise,’ as prohibitionists often contend,” García said. The publication offers policy recommendations and lessons from the historical trajectories and reforms in addressing drug consumption and harms, she added. García is also the author of Mexico’s Drug War and Criminal Networks: The Dark Side of Social Media and other peer-reviewed publications. Read more at go.tamiu.edu/garcia-revolutions. Dr. Roberto Heredia Dr. Richard Hartley Dr. Nilda M. García
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