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
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