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
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