A&M International Delegation to Attend Conference on Higher Education Future

A group of Texas A&M International University faculty, administrators, students and staff are scheduled to attend a Texas A&M University System conference in San Antonio Feb. 28 - March 1, aimed at preparing participants for higher education changes in the 21st Century.

Titled "Higher Education in A New Century: What Texas Teachers, Counselors and Administrators Must Know," the Conference is a historic one for South Texas and is expected to draw area teachers, department chairs, counselors, principals and superintendents interested in helping their students transition to higher education.

Organizers say the Conference is most important as it will provide pertinent information on myriad new services that will become available for students seeking a college diploma in the 21st Century and beyond.

"This is a great opportunity for counselors, superintendents, administrators to really become immersed and acquainted with all the different agencies and institutions in the A&M System," said Dr. Stephen Brown, dean of Student Affairs, "It will serve as a guide to faculty, agencies and institutions all across the State of Texas and the A&M System."

Conference highlights include a financial aid update; a presentation on the new State of Texas Common Application for Freshman Admission; a speech by Dr. Barry B. Thompson, chancellor of the A&M System; a chancellor/presidents' conversation with principals and superintendents; a dialogue with representatives of the A&M System; and exhibits from A&M System institution and agencies.

"The conference is important for A&M International because we are part of the A&M System and we are a unique institution in the A&M System, being that we are on the border and our focus is international. This will also give us an exposure to the San Antonio market," Brown said.

Conference participants will receive information on specific programs, services and support systems available within each of the different institutions and agencies of the A&M System, including names of key contacts, application forms and procedures, and step-by-step financial aid procedures.

In addition, they will learn how the changing demographics will impact the future of the State of Texas in terms of access to higher education and strategies that will increase access for all student populations to higher education in general.

Besides Brown, those representing A&M International at the conference will be Dr. Charles Jennett, A&M International president; Mary Treviño, executive director of Enrollment Services and Institutional Effectiveness; Betty Momayezi, director of Enrollment Management and School Relations; Maria Rosillo, director of Admissions; Araceli Rangel, director of Financial Aid; Jay Zambrano, associate director of Enrollment Management and School Relations; and Veronica Gonzalez, associate director of Enrollment Management and School Relations. The University's college deans and five faculty members will also participate. A&M International's Student Ambassadors will also participate, along with the University's Ballet Folklórico.

In addition to A&M International, other A&M System universities and agencies present will include Baylor College of Dentistry, Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, West Texas A&M University, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas Forest Service, Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, Texas Engineering Extension Service and the Texas Transportation Institute.

For further information about the Conference, please contact Dr. Stephen Brown at 326-2275. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu