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Two TAMIU Programs Get National Excelencia Recognition

 

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Two Texas A&M International University programs have been accorded recognition by organizers of the National 2008 Examples of Excelencia Award.

TAMIU’s College of Education was named a semi-finalist in the baccalaureate level division for its “Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers Today” Title V program.

The division of International Programs’ office of International Education received an honorable mention for its work in helping Latino students succeed in higher education through the Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez International Fellows Scholarship.

Awards were presented in ceremonies held in Houston recently.

Attending the Awards ceremonies were Dr. Humberto González, dean of the College of Education and Jannet García, director, office of international education, division of International programs. Special guests were trustees of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation, Bob and Shirley González.

The College of Education recognition focused on its efforts in preparing Latino teachers through innovative early identification of incoming freshmen who want to become teachers.

Students complete required field work in the public schools beginning in their freshmen year and every year thereafter as part of an early block model. The program also includes an intensive writing component, learning community approach and Learning Activity Center that helps students in their content areas as well as teaching areas. Dr. González said the College was honored by the recognition.

“TAMIU has long produced the region’s top teachers. We are delighted to see our efforts in identifying and nurturing future teachers recognized. We hope others will adopt some of our successful practices to increase access and participation by Latino students,” Dr. González said.

García said the number of TAMIU students studying abroad has grown thanks to scholarship support.

“In 2008, the Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez International Fellows Scholarship awarded $98,100 to 47 students. Our total study abroad population grew by 42% compared to last year. We are extremely grateful to the Foundation for providing the gift of opportunity and global learning for our Hispanic students.

“Study Abroad students develop skills that teach them how to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, risk takers, be open-minded and so much more. By being able to provide our students with strong academic programs abroad in combination with the personal growth and life skills these students develop, TAMIU graduates can compete with the best in the world," García explained.

TAMIU’s recognized efforts now become part of Excelencia’s national campaign promoting the use of effective institutional practices that are supported by the high levels of Latino students earning higher education degrees.

Profiles of the Division of International Programs and College of Education will be featured in the 2008 edition of “What Works for Latino Students: Examples of Excelencia Compendium.”

The 2008 “Compendium” will be electronically distributed later this year to Excelencia’s over 13,000 constituents. Key educational organizations and policy leaders will receive printed copies.

Launched in 2005, the Examples of Excelencia initiative is designed to identify and honor programs and departments at the forefront of increasing academic opportunities and improving achievement for Latino students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels. It focuses on results and disseminating promising practices to others interested in serving Latino students. Information on the program is available at http://www.edexcelencia.org/programs/examples/

For more information, please contact TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu University office hours are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.


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