TAMIU Recognized by University Business’ ‘Models of Efficiency’ Program
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is one of 16 colleges and universities nationwide recognized by University Business Magazine’s Models of Efficiency program, which celebrates innovative approaches for streamlining higher education operations through technology or business process improvements.
“Efficient business operations translate into better experiences for students and administrators alike, and the ‘Models of Efficiency’ program aims to encourage schools to prioritize service,” said Tim Goral, editor-in-chief of University Business, “TAMIU stands out for developing a very effective solution to a challenging situation.”
After years of buying computers a few at a time, TAMIU realized it could save money by buying in bulk for a discounted price.
“It was better for us to buy 300 or 400 at a time and meet the needs of the campus than to buy one or two here and there,’’ said Leebrian Gaskins, TAMIU "associate vice president for information technology/chief information officer.
“We can put more technology into our classrooms now,” explained Juan Castillo, TAMIU vice president for finance and administration, “The extra funds have been put to use for classroom refreshes and expanding wireless service on campus.”
The new system has also saved time for TAMIU’s purchasing department staff, since they are not processing hardware requests piecemeal. It has also allowed the IT staff to cut back on hours spent researching quotes. But the most dramatic difference was cost: in 18 months, the University saved $91,000 on computer hardware purchases.
Other honorees joining TAMIU as recognized “Models of Efficiency” are Catawba College, NC; George Mason University, VA; George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; Houston Community College, TX; Lakeland Community College, OH; Mercer University, GA; Northwest Arkansas Community College; Ogeechee Technical College, GA; Salisbury University, MD; Texas A&M University, College Station; University of Central Oklahoma; University of Virginia; Victor Valley College, CA; Wake Technical Community College, NC ; and Wilkes University, PA.
“Models of Efficiency” is an ongoing recognition program sponsored by Higher One, a technology and payment services company solely focused on higher education.
Founded in 2000 on a college campus, Higher One serves college and universities by helping business offices eliminate unnecessary costs while providing all students with the choice of easier access to refunds, innovative banking services, and the basics of financial management.
“It’s a very rewarding experience to partner with University Business in recognizing operations efficiencies on campuses across the country,” said Dean Hatton, CEO of HigherOne, the program’s sponsor, “The creativity, tenacity, and determination demonstrated by ‘Models of Efficiency’ winners are inspiring to us in the private sector as we continue to strive to support the streamlining of operations and services in higher education business offices.”
University Business is the leading publication for senior managers at colleges and universities throughout the United States, reaching 48,000 leaders who manage offices such as enrollment, technology, facilities, and academic affairs.
To read more about TAMIU’s recognized efforts, please visit http://www.universitybusiness.com/moe/article/office-information-technology-texas-am-international-university
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