TAMIU Signs Agreements with Five Mexican Universities at U.S.-México Roundtable
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with five Mexican universities at a binational energy roundtable that drew energy industry experts to its campus today.
The roundtable, held by Congressman Henry Cuellar, was the first event of its kind in Laredo as it brought together public and private sector officials from the United States and México to strengthen binational cooperation in the development of a more advanced energy infrastructure and border workforce.
Cuéllar served as an honorary witness during the MOU signing between TAMIU, the Universidad Autónoma de México, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, and the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.
The MOUs allow for collaborative educational efforts between TAMIU and the Mexican institutions, including exchange programs for academic material, students and faculty. The agreements reaffirm the institutions’ commitment to collaborative educational programs between the two countries and recognize the value of scientific and educational exchange for promoting the research and teaching activities of the respective institutions.
The agreements will spark innovation for the international oil and gas industry through collaboration on multiple levels of oil and gas training for bachelors and graduate programs.
Congressman Cuellar said the meeting is historic.
“This is a historic event,” said Congressman Cuéllar, “The United States and México are currently experiencing great technological breakthroughs in the energy industry and this is the first time we’ve ever had so many experts in the industry meet to discuss the sector’s future outlook. Laredo is at the forefront of an energy corridor. Recent innovations on both sides of the border have the potential to add thousands of good-paying jobs to rebuild our communities and provide more security to our families.“México’s’ recent energy reform allows for great collaboration and investment from Texas energy companies in order to develop better ways of providing energy to the world. Today’s discussion and the signing of MOUs between TAMIU and Mexican higher education institutions allow young people from both countries to share ideas. This is one of the surest ways to weaken cultural barriers and invest in our future workforce,” Cong. Cuéllar said.
TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck said TAMIU is honored to host the meeting.
“We are honored to host this historic meeting of minds and shared futures. Texas A&M International University, with its academic expertise, Binational Center and research prowess, is ideally poised as an international conduit to help channel strategies focused on strengthening binational cooperation. We are also deeply appreciative of Cong. Cuellar’s visionary leadership on this and also thankful to him for his commitment to expanding our academic linkages with our Mexican university counterparts,” Dr. Keck said.
TAMIU currently offers a pre-Engineering curriculum and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. It has been granted permission to develop additional engineering programs including petroleum engineering.
TAMIU is also home to The Texas Academy of International and STEM Studies. The Academy provides academically motivated high school juniors and seniors with a challenging University-level curriculum. Selected students receive free tuition, fees and books and are able to pursue University degrees in any area, while exploring research and collaborative educational opportunities with project partners.
TAMIU Spring Registration starts Oct. 24. Spring classes begin Jan. 19. Last day of registration is Jan. 26.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
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