TAMIU Graduate Student Part of Historic Semester
While he’s had a lifelong fascination with literature, Texas A&M international University (TAMIU) graduate English student James Buckley is making a little history this semester. Buckley is the 1000thstudent in TAMIU’s graduate programs and part of TAMIU’s record Spring enrollment with 7,436 combined undergraduate and graduate students -- a 6% increase over last Spring’s 7,017 enrollment.
Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Jennifer Coronado, said Buckley is also part of a larger record: a 25% increase in Graduate School enrollment. Of this Spring’s total TAMIU enrollment, 1013 are graduate or doctoral students.
“Mr. Buckley is expanding on his family’s history and legacy with TAMIU as part of an impressive growth trajectory here. That growth is being fueled by a broad degree inventory and the addition of online opportunities,” Dr. Coronado explained.
Currently, TAMIU offers seven online programs, as well as 16 traditional face-to-face programs, professional certificates and a Ph.D. program. Most online and on-campus programs do not require a GRE.
Buckley, a secondary ELA teacher for the Laredo Independent School District at its Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School of Communication and Fine Arts, said his graduate degree pursuit has paid off…even before graduation.
“I already received what I wanted from pursuing a graduate degree at TAMIU. I have many fond memories, met many wonderful people, and stretched my brain by having high-level discussions on various literature offerings. Everyone should continue taking classes, just for the conversations about life that result from analyzing literature,” he observed.
He said the degree pursuit has also had real-world application.
“I enjoy teaching my subject and I enjoy seeing the students making realizations about literature. I've had ex-students come back later and discuss stories or poems they still remember from the class, and that always brings a smile to my face,” he said.
Buckley, who also earned his undergraduate degree at TAMIU, comes from a long line of TAMIU alumni. His late mother, Esther Buckley, a popular Cigarroa High School Science teacher and Martin High School teacher at the Health Science Magnet, was the University’s 3000thstudent to enroll in 1998. Other family members include his sisters, Trina Bratton and Rebecca Rodríguez, and his nephews Sean and Sam Bratton and Rene Peña.
Buckley’s family legacy to TAMIU has clearly impacted him, but it’s his love of learning that drives him most.
“As an English teacher, I love literature. I wanted to enjoy the opportunity of having stimulating conversations about literature while learning more about what I teach. Also, you can't help but grow when you learn. I met many wonderful people in the program and I am grateful for that too,” he concluded.
For information on TAMIU Graduate School Programs, call 956.326.3020, email graduateschool@tamiu.edu or visit online at www.tamiu.edu/gradschool.
An opportunity to explore the University and its program will occur this weekend at “Discover TAMIU,” Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Texas A&M International University. Now in its fifth year, Discover TAMIU is a campus-wide annual open house featuring over 90 activities for all ages. The event serves as an opportunity for community members to engage with the University in a meaningful way, while enjoying the sights and sounds of campus life.
For a full list of activities, visit the online event program at go.tamiu.edu/discoverprogram.
More of the University’s story is available on its website, tamiu.edu and dedicated social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
James Buckley, TAMIU grad student.
