TAMIU Applauds Texas Legislature for Historic, Record Investments in Higher Education Here
Texas A&M International University interim president Juan J. Castillo joined Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp in thanking Texas lawmakers for delivering significant funding increases to The Texas A&M University System members during the 89th Legislative Session.
Sharp said the funding will strengthen the System’s ability to serve Texas and meet the needs of its people, from higher education and healthcare to emergency response and workforce development.
Texas A&M System universities received a $60.4 million increase in formula funding, part of a $226.5 million statewide increase to support instruction, operations, infrastructure, and research. The Legislature also maintained performance-based funding for regional universities. Higher Education Fund appropriations for the System’s eligible universities increased by nearly $20 million annually, helping address capital, library, and equipment needs.
“These investments are a sign of trust — and they allow us to do more of what we do best: serve this state,” Sharp said, “We are deeply grateful to the Legislature, especially Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows. And we thank Governor Greg Abbott for signing this budget and continuing to champion public higher education across Texas.”
TAMIU’s Castillo concurred, noting that the University’s growth and strength were aggressively championed by its Legislative team with an $8.8 million general revenue (GR) funding increase, to total $ 77.7 million in Net GR for the biennium.
“As our history attests, TAMIU’s success, growth, and excellence are empowered by the stalwart efforts of our Legislative team members, led by Senate Dean Judith Zaffirini (District 21), who has championed every step of our University’s growth and development throughout our nearly 55-year history,” Castillo said.
Senator Zaffirini said the increase is reflective of the Texas Legislature’s commitment to higher education in South Texas.
“Texas A&M International University’s increase in General Revenue funding, as well as $3 million in supplemental funding for new Civil Engineering and Computer Science degree programs, underscore the Texas Legislature’s strong commitment to higher education in South Texas. These investments will help meet our state’s growing workforce needs while expanding opportunities for our students.
“I was proud to sponsor this critical funding and thank Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Reps. Richard Peña Raymond and Don McLaughlin and TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo for their collaborative leadership roles in making this possible,” Senator Zaffirini said.
Castillo said these combined efforts with the A&M System marked a milestone for TAMIU.
“In concert with our A&M System leadership, all helped TAMIU achieve the highest biennial growth in Net General Revenue among all regional universities in the A&M System,” he said.
Castillo noted there were clear drivers for the funding increase at TAMIU.
“This was largely driven by our strong growth in enrollment and, more importantly, in semester credit hour production, which contributed to an increase in formula funding. In addition, steady gains in our number of graduates led to a modest boost in Comprehensive Regional University funding. We were also fortunate to receive $3 million in supplemental, non-formula funding to support the launch of new degree programs in Civil Engineering and Computer Science,” he explained.
Castillo observed that enrollment growth and the State’s support of that growth has generational implications for Laredo and beyond.
“As the university of choice for Laredo and the surrounding region, Texas A&M International University plays a transformational role—changing lives, fulfilling dreams, and creating brighter futures. This impact, however, is only possible through the State’s pivotal investment in our institution, and that is why we were so pleased with the outcome of the 89th Legislative Session.
“We often speak with pride about our affordability, accessibility, and exceptionality. The continued investment from the State allows us to uphold these commitments and ensure the success of our students. Since Fall of 2021, we have held tuition costs steady, enabling us to maintain the lowest tuition and fees of any South Texas university,” Castillo observed.
Chancellor Sharp, who steered the A&M System through his last Legislative Session before his retirement this month after 14 years of service to the System, offered a sweeping summation.
“This funding reflects what the Legislature sees in us: a System that delivers for Texas,” Sharp said, “It’s our job to take these resources and turn them into results — for students, for families, and for the future of this state.”
For more on key program-specific funding across the A&M System’s campuses including 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M-Fort Worth, and the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus, go here.
Registration for TAMIU’s Summer and Fall 2025 is underway online via Uconnect.
For more on TAMIU’s story, visit online at tamiu.edu or follow TAMIU on socials at @TXAMIU on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X-Twitter.
