TAMIU Names Dr. Juan Lira, Juanita Lira as Recipients of 2025 Innovador Award
Longtime advocates, educators and trailblazers Dr. Juan Lira and his wife Juanita Lira have been named recipients of the Texas A&M International University Innovador Award for 2025, presented during TAMIU’s Faculty and Professional Staff Assembly.
The Innovador Award was established by the late TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz to honor those who have had a profound influence on education in Laredo. The Award is modeled after the Trailblazer Tower on campus and recognizes the trailblazers of today.
The Liras have shared more than 54 years of married life and have dedicated over five decades to education and community service. Their enduring legacy is one of unwavering dedication, humility and influence.
Dr. Lira joined the then-Texas A&I University at Laredo faculty in 1978, serving the University through its changes in name to TAMIU and in numerous campus roles: instructor, chair, teacher certification officer, dean and associate provost. He has researched and published extensively in the field of literacy and his dedication to teaching, research and curriculum development earned him the prestigious Regents Professor title from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in 2002. Upon his retirement in 2013, Dr. Lira was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his lifelong contributions
Juanita Lira has her own remarkable legacy. Now retired, she dedicated her career to public education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of elementary schools and ultimately interim superintendent at United Independent School District.
Interim TAMIU president Juan Castillo said the Lira’s represent a powerful model of service through education and community leadership.
“Their collaborative work with community groups has measurable impact. Their work with Rotary International includes authoring grants for international education programs, fundraising for health initiatives and supporting local schools with resources ranging from books to technology. Their ongoing efforts in education and service have left a tangible impact on countless students and educators on both sides of the U.S.-México border,” Castillo said.
Dr. Lira said the Award was both affirming and humbling.
“Juanita and I are deeply honored to receive this Award and recognition and humbled to be included in the Innovador Award legacy,” he said.
Previous Innovador Award recipients have included Evelyn Summers and her husband, the late Caroll E. Summers, Jr., the late Frank Staggs, the Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation Trustees Bob and the late Shirley González, and State Senator Judith Zaffirini.
For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
Information is also available on the University’s website, tamiu.edu, and social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
