TAMIU Kinesiology Grads Gain Admission to Graduate Programs Across the U.S.

Three Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Spring 2026 Kinesiology program graduates will continue their studies through various graduate programs across the U.S.

TAMIU alumni Grecia Morales was accepted into the M.S. in Kinesiology and Health at the University of Wyoming; Miguel Nieto was accepted into the M.S. in Exercise Physiology at Baylor University, and Alan Vielma was accepted into the M.S. in Recreation and Sport Management at Texas State University.

The recent graduates began their applications in Fall 2025 and were supported by their mentor and College of Nursing and Health Sciences assistant professor of Kinesiology Dr. Jose M. Moris. In addition to being accepted into their respective programs, all students received graduate assistantship positions – a feat Moris proudly touts.

“A major milestone in our field of Kinesiology is discovering how to use our education to genuinely help others. Our discipline gives students the foundation to step into healthcare‑related roles, but the real turning point comes when they begin to see themselves as capable of doing so. For these students, that shift didn’t happen overnight. Many of them never imagined they were ‘grad school material’. What changed was a combination of planning, honest conversations about their goals, and the courage to take a risk on themselves,” said Moris.

He continued, “What makes their accomplishments especially meaningful is that they reflect the heart of TAMIU’s mission: empowering students to transform their lives, pursue leadership, and serve their communities. These students embraced that mission fully. The qualities that helped them reach this milestone were their willingness to be vulnerable, to ask for guidance, and to recognize that learning never stops. That mindset is what carried them forward and will continue to shape them as future healthcare professionals.”

Morales, whose motivation for pursing graduate studies stemmed from her passion toward helping others improve their quality of life, realized that through her research and practicum experiences of physical therapy while studying at the University, prepared her to continue her studies.

“I wanted to pursue graduate school to challenge myself intellectually, gain new experiences, think more critically, and continue conducting research within kinesiology. Through research, I learned the importance of curiosity, discipline, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Choosing to attend the University of Wyoming and move sixteen hours away from my hometown was not an easy decision, but I saw it as an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by stepping outside of my comfort zone,” said Morales.

She reiterated, “My undergraduate experiences at TAMIU prepared me academically and personally for graduate school. Courses such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, anatomy and physiology, and motor learning strengthened my critical thinking and understanding of human movement. One of the most meaningful experiences during my undergraduate career was conducting research alongside my mentor, Dr. Jose Moris, who helped ignite my passion for research and lifelong learning. I am also deeply grateful to Linda Villareal, whose encouragement taught me the importance of resilience, positivity, and believing in my own capabilities.”

Morales hopes to someday open her own rehabilitation clinic to help build a career where she can help others – qualities she notes were formulated while a student at the University.

“TAMIU shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me perseverance and helping me grow both academically and personally. I entered college without fully understanding the value of education, but through the guidance of mentors, professors, and peers, I developed a strong passion for learning and self-growth. My experiences in research and the friendships I built along the way taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and community.”

Nieto, who is excited to begin his graduate school journey, was drawn to the idea of expanding his knowledge after being shaped by his experiences at the University.

“One of the most impactful experiences was Dr. Kyung-Shin Park's Exercise Physiology course, along with the opportunity he extended to me to be part of his research lab for two years. That experience was invaluable as I developed hands-on skills in data collection, manuscript and abstract writing, poster presentations, statistical analysis, and the interpretation of results... I also greatly benefited from Dr. Jose Moris's Exercise Prescription course... Beyond the classroom, Dr. Moris was also a guide throughout the graduate school application process, offering direction and challenging me to think in new ways not just about graduate studies, but about how to carry myself and grow as a professional overall,” said Nieto.

Nieto, who hopes to either pursue a clinical or academic role in Kinesiology, hopes to contribute to his field in a positive way, and aid those he serves.

“Alongside these aspirations, I also have a deep desire to teach at the university level, where I hope to one day inspire and challenge students the same way my own professors at TAMIU inspired and challenged me. Whichever direction I take, my ultimate goal remains the same, which is to make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of the people I serve,” said Nieto.

Vielma’s passion for sports management and desire to build his leadership skills was underscored by his experiences while a student at the University.

“As an undergraduate student, I was able to acquire many academic and professional skills by completing various courses, presentations, research projects, and group work. I learned how to better communicate, manage my time, work with others, and think on my feet when faced with different situations. Two professors who had an impact on me during my undergraduate courses were Dr. Mandeville and Dr. Moris. They both encouraged me to push myself and believe in my capabilities. Dr. Mandeville and Dr. Moris challenged me throughout the courses they taught, but [they] also taught me about professionalism and being a leader in the professional world,” said Vielma.

Vielma, who hopes to someday become an athletic director at a university or school district, hopes to build on what he learned while at the University.

“I want to become a leader that can help better sports programs and help student-athletes reach their goals. I hope to one day use the knowledge, skills, and experience I gain from graduate school to help run athletic programs. I also hope to be a leader and role model

for students and athletes,” Vielma emphasized.

Currently, the University’s Kinesiology Non-Certification program educates and prepares qualified professionals in Kinesiology and health/wellness to promote healthy and active lifestyles to citizens of the South Texas region and beyond. The program boasts recognition from the National Strength & Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program (NSCAERP) for their Undergraduate Strength and Conditioning Program as well as their Personal Training Program.

Prospective students interested in future careers in Kinesiology can learn more at https://www.tamiu.edu/conhs/kinesiology.shtml. 

Registration for Summer and Fall 2026 classes at TAMIU is underway online via Uconnect. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at https://go.tamiu.edu/registration. 

More on the University’s story is available at tamiu.edu and on the University’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

TAMIU Kinesiology graduates smile brightly at their Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Pictured, from left to right, are Alan Vielma, Grecia Morales and Miguel Nieto.