Author Archives: VBR

UTRGV Receives Another PhD Program Approval

UTRGV Engineering Building in Edinburg. (photo UTRGV)

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved the first Ph.D. program for the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science. The new Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Materials Science and Engineering is the ninth doctoral program to be approved for the university since its inception in 2015. It is also the seventh to be implemented in the past two years. Overall, the new program bumps the number of Ph.D. degrees…

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De Hoyos Becomes McAllen ISD Acting Superintendent

Rosalba De Hoyos

Last week, McAllen ISD‘s Board of Trustees unanimously selected longtime educator Rosalba De Hoyos as the acting superintendent of Schools at a Special Meeting. Outgoing Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez made the recommendation.  “She has done a phenomenal job,” Gonzalez said. “She’s a tremendous educator. I have all the confidence in the world of her.” During her 29-year career, De Hoyos has served as a teacher (both elementary and secondary), counselor, dean…

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IMAS Invites McAllen Residents To Back To School Bash

IMAS Educator Edgar Cortez gives a Science on a Sphere presentation to McAllen ISD students.

The International Museum of Art & Science and McAllen Public Utility host the Back to School Bash on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The immersive event celebrates the new school year with a fusion of art, science and community engagement, and will feature a wide range of activities and community partner booths for attendees of all ages. In addition to the engaging activities, the Back to School…

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STC First In Nation To Offer RN Apprenticeship

STC RN Apprenticeship Program Announcement

In a historic moment for South Texas College, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, in collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission, recently announced that the college is the first in the nation to be approved to implement a newly formed Registered Apprenticeship Program in the occupation of Registered Nurse. “This heralds a new era in nursing education and solidifies STC’s standing as a state and national leader in…

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City Of McAllen Launches Ask McAllen

Ask McAllen

The City of McAllen now has a new customer service platform, Ask McAllen. The additional customer service tool includes a text message feature and an accessible web chat assistant on the City of McAllen’s website. This new feature is part of the City of McAllen’s well established 3-1-1 Customer Service Call Center and its mobile app. To start a conversation via text message, text the word “Hello” to MC311 (62311).…

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Edinburg Chamber Seeks New Board Member

Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for a new board member to join the organization. “We are seeking dedicated individuals who are enthusiastic about serving their community and effectively serving our 500+ business members,” stated Ronnie Larralde, executive director of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Board members are required to adhere to the following criteria: A member or an employee of a business who is a chamber…

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McAllen ISD STRIDES Wins TRA Award

(photo McAllen ISD Facebook)

The McAllen ISD STRIDES Program is the inaugural winner of the Texas Restaurant Association’s Innovation in Excellence Award. The award serves to recognize individuals, groups or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of culinary and hospitality education. According to TRA, the award is a “celebration of those who have dedicated themselves to improving the education experience for both students and teachers and demonstrated…

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TSTC Prepares To Fill Hygienist Shortage

Texas State Technical College’s Dental Hygiene program

Texas State Technical College’s Dental Hygiene program is training students to meet the need for workers in Texas. According to a recent American Dental Association report, the dental sector is facing a serious workforce shortage. Vacant positions in dental assisting and dental hygiene have reduced dental practice capacity by an estimated 10 percent nationally. Raquel Rico, TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program director in Harlingen, said the primary focus of the program’s education is about hands-on training.…

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Another Statewide First For South Texas College

The South Texas College Centers for Learning Excellence is the first in the state to be certified for its online services by the Association of Colleges for Tutoring and Learning Assistance

The South Texas College Centers for Learning Excellence is the first in the state to be certified for its online services by the Association of Colleges for Tutoring and Learning Assistance. The national organization works to improve tutorial programs and related services among organizations across the country dedicated to college and university learning assistance or developmental education. The organization’s mission is to foster and promote racial and socioeconomic equity in…

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Leadership Edinburg Class XXXV Applications Open

Leadership Edinburg

The Leadership Edinburg steering committee is now accepting applications for the Leadership Edinburg Class XXXV. Aspiring community leaders may to submit their applications through Aug. 18. For years, Leadership Edinburg has been a pivotal platform, connecting community leaders from across the city and region, empowering them with advanced leadership skills. The program’s commitment to excellence has consistently contributed to the growth and improvement of highly motivated professionals. “We are proud…

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