Every month, VBR publishes a story about a current Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement participant or one who has already earned a certificate or degree, altering the trajectory of his or her life. This month, we feature Rhonda Diaz, who will graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in December with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “Before VIDA, I was attending college part time; with VIDA’s…
UTRGV has been granted accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Dance for its dance program, meaning its Dance Department has met the highest standards in providing dance students educational services. The accreditation also means the department officially meets national standards for schools of dance set by professionals and experts in the field. The decision was came from the organization’s commission, which is comprised of elected peer representatives of…
The UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science launched its first Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering at an inaugural reception on Sept. 17 at the Ballroom on the Edinburg Campus. University and Valley leaders along with officials from the National Science Foundation were in attendance to usher in the new doctoral program. “This is a momentous and historic event for our College and University,” said Ala R. Qubbaj,…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics scored a touchdown on Sept. 28 with a new partnership designating the McAllen International Airport as the official airport of the UTRGV Vaqueros. The announcement came during a press conference held at the McAllen International Airport. “We’re all very excited about this new partnership, especially for our student-athletes who will benefit most of all,” said Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora, McAllen…
Degreechoices.com has ranked UTRGV highly in several categories, including first among Texas public universities for best relative economic value. Degreechoices.com has also ranked UTRGV third for best colleges in Texas and third in the nation for MSW programs. Additionally, the university ranks fifth for bachelor’s programs in criminal justice. Overall, UTRGV ranks 15th in the nation (seventh among national public schools), just behind Rice. The ranking for value is detailed in an…
South Texas College Vice President of Advancement and Economic Development Rodney Rodriguez is among the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ 2023-2024 HACU Leadership Academy Fellows cohort. HACU’s Leadership academy or La Academia de Liderazgo annually selects 50 fellows from throughout the United States. It is designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education. “I am profoundly honored and incredibly thrilled to have been selected as one…
South Texas College Veterans and Military Services has been awarded top honors by the Texas Veterans Commission for its commitment to supporting the needs of student veterans and their families. TVC has announced that STC has been given the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award for the 2022-2023 school year. The commission will officially present the award to the college in the coming weeks. “As a Veterans Department, we feel honored…
The McAllen ISD Board of Trustees gave the green light to advertise for a permanent superintendent following a board workshop on Sept. 11. The board’s consensus was to fill the position this fall. Before that happens, the Board of Trustees want to gather feedback from the public. “The role of the superintendent is pivotal in shaping the educational trajectory of our district,” Board President Debbie Crane Aliseda said. “This is…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Monday started the 2023-24 academic year as the No. 1 university in Texas, based on Washington Monthly magazine’s annual college guide and rankings. According to Washington Monthly, instead of rewarding schools for their prestige, wealth and exclusivity, its rankings give points to universities that help non-wealthy students earn remunerative degrees, encourage students to vote and serve their country, and produce the scholars…
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently released the Fall 2023 issue of the Almanac of Higher Education 2023, where for the sixth year in a row, UTRGV is ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing public doctoral institutions in the United States. The latest rankings in the almanac reflect the overall enrollment during the decade of 2011-2021. While the nation’s overall enrollment declined during that period, UTRGV surged and was ranked as the third-fastest growing institution…