Background
B3 builds on the strong commitments of its legacy institutions relative to bilingualism and biculturalism. Legacy institution UT Brownsville innovated a Dual Language track for students who could earn a seal of biliteracy upon graduation. Legacy institution UT Pan American was a national leader in producing bilingual education teachers, and it created the Center for Bilingual Studies, an important initiative that participated in shaping the B3 Institute. UTPA gained acclaim through the work of the Center for Mexican American Studies and its Mexican American Studies program. And UTB/TSC was an innovator in Translation and Interpreting services.
When the Legislature of the State of Texas passed legislation to create the new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the UT System Board of Regents announced a set of principles to guide the establishment of the UTRGV. Among the principles, Regents called on the new university to explore biculturalism, bilingualism, and biliteracy as part of its new fabric. The B3 Institute was created to respond to this principle articulated by the Board of Regents.