By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 10, 2025 – UTRGV’s annual Convocation had special significance this Fall 2025, marking the university’s 10^th anniversary. This event provided an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to celebrate a decade of success in access to healthcare, affordable education and campus growth. 

Dr. Luis Zayas, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, welcomed the university community on Tuesday, Oct. 7, on the Edinburg Campus and Thursday, Oct. 9, in Brownsville. He introduced UTRGV President Guy Bailey, recognizing his leadership in prioritizing campus culture and employee experience, which led to UTRGV earning the 2025 Great Colleges To Work For distinction for the second consecutive year.

“Great Colleges To Work For is one of the most respected workplace recognition initiatives in the country,” Zayas said. “It's an achievement that strengthens our commitment to enhancing the lives of our community and fostering a workplace where every team member can thrive and make a difference.”

Dr. Luis Zayas, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, welcomes UTRGV staff and faculty to the annual Fall Convocation. (UTRGV Photo by Matthew Cavazos)

“We celebrated 10 years of doing things that people thought couldn't be done,” he said. “We have a very bright future ahead of us because of you, so thank you.”

UTRGV’S INNOVATIONS

Bailey highlighted recent rankings, awards and achievements, noting that UTRGV was recognized as one of the “Most Innovative Schools” by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the university ranked No. 1 in Texas for Social Mobility and Least Debt in the publication.

“We have a new model of financial education,” Bailey said, explaining the UTRGV Tuition Advantage grant’s free tuition for qualifying Texas residents.

“Our debt load among our students is less than it was when we were formed as an institution,” he said. “We're one of the few places in the country where the debt load for students has gone down.”

He also addressed the university’s expansion in healthcare and business development. 

“You can get health care here now that you couldn't get before we were here,” Bailey said.  “We’re about to open a Cancer and Surgery Center. And we serve a lot of businesses in the community that people don’t realize.”

RALLY THE VALLEY 

Zayas recognized the UTRGV Chess team for their fourth national win and praised the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for building campus community around sports.

“Perhaps no single unit does more to bring the RGV community together, raise its spirits and rattle residents around the Valley,” he said. “It's the first thing that much of the public sees, so we’re very proud of what our athletic teams do for us.” 

Men’s Basketball Coach Kahil Fennell spoke about the growth of the Athletics department, highlighting recent wins for the women’s soccer and volleyball teams, as well as the strong foundation established by the football team. 

“The things that they have been able to accomplish on the field have been incredible,” he said.

Fennell invited the community to a Men’s Basketball team open practice on October 22, saying, “I would love, love, love to see everybody there and supporting us at our games.”

Men’s Basketball Coach Kahil Fennell highlighted the Athletics department's growth and recent wins in women’s soccer and volleyball. He invited the community to an open practice on October 22, encouraging support for the team. (UTRGV Photo by Matthew Cavazos)

CELEBRATING FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS

As the event concluded, Zayas emphasized the importance of faculty contributions to UTRGV's mission and success.

“Our faculty make up our intellectual firepower,” he said. “When you look around our campus, you see so many examples of outstanding faculty who propelled us to where we are today and where we will be soon, a Research 1 university.”

He then recognized several outstanding faculty members for their impactful work:

• Riccardo Pizzinato from the College of Fine Arts made a significant breakthrough by uncovering inscriptions on the back of the Genoels-Elderen ivories, two eighth-century artifacts at the Royal Museum of Art and History in Brussels. His interdisciplinary project reassessed their history and significance.
• Carina Marques, associate professor of Anthropology, has been instrumental in providing students with hands-on experiences in forensic science. Her work not only enriches academic learning but also offers vital answers to families of missing persons and cold cases, ensuring dignified identification efforts.
• Liliana Rivera Sandoval, an assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy, was recognized as an International Cottrell Scholar for her groundbreaking research on how stars interact and form dense concentrations. Her contributions enhance our understanding of the universe and elevate UTRGV's reputation in the scientific community.
• Noe Ramos, associate professor of Human Development and School Services, established a program that fosters community among families affected by autism in the RGV. His dedication to building support networks exemplifies the university's commitment to social responsibility.

“Together, our faculty make us Vaquero proud,” Zayas concluded, reinforcing the collective impact of their contributions.

UTRGV faculty and staff were presented with free t-shirts at the convocations held in Edinburg and Brownsville. (UTRGV Photo by Matthew Cavazos)