By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 30, 2025 – As Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA RGV) this year celebrates 35 years of transforming education in South Texas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is celebrating its first decade of similar transformations.

To mark their mutual milestones, TFA RGV is recognizing a pivotal leader whose vision helped redefine access to higher education in the region.

Dr. Guy Bailey, founding president of UTRGV, has been named the 2025 Educational Champion by Teach For America. The honor will be presented during the organization’s annual Honor Roll Gala set for March 28, 2026, at the Mission Event Center in Mission.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, which truly reflects the shared commitment of our students, faculty and staff at UTRGV,” Bailey said. “Everything we accomplish is rooted in their passion for education and their belief in the transformative power it holds. This award belongs to the Valley, a community that continues to lead with heart, resilience and vision.”

This honor comes as UTRGV commemorates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade since the university opened its doors in Fall 2015 with a mission to transform the Valley through access, excellence and opportunity. According to TFA RGV, under Bailey’s leadership, the university continues to expand educational opportunities across the Valley.

The TFA gala, now in its eighth year, highlights individuals and institutions whose leadership has advanced educational excellence and opportunity across the Valley. This year’s celebration also honors the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) with the 2025 Institutional Catalyst Award for its innovative approach to student achievement, and its partnership with Teach For America in developing the next generation of educators.

The 2026 event also recognizes TFA’s 1,600 alumni for their lasting contributions to regional education.

CHAMPION FOR ACCESS, OPPORTUNITY

Bailey, who has led UTRGV since it was founded in 2014, has guided the institution through a decade of record-breaking milestones – from national recognitions in affordability and social mobility, to historic growth in enrollment, research and philanthropy.

Under Bailey’s leadership, UTRGV has launched groundbreaking initiatives such as Tuition Advantage and Luminary Scholars, programs designed to ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of a world-class education. His commitment to affordability and student success has positioned UTRGV as one of the nation’s leaders in higher education access.

“UTRGV was built by and for the Rio Grande Valley,” Bailey said. “Every milestone we’ve reached reflects the strength of this region and the belief that where you start should never limit how far you can go.”

Before establishing UTRGV, Bailey served as president of Texas Tech University and the University of Alabama, and as chancellor of the University of Missouri–Kansas City. A noted linguist and researcher, his academic work has been featured in The New York Times and on NPR.

35 YEARS OF COLLECTIVE IMPACT

The 2026 Honor Roll Gala will commemorate 35 years of TFA’s impact in the Rio Grande Valley, recognizing more than 1,600 alumni and current corps members who have dedicated their careers to serving local students.

“When students succeed, their communities succeed alongside them,” said Ana Gonzalez, executive director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley. “These honorees embody the dedication, creativity and passion required to ensure every student can reach their full potential.”

Proceeds from the event will support local initiatives that recruit, train and develop educational leaders, including TFA’s Ignite tutoring program and regional alumni network.

The Honor Roll Gala will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Mission Event Center. Programming includes a cocktail reception, dinner and live entertainment.

For tickets and more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org/HonorRollGala.

ABOUT TEACH FOR AMERICA RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Founded in 1991, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley works in partnership with local districts and charter schools to expand educational opportunities for children. The organization recruits and develops a diverse corps of leaders who commit to teaching in high-need schools and continue to serve as lifelong advocates for educational equity. Today, about 400 corps members, alumni, and Ignite fellows have an impact on more than 15,000 students across the region.