By Victoria Brito Morales

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DEC. 18, 2025 – For Brownsville native Denisse Jimenez, graduating from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was never in doubt.

“I never really intended to go anywhere else but UTRGV,” Jimenez said. “It was here, I could live at home, and I had Tuition Advantage. I loved it. It was perfect for me.”

Jimenez, a 2023 graduate of James Pace Early College High School, will earn her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UTRGV’s College of Liberal Arts on Friday, Dec. 19, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.

Jimenez discovered her passion for criminal justice while still in high school, when she was invited to participate in a mock trial as a courtroom sketch artist.

“At the time, engineering was my plan,” she said. “But being part of the mock trial was eye-opening. I got to see how everything worked and how cases were built, how people prepared. I fell in love with it almost immediately.”

Watching students portray attorneys and witnesses in real courtrooms, with practicing attorneys serving as judges, sparked her curiosity and set her on a new path.

“That experience made me realize this was my calling,” Jimenez said. “I knew criminal justice was what I wanted to do.”

After graduation, Jimenez hopes to pursue a Master of Business Administration and secure a position within the court system, where she envisions herself working the court system, especially in roles connected to the probation system such as case aide roles, administrative support or records and filing support. 

“I have always found purpose in assisting others, and through my studies in criminal justice, I have come to understand the importance of behind-the-scenes support in ensuring accountability and due process,” Jimenez said. “I can recognize the challenges and imperfections within the criminal justice system, but I believe that by contributing my efforts and work behind the scenes, I can help strengthen a system that is founded in fairness and responsibility.”

ECHO OF GLORY

Jimenez became heavily involved in the award-winning UTRGV chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Iota Kappa Chi, a student organization advised by Dr. Michael R. Sanchez, lecturer III in the Department of Criminal Justice. Through the organization, she competed at both regional and national levels. One of her fondest memories came at a national competition, when an all-women UTRGV firearms team earned first place, an unprecedented win for the organization.

This fall, Jimenez also placed first in Upper Division Team Shooting at the regional ACJA competition in San Marcos, Texas. Sanchez said he witnessed Jimenez grow into her potential and foresees her succeeding in whatever path she chooses.

Jimenez credits Sanchez with helping her envision opportunities she never imagined.

“He completely changed my life,” she said. “He opened my mind and gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have. From competitions to leadership roles. He saw something in me before I saw it in myself.”

A PILLAR OF SUPPORT

Jimenez’s older sister, Arely Jimenez Chavez, is a major influence as she set out on her own journey. Chavez is a 2013 graduate of UTRGV legacy institution UT Brownsville and now works as an administrative specialist and contracting officer for the U.S. Probation Office and the federal courts in the Southern District of Texas.

“Denisse is one of the most dedicated and responsible people I know,” Jimenez Chavez said. “I have always admired her strong will and diligence, and I am confident she will excel in any path she chooses. There are no words to describe how proud I am of her – my baby sister. I cannot wait to see her walk across that stage.”

As her college journey comes to an end, Jimenez said she is grateful for the support of her family, friends and mentors.

“I wouldn’t be here without them,” she said. “Walking across that stage is for all of us.”

UTRGV COMMENCEMENT AT BERT OGDEN ARENA

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

• 10 a.m. - College of Fine Arts, College of Sciences and College of Education and p-16 Integration
• 4 p.m. - School of Social Work and College of Liberal Arts

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

• 10 a.m. College of Engineering and Computer Science, Robert C. Vacar College of Business and Entreprenearship
• 4 p.m. College of Health Professions, School of Nursing

For more information on UTRGV Fall 2025 Commencement, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/commencement/fall-2025-commencement/index.htm