By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DEC. 23, 2025 – As we reflect on 2025, UTRGV celebrates a landmark year: historic firsts, record-breaking growth, elevated national rankings, and major strides in research, health education, and community engagement. From launching a new football era to earning top spots in U.S. college rankings — this year reaffirmed UTRGV’s role as a pillar of opportunity, innovation, and pride for the Rio Grande Valley.
THE TOP 10 MOMENTS THAT DEFINED 2025
- UTRGV launches inaugural football season
UTRGV made history on Aug. 30, 2025, when the Vaqueros took the field for the first time at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, marking the launch of the university’s inaugural football season. The debut ignited school spirit and brought together students, alumni, and the community for a milestone moment in UTRGV athletics.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/08/30/utrgv-makes-history-with-inaugural-football-game.htm
- Record enrollment continues to climb
UTRGV opened Fall 2025 with a first-day enrollment of 35,812 students, marking the sixth consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment and reinforcing the university’s role as a leading access institution in Texas.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/09/2/utrgv-opens-fall-2025-with-another-record-enrollment.htm
- UTRGV celebrates its 10-year anniversary
In 2025, UTRGV marked 10 years since its founding, celebrating a decade of growth in academics, research, health care, infrastructure, and community engagement across the Rio Grande Valley.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/09/3/celebrating-a-decade-of-excellence.htm
- University surpasses $300 million in fundraising
As part of its 10-year milestone, UTRGV announced it had surpassed $300 million in total fundraising since its inception, strengthening support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/10/2/utrgv-surpasses-300-million-in-fundraising.htm
- National recognition for innovation
For the first time, UTRGV was named among the “Most Innovative Schools” in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, highlighting the university’s forward-thinking approach to education and student success.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/09/23/us-news-and-world-report-innovative-school.htm
- Ranked No. 7 nationally by Washington Monthly
UTRGV earned a No. 7 national ranking and No. 1 in Texas in the 2025 Washington Monthly College Guide, recognized for its performance in social mobility, research, and public service.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/08/25/washington-monthly-ranks-utrgv-number-seven-nationally.htm
- Recognized as a Great College to Work For
For the second consecutive year, UTRGV was named one of the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For, reflecting strong campus culture, employee satisfaction, and institutional support.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/09/19/great-colleges-to-work-for-2025.htm
- UTRGV Chess wins fourth national title
The UTRGV Chess Team captured its fourth national championship in April 2025, continuing a legacy of excellence and solidifying the program’s standing among the nation’s elite collegiate chess teams.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/04/6/utrgv-chess-wins-fourth-national-title.htm
- School of Medicine launches Neurology Residency Program
UTRGV expanded graduate medical education with the launch of its Neurology Residency Program, addressing critical health care needs and strengthening the physician pipeline for the Rio Grande Valley.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/11/03/utrgv-school-of-medicine-launches-neurology-residency-program-to-address-growing-healthcare-needs-in-the-rio-grande-valley.htm
- Ribbon cutting held for new Cancer and Surgery Center
UTRGV celebrated the opening of its new Cancer and Surgery Center in October 2025, marking a major expansion in specialized health care services and improving access to advanced treatment for Valley residents.
https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2025/10/8/ribbon-cutting-for-cancer-and-surgery-center.htm
A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER
2025 will be remembered as a turning point: UTRGV didn’t just grow — it leapt. From the roar of fans at the first football game to the growing ranks of dedicated medical and research professionals, from tens of thousands of new students to national recognition for innovation and value — the story of 2025 is one of momentum, ambition, and community uplift.
As the year comes to a close, UTRGV will undoubtedly build on this foundation. With expanded facilities, new academic and health-care offerings, vibrant campus culture, and a deeper connection to the Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV enters 2026 more prepared than ever to lead — educating students, serving families, and transforming lives across the region.
ABOUT UTRGV
Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is on a mission to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas and the world. One of the country’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia certified, UTRGV has earned national recognition for its academic excellence, social mobility and student success since opening in Fall 2015. Ranked among the Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars in 2025 by Washington Monthly (#7 nationally; #1 in Texas), UTRGV continues to break enrollment records, launch new academic and athletics programs and progress toward achieving R1 research status.
The only university in Texas with schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine, UTRGV’s regional footprint spans South Texas – with locations, teaching sites, and centers established in Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Laredo, Port Isabel and South Padre Island.
