By News and Media Relations

MISSION, TEXAS – APRIL 3, 2026 – For the past 10 years, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, led by UTRGV President Guy Bailey, has broadened educational opportunities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Teach For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA RGV) recently honored Bailey for his efforts in expanding access to higher education, naming him the 2026 Education Champion. He received the honor at the organization’s 2026 Honor Roll Gala on Saturday, March 28, at the Mission Event Center.

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

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, which truly reflects the shared commitment of our students, faculty and staff at UTRGV,” Bailey said. “It’s one of the great untold stories about the Rio Grande Valley. We have a great education system down here – a community that’s hungry for education and supports it like no other community I’ve ever been in. Teach for America is part of that. Thank you for this honor.”

The 2026 Honor Roll Gala commemorated 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. The gala highlights individuals and institutions whose leadership advances educational excellence and opportunity across the Valley.

This year’s celebration also honored the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) with the 2026 Institutional Catalyst Award for its innovative approach to student achievement and its partnership with Teach For America in developing the next generation of educators.

Dr. Veronica Kortan, HCISD superintendent, thanked Bailey and UTRGV for the partnership and shared mission to create systemic change in education. The district and the university entered into an agreement in fall 2017 to create UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School, offering students the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school.

“It’s hard to believe, Dr. Bailey, that it’s been about 12 years since we sat with visionary leaders and we challenged ourselves to think how do we do our part in the world of education,” she said during her acceptance speech. “Today, I am proud to say, after more than a decade of that work, we have a teacher residency that is thriving in HCISD.”

Ana Gonzalez, executive director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley, said that the honorees “embody the dedication, creativity and passion” needed to help every student reach their full potential. 

“When students succeed, their communities succeed alongside them,” Gonzalez said.

DECADE OF CHANGES

Bailey’s honor coincides with UTRGV’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade since the university opened in Fall 2015 with a mission to transform the Valley through access, excellence and opportunity.

UTRGV launched groundbreaking initiatives such as Tuition Advantage and Luminary Scholars to reduce financial barriers to a world-class education. Bailey’s commitment to affordability and student success has positioned UTRGV as a national leader in higher education access. 

The university was recently named a Top Contributor for the TFA 2025 Teaching Corps with more than 19 UTRGV alumni stepping into classrooms across the country.

Bailey said he is proud of UTRGV’s longstanding partnership with Teach For America and its impact on students and teachers in the region.

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

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.