By Victoria Brito Morales

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – APRIL 27, 2026 – During National Student Employment Week, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley recognized outstanding student employees and supervisors at two annual awards ceremonies.

To celebrate the week, April 13-17, UTRGV Human Resources hosted the ceremonies in Brownsville and Edinburg on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The events honored top student workers and supervisors across campus.

National Student Employment Week is observed each year during the second week of April to highlight student employment programs, and the role student employees play in higher education.

Emilia Treviño, director of Talent Acquisition and Mobility for UTRGV Human Resources, said student employees and supervisors play an essential role in shaping the university community and contributing to its success.

Jaine Villarreal, assistant director for Student Accessibility Services, was named Supervisor of the Year for Brownsville. Villarreal has worked at UTRGV for eight years and supervises six student employees. (UTRGV Photo by Victoria Brito Morales)

“With passionate supervisors and exceptional student employees like those we are honoring today, I have no doubt that the UTRGV legacy of excellence will continue to shine,” said Treviño.

More than 50 supervisors and 50 student employees were nominated across UTRGV campuses. Departments submitted nominations for the Student Employee of the Year award, with recipients recognized during the ceremonies. Additional awards included honors for Student Experience Internship (SEI) and Supervisor of the Year.

BROWNSVILLE AWARD WINNERS

Alexis Diaz, a junior economics major from Brownsville, was named Student Employee of the Year for Brownsville. Diaz was unable to attend the ceremony, and his award was accepted by Erin Ferrell, program coordinator for UTRGV Student Activities, who was also nominated for Supervisor of the Year.

“I feel greatly honored for him and excited for him because he works really hard,” Ferrell said. “He works two jobs – one here and one at Nerve Coffee.”

After the ceremony, Diaz said he was grateful for the recognition and nomination by Ferrell.

“It feels nice to have my efforts recognized by both my supervisor, Erin Ferrell, and the committee that chose me based on my work ethic,” Diaz said.

Jaine Villarreal, assistant director for Student Accessibility Services, was named Supervisor of the Year for Brownsville. Villarreal has worked at UTRGV for eight years and supervises six student employees.

“For me, it’s very significant,” Villarreal said. “I try to be supportive and always ask how they are doing, if they are enrolled in classes and succeeding, making sure they take advantage of all the resources.”

Elianna Amaris Olivo, a Weslaco native who is a graduate student in the Applied Statistics and Data Science program, was named Student Employee of the Year for Edinburg. (UTRGV Photo by Karen Villarreal)

EDINBURG AWARD WINNERS

Elianna Amaris Olivo, a Weslaco native who is a graduate student in the Applied Statistics and Data Science program, was named Student Employee of the Year for Edinburg.

“I never expected to be nominated or awarded,” Olivo said. “I am excited to be here.”

Olivo said her work at the Center for Teaching Excellence helped her develop professionally during her three years with the center.

“When I first started, I wasn’t sure how confident I could be with the work we do,” she said. “But now I work as one of the main student partner leaders. I co-facilitate meetings and presentations with both students and faculty, so it’s been great for developing my leadership skills.”

Hector Vasquez, a technology support specialist II for UTRGV Infrastructure and Operations, was named Supervisor of the Year for Edinburg. He has worked at the university for 33 years. (UTRGV Photo by Karen Villarreal)

Hector Vasquez, a technology support specialist II for UTRGV Infrastructure and Operations, was named Supervisor of the Year for Edinburg. He has worked at the university for 33 years.

“It feels very good that someone took the time to even nominate me for this award,” Vasquez said. “And to get this award, even better.”

ADDITIONAL 2026 AWARDEES

• Outstanding Student Experience Internship (SEI) of the Year: Keyla M. Rosas-Mata, a chemistry major from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
• SEI Leadership Excellence Award: Ricardo Ruiz Martinez, a psychology major from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
• SEI Innovation and Creativity Award: Emely Martinez, an integrated health studies major from Alamo
• SEI Networking Champion Award: Valeria Lopez, a biology major from Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico
• SEI Mentorship Excellence Award: Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava, professor of psychological sciences
• SEI Inspiring Role Model Award: Luis Alcocer, research administration training manager for the Department of Research Enhancement
• SEI Collaborative Mentor Award: Dr. Erin Easton, assistant professor in the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences
• SEI Career Impact Award: Dr. Mirayda Torres-Avila, assistant director for Post Approval Monitoring / Training for the Department of Research Compliance

For more information about UTRGV student employment opportunities, visit the UTRGV Student Employment Office at https://www.utrgv.edu/human-resources/student-employee/index.htm