News contributing to Sustainability at UTRGV and Beyond

2024 - October

The fifth cohort of the Physician Assistant Career Track Early Assurance Program (PACT) in the College of Health Professions at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley attended the White Coat Ceremony for the PA class of 2026 this summer. The cohort, shown from left, includes Alondra Arjona, Vanesa Calvillo-Fernandez, Melissa Gonzalez, Ciara Salazar and Joseph Montoya. (UTRGV Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV admits fifth PACT cohort to Physician Assistant early assurance program

The fifth cohort of the Physician Assistant Career Track Early Assurance Program (PACT) at UTRGV has begun its higher education journey with five new Valley students. Since 2020, the PACT program, UTRGV College of Health Professions, has provided South Texas students with a pathway to a future career as a...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 4 Quality Education

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 3 Good Health and Well-Being

In the front row, seated from left to right: Dr. Everardo Cobos, chair of medicine and oncology; Dr. Subhash C. Chauhan, director of the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research; Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president for UT Health RGV; U.S. Rep. Vicente González (TX-34); UTRGV President Guy Bailey; and Dr. Can (John) Saygin, senior vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College. Researchers from the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research stand behind them. (UTRGV photo by Jesús Alférez)

UTRGV awarded $18.4M NIH grant to establish cancer research center

UTRGV has received an $18.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Rio Grande Valley Cancer Health Disparity Research Center (RGV-CHDRC). The center, announced today during a press conference, aims to reduce cancer health disparities in underserved Hispanic...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 10 Reduced Inequalities

UTRGV School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences is the recipient of a nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to coordinate calculus instruction between UTRGV and South Texas College to increase student success. From left, Guillermo Garza, UTRGV lecturer III in the School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences (SMSS); Dr. Baofeng Feng, UTRGV professor in SMSS; Dr. Roger Knobel, UTRGV associate professor in SMSS; Dr. Timothy Huber, UTRGV professor and chair of SMSS, Mario Morin, chair of the STC Mathematics Program; and Daniel Montez, STC professor in the Mathematics Department. (UTRGV Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV and STC receive NSF grant for coordinated studies in calculus

The UTRGV School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (SMSS) has been awarded an almost $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to coordinate calculus instruction between UTRGV and South Texas College (STC). The “HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: Enhancing Student...

2024 - September

Dr. Nirakar Sahoo, associate professor, recently tenured, in the UTRGV School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences, has received an almost $1 million NSF CAREER award to study the body’s cellular defense mechanisms. (UTRGV Photo by Jesús Alfe´rez)

UTRGV’s Nirakar Sahoo receives NSF CAREER Award

Dr. Nirakar Sahoo, associate professor, recently tenured, in the UTRGV School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences (SIBCS), has received an Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation for $992,639, to study xenophagy, a defense mechanism...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 9 Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

UTRGV Enactus is this year's Enactus USA's 2024 National Champions. The team will be competing in the Enactus World Cup in October against 33 countries held in in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Courtesy Photo: Stephen Spillman (Enactus USA))

From Victory to Venture: UTRGV Enactus champions set out for Kazakhstan

UTRGV Enactus student members will be travelling more than 7,000 miles across the world in October to compete in a global competition. In a symbolic triumph for the Texas border region, the UTRGV Enactus Chapter claimed the 2024 Enactus USA National Champion title at the annual...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Dr. Subhash Chauhan, director of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, says that developing targeted drugs for pancreatic cancer is another area of research he and his team are investigating. Their work is part of a broader effort to advance cancer research in the Rio Grande Valley, aiming to bring innovative treatments and discoveries to the local community. (UTRGV Photo by Maria Gonzalez)

UTRGV researchers developing drugs to fight pancreatic and prostate cancer

Researchers at the UTRGV School of Medicine are at the forefront of developing novel drug therapies for two of the deadliest forms of cancer: pancreatic and prostate. While mortality rates for most cancers are improving, pancreatic cancer continues...

Dr. Diana Chapa, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the UTRGV School of Medicine and a board-certified psychiatrist at UT Health RGV, is leading the charge to transform healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley. Through her work in academic medicine, Chapa not only helps patients, but also inspires the next generation of physicians in the Valley, paving the way for those women who, like her, once dreamed of wearing the white coat. (UTRGV Photo)

UTRGV Valley physician brings innovative depression therapy to Valley patients

In Mexican culture, a "curandero" is a traditional healer known for using natural remedies and spiritual practices to treat ailments. For Dr. Diana Chapa, chair of the Department of Neuro and Behavioral Health at the UTRGV School of Medicine and a psychiatrist at UT Health RGV, folk healing was her earliest exposure...

UTRGV has been recognized as the top public university in Texas for social mobility in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report college rankings. This prestigious ranking highlights UTRGV's exceptional success in helping students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, graduate and improve their economic standing. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

U.S. News and World Report: UTRGV No. 1 in Texas public universities for social mobility

When it comes to transforming the lives of its students, UTRGV stands as the top institution in Texas, according to the 2025 U.S. News and World Report college rankings. U.S. News ranked UTRGV No. 1 among Texas public universities for social mobility...

GEAR UP students visit the UTRGV campuses in Brownsville and Edinburg throughout their time in GEAR UP for various events. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV GEAR UP awarded $28 million grant for college readiness programs

UTRGV has started the Fall semester with renewed funding for its Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, known as GEAR UP. The funding is more than $28 million for the next seven years. UTRGV is one of six awardees in Texas and one of 18 nationwide out of 118 applicants...

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was recognized today as one of the best places to work in higher education, according to the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For program. Only 75 institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies, placing UTRGV among a select group of top-performing schools in the country. (UTRGV Archival Photo)

UTRGV named ‘2024 Great College to Work For’

UTRGV continues to set the standard for excellence — not just in education, but also in creating a welcoming, supportive work environment. This year, the university is recognized as one of the best places to work in higher education, according to the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For program. The results...

Derek Abrams, RCVCOBE associate professor of practice for entrepreneurship and innovation, recently was awarded the inaugural 2024 Faculty Explorer Award from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP). (Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV professor earns awards from EnergyTech UP faculty competitions

A UTRGV business professor has earned important recognition for his dedication to helping students and members of the university community interested in energy technology. Derek Abrams, RCVCOBE associate professor of practice for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, recently was awarded the...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Dr. Everardo Cobos, medical oncologist and hematologist at UT Health RGV, chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology at the UTRGV School of Medicine and director of the Cancer Service Line at the Cancer and Surgery Center, spoke at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Living Well with Blood Cancer” educational event. Speaking to cancer survivors, patients, and healthcare professionals, Cobos highlighted the history of blood cancer treatments and advancements in the field. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

UT Health RGV cancer experts share blood cancer care advances

For Dr. Everardo Cobos, medical oncologist and hematologist at UT Health RGV, the fight against cancer has been a lifelong commitment. “In 1985, I saw my first leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma (blood cancer) patients during my oncology (cancer care and treatment) fellowship," said Cobos, chair...

UTRGV President Guy Bailey announced two programs – Master of Education in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) and a bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science – that will now be available through the UT Education and Research Center at Laredo. The announcement was made at a press conference in Laredo on Wednesday celebrating the center's three-year anniversary. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

UTRGV expands accredited health-focused programs to Laredo

UTRGV celebrated the third anniversary of the University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo on Sept. 18 with the announcement of two programs that now will be available through the center in Laredo. In continued efforts to meet the need for community mental health professionals in South...

UTRGV was awarded a $30 million grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (VBLF) for the establishment of the UTRGV Diabetes Center of Excellence. A press conference was held on Monday morning in Harlingen to announce the major initiative designed to combat diabetes through collaborative disease management, research and education in the area. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

UTRGV receives transformational $30 million grant to establish Diabetes Center of Excellence

The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (VBLF) has awarded a significant $30 million grant to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to establish the UTRGV Diabetes Center of Excellence (UTRGV DCE). The initiative, announced during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, will address the...

The CHAPS documentary film “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight” was an official film selection for the 2024 South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF). The film was entered in the South Texas Cinematography category. (Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV CHAPS film entered in South Texas International Film Festival

UTRGV’s Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools, known as the CHAPS Program, has earned recognition for its exploration of the geologic history of the Rio Grande Valley. The CHAPS documentary film, “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight,” is an official film selection for...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 15 Life on Land

UTRGV students will be able to explore hands-on art restoration techniques inside a historic 16th-century castle in Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Italy, as part of a groundbreaking academic partnership between UTRGV and the Municipality of Perugia. This immersive program, to begin in fall of 2025, will offer students the opportunity to study art, culture, and history in one of Europe's most historically rich regions. Pictured is the Bourbon Palace, built between 1564 and 1614, is at the historic center of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina. (photo courtesy of the Italian delegation)

Classroom in a Castle

If you were to describe a stay in a 16th-century castle nestled in an ancient hilltop village in the Umbrian countryside, one might assume you’re talking about a dream vacation. For groups of about 20 UTRGV students, however, this idyllic Italian countryside setting is actually the classroom for...

UTRGV announced on Thursday, the university has surpassed a staggering $284 million in fundraising since its inception in 2015. The 2023-24 academic year was notably remarkable, with a record-breaking $72 million raised. These funds have been used in a variety of impactful ways, including enhancing academic programs, supporting research initiatives and providing scholarships to students. (UTRGV Photo)

Unprecedented: UTRGV reaches $284 million in fundraising

Building on its recent streak of record-breaking milestones, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) announced Thursday that it has surpassed a quarter of a billion dollars in fundraising over the past nine years. The following milestones highlight the university’s remarkable...

UT Health RGV cancer experts speak at community educational event – ‘Living Well with Blood Cancer’

The UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV cancer care experts are joining the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at “Living Well with Blood Cancer,” an event designed to share information on how blood cancer treatment and care advancements are benefitting the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley historically has had limited...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 17 Partnerships for the Goals

UTRGV leaders and elected officials, including U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and local mayors, gather for a group photo during the Aug. 21 announcement of the university's research collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus. (UTRGV photo by Abraham Pérez)

UTRGV, Los Alamos National Lab establish partnership for national security, workforce development

UTRGV recently hosted representatives from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), to announce a research collaboration focused on national security missions and workforce development. The partnership features a research agreement with LANL’s Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production-Technical Applications Office (ALDWP-TAO)...

2024 - August

Maintaining good health through preventive care is vital to a successful school year said Dr. Cristel Escalona, a board-certified pediatrician at UT Health RGV and associate professor of pediatrics at the UTRGV School of Medicine. Routine and annual checkups help prevent potential issues and address them promptly so children are less likely to experience unexpected illnesses, which helps ensure they remain focused and engaged in their learning. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

UT Health RGV pediatrician offers health tips for back-to-school season

As students across the Rio Grande Valley return to classrooms, parents often face the same question: How do I keep my child healthy and ensure they don't miss school? Dr. Cristel Escalona, a board-certified pediatrician at UT Health RGV and associate professor of pediatrics at the UTRGV School of Medicine...

TimelyCare, a 24/7 online service available to UTRGV students, provides mental health support for free and includes therapy by appointment, on-demand emotional support, health coaching, and an online peer support community. The online services are a UT System initiative in addition to the UTRGV Counseling Center services already provided. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Free online mental health portal launched at UTRGV for students

A new UT System initiative called TimelyCare is now available 24/7 to all UTRGV students to provide additional support for their mental health. Dr. Christopher Albert, director of the UTRGV Counseling Center, said TimelyCare’s services – therapy by appointment, on-demand emotional support, health coaching...

UTRGV School of Medicine has signed its newest addition to the cancer care leadership team, Dr. Diane Duyen Nguyen, who will join the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center as the Kleberg Foundation Endowed Chair and chief of the Division of Medical Oncology (cancer care) in October 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV School of Medicine signs new Kleberg Foundation Endowed Chair and Chief of Medical Oncology

The UTRGV School of Medicine, in continuing to uphold its promise to expand and elevate cancer care in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, has signed its newest addition to the cancer care leadership team, Dr. Diane Duyen Nguyen. Nguyen will join the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center as the Kleberg...

UTRGV campus in Edinburg on first day of Fall 2024 semester. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV ranked No. 1 Texas university by Washington Monthly – again

For the second consecutive year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been recognized as the No. 1 university in Texas, according to the latest Washington Monthly college guide and rankings. Recognized as a top-performing institution of higher education in the state among all institutions...

UTRGV welcomed a new cohort 24 of exceptional students into its prestigious Luminary Scholars program. The scholars and their families were welcomed to UTRGV with the Luminary Scholar Banquet held Monday, Aug. 19 at the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV welcomes third cohort of Luminary Scholars

UTRGV recently welcomed a new cohort of 24 incoming freshmen to its prestigious UTRGV Luminary Scholars program, further highlighting the university's commitment to academic excellence. The merit-based scholarship allows selected students to complete their education debt free, removing financial...

UTRGV kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with the highest day enrollment ever for the university on Monday, Aug. 26. In addition, Washington Monthly named UTRGV the No. 1 university in the state. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

UTRGV hits enrollment milestone, retains title as Texas’ best university

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley today welcomed its highest first-day enrollment ever, with more than 34,000 students, cementing its status as the No. 1 university in Texas for the second consecutive year, according to Washington Monthly. After surpassing Texas A&M for the top spot in 2023, UTRGV has...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 11 sustainable cities and communities

Photo credit: Paul Chouy Dr. Christian Corrales, assistant vice president for UTRGV Community Engagement, spoke about the university’s commitment to the community at the July 12, 2024 retreat at the Center for Innovation and Commercialization in Weslaco, Texas. The meeting kicked off the Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification process. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV departments across campuses working on Carnegie re-classification designation

While UTRGV’s connection to the community has previously been recognized at the national level, departments from all areas now are working toward a 2026 reclassification as a Carnegie Community EngagedInvolved university. “This is now an international recognition,” said Estela De La Garza...

UTRGV researchers are turning everyday glass waste into a possible innovative solution – glass sand – for coastal erosion and to be used in sustainable agriculture. Pictured is pulverized recycled glass. (Photo courtesy of Glass Half Full Company in New Orleans, LA)

From Bottle to Beach: How Your Last Glass Drink Could Be Saving Coastlines

Did you know that the glass bottle from your favorite drink could one day help preserve coastlines, or has the potential to grow crops? At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, researchers are turning everyday glass waste into a possible innovative solution...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 13 Climate Action

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

UTRGV and city of Pharr officials attended the grand opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub on Thursday. The hub will provide a range of resources in the following areas: Apex Acceleration, Data and Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Professional Education and Workforce Development Center, Small Business Development and Veterans Business Outreach. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV and Pharr EDC collaborate to open Pharr Global Business Hub

UTRGV and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) have officially opened the doors of the Pharr Global Business Hub, designed to help bring in new businesses and strengthen current businesses in the Rio Grande Valley. This facility, a project four years in the making, will have an...

U Central, located on the first floor of the Student Services Building in Edinburg, is UTRGV’s one-stop service center for student support, including financial aid, registration, admissions and the Bursar’s office. The department will offer extended hours starting Saturday, Aug. 17, in Edinburg and Brownsville locations.

UTRGV to offer extended U Central hours ahead of Fall 2024 semester

With deadlines approaching for parents and students seeking financial aid and for submitting enrollment documents at UTRGV, U Central hours are being extended. Beginning this Saturday, U Central will offer longer hours on both the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses to help students navigate the registration process....

UTRGV School of Medicine Building in Edinburg. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV researchers investigating connection between cancer treatment and heart failure

UTRGV researchers are working toward a treatment for cancer that doesn’t compromise the patient’s heart health, a long-lasting side effect of some medications. Dr. Genaro Ramirez Correa, assistant professor in the UTRGV School of Medicine’s Department of Primary and Community Care (PCC-ISU), Division of Human Genetics, says existing cancer...

Medical students get Maria A. Garcia, recently celebrated 50 years of service to the university and its legacy institutions. She was recognized at the annual employee awards ceremony this spring semester. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV Celebrates Employee Milestones

More than 300 UTRGV employees were recognized recently for their years of service to the university, during the 2024 Service Awards ceremony. Among them was Maria A. Garcia, celebrating a special milestone: 50 years with the university and its legacy institutions. When Garcia started working...

Medical students get the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working directly with patients. Smaran Marupudi, second year medical student at the UTRGV School of Medicine, speaks with patients as part of skin cancer screenings. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

UTRGV School of Medicine serves community at Operation Border Health Preparedness

A group of UTRGV medical students, faculty, and staff spread out across the Valley recently to provide much-needed medical services to underserved areas of the community. This year, the medical students were part of the 25th anniversary of Operation Border Health Preparedness, or OBHP, an initiative...

Gisel Garza, a UTRGV alumna, graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree and in 2021 with a Master of Science in Biology degree, was recently awarded the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship. (Courtesy Photo by Josue Ayala)

UTRGV alum researching Valley’s thornforest ecosystem awarded national research fellowship

UTRGV alumna Gisel Garza is passionate about environmental conservation and the Rio Grande Valley’s ecosystems, and has found a way to successfully combine her UTRGV education and her personal interests into opportunities. A native of Los Ebanos and manager of the Semillas Compartidas (Shared Seeds), a seed...

UTRGV School of Medicine offers early admission to students participating in both the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) and Vaquero MD pipeline programs. After completing program requirements, promising students receive a guaranteed seat in the incoming UTRGV School of Medicine student class. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

UTRGV School of Medicine pipeline programs expanding medical education for underserved students

For many interested in pursuing a degree in medicine, the complicated, time-consuming application process can sometimes hinder or even terminate their dreams. But students like Kevin Alexis Navarrette has found help through a pipeline program offered at the UTRGV School of Medicine called JAMP...

For a third time, UTRGV student-athletes finished in the top 10 of the NCAA Teamworks Community Service Challenge through Helper Helper. For 2023-24, UTRGV Athletics placed sixth nationally among 362 Division I athletic departments, with 5,042 hours of community. Pictured is Jermarrion Stewart, a UTRGV student-athlete, racing alongside a young athlete at a free track & field clinic hosted by UTRGV Athletics in Brownsville. (UTRGV Photo)

UTRGV Athletics ranks sixth in the nation in community service

He reminds me of a younger me. Jermarrion Stewart, then a UTRGV sophomore and track & field student-athlete, was laughing as he raced alongside a determined young athlete two years ago, during a free track & field clinic in Brownsville. “He was a great athlete and a genuine, funny, hard-working kid,” Stewart...

Dr. Christopher Gabler, associate professor in SEEMS, speaking on the importance of natural resources and how they work during the USDA AgDiscovery Summer Youth Program. (UTRGV Photos by David Pike)

UTRGV hosts second AgDiscovery camp

A select group of high school students from the Valley and across the country got to live on a UTRGV campus this summer, where they studied agriculture and Valley ecology with UTRGV professors and USDA experts. The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) B.S. Program, spearheaded by UTRGV’s School of Earth...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 2: Zero Hunger

Board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Laira Manzanilla Luberti, said returning to school could be stressful, so she recommends that parents have open lines of communication with their children. She deems it essential for children to talk to their parents about the issues they face at school to feel they have a support system at home. (UTRGV Archival Photo)

Prepping for Back-to-School

As summer concludes, families are gearing up for the back-to-school season. To help combat the stress of returning to class, Dr. Laura Manzanilla Luberti – an American Board-Certified family medicine doctor practicing at UT Health RGV and an assistant professor for Primary and Community Care at the UTRGV...

The UTRGV School of Medicine welcomed 59 medical students into its Class of 2028. The students are an accomplished group representing diverse experiences, hailing from several parts of Texas and the world, with 24 individuals from the Rio Grande Valley. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

Meet UTRGV School of Medicine's Class of 2028

The UTRGV School of Medicine recently welcomed 59 medical students as part of its newest class of future doctors. The Class of 2028 marks the ninth cohort for the UTRGV School of Medicine and represents the university’s continued commitment to producing the next generation of healthcare leaders...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 5 Gender Equality

Amit Bose, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, along with Dr. Constantine Tarawneh, Louis A. Beecherl, Jr. Endowed Professor and UTCRS director, visit the Bearing Lab in the UTRGV Engineering Building. (UTRGV Photo by Jesus Alferez) .

Bose tours university’s Center for Railway Safety, meets with students

UTRGV recently hosted Amit Bose, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), who visited with the university’s next generation of engineers and transportation experts through UTRGV Summer Camps. The camps, hosted by...

Texas Sen. Morgan LaMantia, also chairperson of the Stars Scholarship Fund, announced a partnership between UTRGV, Stars Scholarship Fund, and the LaMantia family to increase the number of Licensed Clinical Social Workers in the Rio Grande Valley. The initiative includes a $130,000 gift to UTRGV and a $1M pledge for similar programs at other Texas universities, addressing mental health professional shortages in the region.

UTRGV, Stars Scholarship Fund and LaMantia Family partner to increase Licensed Clinical Social Workers in the Rio Grande Valley

In an effort to address the growing need for mental health professionals in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Sen. Morgan LaMantia on Thursday announced that The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Stars Scholarship Fund and the LaMantia Family are joining forces to increase the number of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) serving the region. During a press conference held at UTRGV’s Institute of...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 8 Reduced Inequalities

2024 - July

UTRGV Edinburg CISD Collegiate High School is ready to open its doors to more than 400 students. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday, July 31, to celebrate the milestone and unveil the new school, created through a partnership between UTRGV and the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. The 76,000-square-foot facility will provide students the opportunity to specialize in academic and career pathways that include academic core, health professions, engineering, education and computer science.

Ribbon-cutting unveils new home for UTRGV Edinburg CISD Collegiate High School

With the first day of school set for Aug. 19, the state-of-the-art UTRGV Edinburg CISD Collegiate High School is ready to open its doors to more than 400 students. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the milestone event on Wednesday evening. Created through a strategic partnership between UTRGV and the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD), the 76,000-square-foot facility will provide...

The UTRGV School of Medicine officially welcomed the Class of 2027 with a White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, July 27, in Edinburg at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus - Performing Arts Complex. The ceremony marks a significant first step in the career of future physicians, symbolizing a rite of passage at medical schools nationwide. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga).

UTRGV School of Medicine's Class of '28 receives emblematic White Coat at annual ceremony

A sea of white coats filled the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on Saturday as the UTRGV School of Medicine's Class of 2028 received their emblematic physician's white coats. This year's White Coat Ceremony – a special event that serves as a rite of passage and marks the start of the pathway to medicine – celebrated 59 new UTRGV School of Medicine students who participated in the robing ceremony. Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Sander...

The UTRGV Spirit Program is taking registrations for its first summer camp for children ages 6 to 11. The Kids Spirit Camp, Aug. 5-7, provides a fun, educational and immersive experience that covers the different aspects of spirit, cheerleading and dance.

UTRGV Spirit Program hosts first summer camp for kids

UTRGV Spirit Program holds a range of clinics and workshops, and this summer is expanding to host its first comprehensive summer program for children. UTRGV Spirit Program’s Kids Spirit Camp is a three-day event tailored to provide a fun, educational and immersive experience that covers the different aspects of spirit, cheerleading and dance. The camp is open to children age 6 to 11, and will run...

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced more than $5.7 million in grants for funding pollinator research as part of the Pollinator Health: Research and Application program. UTRGV has been chosen as one of only 10 institutions recognized for this type of research and was awarded a cumulative amount of $299,482 in project funding.

Protecting the Pollinators

The bees, wasps and butterflies flitting around your garden may seem like ordinary visitors. But as pollinators, they are extraordinary, and their role in the health of the world’s ecosystem makes them pivotal life-bringers, one flower at a time. In the Rio Grande Valley, local pollinators thrive...

Daniel Hernandez, manager of oncology pharmacy services at the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, will lead the center’s efforts to provide expert pharmacy support, ensuring patients receive personalized, evidence-based medication management as part of a comprehensive cancer care team. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

Valley native bringing advanced oncology services to UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center

For Daniel Hernandez, manager of oncology pharmacy services at UT Health RGV, healthcare has been the family business. "I come from a family of pharmacists," Hernandez said, "and I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist when I was in ninth grade. From then on, I made sure I did everything I could to be prepared for...

Team Mario, an organization dedicated to helping families and children affected by the autism spectrum disorder, held the annual Fun Fridays Summer Camp at UTRGV during the month of June. The organization is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of the camp this year. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

Team Mario’s summer camp at UTRGV marks 10 years, and a decade of impact

For the past 10 years, Team Mario has hosted its Fun Fridays Summer Camp at UTRGV. Camps for Team Mario, an organization dedicated to helping families and children affected by the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are filled with activities modified for children with autism. This year’s camp was...

Dr. Karen Lozano Opens ‘Energy & U’ Show on Friday, May 25, 2024, at the Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg. (UTRGV photo by Abraham Perez)

UTRGV's Energy & U inspires more than 40,000 Valley K-12 students

UTRGV’s annual “Energy & U” show, an educational showcase which started in 2023, has inspired more than 40,000 local K-12 students since its inception on the principles of energy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Dr. Karen Lozano, Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor...

The new UTRGV HCA internal medicine collaborative residency program hopes to seat 150 total resident physicians by 2029 and offer different specialties that could attract more talent to the Valley by providing the landscape for a pipeline of physicians who will be the future of healthcare for the region. Pictured is Dr. Michael B. Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president of UT Health RGV, and Laura Disque, Rio Grande Regional Hospital CEO. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

UTRGV School of Medicine celebrates new HCA internal medicine residency program

Following through with its promise to transform the health of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond through advanced academic medicine, UTRGV School of Medicine leaders and physician residents attended a meet and greet to celebrate the start of the new UTRGV internal medicine residency program. The new....

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 8 Decent Growth and Economic Growth

UTRGV Fine Arts hosted inaugural Vaquero Band Camp this summer

UTRGV just one year ago introduced the Valley community to the very first UTRGV Marching Band. Now, in another first for the university, the UTRGV College of Fine Arts this summer hosted the very first Vaquero Band Camp. The summer camp took place June 24-27 on the Edinburg Campus, and was open to musicians....

UTRGV has been recognized for supporting transfer students by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The distinction recognizes the dynamic pathways that named universities have created to support transfer students. (UTRGV archival photo)

UTRGV recognized for supporting transfer students by Phi Theta Kappa

UTRGV has been recognized among 228 national institutions on the Transfer Honor Roll by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) for 2024. The distinction recognizes the dynamic pathways that named universities have created to support transfer students. According to PTK.org, the Transfer Honor Roll is...

UTRGV has been named one of the best colleges in the United States by Money magazine. (UTRGV Photo)

UTRGV recognized as Top College by Money magazine

UTRGV has been named one of the best colleges in the United States by Money magazine, again solidifying its position as a leading institution of higher education in Texas and across the country. The ranking considers factors such as quality of education, affordability and student outcomes. In addition...

UTRGV’s Center for Innovation and Commercialization (CIC) held its fourth annual Startup Resource Expo, offering local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to network and connect with resource-providing organizations on June 14. Participants heard from professionals during a variety of training sessions. David Ortiz, Regional Director of South Texas for Texas Manufacturing Network (TMAC) gave a presentation about Business Process Mapping. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

UTRGV CIC hosts fourth annual Startup Resource Expo

UTRGV’s Center for Innovation and Commercialization held its fourth annual Startup Resource Expo, offering local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to network and connect with resource-providing organizations. The expo, free and open to the community, was held June 14 at the CIC facility...

Ashley Leal, an Edinburg native and UTRGV doctoral student, was recently awarded the Jess Hay Endowment for Chancellor's Graduate Student Research Fellowship from The University of Texas System. (Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV doctoral student named UT System’s Jess Hay Chancellor Fellow

Edinburg native Ashley Leal is the first UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration (CEP) student to receive the prestigious Jess Hay Endowment for Chancellor’s Graduate Student Research Fellowship, awarded by The University of Texas System. She is the second UTRGV doctoral student in university history to earn the honor...

UTRGV President Guy Bailey celebrates 10 years at the helm of UTRGV this month. Find out what Bailey has to say about his decade of leadership at UTRGV and what is next for the No. 1 university in Texas. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

Bailey celebrating 10 years of growth, success and impact at UTRGV

UTRGV President Guy Bailey this month is celebrating a notable 10 years of leading the university’s creation and growth, followed by numerous successes and its broad impact on the Rio Grande Valley. When he arrived in South Texas to lead the fledgling university in 2013, he knew the challenges that lay...

2024 - June

UTRGV summer camps offer a variety of STEM, art and fitness programs designed to ignite creativity, nurture passions and build community. These camps will continue through July for elementary, middle and high school students. Pictured are campers at last year's STEM Summer Camp taking part in the Egg Drop Challenge. (UTRGV Archival Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV summer camps for all ages continues through July

With summer in full swing, UTRGV’s annual summer camps are here to keep kids both active and educated. UTRGV summer camps offer a variety of STEM, art and fitness programs designed to ignite creativity, nurture passions and build community. These camps will continue through July for elementary, middle and high school students...

UTRGV alum Karla Salinas’s workdays vary. She is currently a lifestyle show host for a KRGV's Take 5. She says her passion is getting share people's stories. She graduated from UTRGV with a degree in international business. (Video by UTRGV Creative Services)

TV lifestyle host, UTRGV alum shares degree path to unexpected, fulfilling career

As a television lifestyle show host, UTRGV alum Karla Salinas’s workdays vary. Some days, she’ll head to the KRGV Channel 5 studio in Weslaco to review her weekend story package. Other days, she’s out on location to prepare for an interview. The Mission native said she didn’t envision having the...

UTRGV is a new member of the Institute for Research on Innovation and Science (IRIS), a national consortium of leading higher educational institutions committed to demonstrating the public value of sponsored scientific research. This development highlights UTRGV’s growing research impact and its role as a hub of innovation and discovery. Pictured is Angel Salinas, a graduate student in Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences at UTRGV, conducting research in a laboratory on the Edinburg campus. (UTRGV Photo by Jesus Alferez)

UTRGV joins IRIS consortium to highlight research in higher ed

UTRGV has joined the Institute for Research on Innovation and Science (IRIS), a national consortium of leading higher educational institutions committed to demonstrating the public value of sponsored scientific research. Membership in IRIS will provide UTRGV with new tools to guide policy decisions and showcase its research on workforce training, economic development, and career development for...

Recipients of the 2023-2024 UTRGV Faculty Excellence Awards are, from left, back row: Arturo Fuentes and Xiaohui Wang (accepting on behalf of Zhaosheng Feng); center row: Elena Venegas, Debasish Bandyopadhyay, Noe Vargas, Teresa Feria Arroyo, UTRGV Provost Luis Zayas, Constantine Tarawneh, Nirakar Sahoo and Eleazar Marquez; and front row, seated: Judith Guetzow. (UTRGV Photo)

UTRGV awards 10 Faculty Excellence Awards for 2023-24

The UTRGV Office of Faculty Affairs has named 10 faculty members as recipients of the 2023-2024 UTRGV Faculty Excellence Awards. The annual excellence awards recognize faculty who have demonstrated outstanding work in the areas of teaching, online teaching, research, service, student mentoring, community-engaged scholarship and sustainability education. Dr. Luis H. Zayas, UTRGV provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, congratulated...

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers campuses in McAllen (2nd best city to live in Texas) and Brownsville (5th), both top picks in U.S. News and World Report's best places to live rankings. Pictured is UTRGV participating in the 2024 Charro Days Grand International Parade in Brownsville. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

UTRGV proudly resides in two U.S. News and World Report best places to live

When deciding where to attend college, location can be a major factor, and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is located in two of the top five best places to live in Texas according to U.S. News and World Report. In its latest rankings, U.S. News and World Report ranked the top 150 major cities in...

The 13-member inaugural cohort of the Internal Medicine residency program met Rio Grande Regional Hospital leadership and clinical staff at the launch of UTRGV School of Medicine’s new residency program on Monday, June 17, 2024. On Thursday, June 20, the cohort will meet with the staff and leadership team at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, where the residents will also be practicing. The new program marks the first time UTRGV will have a physician residency program in Brownsville. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV and HCA Healthcare launch first Internal Medicine residency program at Rio Grande Regional and Valley Regional Medical Center

The UTRGV School of Medicine again has expanded medical training opportunities with local hospitals, starting with the new Internal Medicine residency program at Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville. The residency program is a collaboration with HCA Healthcare...

Two recent UTRGV graduates, Maya Wilson and Jaci Finch, have been selected for Fulbright Scholarships and will travel abroad to teach courses in English and cultural studies. (UTRGV archival photo)

Two UTRGV alumni awarded Fulbright scholarships to teach in South Korea, Estonia

Two recent UTRGV graduates have been selected for Fulbright Scholarships and will travel abroad to teach courses in English and cultural studies. Maya Wilson, who graduated in Spring 2024 with a BA in English, will teach English in South Korea next year from January through December. And Jaci Finch, who graduated...

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) recently approved the bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration with a specialization in Business Analytics for UTRGV. The new degree, which will be available Aug. 1, 2024, is designed to provide students with essential skills to develop strategic business insights and enhance decision-making processes across different industries. (UTRGV Archival Photo by Paul Chouy)

UTRGV receives THECB approval to launch BBA in Business Analytics

UTRGV has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to launch a bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration with a specialization in Business Analytics. THECB is an organization that serves to develop and implement innovative higher education services throughout the state of Texas...

Dr. Jesús Melgarejo, assistant professor of Neuroscience at the UTRGV School of Medicine, has focused his research on understanding the relationship between blood pressure dysregulation and Alzheimer's disease-related disorders. His research includes utilizing brain MRI markers for clues on cerebral small vessel disease, brain atrophy, or decreased cognitive functioning. (UTRGV Photo by Heriberto Perez-Zuniga)

UTRGV School of Medicine researcher breaking barriers in fight against Alzheimer's disease

Faced with the socioeconomic limitations in his native Venezuela, UTRGV School of Medicine's Dr. Jesús Melgarejo's dream of becoming a doctor initially seemed impossible. However, the unwavering support from his family and mentor provided him with educational opportunities and nurtured his aspirations...

Annual UTRGV Startup Resource Expo connects local entrepreneurs and organizations

UTRGV’s Center for Innovation & Commercialization is offering local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to network and connect with resource-providing organizations, during its fourth annual Startup Resource Expo. The expo will be on Friday, June 14, in Weslaco, and is free and open to the community. Organizations will share their services and resources, and there will be concurrent sessions throughout the day on topics like “The Five Cs of Social Media,” “How NOT to...

Brownsville Early College High School (BECHS), a UTRGV partner school, recently ranked ninth in Texas and 71st in the country, placing it in the top 1% in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. (Brownsville ISD Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV partner school Brownsville Early College High School top performer in Texas

UTRGV partner school, Brownsville Early College High School (BECHS) continues to maintain its position as one of the top-ranking institutions in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. The school is ranked ninth in Texas, showcasing its commitment...

High School student presenting her research poster at UTRGV’s 7th Annual STEM Education Conference. (Courtesy Photo)

UTRGV’s annual STEM Education Conference fosters international collaboration

UTRGV recently hosted the 7th Annual STEM Education Conference, with educators from around the globe exploring innovative practices in STEM education. The event focused on transcending borders and fostering global collaboration. Dr. Angela Chapman, associate professor of Science Education at UTRGV and conference advisory board member, said the theme this year centered around...