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The stories we tell and the way we engage with the media shape how The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is understood by our communities, our state and audiences around the world. Through strategic media relations, news coverage and storytelling, the External Communications & Media Relations team highlights the university's people, research, achievements and impact while serving as a trusted source of accurate and timely information.
As the university's primary liaison to the media, the team coordinates interviews, responds to media inquiries and facilitates timely, transparent communication with the public. By cultivating strong relationships with local, regional and national journalists, the team helps ensure UTRGV's stories are shared accurately, consistently and with broad audiences.
Media Contacts
Authorization to speak on behalf of the university may only be given by a representative of University Marketing and Communications. In addition, all inquiries seeking an official university response or a statement on behalf of the university should be directed to University Marketing and Communications. Requests can be sent to:
Patrick Gonzales
Sr. Vice President/University Spokesperson
patrick.gonzales@utrgv.edu
Office: (956) 665-2741
Cell: (806) 441-8078 (cell)
Melissa Vasquez
Director of External Communications & Media Relations
melissa.vasquez@utrgv.edu
Office: (956) 665-8926
Media Relations Procedures
As a public, state-funded institution, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley strives to share relevant information with internal and external audiences. Therefore, it is imperative that we provide university information that is both accurate and consistent to avoid misunderstanding, misinterpretation or confusion.
To achieve this accuracy and consistency, University Marketing and Communications has implemented the following policies and procedures that must be followed by all university stakeholders:
- The primary university spokesperson is Patrick Gonzales, Sr. Vice President for University Marketing and Communications. He can be reached at (956) 665-2741 (office) or (806) 441-8078 (cell). In his absence, another member of the University Marketing and Communications team will be appointed.
- The university spokesperson will provide broad, general information in responses to University inquiries. However, for matters that require more detailed information, administrators and faculty will be given authorization to respond accordingly.
- University Marketing and Communications is the primary and official liaison to all media requests.
- No faculty nor staff member may make official statements on behalf of the university without consultation with, and express authorization from, University Marketing and Communications.
News Releases
- All university press releases are distributed by University Marketing and Communications, unless special authorization is granted.
- Press releases written by other members of the university must be reviewed, approved and distributed by University Marketing and Communications. Requests can be sent to:
- Melissa Vasquez
Director of External Communications and Media Relations
melissa.vasquez@utrgv.edu
Office: (956) 665-8926
- Melissa Vasquez
- All university press releases are reviewed by relevant personnel to ensure that the news releases are accurate and consistent.
News
Explore stories researched and produced by University Marketing and Communications
Visit the UTRGV Newsroom