89R21767 TBO-F
By: Canales H.R. No. 761
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is
celebrating its 10th anniversary in August 2025; and
WHEREAS, Known for its broad range of academic programs,
affordable tuition, and supportive campus environment, The
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is an award-winning
institution that has conveyed more than 56,000 degrees since
opening its doors in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Significant accomplishments during the university's
first decade of operation include adding 42 new bachelor's,
master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs and an
increase in research expenditures of nearly 600 percent; ongoing
student success is reflected in the university's record-breaking
enrollment, retention, and graduation rates; and
WHEREAS, This exemplary institution made historic strides in
medical education when it opened the only school of medicine in
South Texas in 2016, and it has since expanded quality health care
services in the region with 25 clinical care sites throughout the
Rio Grande Valley; and
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley opened the
state's first School of Podiatric Medicine in 2022 and will further
expand student opportunities with the opening of the region's first
comprehensive academic cancer and surgery center in 2025 and the
state's second School of Optometry in 2027; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the university's Student Government
Association executed a student referendum that would enhance campus
life by adding a Division I Football Championship Subdivision team
and other programs, and in the fall of 2025, the football team will
kick off its inaugural season and establish the first Division I
college football program at the university and in the region; and
WHEREAS, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has earned
national acclaim for its commitment to value, social mobility, and
economic impact and has been ranked the number one university in
Texas in 2023 and 2024 by Washington Monthly magazine and the number
one best public university in Texas for value and social mobility by
The Wall Street Journal; the school has further gained recognition
as a community engaged university by the Carnegie Foundation; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 10th anniversary of The
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and extend to its leaders,
faculty, and staff congratulations on a decade of success and best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the university as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.