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Site Policies | Privacy Policy | Required Links | Fraud Reporting | UTRGV Careers |Clery Crime Reports | Texas Homeland Security | Texas Veterans | Mental Health Resources
For the past few years, we have proudly declared UTRGV as The Future of Texas. But what does that truly mean?
It means that what is happening here — in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley — is unlike anywhere else in the state.
It means transformation, impact, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of higher education and economic growth in our region. And as we approach our 10th anniversary, it has never been clearer:
The Future of Texas is right here, at UTRGV.
This 2023-24 Annual Report reflects the remarkable milestones we have achieved together:
• Record-breaking enrollment, retention, and graduation rates — a testament to our students’ ambition and our faculty and staff’s dedication.
• Over 56,000 graduates since our founding in 2015 — 3% of the Valley’s population —making an indelible impact across Texas and beyond.
• Unparalleled academic expansion — 42 new degree programs since 2015 — ensuring that the best and brightest students can pursue their ambitions right here in the Valley. We also remain Texas' only university with both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine, with a School of Optometry on the horizon.
• Research at an all-time high, positioning UTRGV to pursue R1 Carnegie status in the coming years.
• Historic growth in philanthropy, with record-setting fundraising and endowment figures.
• National recognition, ranked Texas’ No. 1 University by Washington Monthly for the second straight year and the top Texas public university for value by The Wall Street Journal.
• A new era in UTRGV Athletics, with the launch of women’s swimming and diving and our Division I football program kicking off in 2025.
These are just a few highlights, with many more included in this report. None of this would be possible without the relentless hard work of our students, faculty, and staff — and the unwavering support of the communities we serve. Unlike other institutions, we don’t expect the Valley to adapt to us. We are built for the Valley. Our values — hard work, family, opportunity, and gratitude — reflect our region, define us, and drive us forward.
As we look back on an incredible year — and soon, an incredible decade — let’s be clear: we are just getting started. Our trajectory is rising, and it’s rising fast. Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT
IN HIGHER EDUCATION
AND HEALTH CARE
2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT
CREATING VALUE
Message from President Dr. Guy Bailey
The Future of Texas: STUDENT SUCCESS
• Record-breaking Fall 2024 first-day enrollment of over 34,000 students.
• Record-breaking Fall 2024 first-day freshman enrollment of over 7,000.
• Record-breaking retention and graduation rates.
• Over 56,000 graduates since UTRGV opened its doors in 2015.
• 90% of full-time resident undergraduates who pay no tuition or mandatory fees.
• Ranked #1 University in Texas for the second straight year by Washington Monthly magazine.
• Ranked #1 University in Texas for social mobility and performance of Pell Grant students by Washington Monthly magazine.
• Ranked #1 Public University in Texas for best value and social mobility by Wall Street Journal.
HIGHLIGHTS
For the past few years, we have proudly declared UTRGV as The Future of Texas. But what does that truly mean?
It means that what is happening here — in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley — is unlike anywhere else in the state.
It means transformation, impact, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of higher education and economic growth in our region. And as we approach our 10th anniversary, it has never been clearer: The Future of Texas is right here, at UTRGV.
This 2023-24 Annual Report reflects the remarkable milestones we have achieved together:
• Record-breaking enrollment, retention, and graduation rates — a testament to our students’ ambition and our faculty and staff’s dedication.
• Over 56,000 graduates since our founding in 2015 — 3% of the Valley’s population — making an indelible impact across Texas and beyond.
• Unparalleled academic expansion — 42 new degree programs since 2015 — ensuring that the best and brightest students can pursue their ambitions right here in the Valley. We also remain Texas' only university with both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine, with a School of Optometry on the horizon.
• Research at an all-time high, positioning UTRGV to pursue R1 Carnegie status in the coming years.
• Historic growth in philanthropy, with record-setting fundraising and endowment figures.
• National recognition, ranked Texas’ No. 1 University by Washington Monthly for the second straight year and the top Texas public university for value by The Wall Street Journal.
• A new era in UTRGV Athletics, with the launch of women’s swimming and diving and our Division I football program kicking off in 2025.
These are just a few highlights, with many more included in this report. None of this would be possible without the relentless hard work of our students, faculty, and staff — and the unwavering support of the communities we serve. Unlike other institutions, we don’t expect the Valley to adapt to us. We are built for the Valley. Our values — hard work, family, opportunity, and gratitude — reflect our region, define us, and drive us forward.
As we look back on an incredible year — and soon, an incredible decade — let’s be clear: we are just getting started. Our trajectory is rising, and it’s rising fast. Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Message from President Dr. Guy Bailey
IN THE NEWS
In May 2024, the UTRGV Enactus Chapter clinched the 2024 Enactus USA National Championship. This achievement recognized their community-focused efforts and entrepreneurial spirit. They then traveled over 7,000 miles in October to represent the USA in the Enactus World Cup in Kazakhstan, facing teams from 33 nations. Under faculty advisor Maria Leonard, the chapter exemplified servant leadership, dedicating thousands of hours to impactful projects that expanded both their community influence and their personal growth.
UTRGV Enactus: National Champions Take on the World
UTRGV Secures $28M to Expand College Readiness for Students
In the Fall of 2024, UTRGV received $28 million in renewed funding for GEAR UP, a federal program supporting low-income students from seventh grade through their first year of college. Serving over 5,200 students, the initiative provides academic support, financial aid guidance, and mentoring to boost college enrollment and success.
“A core assumption of (UTRGV) is that its purpose is to drive wealth in the region—not draw resources from students and their families to fuel the university. UTRGV’s financial model delivers on the promise of affordability; most students attend UTRGV at no cost. The university balances the goals of sustainability and affordability through a combination of support from The University of Texas System and a lean operating model optimized to support students.”
— Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research organization
The Future of Texas: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
HIGHLIGHTS: New Academic Programs
IN THE NEWS
From Setback to Success: Professor Earns Prestigious Teaching Award
In October 2024, the UT System Board of Regents honored Marcela Hebbard with the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. Her journey from an academic strike in Mexico City to a distinguished educator at UTRGV exemplified resilience and lifelong learning, reflecting her dedication, innovative methods, and commitment to empowering students.
UTRGV Honored for Boosting Graduation Rates
On Nov. 12, 2024, UTRGV received the 2024 Degree Completion Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), recognizing the university’s success in boosting graduation rates and closing achievement gaps. The award highlighted UTRGV’s Graduation Help Desk, which provides concierge-like student support, and the Tuition Advantage grant program, which covers tuition and fees for eligible students. UTRGV’s four-year graduation rate has increased by nearly 10 percentage points in five years.
“Congratulations to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on winning the Degree Completion Award. UTRGV has made critical strides in student success and degree completion in recent years, and we’re excited to recognize their progress.”
— Mark Becker, APLU President
• BM Music Composition
• BM Music Technology
• BS Education
• BS Special Education
• MS Human Resources Management
• MS Biomedical Engineering
• PhD Materials Science and Engineering
• BA Medical and Health Humanities
• BBA Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
• PhD Computer Science
• BS Bilingual Education
• MAT in Teaching
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (pending accreditor approval)
FALL 2023
FALL 2024
SPRING 2024
FALL 2025
NEW DEGREES SINCE 2015:
Bachelor’s
18
Master's
17
Doctoral
6
Professional
5
The Future of Texas:
INVESTING IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
HIGHLIGHTS
• $1.2 billion invested in completed ($852.2M) and planned ($358.5M) construction and major renovation throughout the Rio Grande Valley since 2015.
• $478 million total operating revenues for 2015-16, UTRGV’s inaugural year.
• $745 million total operating budget for 2024-25, an increase of 55.8% in nine years.
• Since 2015, UTRGV has graduated more than 56,000 students, which represents 3% of the Rio Grande Valley population.
UTRGV Campuses
1. UTRGV Brownsville
2. UTRGV Edinburg
3. UTRGV Harlingen Clinical Education
Site & School of Podiatric Medicine
4. UTRGV SPI Coastal Studies Lab
5. UTRGV Rio Grande City
UTRGV/ISD Collegiate High Schools
6. Brownsville Early College High School
7. Harlingen Collegiate High School
8. Edinburg Collegiate High School
9. McAllen Collegiate High School
UTRGV Campus
High School
Research Facility
UT Health RGV Clinic
Medical Residency
Workforce & Economic Development Office
IN THE NEWS
UTRGV, State of Texas Unveil Cybersecurity Hub
On Nov. 14, 2024, UTRGV and the Texas Department of Information Resources launched a Regional Security Operations Center on the Edinburg Campus, providing free cybersecurity monitoring, training, and recovery services to local governments. Funded by Senate Bill 475, the center also offers real-world experience for UTRGV students, boosting the region’s defense against cyber threats and preparing a new generation of cybersecurity professionals in South Texas.
New Program to Boost Mental Health Providers in the Valley
On, August 1, 2024, Texas Sen. Morgan LaMantia announced a partnership between UTRGV, the Stars Scholarship Fund, and the LaMantia family to expand Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) training in the Rio Grande Valley. A $130,000 gift to UTRGV – plus a $1M pledge for other universities – will help remove financial barriers for MSW graduates, ensuring more culturally competent mental health providers serve local communities.
“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with UTRGV, which will bolster the area’s cybersecurity resilience and provide invaluable hands-on experience and career opportunities for students. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the UTRGV RSOC will have on both regional security and student career outcomes.”
— Amanda Crawford, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Information Resources and Chief Information Officer for the State of Texas
• Service Impact:
– Over 47,000 service hours performed by the campus community, a 55% increase from the previous year.
– The total service hours generated more than $1.5 million in economic impact.
– 543 needs addressed across all four counties in the Rio Grande Valley.
• Economic Impact:
– 403 jobs created, 1,714 jobs retained, and 76 businesses created.
– 94 economic projects completed, 1,551 client and business consultations, and 2,425 client advising hours.
– 373 training courses conducted for 4,863 attendees.
– $7.9 million in new capital formation.
– $85.7 million in new sales and contracts.
HIGHLIGHTS
IN THE NEWS
Over the past year, UTRGV launched efforts to secure its 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement reclassification, reflecting its deep commitment to community partnerships. Representatives from all divisions gathered to assess engagement initiatives from 2021-24. The rigorous application will be submitted in April 2025, with a decision expected in 2026.
UTRGV Aims for 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification
UTRGV Breaks Ground on Complex to Drive Workforce, Economic Growth
On April 11, 2024, UTRGV broke ground on the Workforce, Economy, Research, and Community (WERC) Complex in Edinburg. Supported by a $2.4M EDA grant and additional funding, the nearly $9M project will enhance workforce training, business incubation, and applied research. The WERC Complex will serve as a regional hub for economic growth, innovation, and job creation, furthering UTRGV’s commitment to community and industry partnerships.
“This is a big day for the entire Rio Grande Valley. One of the vows we made in 2014 as we were planning the university was to be deeply engaged with our communities. This is probably the best illustration of that. It's about community engagement, job creation, research and, most of all, our students.”
— Guy Bailey, UTRGV President, on the new Workforce, Economy, Research, and Community Complex
The Future of Texas: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Future of Texas: HEALTH CARE
HIGHLIGHTS
IN THE NEWS
On Oct. 28, 2024, the UTRGV School of Medicine unveiled its new Center for Human Genetics in Brownsville. Spanning 17,246 square feet, the facility—funded by the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and the UT System—will advance research on diabetes, obesity, and other prevalent conditions. Led by Dr. Sarah Williams-Blangero, it features cutting-edge MRI and genetics labs, training future scientists and improving healthcare for the Rio Grande Valley.
New Center for Human Genetics to Tackle Valley Health Challenges
Podiatric Student Uses AI to Improve Care, Address Disparities
Olivia Mackey, a member of the inaugural UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine class, is leveraging AI research to help healthcare providers pinpoint at-risk patients and reduce maternal health disparities. Previously at Washington University, she taught ChatGPT to summarize patient histories with 98% accuracy. Now in the Rio Grande Valley, she focuses on diabetes care, bridging gaps in treatment through events like “In Our Hues.”
“Approving the allocation of the funds necessary for this (Cancer and Surgery Center) advances the goal of expanding access to educational opportunities and medical education, which will increase access to care for our Valley families … in our region.”
— Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Texas Senator
The Future of Texas: RESEARCH
HIGHLIGHTS: Research by the Numbers
IN THE NEWS
Student Explores Deep Sea, Discovers New Species
From Feb. 24–April 4, 2024, UTRGV sophomore Megan Francis participated in a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition off Chile’s coast, helping discover over 200 marine species. Under Dr. Erin Easton’s leadership, she gained hands-on research experience, exploring connections between marine biology and medicine while advancing her scientific career.
UTRGV Teams Up with Los Alamos for National Security Research
On Sept. 3, 2024, UTRGV entered a significant research collaboration with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) focusing on critical national security missions and workforce development. Under a three-year, $1.5 million agreement, UTRGV will collaborate with LANL and partner TechSource to create a robust pipeline of engineering and scientific talent. The partnership aims to prepare engineers and technologists to address critical national security challenges, reflecting UTRGV’s commitment to student success.
TOTAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES
“This is a time where we’ve got a lot to celebrate. We’re celebrating an incredible partnership between UTRGV and Los Alamos National Laboratory. There are eight universities in the entire country in a partnership with Los Alamos in this capacity, and UTRGV is one of them. That’s a big deal.”
— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator
NUMBER OF PROPOSALS SUBMITTED
TOTAL AWARDS RECEIVED
FACULTY PARTICIPATION (PIS & CO-PIS)
$90.6M
609
$200.1M
418
68
FY23
505
$98.7M
359
$82.4M
45
DOCTORAL GRADUATES
FY24
The Future of Texas:
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
• Raised $291 million since UTRGV’s inception in 2015.
• Raised a record-breaking $72 million during FY24.
• Endowment has soared to $195 million, an increase of more than 133% since 2016.
• On Day of Giving (Aug. 27), set a new university record by raising more than $275,000—the highest total in the event’s history.
HIGHLIGHTS
IN THE NEWS
On Sept. 16, 2024, the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation awarded a $30 million grant to UTRGV, establishing the Diabetes Center of Excellence to tackle diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley. Located near the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience, the center will include a Limb Preservation Clinic in partnership with the School of Podiatric Medicine, focusing on preventing amputations and transforming healthcare for local communities.
$30M Grant from VBLF Launches UTRGV Diabetes Center
Gift Transforms UTRGV Simulation Hospital
On Feb. 7, 2024, the newly named UTRGV Drs. Subram G. and Elizabeth G. Krishnan Simulation Hospital in Harlingen honored donors whose generous gift expands clinical simulations for UTRGV and local high school students, from heart attacks to childbirth. President Guy Bailey praised the Krishnans for their transformative support, ensuring future healthcare professionals receive vital, hands-on experience in the Rio Grande Valley.
“For one, we just feel like they (UTRGV) are a regional organization who has probably the best ability to make significant health change across the region with the distributed model and a school of medicine. We’re just going to bet big that they’re going to be able to do some of these things (we need to see happen in the Valley).”
— Judy Quisenberry, Executive Director of the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, on why they awarded the $30M grant.
The Future of Texas:
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
HIGHLIGHTS
IN THE NEWS
On March 21, 2024, in front of a standing-room only crowd, UTRGV announced a historic $20 million gift from Robert and Janet Vackar—one of the 40 largest in collegiate athletics. In recognition of the gift, the football stadium in Edinburg, acquired earlier that year, was named Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium.
Historic $20M Gift Unveils Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium
UTRGV Athletics Ranks Top 10 Nationally in Community Service
During the 2023-24 athletic year, UTRGV student-athletes logged 5,042 community service hours, ranking sixth nationally in the NCAA Teamworks Community Service Challenge. UTRGV was the only Texas university in the top 10, with multiple teams earning individual rankings. Their outreach efforts impacted communities across the Rio Grande Valley, reinforcing UTRGV’s commitment to service.
“By pouring into the lives of young people through both education and athletics, we ensure they have the tools to succeed and a college experience that attracts new talent to our area and encourages residents to stay here. Retaining students in the Rio Grande Valley not only builds up our community but also fosters major growth and opportunity for generations to come.”
— Robert Vackar, Owner and Principal Dealer of Bert Ogden Auto Group
• Department record cumulative 3.35 GPA.
• Ranked 6th in NCAA Division I in community service.
• Record ticket, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising revenue.
• Over 120,000 fans in attendance across all sports, setting records for multiple teams.
• Significant progress in execution of over $160 million in facility enhancements
The Future of Texas:
STUDENT SUCCESS
• Record-breaking Fall 2024 first-day enrollment of over 34,000 students.
• Record-breaking Fall 2024 first-day freshman enrollment of over 7,000.
• Record-breaking retention and graduation rates.
• Over 56,000 graduates since UTRGV opened its doors in 2015.
• 90% of full-time resident undergraduates who pay no tuition or mandatory fees.
• Ranked #1 University in Texas for the second straight year by Washington Monthly magazine.
• Ranked #1 University in Texas for social mobility and performance of Pell Grant students by Washington Monthly magazine.
• Ranked #1 Public University in Texas for best value and social mobility by Wall Street Journal.
HIGHLIGHTS
IN THE NEWS
In May 2024, the UTRGV Enactus Chapter clinched the 2024 Enactus USA National Championship. This achievement recognized their community-focused efforts and entrepreneurial spirit. They then traveled over 7,000 miles in October to represent the USA in the Enactus World Cup in Kazakhstan, facing teams from 33 nations. Under faculty advisor Maria Leonard, the chapter exemplified servant leadership, dedicating thousands of hours to impactful projects that expanded both their community influence and their personal growth.
In the Fall of 2024, UTRGV received $28 million in renewed funding for GEAR UP, a federal program supporting low-income students from seventh grade through their first year of college. Serving over 5,200 students, the initiative provides academic support, financial aid guidance, and mentoring to boost college enrollment and success.
“A core assumption of (UTRGV) is that its purpose is to drive wealth in the region—not draw resources from students and their families to fuel the university. UTRGV’s financial model delivers on the promise of affordability; most students attend UTRGV at no cost. The university balances the goals of sustainability and affordability through a combination of support from The University of Texas System and a lean operating model optimized to support students.”
— Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research organization
UTRGV Enactus: National Champions Take on the World
UTRGV Secures $28M to Expand College Readiness for Students
The Future of Texas:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
IN THE NEWS
UTRGV Honored for Boosting Graduation Rates
HIGHLIGHTS:
New Academic Programs
From Setback to Success: Professor Earns Prestigious Teaching Award
In October 2024, the UT System Board of Regents honored Marcela Hebbard with the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. Her journey from an academic strike in Mexico City to a distinguished educator at UTRGV exemplified resilience and lifelong learning, reflecting her dedication, innovative methods, and commitment to empowering students.
On Nov. 12, 2024, UTRGV received the 2024 Degree Completion Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), recognizing the university’s success in boosting graduation rates and closing achievement gaps. The award highlighted UTRGV’s Graduation Help Desk, which provides concierge-like student support, and the Tuition Advantage grant program, which covers tuition and fees for eligible students. UTRGV’s four-year graduation rate has increased by nearly 10 percentage points in five years.
“Congratulations to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on winning the Degree Completion Award. UTRGV has made critical strides in student success and degree completion in recent years, and we’re excited to recognize their progress.”
— Mark Becker, APLU President
• BBA Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
• PhD Computer Science
• BS Bilingual Education
• MAT in Teaching
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (pending accreditor approval)
NEW DEGREES SINCE 2015:
Bachelor’s
18
Master’s
17
Doctoral
6
10
Professional
5
FALL 2023
• BM Music Composition
• BM Music Technology
• BS Education
• BS Special Education
• MS Human Resources Management
• MS Biomedical Engineering
• PhD Materials Science and Engineering
SPRING 2024
• BA Medical and Health Humanities
FALL 2024
FALL 2025
IN THE NEWS
New Program to Boost Mental Health Providers in the Valley
UTRGV, State of Texas Unveil Cybersecurity Hub
On Nov. 14, 2024, UTRGV and the Texas Department of Information Resources launched a Regional Security Operations Center on the Edinburg Campus, providing free cybersecurity monitoring, training, and recovery services to local governments. Funded by Senate Bill 475, the center also offers real-world experience for UTRGV students, boosting the region’s defense against cyber threats and preparing a new generation of cybersecurity professionals in South Texas.
On, August 1, 2024, Texas Sen. Morgan LaMantia announced a partnership between UTRGV, the Stars Scholarship Fund, and the LaMantia family to expand Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) training in the Rio Grande Valley. A $130,000 gift to UTRGV – plus a $1M pledge for other universities – will help remove financial barriers for MSW graduates, ensuring more culturally competent mental health providers serve local communities.
“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with UTRGV, which will bolster the area’s cybersecurity resilience and provide invaluable hands-on experience and career opportunities for students. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the UTRGV RSOC will have on both regional security and student career outcomes.”
— Amanda Crawford, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Information Resources and Chief Information Officer for the State of Texas
The Future of Texas:
INVESTING IN THE
RIO GRANDE VALLEY
HIGHLIGHTS
• $1.2 billion invested in completed ($852.2M) and planned ($358.5M) construction and major renovation throughout the Rio Grande Valley since 2015.
• $478 million total operating revenues for 2015-16, UTRGV’s inaugural year.
• $745 million total operating budget for 2024-25, an increase of 55.8% in nine years.
• Since 2015, UTRGV has graduated more than 56,000 students, which represents 3% of the Rio Grande Valley population.
IN THE NEWS
UTRGV Breaks Ground on Complex to Drive Workforce, Economic Growth
UTRGV Aims for 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification
Over the past year, UTRGV launched efforts to secure its 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement reclassification, reflecting its deep commitment to community partnerships. Representatives from all divisions gathered to assess engagement initiatives from 2021-24. The rigorous application will be submitted in April 2025, with a decision expected in 2026.
On April 11, 2024, UTRGV broke ground on the Workforce, Economy, Research, and Community (WERC) Complex in Edinburg. Supported by a $2.4M EDA grant and additional funding, the nearly $9M project will enhance workforce training, business incubation, and applied research. The WERC Complex will serve as a regional hub for economic growth, innovation, and job creation, furthering UTRGV’s commitment to community and industry partnerships.
““This is a big day for the entire Rio Grande Valley. One of the vows we made in 2014 as we were planning the university was to be deeply engaged with our communities. This is probably the best illustration of that. It's about community engagement, job creation, research and, most of all, our students.”
— Guy Bailey, UTRGV President, on the new Workforce, Economy, Research, and Community Complex.
The Future of Texas:
HIGHLIGHTS
• Service Impact:
– Over 47,000 service hours performed by the campus community, a 55% increase from the previous year.
– The total service hours generated more than $1.5 million in economic impact.
– 543 needs addressed across all four counties in the Rio Grande Valley.
• Economic Impact:
– 403 jobs created, 1,714 jobs retained, and 76 businesses created.
– 94 economic projects completed, 1,551 client and business consultations, and 2,425 client advising hours.
– 373 training courses conducted for 4,863 attendees.
– $7.9 million in new capital formation.
– $85.7 million in new sales and contracts.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
AND WORKFORCE &
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Future of Texas:
HEALTH CARE
IN THE NEWS
Podiatric Student Uses AI to Improve Care, Address Disparities
HIGHLIGHTS
New Center for Human Genetics to Tackle Valley Health Challenges
On Oct. 28, 2024, the UTRGV School of Medicine unveiled its new Center for Human Genetics in Brownsville. Spanning 17,246 square feet, the facility—funded by the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and the UT System—will advance research on diabetes, obesity, and other prevalent conditions. Led by Dr. Sarah Williams-Blangero, it features cutting-edge MRI and genetics labs, training future scientists and improving healthcare for the Rio Grande Valley.
Olivia Mackey, a member of the inaugural UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine class, is leveraging AI research to help healthcare providers pinpoint at-risk patients and reduce maternal health disparities. Previously at Washington University, she taught ChatGPT to summarize patient histories with 98% accuracy. Now in the Rio Grande Valley, she focuses on diabetes care, bridging gaps in treatment through events like “In Our Hues.”
“Approving the allocation of the funds necessary for this (Cancer and Surgery Center) advances the goal of expanding access to educational opportunities and medical education, which will increase access to care for our Valley families … in our region.”
— Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Texas Senator
The Future of Texas:
RESEARCH
IN THE NEWS
UTRGV Teams Up with Los Alamos for National Security Research
HIGHLIGHTS:
Research by the Numbers
Student Explores Deep Sea, Discovers New Species
From Feb. 24–April 4, 2024, UTRGV sophomore Megan Francis participated in a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition off Chile’s coast, helping discover over 200 marine species. Under Dr. Erin Easton’s leadership, she gained hands-on research experience, exploring connections between marine biology and medicine while advancing her scientific career.
On Sept. 3, 2024, UTRGV entered a significant research collaboration with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) focusing on critical national security missions and workforce development. Under a three-year, $1.5 million agreement, UTRGV will collaborate with LANL and partner TechSource to create a robust pipeline of engineering and scientific talent. The partnership aims to prepare engineers and technologists to address critical national security challenges, reflecting UTRGV’s commitment to student success.
“This is a time where we’ve got a lot to celebrate. We’re celebrating an incredible partnership between UTRGV and Los Alamos National Laboratory. There are eight universities in the entire country in a partnership with Los Alamos in this capacity, and UTRGV is one of them. That’s a big deal.”
— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator
FY24
TOTAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES
FY23
$90.6M
$82.4M
NUMBER OF PROPOSALS SUBMITTED
FY24
FY23
505
609
TOTAL AWARDS RECEIVED
FY24
FY23
$98.7M
$200.1M
FACULTY PARTICIPATION (PIS & CO-PIS)
FY24
418
359
FY23
DOCTORAL GRADUATES
FY24
68
45
FY23
IN THE NEWS
Gift Transforms UTRGV Simulation Hospital
HIGHLIGHTS
$30M Grant from VBLF Launches UTRGV Diabetes Center
On Sept. 16, 2024, the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation awarded a $30 million grant to UTRGV, establishing the Diabetes Center of Excellence to tackle diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley. Located near the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience, the center will include a Limb Preservation Clinic in partnership with the School of Podiatric Medicine, focusing on preventing amputations and transforming healthcare for local communities.
On Feb. 7, 2024, the newly named UTRGV Drs. Subram G. and Elizabeth G. Krishnan Simulation Hospital in Harlingen honored donors whose generous gift expands clinical simulations for UTRGV and local high school students, from heart attacks to childbirth. President Guy Bailey praised the Krishnans for their transformative support, ensuring future healthcare professionals receive vital, hands-on experience in the Rio Grande Valley.
“For one, we just feel like they (UTRGV) are a regional organization who has probably the best ability to make significant health change across the region with the distributed model and a school of medicine. We’re just going to bet big that they’re going to be able to do some of these things (we need to see happen in the Valley).”
— Judy Quisenberry, Executive Director of the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, on why they awarded the $30M grant.
• Raised $291 million since UTRGV’s inception in 2015.
• Raised a record-breaking $72 million during FY24.
• Endowment has soared to $195 million, an increase of more than 133% since 2016.
• On Day of Giving (Aug. 27), set a new university record by raising more than $275,000—the highest total in the event’s history.
INSTITUTIONAL
ADVANCEMENT
The Future of Texas:
IN THE NEWS
UTRGV Athletics Ranks Top 10 Nationally in Community Service
HIGHLIGHTS
Historic $20M Gift Unveils Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium
On March 21, 2024, in front of a standing-room only crowd, UTRGV announced a historic $20 million gift from Robert and Janet Vackar—one of the 40 largest in collegiate athletics. In recognition of the gift, the football stadium in Edinburg, acquired earlier that year, was named Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium.
During the 2023-24 athletic year, UTRGV student-athletes logged 5,042 community service hours, ranking sixth nationally in the NCAA Teamworks Community Service Challenge. UTRGV was the only Texas university in the top 10, with multiple teams earning individual rankings. Their outreach efforts impacted communities across the Rio Grande Valley, reinforcing UTRGV’s commitment to service.
“By pouring into the lives of young people through both education and athletics, we ensure they have the tools to succeed and a college experience that attracts new talent to our area and encourages residents to stay here. Retaining students in the Rio Grande Valley not only builds up our community but also fosters major growth and opportunity for generations to come.”
— Robert Vackar, Owner and Principal Dealer of Bert Ogden Auto Group
INTERCOLLEGIATE
ATHLETICS
The Future of Texas:
• Department record cumulative 3.35 GPA.
• Ranked 6th in NCAA Division I in community service.
• Record ticket, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising revenue.
• Over 120,000 fans in attendance across all sports, setting records for multiple teams.
• Significant progress in execution of over $160 million in facility enhancements
The Future of Texas:
RANKINGS AND RECOGNITIONS
#1
University in Texas
(58th Nationally)
#1
University in Texas for Performance of Pell Grant Students (2nd Nationally)
#1
University in Texas for Net Price of Attendance (5th Nationally)
University in Texas for Best Social Mobility (9th Nationally)
#1
RANKING
UNIVERSITY
1.
UTRGV (58)
2.
Texas A&M (59)
3.
Rice (87)
4.
UT Arlington (88)
5.
Sam Houston State (89)
6.
UTSA (93)
UT Austin (98)
7.
North Texas (126)
8.
9.
UTEP (134)
10.
Texas Woman's (163)
Top 10 Texas Universities
*National ranking in parenthesis
WASHINGTON MONTHLY
University in Texas
(58th Nationally)
#1
RANKING
UNIVERSITY
1.
2.
UTRGV (58)
Texas A&M (59)
3.
Rice (87)
UT Arlington (88)
4.
5.
Sam Houston State (89)
6.
7.
UT Austin (98)
8.
North Texas (126)
9.
UTEP (134)
10.
Texas Woman's (163)
UTSA (93)
Top 10 Texas Universities
*National ranking in parenthesis
WASHINGTON MONTHLY
RANKINGS
AND RECOGNITIONS
The Future of Texas:
University in Texas for Performance of Pell Grant Students
(2nd Nationally)
#1
#1
University in Texas for Net Price of Attendance
(5th Nationally)
#1
University in Texas for Best Social Mobility (9th Nationally)
#1
Public University in Texas for Best Value
#1
Public University in Texas for Social Mobility
WALL STREET JOURNAL
U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
#1
Public University in Texas for Social Mobility
#6
Top Public University in Texas
2024 Great College
to Work For
2024-2027 Seal of Excelencia Recertification
2024 Degree
Completion Award
Winner
2024 Great College
to Work For
2024-2027 Seal of
Excelencia Recertification
2024 Degree
Completion Award
Winner
WALL STREET JOURNAL
#1
Public University in Texas for Best Value
Public University in Texas for Social Mobility
#1
U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
#1
Public University in Texas for Social Mobility
#6
Top Public University in Texas
Lowest Average Net Academic Cost Per Year
For full-time resident undergraduate students
Percentage of Students Who Receive Need-Based Aid
(Average Percentage Discount Received)
For full-time resident undergraduate students
Highest First-Year Retention Rates
2022 First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Cohort
Highest Four-Year Graduation Rates
2019 First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Fall Cohort
2024 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM: SMART BOOK
23-24 ROI Rankings
Based on the Average Academic Costs of a Bachelor's Degree Compared to 5th and 10th year Wages
* Excludes Medical School/Excludes Private Medical School
** Data from the Coordinating Board Almanac
*** Wages are from the Texas Crews website, include 5th-, and 10th-year wages for bachelor’s degree holders
23-24 Average Total Academic Cost (TAC)
Paid by Undergraduate Students for a Degree (TAC Minus Scholarships and Grants)
Data Sources: THECB and Institutional AFRs
How Far We Have Come In 10 Years
2014-15 to 2024-25
* Note that by 2020, retention rates reached 80% but fell dramatically because of the pandemic
** =2014 and *** =2022 because those years reflect more typical fund-raising patterns than 2015 and 2023.
For full-time resident undergraduate students
(Average Percentage Discount Received)
For full-time resident undergraduate students
2024 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM: SMART BOOK
Lowest Average Net Academic Cost Per Year
Percentage of Students Who Receive Need-Based Aid
Highest First-Year Retention Rates
2022 First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Cohort
Highest Four-Year Graduation Rates
2019 First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking
Fall Cohort
UTRGV’s Footprint Across the Rio Grande Valley
• School of Medicine (SOM) has graduated 238 medical students since 2016.
• 46% of current SOM students come from the Rio Grande Valley or completed undergraduate degrees at UTRGV.
• The School of Podiatric Medicine, the first SOPM in Texas and the second public program in the nation, welcomed its third cohort.
• UT Health RGV, the university’s health system, delivers high-quality patient care at 25 clinical sites across 100 miles within the region, including three clinics under the federal Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program.
• The UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, set to open in 2025, will expand access to advanced cancer care and surgical services in the Rio Grande Valley.
• The creation of a School of Optometry received initial approval and is scheduled to begin in 2027, pending accreditation.
• School of Medicine (SOM) has graduated 238 medical students since 2016.
• 46% of current SOM students come from the Rio Grande Valley or completed undergraduate degrees at UTRGV.
• The School of Podiatric Medicine, the first SOPM in Texas and the second public program in the nation, welcomed its third cohort.
• UT Health RGV, the university’s health system, delivers high-quality patient care at 25 clinical sites across 100 miles within the region, including three clinics under the federal Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program.
• The UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, set to open in 2025, will expand access to advanced cancer care and surgical services in the Rio Grande Valley.
• The creation of a School of Optometry received initial approval and is scheduled to begin in 2027, pending accreditation.