Higher Education Center At McAllen Marks Five-Year Anniversary

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center in McAllen is marking the five-year anniversary of its opening this week.

The campus, home to 375 students, 32 professors and 25 staff members, is committed to expanding academic opportunities and enhancing economic development in the Rio Grande Valley.

Since opening in 2018, the HECM has grown to offer nine undergraduate degree programs: agricultural economics; biomedical sciences; construction science; education: certification in middle grades 4-8 math/science; human resource development; interdisciplinary engineering; maritime business administration; multidisciplinary engineering technology; and public health.

Manny Vela, vice president and chief operating officer of Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, said the goal is to continue developing education opportunities for the residents of the region.

“The Higher Education Center at McAllen’s growth over the first five years has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the positive impact to the community is immeasurable,” Vela said. “We have created the opportunity for our folks in the Rio Grande Valley to attend Texas A&M in our own backyard and obtain a degree in one of our nine offered programs, all of which are in high demand from industries in the area and across the state. The added benefit is to learn in an environment where the Aggie core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service are taught and witnessed on a daily basis.”

Assistant Provost Dr. Adolfo Santos, who has worked at the campus since it opened, said the campus illustrates the value of the Rio Grande Valley to the state, country and world.

“We are investing in the Rio Grande Valley because the Rio Grande Valley is so important to the prosperity of our country,” Santos said. “Texas A&M University’s commitment to the Rio Grande Valley is only beginning to bloom, but even in this short time, we are having an impact on the lives of hundreds of young people who have walked through our doors.”