SR358 - Recognizing The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 358          WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to   recognize The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in honor of   the school's 10th anniversary, which is being celebrated in   August of 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby recognize The University of Texas Rio Grande   Valley as a model institution for excellence in higher education,   research, innovation, and community engagement 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 a copy of this Resolution be prepared for   the university as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.     Hinojosa of Hidalgo     Alvarado Hagenbuch Middleton   Bettencourt Hall Miles   Birdwell Hancock Nichols   Blanco Hinojosa of Nueces Parker   Campbell Huffman Paxton   Cook Hughes Perry   Creighton Johnson Schwertner   Eckhardt King Sparks   Flores Kolkhorst West   Gutierrez Menéndez Zaffirini     Patrick, President of the Senate             ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on April 3, 2025.             ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate             ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate